Stone Mountain Park Campground, located 7 miles southwest of Lilburn, serves as the closest major established camping destination to this Atlanta suburb. The area's red clay soil and mixed pine-hardwood forests create a typical Piedmont region camping environment with elevations ranging from 800 to 1,200 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer cooler temperatures that many campers prefer.
What to do
Hiking trails: At Fort Yargo State Park, trails accommodate both hikers and mountain bikers. "We loved the hiking. Most of the trails are mixed mountain biking and hiking but when we were there, we only saw two mountain bikes. We took a picnic lunch with us and found one of the many picnic areas to have lunch and enjoy the lake views," notes a camper who visited the park.
Water recreation: Bald Ridge Creek on Lake Lanier offers multiple water-based activities. "There is hiking around the shore line and lots of ducks in the lake to feed (Shh!). We like to kayak to islands, collect rocks and take lots of pictures. Water is warm, a little muddy by shore but clear as you get further out," explains a frequent visitor.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings provide opportunities to observe deer and other wildlife. "Deer roaming everywhere," notes one camper about Shoal Creek. A visitor at Fort Yargo mentioned, "During the eight hours I wore them they never slipped in the heel and stayed perfectly in place."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Panola Mountain State Park Campground offers walk-in tent camping with space between sites. "Just a few campsites around a pond. Not many trees around and no commodities. Close to a few hiking places but you have to drive to get to them," explains a camper who appreciated the quieter setting.
Lake views: Many campsites provide direct water access and views. At Old Federal campground, "Most spots are on the water. They also have nicely mowed grass and some trees. Campground is VERY clean. Nice level spots also," according to a recent visitor who stayed in spot #71.
Clean facilities: Bathhouse cleanliness varies significantly between campgrounds. A camper at Red Top Mountain State Park noted, "They have water and outlets and very very clean bathrooms. Like cleaner than a Publix bathroom."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly, particularly during summer months. Stone Mountain Park campground stays booked especially on weekends. "We visited in late April and could only find a campsite during the week. Despite Covid-19, the park was open for day-use and overnight guests," reported a Fort Yargo camper.
Alcohol policies: Policies vary between campgrounds. At Shady Grove Campground, enforcement is strict. "No warning, I couldn't believe what happened. Other than that, it's a good campground. We won't be back," wrote a visitor who received a $280 ticket for having alcohol.
Seasonal availability: Several campgrounds close during winter months. Old Federal operates from "March 29 to October 30" while Shady Grove runs from "March 25 to November 3" according to official schedules.
Site selection tips: At Jones RV Park, "There is a nice laundromat, a bathhouse, and a space at the back of the campground for people who live full time in their campers. There's also smaller trailer homes on another side of the park too." One reviewer noted its proximity to urban amenities: "There's a McDonald's, 2 gas stations, Starbucks, KFC, smoothie king, and a Burger King just down the street."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer playgrounds for children. At Shady Grove Campground, "There is a nice playground that is walking distance from our favorite camp sites that the kids really love."
Swimming areas: For families with children, dedicated swimming areas provide safer water access. Bald Ridge Creek includes "a playground and bathroom facilities with laundry. Sites have water and electric hookups. There is a dump station near entrance." A visitor noted, "Rangers were very nice, beach is cool, nice lake front sites. We had a fun time here, especially the kids. They loved riding their bikes around in this great family friendly campground."
Educational programs: Some parks offer nature programs for children. At Stone Mountain Park, "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!!!"
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Pay attention to campground reviews regarding site levelness. At Red Top Mountain State Park Campground, "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. Sites were very narrow."
Turn radius concerns: Larger RVs may struggle at certain campgrounds. A visitor with a 40-foot fifth wheel at Old Federal noted, "When the time came we had a heck of a time getting the RV turned. It was so tight that the 5th wheel was only 1 inch from hitting the cab and the axels on the RV were in a bind."
Utility locations: At Shoal Creek Campground, one camper reported, "We were not informed which side the hookups were on, so our front door opened to the water spigot and up a hill. I would not have booked this spot had I known."
