Searching for the best camping near Cartersville, GA? Cartersville is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near Cartersville, GA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.
This popular park on Lake Allatoona is ideal for swimming, water skiing and fishing. Visitors can bring their own boats or rent from nearby marinas. A sand swimming beach is nestled in a cove and surrounded by trees, providing a great place to cool off during summer. Picnic shelters and group shelters may be rented for meetings, parties, reunions and other celebrations. Guests often stay overnight in rental cottages, a spacious campground, or the park’s lakeside yurt. While best known for the 12,000 acre lake, Red Top Mountain is also a hiker’s haven. More than 15 miles of trails wind through the forested park, providing opportunities for exercise and nature photography. A short, paved trail behind the park office is suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, welcoming guests to explore a reconstructed 1860s homestead. The gravel-topped 4 mile Iron Hill Trail is open to both hikers and bikers, offering pretty views of the lake’s shoreline. Named for the soil’s rich red color caused by high iron-ore content, Red Top Mountain was once an important mining area. Iron pour programs are occasionally held near the Vaughn Cabin behind the park office. The park also maintains Allatoona Pass Battlefield, a historically significant battlefield due to the well-preserved trenches and earthworks.
McKinney Campground sits on the banks of Allatoona Lake, providing visitors with a variety of water activities in the green rolling hills of Georgia.
Allatoona Lake is one of the most frequently visited Corps of Engineers lakes in the nation. Nearly 7 million visitors each year enjoy picnicking, swimming, camping, hunting, fishing, boating and observing wildlife along the 270 miles of shoreline. The lake is annually stocked with bass, crappie, bream, gar and catfish, making it a popular destination for anglers. Fishing jetties are available at numerous shoreline fishing locations, and a dock is provided at the campground.
Located just 30 miles from Atlanta, Georgia, Allatoona Lake is situated on the Etowah River, a tributary of the Coosa River. The serene lake and peaceful surroundings offer visitors respite from the rush of city living.
This location is staffed. Please call (770) 975-7485 to speak with local staff.
The city of Acworth and Woodstock are nearby, offering restaurants, shopping, and historic downtown areas. Historic sites like the Etowah Indian Mounds and Booth Western Art Museum are a close drive to the city of Cartersville. The Visitor Center at Allatoona Lake Project Management Office features video exhibits and displays about the areas history, ranging from the time of early Native Americans, to the Civil War and to present times. The Visitor Center overlooks the dam and offers many hiking trails. Red Top Mountain State Park has more than 15 miles of trails and offers interpretive programs. Eight marinas are located on Allatoona Lake that offer boat rentals and restaurants. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield is located in Kennesaw and White Water Park is in Marietta. Zoo Atlanta and Georgia Aquarium are located in Atlanta.
Change and Cancellation Policies and Fees Overnight and Day Use Facilities: To ensure fairness, reservation arrival or departure dates may not be changed beyond the booking window until 18 days after booking the reservation. Camping / Day Use: A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation (including campsites, cabins, lookouts, group facilities, etc.). The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amount. You can cancel or change reservations through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Late Cancellations Overnight and Day Use Facilities: Late cancellations are those cancelled between 12:01 a.m. (Eastern) on the day before arrival and check out time on the day after arrival. Individual Campsites: If a customer cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival they will be charged a $10.00 service fee and will also forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a single night's reservation will forfeit the entire use fee but no cancellation fee will apply. Group Facility: If a customer cancels a group overnight facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date they will be charged the $10.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee. Group Day Use Area: If a customer cancels a group day use facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date, they will forfeit the total day use fee with no service fee charge. No-Shows Camping / Day Use: A camping no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Reserved campsites and group overnight facilities will be held until check-out time on the day following your scheduled arrival. Group day-use facilities will be held until check-in time on your scheduled arrival date. If a customer does not arrive at the campground or group facility by check-out time the day after arrival or does not cancel the reservation by the times listed under "Late Cancellations" above, the customer may be assessed a $20.00 service fee and forfeit use fees. Refunds Customers must request refunds no later than 14 days after the scheduled departure date. Recreation.gov will not grant refund requests after 14 days of departure. Reservation Fee: For some facilities, tours or permits an additional reservation fee is charged. For some overnight and day-use facilities, an additional non-refundable reservation fee may apply. The non-refundable reservation fee for tours and tickets is $1.00. The non-refundable reservation fee for permits varies by location. Refunds for Bankcard Purchases: Refunds for bank card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank card. Refunds for Check or Cash Purchases: Refunds for Recreation.gov payments made by check or money order, and cash payments at selected campgrounds will be issued a check refund. A refund will be processed within 30 days of receipt and approval. Please Note: Refund requests made during or after departure can only be processed when approved by the facility management staff based upon local policy. Refunds for Emergency Closures: In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team will attempt to notify users and offer alternate dates (as appropriate). If this is not possible, reservations will be cancelled and all fees paid will be refunded. Reservation fees for free tickets are non-refundable in the event of an emergency closure. .
