Best Tent Camping near Cartersville, GA

Looking for the best options for tent camping near Cartersville? The Dyrt helps you find campsites with tent camping near Cartersville. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Cartersville's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Cartersville, Georgia (26)

    Tyler B.'s photo of tent camping at Sweetwater Creek State Park Campground near Lithia Springs, GA
    Camper-submitted photo at Sweetwater Creek State Park Campground near Lithia Springs, GA
    Camper-submitted photo at Sweetwater Creek State Park Campground near Lithia Springs, GA
    Camper-submitted photo at Sweetwater Creek State Park Campground near Lithia Springs, GA
    Camper-submitted photo at Sweetwater Creek State Park Campground near Lithia Springs, GA
    Camper-submitted photo at Sweetwater Creek State Park Campground near Lithia Springs, GA

    1. Sweetwater Creek State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    121 Photos
    269 Saves
    Lithia Springs, Georgia

    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.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo at Naval Recreation Site near Emerson, GA

    2. Naval Recreation Site

    2 Reviews
    4 Saves
    Emerson, Georgia
    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Cabins
    Chad F.'s photo of tent camping at Shady Grove Campground near Cumming, GA
    Camper-submitted photo at Shady Grove Campground near Cumming, GA
    Camper-submitted photo at Shady Grove Campground near Cumming, GA
    Camper-submitted photo at Shady Grove Campground near Cumming, GA
    Camper-submitted photo at Shady Grove Campground near Cumming, GA
    Camper-submitted photo at Shady Grove Campground near Cumming, GA

    3. Shady Grove Campground

    23 Reviews
    58 Photos
    147 Saves
    Cumming, Georgia

    This recreation area is part of Lake Sidney Lanier

    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Tent Cabin
    Ty M.'s photo of tent camping at Serenity Ridge near Rydal, GA
    Camper-submitted photo at Serenity Ridge near Rydal, GA
    Camper-submitted photo at Serenity Ridge near Rydal, GA
    Camper-submitted photo at Serenity Ridge near Rydal, GA
    Camper-submitted photo at Serenity Ridge near Rydal, GA
    Camper-submitted photo at Serenity Ridge near Rydal, GA

    4. Serenity Ridge

    2 Reviews
    9 Photos
    5 Saves
    Rydal, Georgia

    Totally Off-grid, Offline, Private, Natural retreat weekend

    Enjoy your completely private, secluded camping experience on over 20 forested acres in the foothills of Blueridge Mountains. We are in Northern Georgia near the tiny town of Fairmount, between Jasper, Cartersville, and Calhoun, GA. You will be our ONLY GUESTS for the entire weekend!

    When you arrive, your tent will already be set up, and your air mattress bed turned down, welcoming you to enjoy your first night under the stars. That evening, we suggest winding down by maybe reading a book, or curling up by the fire to be mesmerized by its flames. With no traffic or light pollution, you may find some of the best star gazing ever. Then the night sounds of the forest will soothe you into a night of restful sleep.

    We love kids, but this is a retreat designed for ADULTS. There are cliffs and drop-offs near the campsite that are not safe for children. Adults with disabilities should contact us in advance of booking to make sure you are comfortable with the physical demands of spending the weekend camping on this raw, wild property. Pathways and trails are uneven and rocky in spots, and some trails are steep.

    MUST LOVE DOGS! Our property is owned by four dogs, two goats, and a cat who let us live with them! Our dogs and cat roam freely on the property and the goats may be offended if you don’t at least say hello.

    Off-grid and Offline means: NO electricity, NO indoor plumbing, NO Wi-Fi

    (This kind of weekend is not for everyone, and that’s OK!)

    Off-grid and Offline also means: You will be staying on a ridge with a panoramic view of the forest and mountains like none other. You will experience no traffic, no city noise. Just quiet, peace, and wild nature.

    We live in our tiny, off-grid house on the first ridge. You will be able to see it from your campsite on the second ridge. Please do let us know before you stop by though, because we shower outside! We will provide a walkie-talkie should you need to contact us, and otherwise, we will respect your privacy and the entire second ridge will be yours! If you would like to hike to the creek or explore the rest of the 20 acres, just let us know and we will direct you to the trailhead.

    Going without your phone is encouraged, but optional, of course, though you may not have a signal either way. We provide walkie-talkies for safety, and we personally have phone service in case of emergencies.

