127 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping options in the Dallas, Georgia area include both developed campgrounds and RV parks within a short drive. Red Top Mountain State Park Campground and Sweetwater Creek State Park Campground are two notable established sites, offering accommodations ranging from tent camping to RV hookups and even cabin rentals. Many campgrounds are situated around Lake Allatoona, providing waterfront access while remaining within an hour's drive of Atlanta. The region features a mix of Corps of Engineers facilities, state parks, and privately operated RV parks with varying levels of amenities.
Most campgrounds in the area remain open year-round, though some Corps of Engineers sites like Old Highway 41 Campground operate seasonally from May through September. "Old Hwy 41 No 3 Campground is a COE campground on Lake Allatoona, about an hour North of Atlanta. The campground is only open May till September," noted one camper. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for lakefront sites and during summer weekends. Highway noise can be a consideration at some locations, especially those near I-75 and Highway 41. Many campgrounds provide water and electric hookups, with some offering full sewer connections for RVs. Bathroom and shower facilities vary significantly in quality and availability across different properties.
Lakefront camping receives consistently positive reviews, with sites along Allatoona Lake being particularly popular. A visitor commented, "We stayed in the double site with 2 campers and a couple tents. Plenty of room for everyone. Good fishing, plenty of wildlife, relatively quiet part of the lake." Several campgrounds offer boat ramps and water access, making them ideal for fishing and water activities. Noise levels vary considerably between campgrounds and even within the same facility, with sites further from highways providing a more peaceful experience. The surrounding area features hiking opportunities at Sweetwater Creek State Park, which has trails leading to historic ruins and scenic water features. For those seeking more amenities, several private RV parks offer laundry facilities, WiFi, and organized activities, though typically at higher rates than the public campgrounds.
"I stayed at the walk- in campsites with waterfront view and access to walk down to the water. There is no electric at site and water didn’t work."
"Many were positioned right on the lake. The trails in the park were great for hiking and running. We enjoyed visiting the Qualusi Winery that was nearby."
from $40 - $275 / night
Check Availability"Georgia Veteran’s Memorial State Park, McKinney Campground on Allatoona Lake (north of Atlanta; a Corp of Engineer park) - very woodsy and a nice lake. Hiking, rafting/etc, and walking all around."
"Campground Review: This campground is an excellent place to stay not far outside of the bustling metropolis of Atlanta."
from $30 - $34 / night
Check Availability"There's several yurts and 5 walk-in tent sites. Yes, some of the reviews here are confusing this park with another. There's NO RV or TRAILER camping here. "
"15 miles West of Atlanta, Ga off I20 Sweetwater Creek State Park offers history, trails, water activities and peace and quiet."
from $28 - $100 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Clark Creek North is a small gem tucked along the shore of Lake Allatoona just north of Atlanta. It is small with just 24 spots equipped with water and electric and every spot has water access."
from $34 / night
Check Availability"The lake is beautiful. It’s quiet other than the occasional train whistles. The WiFi is pretty much non existent so don’t plan on that. Even with a booster we couldn’t pick it up."
"The bathrooms were pretty amazing compared to the last campground we were at which was also on alatoona lake as well. ( McKinney camp ground ) The first night we got here it was packed, like crazy packed"
from $42 - $52 / night
Check Availability"One section of the campground was too close to the highway, which made you hear cars passing all night, but sites 32 and up were very peaceful and quiet."
"This is a great campground, close to town and the lake view is amazing. There’s enough space and privacy between camp sites. Clean comfortable picnic area with table and fire pit."
from $30 - $68 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Great water views and easy step down to the waters edge for fishing. In our area, the bathroom/shower combo is adequate but needs an update."
from $28 / night
Check Availability"These are two completely different parks in two completely different parts of Georgia. SCofA does not have a mill, ruins, river or mountain trails. It does have a lake. Allatoona Lake."
"Beautiful area of camping spots around the lake. Very good infrastructure, showers, bathrooms, etc."
from $24 - $290 / night
Check Availability"All around peacefull place! Laundry room on site as well as showers and wi fi for guest access. Manager is a sweetheart! Located very close to convenience stores and grocery stores as well."