$34 / night
Fort Mountain State Park is a place of legends. Literally! Home to an mysterious, ancient, rock wall at the peak of a mountain, Fort Mountain’s associated legends include the construction of a Welsh military fort, a honeymoon destination for native newlyweds, and a relation to “moon-eyed people” of Cherokee folklore. Whatever the truth may be, there is no denying that this park’s unique features have made it one of the major draws within the Chattahoochee National Forest. Located just a short scenic drive off of Highway 52 near the Cohuatta Wilderness, the campground at Fort Mountain State Park hosts 70 campsites for tents and RVs. Campers can bring their paddles to take advantage of all 17 acres of Fort Mountain Lake, or take part in the local rental program for easier travels. While there is no need to leave the park to find adventure, many campers take a short drive east to a historic site featuring the Chief Vann House. This well-preserved structure was the first Cherokee brick residence and is often referred to as the “showplace” of the Cherokee Nation. Continue your travels to the peak of Fort Mountain where you can take a tour of a stone fire tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. Enjoy panoramic views and marvel at the legendary beauty of Fort Mountain State Park.
Clark Creek North Campground sits on the banks of Allatoona Lake, providing visitors with a variety of water activities in the green rolling hills of Georgia. Natural Features: Located only 35 miles from Atlanta, Allatoona Lake is situated on the Etowah River, a tributary of the Coosa River. The serene lake and peaceful surroundings offer visitors respite from the rush of city living. Recreation: Allatoona Lake is one of the most frequently visited Corps of Engineers lakes in the nation. Nearly 7 million visitors each year enjoy picnicking, swimming, camping, hunting, fishing, boating and observing wildlife along the 270 miles of shoreline. The lake is annually stocked with bass, crappie, bream, gar and catfish, making it a popular destination for anglers. Fishing jetties are available at numerous shoreline fishing locations, and a dock is provided at the campground. Facilities: Clark Creek North Campground provides 24 spacious reservable campsites, conveniently located near the dock and swimming beach. Lake front sites are also available, giving visitors sweeping views of the vast lake. Fire rings, picnic areas, drinking water, flush toilets and showers are all provided, creating a comfortable camping experience for visitors. Nearby Attractions: The Visitor Center features video exhibits and displays about the areas history, ranging from the time of early Native Americans, to the Civil War and up to the present. The nearby town of Cartersville also offers several attractions, including science and art museums.
Sweetwater Creek State Park is a peaceful tract of wilderness only minutes from downtown Atlanta. A wooded trail follows the stream to the ruins of the New Manchester Manufacturing Company, a textile mill burned during the Civil War. Beyond the mill, the trail climbs rocky bluffs to provide views of the beautiful rapids below. Additional trails wind through fields and forest, showcasing ferns, magnolias, wild azaleas and hardwoods. Park rangers lead informative hikes to these areas throughout the year.
Clark Creek South is a 40 site campground on the south side of the county with a boat ramp facility where you will find a 2 lane boat launch, a parking lot, and a boat loading dock. Standard Electric Sites are $34 per night The sites with no power are $22 per night 2 Parking passes per site Season runs from March 1st through October 31st
$22 - $34 / night
Bald Ridge Creek Campground is on Lake Sidney Lanier, popular for its aqua-blue waters and spectacular scenery. Each year, over 11 million visitors travel to Lake Sidney Lanier for fantastic fishing and boating on the beautiful reservoir in northern Georgia.