    You may bring your own alcohol and we are 420 friendly. Please just keep it at your campsite, consume responsibly and in moderation to preserve your nature experience. There are steep inclines, rocks and stumps that may cause injury to an inebriated camper! Also, clean up cans/bottles and any other waste every day and night.

    On this lovely weekend, you may want to hike, bird watch, meditate, sketch, read or just relax on the ridge with the scenic overlook that is all yours.

    Please call us to book your weekend! We can’t wait to hear from you and help you plan the most relaxing, natural, off-grid weekend you can have!

    What is included:

    o One or two four person tents.

    o A large canopy shelter with table and two chairs to keep you out of the weather. (Bring your own camping chairs.)

    o 5 gallons of water

    o 1 bundle of firewood each night (No firewood may be brought in. We don’t want to introduce new bugs to our natural environment)

    o A fire pit

    o A bucket toilet with toilet seat. (Remember, this is off-grid!)

    o Cooler with ice

    Some items to remember to bring:

    o All food for the weekend. We are a remote location, so you won’t be able to just run into town for supplies.

    o Sleeping bags or sheets, blankets, pillows. It sometimes gets cold on the mountain at night, so prepare to bundle up.

    o Dishwashing supplies. Dawn soap is the only soap allowed for dish washing, as it is safe for the environment.

    Add on’s (please try to request in advance):

    $10 - Coffee bundle: Camp style coffee percolator, Coffee mugs, coffee grounds, sugar, sweetener, powdered creamer

    $5 – Extra firewood – per bundle

    $15 – Smore’s package

    $15 – Guided tour to creek, and other sites (note: The creek is usually dry from October until February, which provides the opportunity to search for artifacts. From March until September, the creek is usually flowing, which provides the opportunity to play in the creek, or sit by the water and listen to the sounds.)

    $20 - for a trip into town to pick up forgotten supplies

    Penalty Fees: Please avoid these at all costs. We are assuming the kind of people who want to camp off-grid and offline are also the kind of people who will respect nature and others.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table

    $80 - $100 / night

    Camper-submitted photo at Atlanta West Campground near Austell, GA
    Camper-submitted photo at Atlanta West Campground near Austell, GA
    Camper-submitted photo at Atlanta West Campground near Austell, GA
    Camper-submitted photo at Atlanta West Campground near Austell, GA
    Camper-submitted photo at Atlanta West Campground near Austell, GA
    Camper-submitted photo at Atlanta West Campground near Austell, GA
    Camper-submitted photo at Hidden Creek Campground near Calhoun, GA
    Camper-submitted photo at Hidden Creek Campground near Calhoun, GA
    Camper-submitted photo at Hidden Creek Campground near Calhoun, GA
    Camper-submitted photo at Hidden Creek Campground near Calhoun, GA
    Camper-submitted photo at Hidden Creek Campground near Calhoun, GA
    Camper-submitted photo at Hidden Creek Campground near Calhoun, GA

    6. Hidden Creek Campground

    2 Reviews
    16 Photos
    47 Saves
    Calhoun, Georgia
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo at Hideaway Park near Winston, GA

    7. Hideaway Park

    2 Reviews
    21 Saves
    Winston, Georgia
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed

    $25 / night

    Camper-submitted photo at Hidden Creek near Calhoun, GA
    Camper-submitted photo at Hidden Creek near Calhoun, GA
    Camper-submitted photo at Hidden Creek near Calhoun, GA
    Camper-submitted photo at Hidden Creek near Calhoun, GA
    Camper-submitted photo at Hidden Creek near Calhoun, GA

    8. Hidden Creek

    1 Review
    4 Photos
    62 Saves
    Calhoun, Georgia
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo at Ridgeway near Carters Lake, GA
    Camper-submitted photo at Ridgeway near Carters Lake, GA
    Camper-submitted photo at Ridgeway near Carters Lake, GA

    9. Ridgeway

    2 Reviews
    2 Photos
    9 Saves
    Carters Lake, Georgia

    This recreation area is part of Carters Lake

    • Tents
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo at Hembree Park Campground near Roswell, GA

    10. Hembree Park Campground

    2 Reviews
    12 Saves
    Roswell, Georgia

    The Hembree Park Campsite offers an area for individuals or groups to gather and enjoy nature within the safe environment of a City Park. The site can be used by individuals, families, civic groups, etc. The grounds include an open grass area, fire ring with log seating, 2 picnic tables, and 11 tent pads.

