Red Top Mountain State Park Campground encompasses 1,562 acres around Lake Allatoona in northwest Georgia, approximately 40 miles from Atlanta. The campground sits at around 900 feet elevation with distinct seasonal changes—hot, humid summers and mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures. Tent camping sites at Red Top Mountain require some preparation as many have hard-packed soil that makes tent stake placement challenging.
What to do
Hiking the park trails: The trail system at Red Top Mountain State Park Campground offers multiple difficulty levels through wooded terrain. "There are plenty of opportunities to hike, fish and boat," notes Jeff E., who appreciates the park's scenic qualities despite mentioning that "while it looks like country, you are not deep in nature—the drone of the highway will remind you."
Lake activities: Lake Allatoona provides 12,000 acres of water surface for recreation at McKinney Campground. "We love to fish and we always catch several kinds but the crappie are so delicious," shares Robin M., who regularly stops here when traveling. The lake maintains consistent water levels through most of the year, making it reliable for boating.
Historic exploration: Visit nearby Sweetwater Creek State Park Campground for its historical factory ruins. "The park is set up on the land of an old factory that used the river to power a water wheel," explains Asher K. "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."
What campers like
Private lakefront sites: Clark Creek South Campground offers waterfront camping with natural buffers between sites. "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," says Jen, who appreciates the value. "Clean bathhouse. Quiet, peaceful and picturesque."
Clean facilities: The maintenance standards at many local campgrounds receive consistent praise. Cris C. points out that Red Top Mountain has "water and outlets and very very clean bathrooms. Like cleaner than a Publix bathroom. Kid friendly." This level of cleanliness makes the campgrounds more accessible for first-time campers.
Seasonal variety: Different seasons offer distinct camping experiences. "In the winter it is not too far north has to be too cold to get outside in a tent," notes Anna R. about Red Top Mountain, highlighting its year-round accessibility. Spring brings abundant wildflowers while fall offers colorful foliage along the hiking trails.
What you should know
Highway noise: Proximity to Interstate 75 affects the sound environment at certain campgrounds. "You will hear I-75 traffic all night so keep in mind, that while it looks like country, you are not deep in nature," warns Jeff E. about Red Top Mountain. Similar conditions exist at Old Highway 41 No 3 Campground, where Adriana C. reports, "it is so close to i75 that the sound of traffic is constant; during the day is manageable but at night it makes it hard to sleep if you are in a tent."
Site selection matters: Many campgrounds have varied terrain that affects camping comfort. "Many sites are high above the water," notes Connie C. about Red Top Mountain. At Mckinney Campground, Jane B. discovered a water hookup quirk: "It had to be pulled up twice. I had wonderful neighbors who showed me the trick."
Security considerations: Local campgrounds implement different security measures. Chris C. at Clark Creek North warns, "Locals often come through the woods and even wade through the edge of the lake to steal from the campground." Most campgrounds have staff or hosts on site, with gated entry that closes between 10:00-10:30 PM.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Stone Mountain Park Campground offers beach swimming alongside camping. "My husband and son enjoyed fishing and paddle boarding right behind our site," says Susan K. The campground maintains organized swimming areas with gentle slopes appropriate for children of different ages.
Playground options: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. Fort Mountain State Park includes "putt putt, the only playground, seasonal concession and rentals, beach area and a super nice walking trail for everybody," according to Travyl Couple.
Family-friendly sites: When selecting sites for family camping, look for specific features. "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," says Dalhya L. about Stone Mountain Park.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many glamping spots near Cartersville, Georgia require careful setup. "The TV pads are all paved and mostly level," notes Terri P. about Clark Creek North, though at Fort Mountain State Park, Mike N. found challenges: "The site had about a 5 inch difference shopping towards the road. I used rocker blocks maxed out (about 4 inches in height) and still was not level."
Narrow roads: RV access requires careful navigation at certain campgrounds. "Very narrow roads in the campground with lots of pot holes. Not the easiest state park to pull a travel trailer in," warns Brock D. about Red Top Mountain. Similar considerations apply at Fort Mountain State Park.
Electric options: Most campgrounds offer electric hookups with varying amperage. "All sites are 30/50 amp with water. Grey water drains are located around the campground," notes Travyl Couple about Fort Mountain State Park. This information helps RVers plan power usage for air conditioning during hot summer months.
