Located around 30 miles from downtown, places to camp near Atlanta GA offer varying terrain from lakeside flats to wooded areas with modest elevation changes. Most campgrounds in the region have sites on compacted soil or gravel pads. Winter temperatures can drop to the 30s at night, requiring proper insulation for tent campers visiting from December through February.
What to do
Hiking at Sweetwater Creek State Park: This park features trails that showcase the historical Manchester Mill ruins. "The hiking is a mixture of trails and old gravel roads. There is a large loop to see everything that is intersected by shorter cross trails. Very busy down near the ruins, but worth the hike to see the area," notes Shelly S. from Sweetwater Creek State Park Campground.
Kayaking on Lake Allatoona: Red Top Mountain State Park provides rental options for paddlers. "My husband and son enjoyed fishing and paddle boarding right behind our site. There was a lot to see and do at Stone Mountain," says Susan K. about her lakefront experience.
Laser shows and attractions: Stone Mountain offers unique evening entertainment beyond camping. "The campground offers everything you would ever need. There are tons of things to do from Golf, hiking, zoo, laser show, food and you can hike the mountain or take a ride to the top," explains Holly B. from Stone Mountain Park Campground.
What campers like
Convenient urban proximity: Some campgrounds provide unexpected natural settings despite being near the city. "Good for a quick get away while still having access to 'city life'. There are some beautiful spots close to the water where you do feel like you're deep in nature," shares Jessica D. about Stone Mountain Park.
Transportation options: Some parks offer shuttle services between camping areas and attractions. "They have free transportation within the park/campground area. Helpful staff too," notes Harvey B. from Stone Mountain Park Campground.
Lake views: Many campsites provide direct water access. "We camped with my parents in the RV section of the campground, it was beautifully wooded and offered plenty of space/privacy from other campsites and was still a short walk from the bathhouse. Also had a little view of a lake down below," writes Dalhya L. about Red Top Mountain State Park Campground.
What you should know
Road conditions: Prepare for narrow access roads at some parks. "Heavily wooded sites that are not well maintained. Very narrow roads in the campground with lots of pot holes. Not the easiest state park to pull a travel trailer in," cautions Brock D. about Red Top Mountain.
Noise considerations: Many Atlanta-area campgrounds have some ambient urban noise. "This park is about 30-40 minutes outside of Atlanta right off of I-75. If you are in a tent... you will hear I-75 traffic all night so keep in mind, that while it looks like country, you are not deep in nature... the drone of the highway will remind you," warns Jeff E.
Reservation needs: Popular Atlanta campgrounds fill quickly, especially those with limited spaces. "Realize there are limited sites. 10 Yurts for glampers and 5 walkin sites for tent campers. The walkin sites are in the woods but not to far a walk to the lake," explains Shelly S. from Sweetwater Creek State Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Stone Mountain provides play areas near camping sites. "We had an amazing visit!! All the staff were extremely helpful and sweet. Shower house was clean, laser show fabulous and while hiking we saw a lot of beautiful wildlife!!!" reports Jennifer T.
Junior ranger opportunities: Some parks maintain educational programs for children. "Friendly staff, with the Jr ranger program still going with the help of adult campers during covid. Still so much fun and so clean and beautiful!!" shares Cheryl C. from Red Top Mountain State Park Campground.
Wide-open spaces: Panola Mountain offers room for kids to explore. "We did an overnighter to check this out after doing a separate hike on the primary trails from the other side of the park in the morning. Getting to the campsite was simple enough and it is the quoted 3/4 mile walk in. It was great to see some families utilizing the space," reports Michael T. from Panola Mountain State Park Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Check campground terrain before arrival. "The only downfall was that the trailer needed a lot of leveling. But it was totally worth it. Our site was on the lake," notes Susan K. about Stone Mountain Park.
Limited RV options near downtown: Consider nearby areas for better sites. "While it lacks amenities of my favorite RV parks it has everything I need for when I visit. I use this park strictly for sporting events as it's close by and is relatively quiet considering how close it is to the highway," explains Mike N. about Atlanta-Marietta RV Park.
Security considerations: Some RV parks offer gated access for added safety. "This place is a newly built hidden country like area near the airport and not far from the city. Great for parking your RV and camping out. With security entrance and all!!" reports Darren S. about ATL OASIS Campground.