    There are no water/electrical hookups, or firewood on-site.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 26 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews near Cartersville, Georgia

850 Reviews of 26 Cartersville Campgrounds


  • Natalie C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Doll Mountain
    Aug. 5, 2016

    Doll Mountain

    Lovely views and great lake swimming

    We had 3 couples who spent the long weekend for 4th of July (2016) on two sites in the walk-in tent camping area. There are (non-flush) potties at the tent camping area, but if you're grossed out by those, it's a couple of minutes drive to the closest bath house. The bath house was very satisfactory and pretty clean, plus plenty of hot water. There's a (steep!) trail from the tent camping area down to the lake with some good places for swimming. It would probably be tough to walk a kayak down to the water from tent sites, though. We found the gravel tent pads well maintained and clean.

    The location near Ellijay is great. We visited a couple of area wineries, and there's a fun mountain bike trail at Woodring Branch rec area (directly across the lake from Doll Mtn. Campground, but no direct route to get there, so it's about a 45 minute drive.)

  • Michael H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Fort Mountain State Park Campground
    Oct. 15, 2020

    Fort Mountain State Park Campground

    Great Campground

    We love camping at Fort Mountain. Its usually a good bit cooler due to the elevation, and the private wooded campsites make tent camping in Georgia’s summer heat much more enjoyable. Good hiking and things to do nearby.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Payne Campground
    Aug. 1, 2021

    Payne Campground

    Good for boaters.

    If you are into boating and have a 30’ or less camper or like to tent camp this is the place for you. There are several lake front sites, both with power/water hookups and primitive tent sites. If you have a larger RV (35’ or bigger) your choice of sites is limited. There are only 2 sites (59 & 60) with full hookups (which are not near the water) but are very spacious. Many of the sites that are advertised as fitting larger rigs would be very challenging to get into and some would be impossible. The bathhouse was in good shape but dated as would be expected for an older COE. The camp hosts were very friendly and helpful. We probably won’t be back as we are not lake type folks but will leave space open for other to enjoy.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Bolding Mill
    Sep. 1, 2021

    Bolding Mill

    Awesome views of the lake, very clean facility.

    We had a great experience. We camped in a tent on the lakeside and had a lot of room, the facilities were clean and the campsite was amazing. Great for beginner campers :)

  • R
    Camper-submitted photo from John Tanner Park Campground
    Oct. 9, 2023

    John Tanner Park Campground

    Pioneer Campsite

    Went tent camping at the pioneer campsite - for larger groups (35-40) but smaller groups can reserve too - we only had 4 people. Pioneer is up the hill from the main Rv campground and there is a little trail you can drive up - a car can make it but recommend a truck. Pioneer is spacious and all to yourself. Main campground is pretty close together but you can tent camp there too. Played putt putt and walked the trails - clean campground with nice staff/host.

  • Amar P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Red Top Mountain State Park Campground
    Aug. 13, 2017

    Red Top Mountain State Park Campground

    Ranger Review: Tensile Flite + at Red Top Mountain, GA

    Campground Review:

    Red Top Mountain State Park is located in Acworth, GA. The park is located around 12,000-acre Lake Allatoona, which made it perfect for summer camping. The park has about 15 miles worth of shaded trails for hiking and mountain biking. The park also has RV, yurt, and cottage options for camping. We rented a first come first serve RV/Tent campsite during our visit, and the price was $35 for one night. The campsite was gate access and had electric/water hookups with 2 car spaces, a BBQ grill, picnic table, and a lot of trees. We had access to a public restroom, showers, and laundry. There were also primitive campsites available to rent, which were closer to the lake. Our group decided to stay at this park because we wanted to utilize the lake. The lake is beautiful; however, it was very crowded the weekend we went. The park overall has a lot of “things to do” and is family friendly, but it was given 4 stars because of how busy and crowded it was during our visit.

    Product Review:

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get to test products. At this campground, I had the opportunity to test the Tentsile Flite +, which is a tent and hammock fusion. I was super excited to use this product because I am a hammock camper and there are times I wish I had the option of tent camping. The design and uniqueness of Tentsile Flite + is amazing, and I would consider it more of a tent instead of a hammock, because of how flat it lays when suspended in the air.