"Wasn’t what we expected as there is not really a view of Sweetwater Creek- but it is about a 5 minute drive."
from $60 - $650 / night
Check Availability"Lots of sites are waterfront or has access to the lake, that is a plus. The lake area is tranquil and quiet."
"Wanted to know every detail of everyone in our party, and my husband came late and I have to give notice for him to join us ( the campground is gated) Now the positives- It’s right on beautiful lake Allatoona"
from $24 - $34 / night
Check Availability
ScoutI had one of tha best times at McKinney campground.. tha water is perfect and its so pretty .. the people that runs it also was very polite and very kind.. I highly recommend this locations
GuideSite 24 has a large pad that easily fit our 14x10 tent. It is part shade; our tent received a little sun when we arrived around lunchtime, but only for a couple of hours.
Although the site is next to the walk-in tent parking lot, it sits higher than the parking area, making the parking lot barely noticeable from camp. The wooden railing and a few trees around the site helped create a sense of privacy while still preserving our view of the water. The railing also came in handy for drying towels.
The fire ring includes a cooking grate, and we loved watching the lightning bugs around our site at night. Unlike the fishing areas near the tent sites, we didn’t experience any mosquitoes around our campsite during our stay.
What stood out most about this campground was what I can only describe as being “socially secluded.” There were plenty of other campers, and many sites appeared to be occupied by families and groups camping together. You could occasionally hear laughter and conversation while walking through the campground, which made it feel welcoming and lively. Yet once back at our site, those sounds seemed to disappear. We often forgot we even had neighbors. It was a surprisingly peaceful experience and one of the things we enjoyed most about Site 24.
A gravel path from the tent parking lot leads to a small fishing area with a metal bench and a timed fish feeder, making it a great spot for anglers, especially kids wanting to catch bream/panfish. During our stay they were constantly stealing bait from our hooks until we started using size 8 hooks. Once we switched, we had the best luck fishing close to shore and caught fish one after another. Honestly, if your kids want to make their own fishing pole by tying line and a hook to a stick and yanking fish out of the water, this is the place to do it! You don’t even need worms—a ball of bread worked like a charm! 😂
⛺ The bathrooms were close enough to walk to, clean, and had lighting. However, I recommend bringing a flashlight for nighttime trips since the road leading to them is quite dark.
⛺ There is another small fishing area near the swimming beach, though we didn’t have a chance to try it.
⛺ The dumpsters are located near the swimming beach. Taking your trash on the way there is an easy way to help keep ants out of your campsite.
⛺ The camper registration tags for your site post are located on the information board beside the tent parking area.
⛺ Be aware that Game Wardens actively enforce the rule requiring everyone to be off the lake by sunset, including anglers, swimmers, and boaters.
Next time we visit, we plan to try one of the walk-in tent sites. The path appeared easy enough to navigate with a wagon loaded with camping gear from the parking lot.
GuideSo happy with our short visit and already planning to return!
We stayed one night at Site #2. The site is nicely shaded and has two easy access points to the water—a footpath on one side and a level path with steps on the other. The footpath leads to a beaver dam, which was a neat find. Just be aware there is poison ivy in some areas of the footpath, and we found a few ticks during our visit.
I also don’t suggest swimming in the water near the campsites since there are beavers present. The frogs were very loud at night, which we enjoyed, though it was raining so they may have been more active than usual. The bear-proof trash cans were right across from our site, which was very convenient.
The bathrooms are located across from the picnic area, so driving was an option, but we enjoyed the walk from Site #2. There was no soap in the bathrooms during our visit, so I recommend bringing your own just in case.
If you enjoy birding, this is a fantastic spot, especially around the picnic area. We saw a variety of birds and spent quite a bit of time listening to them.
Our 7-year-old had the best time exploring the creek and spring system. I highly recommend bringing a small net if you’re visiting with kids. We found crawfish and even a baby salamander, which made his day.
The sound of the creek throughout the campground was incredibly relaxing, and the natural beauty of the area made this one of our favorite quick camping trips. We can’t wait to come back and spend a little longer next time.
ScoutWe have been here twice. Site 10 (on water) and 38 (next to playground. The sites are huge, everything is clean, hot steady flow water can be tricky but as a mom of 7, I love that it feels secluded but is close to target and Publix! Love this place and it is our go to when we visit the North Georgia Revival. Highly recommend!
