Stone Mountain Park offers glamping accommodations that blend comfort with outdoor experiences. Located in Georgia's Piedmont region about 15 miles east of Atlanta, the area has an elevation around 1,000 feet and experiences moderate seasonal temperatures averaging 70-90°F in summer. Campers can access multiple water bodies including East Lake at Stone Mountain and Lake Allatoona further north.
What to do
Hiking trails near water features: Fort Yargo State Park features extensive hiking options along its scenic lake. "We took a picnic lunch with us and found one of the many picnic areas to have lunch and enjoy the lake views," notes Nancy W., who appreciated the mixed mountain biking and hiking trails.
Water activities on multiple lakes: Sweetwater Creek State Park provides diverse water recreation opportunities. "Hiking, kayaking, swimming- plenty of things to do. You can spend a whole day out here just walking along the creek and jumping across the rocks," shares Asia + Jalen B., highlighting the park's natural water features.
Wildlife observation: Red Top Mountain State Park on Lake Allatoona offers wildlife viewing opportunities. "This is a wonderful, scenic campground on beautiful Lake Allatoona. The sites are color coded depending on size and there is even a yurt to rent. We went swimming and hiking," explains Suzy E., describing the varied terrain.
What campers like
Private lakeside sites: Stone Mountain Park Campground campers value the water access from many sites. "Our site was on the lake. My husband and son enjoyed fishing and paddle boarding right behind our site. There was a lot to see and do at Stone Mountain," shares Susan K., highlighting the convenience of waterfront camping.
Scenic waterfront views: McKinney Campground offers premium lake views. "We always stop here on our trips down to florida and we always stay a couple days as we love to get a waterfront site and they are nice, clean sites with lots of shade and pet friendly," reports Robin M., who enjoys fishing for crappie at this location.
Wooded privacy: Bald Ridge Creek Campground provides natural screening between sites. "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," notes Dalhya L., appreciating the combination of convenience and seclusion.
What you should know
Shower facility variations: Sweetwater Creek State Park has limited camping facilities. "Realize there are limited sites. 10 Yurts for glampers and 5 walkin sites for tent campers. The walkin sites are in the woods but not too far a walk to the lake," advises Shelly S., noting the keyed access showerhouse for campers only.
Site leveling challenges: Some campsites require preparation. "The only downfall was that the trailer needed a lot of leveling. But it was totally worth it," mentions Susan K. about Stone Mountain Park, recommending the lake views despite this inconvenience.
Seasonal weather considerations: Temperature fluctuations affect camping comfort. "In winter glampers should prepare for occasional freezing temperatures," warns a visitor to the area, highlighting the need for appropriate gear during colder months.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: High Falls State Park offers family-friendly amenities. "This campground is great if you have kids. The playground is centrally located. Trails are easy to get to and the falls are a nice sight," recommends Bille W., pointing out the convenient layout.
Kid-friendly water recreation: Multiple options exist for swimming. "We had an amazing visit!! All the staff were extremely helpful and sweet. Shower house was clean, laser show fabulous and while hiking we saw a lot of beautiful wildlife!!!" shares Jennifer T. about her family's experience at Stone Mountain.
Biking opportunities: Fort Yargo State Park features riding trails for various skill levels. "There's all kind of activities for the kids. They have free transportation within the park/campground area. Helpful staff too," reports Harvey B., noting the accessibility for families.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Bald Ridge Creek campers recommend checking site locations carefully. "Site 32 - Nice level site. Plenty of room for us. Back in is not straight so it takes a little bit of maneuvering (that maybe why it was one of the last few sites available a week out). Very close to the lakeshore," advises Kevin Z., noting the morning and afternoon shade patterns.
Dump station timing: Plan accordingly for Sunday checkout. "Single dump station tends to line up on Sunday but I suppose that's part of the deal," mentions AR M. about Bald Ridge Creek, suggesting earlier departure to avoid delays.
RV accessibility challenges: Not all campgrounds accommodate large rigs equally. "Heavily wooded sites that are not well maintained. Very narrow roads in the campground with lots of pot holes. Not the easiest state park to pull a travel trailer in," cautions Brock D. about Red Top Mountain State Park.