    Pros:

    • Comfortable to lay in and no need for sleeping pads or cushions.
    • If you are a hammock camper, you can share this tent with another person comfortably.
    • The rainfly is clutch and depending on preference it can be attached to the tent, staked to the ground, or tied to the trees.
    • The Tensile Flite + is light and can be ideal for backpacking.
    • The tent roof is all netting which is great for having ventilation during the summer, keeping bugs out, and also good for sky gazing.

    Cons:

    • Setup time and the difficulty of getting the right angle and tension.
    • It was difficult finding the right trees suspend to.

    Overall the Tentsile Flite + is perfect for someone who loves hammock camping, but want to enjoy some of the features tents have. I love the design and the wow factor it has on people. Also the company’s mission is very noble and how they help people in need and the environment.

    Here is a video of setting up the Tensile Flite +

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Salacoa Creek Park
    Oct. 19, 2024

    Salacoa Creek Park

    Nice little campground, tent spots could be better

    I slept really well last night here, and the camp host and guests were just great. Heated bathhouse with warm shower was definitely a highlight on a chilly morning!

    Only downside in my mind was that I booked a tent site, only to find that the tent sites are down the hill from all the other sites, so if you book them you will have to haul your stuff down to the lake. It did sound like the night-time fishing would be awesome though!

  • Dana P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Van Pugh South Campground
    May. 6, 2018

    Van Pugh South Campground

    Nice but Noisy

    Enjoyed tent camping. Nicely maintained facility, but partiers (or a bar?) across the way on the lake played loud music both nights I was there.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lumpkin Campground
    Jun. 15, 2021

    Lumpkin Campground

    Maybe not open?

    i arrived looking for tent camping. Looks like cabins and it was not open. 8:11pm on June 14th, 2021. Maybe its just closed? 1 star.

  • Mike D.
    Camper-submitted photo from 1776 RV And Campground
    Oct. 14, 2024

    1776 RV And Campground

    A hidden gem hosted by a true patriot!

    Bob has a wonderfully serene campground for both RV’s and tent camping. I invite everybody looking for a quiet place on Mentone to visit 1776 RV.

  • Sarah F.
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Tallapoosa Park
    Sep. 21, 2020

    Little Tallapoosa Park

    Excellent tent camping

    I love the separate tent & RV campsites. The tent sites are decent size and there is some wooded space between each one so it felt quiet and semi-private. The only downfall was that we had to move a lot of golfball-size rocks out of the way to set up our tent, and we inevitably missed a few, but otherwise it was great! The bathrooms were pretty clean and there is even a laundry facility. The tent sites have electricity, too. My kids enjoyed biking around the camping loop and we did some geocaching. For the price ($15/night), this is a pretty great place to camp.

  • Rachel T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Mckinney Campground
    Mar. 30, 2023

    Mckinney Campground

    We camped here!

    We camped here via tent camping, we really enjoyed our stay beautiful views and showers at site were decent getting ready to go view the beach side! But definitely a spot I’d revisit!

  • E
    Camper-submitted photo from Sweetwater Creek State Park Campground
    Sep. 17, 2019

    Sweetwater Creek State Park Campground

    Once again - Awesome

    Second time tent camping here, but easily my tenth time coming here for the scenery. I bring all out of town visitors here for a great hike and dip in the rapids. Great amenities and wildlife to boot.

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from Calhoun A-OK Campground
    Sep. 9, 2021

    Calhoun A-OK Campground

    Great Family Campground

    We have tent camped here multiple times. Great place to stay. Owners are super nice and are working on a lot of upgrades. We love spending the day by rhe pool. Highly recommend and can't wait to go back!

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Fort Mountain State Park Campground
    Nov. 1, 2024

    Fort Mountain State Park Campground

    Beautiful Fall destination

    We tent camped on Spot 27. Nice back in RV spot with water and electric. Bathhouse is close by. Gray water dump is across the road. Originally we booked Spot 60. That’s a pull through with little room for a tent. No cell service but that’s okay as we disconnected for a while. You can get service at the top of the park. Clean bathrooms with hot showers. Trails are nicely blazed with colors that match trail map. Georgia apple farms are a short, 20-30 minutes away.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Shady Grove Campground
    Apr. 22, 2024

    Shady Grove Campground

    Deer everywhere!

    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.

