Campgrounds near Carrollton, Georgia offer a range of experiences from riverside platforms to farm settings with unique wildlife encounters. The region sits at the western edge of Georgia where the terrain transitions from rolling Piedmont hills to the flatter Coastal Plain. Campers find options within county parks, state recreation areas, and private facilities, with most sites accessible year-round despite occasional winter temperature drops below freezing.
What to do
Hiking trails: At Chattahoochee Bend State Park Campground, trails wind through the wooded landscape with minimal elevation changes. "Lots of great hiking. After 2 days, you will feel like a local getting around. There are so many small trails that are shortcuts around this park," notes Joey P., who also mentions the river views enhanced by fall colors.
Kayaking access: Bush Head Shoals Park offers quick river access with clean camping areas. "We floated and hiked and had an amazing time. There are a lot of things to do if you are adventurous enough and love the outdoors like we do," reports Christy R., who normally avoids public campgrounds but found this one exceptionally clean and spacious.
Wildlife viewing: While camping in the area, keep watch for local wildlife. "Almost every time I camp here I see a bald eagle flying over the river," says Justin K. about his experiences at Bush Head Shoals Park. The wooded settings throughout most campgrounds provide habitat for birds and other wildlife.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Campers appreciate when sites provide adequate room. At Little Tallapoosa Park, "Sites are nice and paved with full hook ups. There was even a dish at our site for satellite," notes Swain K., who also mentions the park's paved trails for hiking, equestrian options, and golf cart access.
Clean facilities: Bathhouse cleanliness ranks high on campers' priorities. "The bathrooms were cleaner than my bathroom at home," shares Joey P. about Chattahoochee Bend. Similarly, at Little Tallapoosa Park, one reviewer mentioned, "The bathrooms were pretty clean and there is even a laundry facility."
Riverside camping: The platform camping at McIntosh Reserve Park offers a unique experience. "We had our wedding and honeymoon here—it was quite and peaceful," shares Tausha M. The park sits alongside the Chattahoochee River, providing opportunities for fishing and exploring the riverbank.
What you should know
Tent pad surfaces: Be prepared for various tent pad surfaces depending on your location. At John Tanner Park Campground, one camper noted, "With this being newly built the asphalt seemed to give a little and even just sitting in our chairs made indentation." At Little Tallapoosa Park, another camper mentioned needing "to move a lot of golfball-size rocks out of the way to set up our tent."
Bathroom availability: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds. "They currently do not have running water or a shower house but they indicated they are trying to construct one soon," notes Julia M. about Bush Head Shoals Park. This contrasts with sites like Little Tallapoosa Park where separate camping areas include "a comfort station with bathrooms, showers, laundry and a little free library."
Noise factors: Sound considerations vary by location. At Yogi Bears Jellystone Park, Randy B. warns that "the loud train that runs through town goes all day and all night." Meanwhile, at Bush Head Shoals Park, Justin K. appreciates that the area is "very well kept and far out from large roads so it is always quiet enough to hear the birds."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Yogi Bears Jellystone Park offers extensive children's activities. "My kids loved the open activities at Jellystone! They bounced on the jump pad, went down the new bounce slide, enjoyed the playground, and the pools," shares Kasey M., though she noted the pools were cold despite hot weather.
Farm experiences: For a unique camping experience, consider Llamas on the Loose Farm where kids can interact with animals. "We absolutely loved all the animals on the farm. We camped right next to the lower field with llamas, a pot belly pig and goats," describes Marina T., whose family enjoyed watching animals from their camper windows.
Swimming options: John Tanner Park Campground provides a beach area for families. "We visited the 'beach' one day and the water was super warm," notes a camper who also mentioned the "cute little waterfall down a walking trail behind lot 27."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Different camping loops offer varying experiences. At Chattahoochee Bend State Park Campground, Erin C. recommends "spot #103 in Campground 1, 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."
Full hookup availability: Sweetwater Creek State Park Campground offers RV sites with complete services. "You could definitely hear traffic going by the camp site as a thoroughfare runs through the park. The bathroom facilities and shower were among the cleanest I've seen on the road," notes Tyler B., who prefers sleeping in his vehicle but would pitch a tent there again.
Site leveling: Be prepared for unlevel sites at some campgrounds. At Little Tallapoosa Park, Laura M. noted it had a "very clean park with paved loop and sites," though she mentioned the campground host "wasn't very friendly and seemed annoyed we did not have a reservation even though there were plenty of sites open."
