Best Campgrounds near Cumming, GA

Cumming, Georgia provides access to several water-based camping experiences, with most campgrounds situated along Lake Lanier's scenic shoreline. Bald Ridge Creek and Sawnee Campground feature waterfront sites where campers can enjoy direct lake access for swimming, fishing, and boating. The area predominantly offers established campgrounds with amenities rather than primitive camping, accommodating both tent and RV camping with electric hookups and water available at most sites. Most campgrounds maintain concrete pads suitable for various camping setups, though some restrict tent placement to designated areas only.

Reservations are strongly recommended for Lake Lanier campgrounds, particularly during the peak season from late spring through early fall when waterfront sites fill quickly. The camping season for many sites runs from March through November, with limited year-round options available. Most campgrounds provide basic amenities including restrooms, drinking water, and trash collection, though shower facilities vary by location. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, with Verizon users reporting adequate coverage at most campgrounds. A visitor noted, "Town is not far, cell service on Verizon is 2 bars at best. Campsite has concrete level pad, water, 30/50 amp service, grill, lantern pole and fire ring."

Lake access represents the defining feature of camping in the Cumming area, with numerous reviews highlighting the waterfront experience as the primary draw. Many campgrounds offer direct lake access from individual sites, creating opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and fishing directly from camp. The terrain is generally mild with some sites featuring small elevation changes near the shoreline. Bathroom facilities receive mixed reviews, with some visitors noting they are clean but dated. Morning and afternoon shade is available at many lakefront sites, though midday sun exposure can be significant during summer months. According to one camper, "Site 32 is a nice level site with plenty of room. Very close to the lakeshore with morning and afternoon shade, otherwise pretty direct sun overhead around noon."

Best Camping Sites Near Cumming, Georgia (341)

    1. Shady Grove Campground

    25 Reviews
    Cumming, GA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (770) 205-6850

    $20 - $240 / night

    "This site was a nice distance away from the RV focused campsites at the same location."

    "If you love large wooded spots with great lake views and lots of deer to watch....this is your park. Located in a very nice part of Georgia with so many places to go and see."

    2. Bald Ridge Creek

    23 Reviews
    Cumming, GA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (770) 889-1591

    $26 - $36 / night

    "Our sites have all been lake-side and very large with a paved drive. There is hiking around the shore line and lots of ducks in the lake to feed (Shh!)"

    "It was right on the lake with a beautiful view. It has a path that goes down to the lake. A lot of the sites are on the lake and most sites offer ample shade."

    3. Shoal Creek Campground

    19 Reviews
    Buford, GA
    7 miles
    Website

    "There was a nice flat area to set up food, bonfire, chairs, games and to lounge around with family and the dogs. Bathrooms were nice and close to campground, within walking distance."

    "Communication with the main number for the campground went through the Margaritaville Campground nearby. Separate direct lines to the camp office and security were provided after arrival."

    4. Old Federal

    19 Reviews
    Oakwood, GA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (770) 967-6757

    $20 - $36 / night

    "Our site was walking distance to the bathhouse, playground and swimming."

    "Grounds were great with easy access to the lake."

    5. Bolding Mill

    21 Reviews
    Murrayville, GA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (770) 534-6960

    $20 - $36 / night

    "It was a little longer walk to the water and when a camper was next to us we couldn’t see the lake. We already have our reservations for 2025 in the site we wanted."

    "Our site was near access to walk-in camping (which did not turn out to be a problem since we set up facing the water) and a long walk to the bathroom, which was reasonably clean with hot shower but no"

    6. Duckett Mill

    18 Reviews
    Oakwood, GA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (770) 532-9802

    $26 - $36 / night

    "Almost all the sites have view of lake and many have access to the lake for swimming or paddle boarding or boating. Nice breeze off the lake. Will be back many times."

    "Great location on Lake Lanier. The sites are very large and trees between most sites. Lots of water view sites, some have easier lake access from your site than others for our kayaks."