  • Danna D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Tallapoosa Park
    Nov. 24, 2020

    Little Tallapoosa Park

    Nice, spacious sites

    Friendly neighbors, nice comfort station with bathrooms, showers, laundry and a little free library. Lots of level tent sites next to pavilions with playground equipment. Very calm and quiet park ❤️

  • Michael T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Fort Mountain State Park Campground
    Oct. 4, 2024

    Fort Mountain State Park Campground

    A lot offered in a well kept site

    This is a great park with a lot to offer and more in the near vicinity. 

    Cell reception (T-Mobile) was non-existent in the site. However, there was reception at the trading post and possibly elsewhere. 

    They're installing Bear Boxes in tent sites back and front country (as I understood it) and are clearly paying attention to what people want and how to improve visitors experiences. 

    A lot of the sites are RV orientated. But the walk in tent sites are really close to the parking area. Also, nearby backcountry platforms and sites can be easily accessed. 

    If you want walking access to the trails, it's probably best to choose a site near the lake as that's where most trails are accessed from.

  • J B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Van Pugh South Campground
    Jun. 3, 2021

    Van Pugh South Campground

    Nice secluded site on the lake

    The site we stayed at was a tent site with no power or water. But it was a large site and right on the water. We were able to swim all weekend.

  • Taylor D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Amicalola Falls State Park Camping
    Jan. 3, 2023

    Amicalola Falls State Park Camping

    Beautiful campgrounds nestled on top of a mountain

    Beautiful area with hiking trails and plenty to do in general. Not far from the lodge with restaurant. Folks camping next door were super nice and even offered me hot food when tent camping in -0 degree weather. Overall pleasant experience and plenty to do and see.

  • Stephanie J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Mckaskey Creek Campground
    Jul. 30, 2018

    Mckaskey Creek Campground

    Tent and RV campground

    Very nice, clean and quiet place. Clean restrooms with showers and sinks. Beautiful beach and forest view. Table, geill and fire ring at every site. Tent sites right on the water. Plenty of shade. Will definitely be back soon!!! Highly recommend!!

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Mckinney Campground
    Dec. 9, 2020

    Mckinney Campground

    Not good for tent camping

    The guy at the gate was nice I guess. It’s definitely not quiet unless you’re in an RV. And I guess we camped on the wrong morning too because they started mowing the lawn at around 8:30-9 am after listening the highway all night. 10/10 do not recommend tent camping here

  • Jeanne P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Sweetwater Campground
    Jun. 16, 2024

    Sweetwater Campground

    No rules enforcement

    Loud music loud voices bright lights generators used on tent site. Party to 2 am. No rules enforced even when you complain to the host. Then this is the place for you. You can get away with whatever you want. Expect No sleep!!

  • Elaine  H.
    Camper-submitted photo from McKinney Campground
    Jul. 31, 2019

    McKinney Campground

    Lake front sites!!

    If you want lake front, they got it! Almost all sites either have a view of the lake or are right on lake Allatoona! We tent camped here on site 45 in October 2017. Evening sunsets were beautiful from our site but the walk to the restrooms was a long one. We will get a little closer next time! We rented kayaks from a local company, Murphy's,  and enjoyed time out on the lake every day! Our grandsons had a great time swimming at the beach area...yes, in Georgia you can swim in October! We will be back!!


Guide to Cartersville

Cartersville, Georgia, offers a variety of tent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature. From well-maintained sites to unique experiences, there's something for everyone.

Tent campers should check out Naval Recreation Site

  • The Naval Recreation Site provides a clean and friendly environment, perfect for families, with access to showers and drinking water.
  • This site is exclusively for military personnel, so be sure to bring your ID for access.
  • Enjoy the scenic views and a new area with hookups right on the lake, ideal for a relaxing getaway.

Some prices for tent camping start at free

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Explore the historical significance of the Picketts Mill Battlefield State Historic Site, where you can hike through preserved Civil War earthworks.
  • Families will appreciate the indoor play area and pool at the Naval Recreation Site, making it a fun spot for kids.
  • For those seeking adventure, the Hidden Creek offers hiking trails and a chance to connect with nature in a secluded setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Cartersville, GA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Cartersville, GA is Sweetwater Creek State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 28 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Cartersville, GA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 26 tent camping locations near Cartersville, GA, with real photos and reviews from campers.