Bald Ridge Creek Campground offers many outdoor recreation opportunities including fishing, swimming, and bike riding. On the lake there are opportunities for wake boarding, kayaking, boating and much more. There's also a swimming beach and boat ramp available for campers.
Lake Sidney Lanier is nestled in the foothills of the Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains. The lake features 692 miles of shoreline and spans 38,000 surface water acres and 17,000 acres of lush terrain. The reservoir was created in 1956 with the completion of Buford Dam on the Chattahoochee River.
By boat, there's plenty of coves and islands to explore on the lake. For land activities, head to the Sawnee Mountain Preserve for hiking, rock climbing and an interactive visitors center for kids. The city of Cumming is nearby and has shopping, restuarants, a fairground and much more.
This location is staffed. Please call (470) 774-7873 to speak with local staff.
Cancellations must be made via the online/phone reservation system or in person at the gatehouse. Cancellation calls to the gatehouse will not be honored.
$26 - $36 / night
Woodring Branch Campground is located in the North Georgia Mountains on the beautiful Carters Lake Project, which is just a short 70 miles north of Atlanta. Carters Lake provides clean, safe, and quiet campgrounds that help you escape the hustle and bustle of your day to day routine and relax with your family. Woodring Branch offers boating, hiking, mountain biking, picnicking at the day use area, and many other summer activities. Woodring Branch has two different loop style trails from from easy to moderate. Amadahy and the Oak Ridge Nature trail will ensure a great family hiking experience as they both include a wide diversity of plants, animals, and scenic views. The campground has 2 boat ramps with limited boat trailer parking spaces for all your boating needs. Woodring branch at Carters Lake has something for everyone, no matter what your hobbies are.
Boaters visit Carters Lake to enjoy its solitude and scenic beauty. Whether in a powerboat or sailboat on the open water or paddling along the shoreline in a canoe, Carters Lake offers enjoyable boating experiences for everyone. Fishing is a popular activity on the lake. Major species include bass (largemouth, smallmouth, hybrid, striped and spotted), crappie, walleye, bream and catfish. Bank fishing locations are limited due to steep shoreline terrain, but six boat ramps are scattered around the shoreline, offering easy access to the lake. The Amadahy Trail is located in the Woodring Branch Recreation Area. This 3.5-mile loop is excellent for beginners with flat to rolling terrain. Bikers and hikers are treated to beautiful views of Carters Lake along most of trail's length.
Carters Lake embraces a spectacular tract of foothills scenery in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia. It covers 3200 surface acres and has 62 miles of undeveloped shoreline.
For local information, please call (706) 276-6050 or call (706) 334-2248 for general information.
Please review rules and reservation policies at the bottom of the page.
$20 / night
This recreation area is part of Lake Sidney Lanier
Guide
Recently stayed a couple of nights and was mostly impressed with the state park. I’m a tent camper but if I had an RV or trailer, I would definitely have trouble getting into my site (78). Many of the other sites I saw would have similar problems for trailer campers, as well. The park is in close proximity to I-75, so I could hear the distant sound of big rigs and the occasional police sirens. There is also railroad tracks somewhere that are close enough to hear train whistles in the wee hours of the morning. But the scenery of Lake Alatoona was beautiful and the staff I dealt with were all friendly and helpful. The bathroom facilities I used were very clean.
Scout
Chief Ladiga Trail mountains
Guide
Outstanding park! Camp sites are spaced decently apart and well kept. Restrooms / showers are very clean. Welcome center has plenty of backpacking supplies as well.
Legend
We stayed at site 125 with a full view of the lake. We could watch the sunset & the sunrise each day and it was incredible. There is plenty of tree cover & wilderness surrounding you. Bath houses were decent (albeit a little outdated). Our spot had a pretty bad ant infestation & they ended up getting into our trailer, which I had to scour with spray, etc. But what can you do? Just bring some supplies in case. What we really liked about this campground is how natural the surroundings are. You're really immersed in the wooded area with a view of the beautiful lake & the sounds of birdsong, etc. Good campground for bikes as things are spread out (swimming beach, bathhouses). We would certainly come back!
