Red Top Mountain State Park Campground features both RV and tent camping options with varying access to electricity near Lake Allatoona. The park sits approximately 20 miles north of Woodstock at an elevation of 945 feet, offering different camping experiences depending on site location. Tent-only walk-in sites provide lake views with some trade-offs in amenities, while traditional campsites accommodate various camping styles with more standard amenities.
What to do
Hiking trails for all levels: Red Top Mountain State Park Campground offers multiple trail options through wooded areas. "There are plenty of opportunities to hike, fish and boat," notes Jeff E., adding that despite its natural setting, campers should be aware that "you will hear I-75 traffic all night so keep in mind, that while it looks like country, you are not deep in nature."
Lakeside activities year-round: Mckinney Campground provides direct water access and fishing opportunities. "We always catch several kinds but the crappie are so delicious," shares Robin M. The campground operates throughout the year, making it suitable for winter escapes as one camper notes, "It's definitely not quiet unless you're in an RV."
Historical exploration: Sweetwater Creek State Park Campground features historic mill ruins and diverse trails. "The park is set up on the land of an old factory that used the river to power a water wheel," explains Asher K. "There are a whole bunch of trails of varying difficulty and length that meander through the woods along the river."
What campers like
Secluded waterfront sites: Clark Creek North Campground offers privacy between sites. "Most spots provide complete privacy from your neighbors because of all the trees," reports Kathy B., who appreciates that "every spot has water access." Another camper mentioned, "My daughter and I went camping here for 2 nights right on the beach it was like having the beach all to ourselves."
Clean facilities: Shady Grove Campground maintains well-kept grounds and bathrooms. "It is owned and run by Forsyth County and is beautifully maintained," writes Chris H., adding that "there is no comparison between Shady Grove and the Corps of Engineers camp grounds on Lanier. Shady Grove wins every time!"
Luxury camping options: Glamping in Woodstock, Georgia area includes premium tent sites at multiple locations. "The campsites are color coded depending on size and there is even a yurt to rent," explains one visitor to Red Top Mountain. At Stone Mountain Park Campground, "the sites are clean and there was easy access to bathrooms."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most Woodstock-area glamping sites require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. Clark Creek North has limited spots: "It is small with just 24 spots equipped with water and electric."
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. At Old Highway 41 No 3 Campground, a camper noted, "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!" Similarly, at Red Top Mountain, "a train blows its whistle that will wake you up 3 times each night."
Security variations: Campground security differs significantly between locations. One camper at Clark Creek North Campground reported theft issues: "After discussing the issue with the campground staff, we were informed that locals often come through the woods and even wade through the edge of the lake to steal from the campground."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly facilities: Red Top Mountain offers clean facilities specifically designed for families. A camper noted, "This isn't for backpackers but for camping with your family, it's good. They have water and outlets and very very clean bathrooms. Like cleaner than a Publix bathroom. Kid friendly."
Swimming areas: Clark Creek South Campground provides designated swimming beaches for safer water access. "The campsite was right next to the swimming beach," reports one visitor, though this proximity means "little to no privacy and very loud," so consider site location when booking with children.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Shady Grove Campground, "There is a nice playground that is walking distance from our favorite camp sites that the kids really love."
Tips from RVers
Site selection challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult access for larger rigs. At Red Top Mountain State Park, one camper observed, "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."
Leveling requirements: Prepare for uneven sites at some campgrounds. At Shady Grove, an RVer reported, "Only reason for the 4 stars is our site was not level, took some work to level our rig."
Dump station access: Consider dump station logistics when selecting a campground. As one RVer at Clark Creek North noted about their 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." Some sites like McKinney Campground offer a "very clean, well-equipped sanitary dump station."