GuideWe have now been to this campground three times - twice in the fall and now this last time in the spring. The fall foliage is beautiful and it's fun to get apples and such in Ellijay.
This time, there was definitely more boat and Jet Ski traffic, but did not take away from the beauty of the campground. The bathroom is older, but clean, and a bit of a hike down a hill and then back up the hill from the loop we were in, but not bad. We were glad to have a clean place to shower, nevertheless. There are lots of trees and the sites are rather spacious and nice, having water and electric hookups. Our site was lovely with a concrete pad and nice deck.
We have Verizon and had service at the site. We enjoyed our little mountain getaway very much!
TravelerI stayed at the walk- in campsites with waterfront view and access to walk down to the water. There is no electric at site and water didn’t work. The bathroom facilities are well maintained and whole place is really clean. This site was right next to parking other 3 are close but wagon recommended to haul items to other walk on sites.
ScoutGorgeous campground on the lake with excellent facilities. Priority along the lake front is given to tent sites, which is nice. There's a mix of sizes for small campers and big RVs so it never feels crowded. Not a huge amount to do in the area except chill on the lake or at your site in the woods... which is fine by me. The one shortcoming was difficult lake access from the campground. There are plenty of beach areas when the lake is low but getting to them can be challenging. There's a public beach in another part of the park but we didn't go there.
GuideVery crowded campground, tight sites, and dated facilities. Stayed one night on a through trip, so they let me stay with my custom built RV but they have a rule against it if you’re staying more than one night. I am not sure why because this isn’t an RV resort, it reminds me of an over crowded KOA. Good for business stay or a quick overnight but if you have a family and want room for your kids to play, I’d look elsewhere.
GuideNice campground with showers and bathroom. There are some trails that go down to a nearby lake.
Lake Allatoona serves as the centerpiece for most camping spots near Dallas, Georgia, located approximately 30-40 minutes northwest of Atlanta. The region features multiple campgrounds along the 12,000-acre reservoir, with elevation ranging from 840 to 880 feet above sea level. Summer water temperatures typically reach the mid-80s, making swimming pleasant from May through early October.
Fishing from shore: Red Top Mountain State Park Campground offers excellent bank fishing opportunities. "The water is nice and cool. The people here are so friendly and helpful. Perfect lake to boat and fish on," shares one camper who enjoyed the accessible shorelines.
Hiking historic ruins: At Sweetwater Creek State Park Campground, trails lead to significant historical sites. "The park is set up on the land of an old factory that used the river to power a water wheel. There are a whole bunch of trails of varying difficulty and length that meander through the woods along the river," explains one visitor who found the trails both beautiful and challenging.
Kayaking rentals: Watercraft rentals are available at several locations around the lake. "We rented kayaks from a local company, Murphy's, and enjoyed time out on the lake every day," notes a camper at McKinney Campground who spent their days paddling the calm waters.
Swimming beaches: Several campgrounds maintain designated swimming areas. A visitor to Clark Creek North Campground shares, "My daughter and I went camping here for 2 nights right on the beach it was like having the beach all to ourselves. We went on a weekday so the people at the front actually let us switch sites so we could get the one we wanted."
Lake views: Most campgrounds feature waterfront sites that campers consistently rate highly. At Victoria Campground, "It's right on beautiful lake Allatoona! And you have access to the lake everywhere! The sites are very large, and everyone I saw had lots of privacy!"
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness varies across campgrounds but receives particular praise at some locations. "Bathroom facilities and shower were among the cleanest I've seen on the road," reports one camper at Sweetwater Creek who was impressed with the maintenance standards despite the park's urban setting.
Site spacing and privacy: Campers appreciate the generous spacing between sites at certain campgrounds. "The sites are color coded depending on size and there is even a yurt to rent," notes a visitor to Red Top Mountain State Park who found the variety of accommodation options helpful.
Gated security: Several campgrounds offer controlled access for added security. At Clark Creek North, a camper noted, "Shirley and Bud who checked us in and out were very friendly and found a spot right on the lake for us at 10 pm at night. Gate closes at 10:30 so it is a nice option if you are driving late."