Scout
I didn’t get the chance to have an experience because they would not even rent to me because I have mixed breed rescue dogs.
ScoutGreat location near I-75. Just stayed for a quick overnight.
Legend
This county campground takes the America the Beautiful Pass or an ADA Accessibility Pass, but you will need to call the office at 770-607-6245 to add the pass to your account for the discount before making reservations. If you are a big rig, it would be wise to call the office and have them assist you in choosing a site that will accommodate a larger rig. Our RV GPS and Waze brought us right to the campground (CG). There is also signage to verify that you are going the right way until you see the CG entrance. We pulled into the gate area and were checked in by the attendant on duty. During the process, she wanted to be sure how to navigate the CG to pull through site 16 with water and electric(50/30/20 AMP) due to the size of our rig. After confirming with her husband the best route, we drove to the site going through a small one-way road, which was no issue. As our rig is 40', we needed to watch the trees on a couple of corner turns and then pull down into our site. We got the rig into the levelist position possible to get our rig’s steps down to an assessable position and fairly level, but we did need to add levelers to our steps and the passenger-side tires. Other than that, it’s a great site with a deck, patio, stand-up BBQ, picnic table, and fire pit overlooking the lake. We were told, and noticed, that all the sites in this quaint little county park have a water view. The water pressure was good at around 55 psi and we got 1 bar on Verizon. There are a lot of mature trees here, but we were able to get a clear north sky shot for Starlink. It was a pleasant surprise to find that the restroom/shower house had a fairly new washer($3) and dryer($2) that only took credit cards. They have an interesting dump station set up where you climb a fairly steep hill. This station would be good for shorter rigs. On our 40’ Brinkley with two black tanks, getting the back tank would be at a downhill angle and we believe we would scraped going up the slope. We had to stay a couple of extra days to get our truck fixed and the attendants were more than accommodating. This is a nice park, especially for fishermen and we enjoyed our time here.
TravelerThere are about 20 slots. The spaces are well-spaced and feel secluded despite mostly open air. A quick drive to the falls or the lodge for dining with a view.
Guide
This is a very well maintained and popular campground on Lanier. I’ve come here since I was a kid. Tent sites are down some stairs, keep that in mind.
Scout
Being our first stop ever we were happy to have the friendly helpful staff. The lots are spaced out a bit so even if you have to unload dogs or children, you won’t be on top of the next slot. Large bathroom/showers though they are not exactly constant. At night you can hear the lake while watching the deer
Ranger
Beautiful park with lots of activities available for the whole family. The park is well maintained and clean!
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GuideI love this campground. Sites are usually clean and staff are friendly. This is my second time camping here. I come for the Highland Games here. Sites are close so it would not benefit you if you want seclusion. Bathrooms are clean. And in October there are different activities for the kids. Fall fest and Halloween parade.
Traveler
The last time I camped at Pocket Rec Area was a few years ago. Since then, they've added picnic tables, metal fire rings with grill grates, and lantern poles at the campsites, as well as bear-proof trash bins and water spigots scattered throughout the campground. There's a centrally-located bathroom, no showers. The driveways are asphalt now, used to just be dirt. A ranger came by and told us they plan to add electric hookups in 2025. In 2024, reservations will be made online through Recreation.gov, but the ranger told us they would still allow same-day reservations.
We stayed for two nights in October and felt like we had the whole place to ourselves. There were only a few other campers, none near us. With ATB senior pass, we paid $7.50/night.
All the sites are heavily wooded and most have trees or large rocks very close on both sides of the driveway. The driveways are not straight, so you have to jog to one side halfway through backing in. It's tricky to make that slight turn while avoiding the trees and rocks. We weren't able to extend our awning all the way because of the trees. If you have slides, you may not be able to put them out.
There is an easy trail inside the campground and several more not far from the entrance.
