Fairburn, Georgia sits at an elevation of 1,027 feet with relatively mild winters and hot, humid summers reaching into the 90s from June through August. The red clay soil common in this area can make tent stake placement more challenging during dry periods, while afternoon thunderstorms are frequent in summer months. Campers often notice the diverse bird population, including eastern bluebirds, cardinals, and various woodpeckers around camping areas.
What to do
Hiking historical ruins: At Sweetwater Creek State Park Campground, visitors can access multiple trail difficulty levels. "We took the trail that shows you where they built the mill then goes along the river for a while. It was a beautiful hike but definitely challenging since there are a lot of rocks you have to climb over," notes Asher K.
Water sports on Lake Allatoona: Clark Creek North Campground provides excellent lake access for fishing and boating. According to Sharrah B., "My daughter and I went camping here for 2 nights right on the beach it was like having the beach all to ourselves... all the sites are by the water."
Overnight in unique accommodations: Beyond traditional tent camping, glamping close to Fairburn, Georgia offers novel experiences. The treehouse accommodations at Banning Mills provide a distinctive overnight option. Richard M. explains, "All the campsites are set back in the woods at different elevations and really cool."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: While glamping near Fairburn, Georgia offers luxury, traditional campgrounds like Chattahoochee Bend State Park Campground provide nature immersion. Erin C. appreciates that site #103 offers "lots of privacy for our 21ft Lance TT. Backing in was not difficult even though we had to raise the right tire 3" to be level."
Clean facilities: Campers consistently praise the maintenance standards at Red Top Mountain State Park Campground. "The bathhouse was an uphill hike probably 300 ft away but was modern and clean with hot showers and good water pressure," reports Jeff E.
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting attracts diverse wildlife. At McKinney Campground, Susan H. notes that visitors "always see deer and other wild life. Sites are large and well placed."
What you should know
Security considerations: Some campgrounds have experienced theft issues. Chris C. warns about Clark Creek North: "After discussing the issue with the campground staff, we were informed that locals often come through the woods and even wade through the edge of the lake to steal from the campground."
Reservation timing: Popular glamping options near Fairburn, Georgia book quickly. Richard M. notes about Banning Mills, "It took us about 6 months to get in here. Long waiting list."
Noise levels: Proximity to highways affects some camping experiences. Jeff E. mentions that at Red Top Mountain, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Stone Mountain Park Campground offers excellent facilities for families with children. According to Harvey B., "There's all kind of activities for the kids. They have free transportation within the park/campground area. Helpful staff too."
Junior Ranger programs: Family educational opportunities enhance camping trips. Cheryl C. observed at Red Top Mountain that the "Jr ranger program still going with the help of adult campers during covid. Still so much fun and so clean and beautiful!!"
Water access safety: Not all water bodies permit swimming. At High Falls State Park, Tatiana Reinheimer A. cautions, "Swimming is not allowed but there is a pool, it cost $5 person. Our campsite was very private and spacious. Lots of ticks though."
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Campground terrain can present challenges. Susan K. notes about Stone Mountain Park: "The only downfall was that the trailer needed a lot of leveling. But it was totally worth it. Our site was on the lake."
Campground navigation: Indian Springs State Park Campground layout deserves consideration. Karen C. mentions, "Our 14ft Flyer Pursue was the smallest camper there at the time. Space 59 was very spacious and we had plenty of room. We did notice all the slots on that loop were made to easily back in a camper."
Electrical reliability: Some campgrounds have infrastructure limitations. Matthew A. cautions about Indian Springs: "The RV sorta aren't that great. they have power fluctuations a lot."