Seasonal operations: Several campgrounds operate only during warm weather months. A reviewer at Old Highway 41 No 3 Campground notes, "There are about 50 sites, most had water and 30/50 amp electricity, a few with sewer. Basic water/electric sites are $28/night, full hook-ups are $36, Lakefront are $64/night."
Traffic noise: Proximity to highways affects sound levels at some campgrounds. One tent camper observed, "It is close to I-75 and US 41, but it is in the woods, so some of the highway noise is muffled, only some!" Another noted, "The gate is open from 7 AM until 10:30 PM. NO ONE gets in after hours!"
Train sounds: Railroad tracks near certain campgrounds create periodic noise. A camper at Marina Resort - Allatoona Landing mentioned, "Notice - the campground entrance is located between 2 railroad crossings and each have low ground clearance and located in turns. Also the trains run pretty close by the campground roughly on the hour."
Water levels: Lake levels can impact shoreline access. "The only downfall is the beach area - it is in a cove and the water level is often down," observed a camper at Victoria Campground, highlighting how seasonal fluctuations affect lake access.
Child-friendly beaches: Families with children particularly enjoy the swimming areas. "The girls swum in the lake," mentions a camper at McKinney Campground who appreciated having safe water access for their children.
Wildlife watching: Many campgrounds offer opportunities to observe local fauna. "Plenty of wildlife, relatively quiet part of the lake," reported one visitor at Old Highway 41, who enjoyed pointing out animals to their younger campers.
Playground access: Some campgrounds feature playground equipment. "This is a good campground for camping with your family. They have water and outlets and very very clean bathrooms. Like cleaner than a Publix bathroom. Kid friendly," states a camper at Red Top Mountain State Park.
Wildlife encounters: Waterfowl are common visitors to lakeside sites. "There's tons of duck and geese that just walk right into your site, which is really entertaining for children," shared one parent who found this natural feature particularly engaging for their kids.
Site selection for larger rigs: RV campers should research specific site dimensions before booking. "The campground is only open May till September. There are about 50 sites, most had water and 30/50 amp electricity, a few with sewer," explains a veteran RVer who carefully selects their sites.
Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring additional equipment. "Many of the sites are very steep and slanted and causes difficulty getting your trailer or RV into the site. Makes leveling very difficult," cautions an RV owner at McKinney Campground.
Road conditions: Internal campground roads vary in quality and width. "Roads are narrow and asphalt sites are narrow. But beautiful views of the lake," observes an RV camper who successfully navigated the constraints at Old Highway 41.
Dump station access: Limited dump stations can create congestion during busy periods. "The only thing I'd be cautious about is those narrow roads, but once you're set up, it seems totally worth it," advises a camper at Red Top Mountain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds near Dallas, GA?
Doll Mountain Campground is highly rated for its beautiful setting on Carter's Lake. Campers appreciate the wooded sites perfect for hammocks, clean facilities including hot showers, and water/electric hookups. Just be prepared for steep hills and switchbacks when entering. McKinney Campground on Allatoona Lake is another excellent option, offering a woodsy environment with great lake access. The park features hiking trails and water activities in a green, natural setting that's particularly beautiful in summer. Both campgrounds provide a peaceful retreat while remaining accessible from the Dallas area.
Where can I find tent camping sites near Dallas?
Tent campers near Dallas have several excellent options. Chattahoochee Bend State Park Campground offers tent sites with five miles of river frontage on the Chattahoochee. While some sites lack shade, the natural setting makes up for it. Pocket Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest provides a scenic tent camping experience surrounded by steep ridges of Horn and Mill Mountains. Spring campers will enjoy vibrant mountain laurel blooms. For those willing to try something different, consider the walk-in sites at Doll Mountain or the bike-accessible camping along the Chief Ladiga Trail that connects to the Silver Comet Trail.
Are there cabin rentals available at campgrounds near Dallas?
Yes, there are cabin rental options near Dallas. Stone Mountain Park Campground offers cabin accommodations for visitors who prefer more amenities than traditional camping. These cabins are popular and provide a comfortable base for exploring the park's attractions, including the famous laser show. For RV-style accommodations, Sweetwater Creek RV Reserve provides options for those seeking a more permanent setup. It's recommended to book cabin rentals well in advance, especially during peak seasons, as they tend to fill quickly at popular destinations around the Dallas area.
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