ScoutOur site was excellent. Weather was perfect. We camped 6 days. Only negative is you can't get weekends at this campground. We wanted to stay longer but the COE website says all were booked. We will stay again
TravelerWe camped over the Labor Day weekend. The park was a little pricey but the lake is nice. There is a pool, a playground & a gathering area. There are a lot of sites as well as Yurts. On top of the $70 a night you must pay a $20 parking fee. The full use of the state park is $39.95 a day.
ScoutIt was well kept, very quiet, perfect place to camp. My family and I will be going back to camp for sure!
ScoutLots of shade. Park is open year around now. Cam book on reserve America a year out.
Tent loop has no power or electric. You can put a tent on any site. RV sites all have 20, 30 and 50 amp service. Also all have water. No sewer in the sites. Bathrooms are all well kept and clean. RV dump station available. Lots of Deer!!
TravelerOne of my favorite! Only 40 sites. $22 night primitive $34 full hook-up. Most sites on the lake with a ton of space between sites and lake access. Super friendly hosts. Beach and boat ramp on site. Clean bathhouse. Quiet, peaceful and picturesque. Highly recommend. I've primitive tent camped several times here. #2 best primitive. #10 best hookup for lake views and access. 10 you need extra cords to reach electric box as it's at front of site. Bartow County campground.
GuideWe were only there 1 night and came in late, but beautiful location with a lake view. They have a 2 night min, but you can pay for 1 night. However, you need to do it by cash only. There is no way to pay w a cc or leave a cc number for them to charge. Also, be ready to pay an additional $20 fee to enter the park. So, at the min rate of $45 you’re still at $65 at least for the first night.
The fireworks were very loud, but it didn’t bother us. There’s also train noise. So, if you’re sensitive to that, prob not the bet choice for you. But this park is gorgeous with a golf course and lots to see if you can handle that :)
TravelerOne of the most gorgeous, clean, amazing campgrounds we’ve ever stayed up.
Scout
Was told things on the phone that later became untrue upon my visit. Staff on phone was pleasant, staff in person, just ok. Was also told i would receive a refund for the trouble of everything…never received it and when I ask later, the lady played dumb as if she never told me. So in all, camp at your own will…
GuideThe campground is quiet with well laid out sites. I stayed in site 02, which is a pull through site with full hookups. Everything was clean and well maintained. I camped at Red Top regularly when I lived in Georgia 28 years ago. I’ll definitely be returning.
GuideWe stayed at the State park from June 6-9. There are only about 24 sites, some cabins, and some new glamping tents. There is a bathhouse with individual showers. You are fairly close to the lodge. You are also right at the falls. BEWARE- there is a steep 24% grade getting to the campground. The campground was neat, clean, and quiet.
RangerBe careful about arriving on time. There is a gate with a code, if you don’t arrive when the camp office is open, you’ll be stuck outside. Signage is highly confusing, it took two competent adults a lot of back and forth to figure out where our campsite was. But once you get here, it is absolutely gorgeous. Scenery is amazing. It has modern facilities and a beautiful lake to explore. Highly recommended.
GuideWe had a wonderful spring break visit in March 2023. We stayed in, according to the map, red#279. Please go by camp site number when there though. It was a little confusing when we arrived as the signs had changed. It is a number range now. The site needed the leaves removed but it didn't stop us. We fit the site, it was a little snug but we loved it!!! The view was fantastic and just what I was looking for! I know they have been making some improvements and hope they get to the inner side of the circles soon. I would love to go back to this area again. I would suggest an outside rug to keep from taking everything in. It was amazing to have!!! I would stay in this area again anytime!
GuidePerfect views of the lake, some spots lead directly down to the water. Huge spots, well-spaced and friendly hosts!
TravelerI loved this park. Beautiful, we’ll maintained. The best shower of my camping experience so far! Hot water and great water pressure- what a treat! The only con is the roads are a little confusing and tight and the sights are pretty unlevel. But the sights had plenty of room. I already planning to come back!
Camping near Cartersville, Georgia, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled weekend, there are great options to explore.
Camping around Cartersville, Georgia, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. With beautiful parks and plenty of activities, it’s a great spot to enjoy the outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Cartersville, GA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Cartersville, GA is Red Top Mountain State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 73 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Cartersville, GA?
TheDyrt.com has all 27 glamping camping locations near Cartersville, GA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