    7. Stone Mountain Park Campground

    92 Reviews
    Stone Mountain, GA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (770) 498-5710

    $44 - $65 / night

    "Lived in Georgia my whole life and yet my first time to Stone Mountain was literally three years ago. Now we have an annual pass and go all the time."

    "One of the best camping areas in Georgia."

    8. Amicalola Falls State Park Camping

    60 Reviews
    Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, GA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 265-4703

    "It's proximity to Atlanta can cause the area around the falls to fill up quick so the earlier or colder the better."

    "If you're taking off on the AT, then you need to get walking. However, if you want a small taste of the AT and would like to camp out near the starting point, then this is a great place to be."

    9. Sawnee

    7 Reviews
    Cumming, GA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (770) 887-0592

    $20 - $46 / night

    "As for us we are avid hikers so we stuck to the trails. There are a few trails that interconnect so we hike for hours(which we loved). Although we did not camp we are definitely coming back to do so."

    "On a peninsula this little gem on Lake Lanier, with wooded lots, is the perfect relaxation spot for RV & Tent campers."

    10. Margaritaville

    6 Reviews
    Lake Sidney Lanier, GA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (470) 323-3486

    $63 - $100 / night

    "We had a pave site full hookup pull thru with lake view. Very easy to get in and out, private and quiet, we had a picnic table, fire ring and bbq grill."

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Recent Reviews near Cumming, GA

1391 Reviews of 341 Cumming Campgrounds


  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 19, 2025

    Commerce Station RV Resort

    Very nice and clean

    Commerce Station RV Resort Relaxation is this campgrounds new name. Have some full timers in back but all is clean and well maintained.

  • Kimberly C.
    Nov. 14, 2025

    Talking Rock Motorcoach Resort

    Spacious Luxury Resort with Stunning Mountain Views

    This brand-new luxury RV resort doesn't disappoint. A large, spacious site, big rig friendly, with full hookups and stunning mountain views, creates a serene and peaceful park. Located in the heart of wineries, biking and hiking trails, and a multitude of things to see and do, not to mention an abundance of places to eat and shop, all close by. The park features a beautiful clubhouse, perfect for groups or individuals looking to socialize, chat, or participate in activities sponsored by the resort. Live music on the weekends and other social events, several pickleball courts, a nice pool and hot tub, on-site laundry, and more round out the amenities in the resort.

  • Shea D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 14, 2025

    COE Lake Sidney Lanier Sawnee Campground

    Beware site 57

    Our site was one of the few tent camping sites where you could pull up however the site itself was sloped and difficult to get the kids up and down. The staff was friendly and helpful.

  • Shea D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 14, 2025

    Shady Grove Campground

    Wildlife everywhere

    We tent camped for about a week, wildlife especially deer was abundant. Playground was close to site. Area was huge and well spaced between sites.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 8, 2025

    Mckinney Campground

    Nice spot for urban camping

    Nice for the fall as the lake is relatively quiet this time of year. My guess is that this campground is popping in the summer. 2 marinas flanked the campground sites - they are a lot closer than they appear in the map when booking. Summer boat traffic would be intense for the water front sites. You can also hear traffic from the nearby train tracks and roads. That said, it’s a decent campground not too far out of Atlanta. A COE campground but maintained by Bartow County. Those folks are super easy to deal with. We had sites 25, 26, and 27. Site 27 has a short pad and is downhill. Site 26 is a handicap site and 100% level. Site 27 is uphill for parking, with steps leading partially down to the lake.

  • Jennifer M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 1, 2025

    Dicks Creek Falls Campsites off Main Road

    perfectly scenic

    The winding road to the few campgrounds along the way was beautiful but narrow. We didn't see any potties and it ends with a sandy area at the water where about 6 cars were parked (perhaps they were all kayaking or hiking but we only saw two people. We backtracked a bit to a site along the stream with ample space for at least two or three tents. It was along the road and there were a few cars driving past during the night but not enough to bother us or make us feel unsafe at all. There was a trail at this site as well just on the other side of the water which went a few miles around to the road and looped back but it hadn't been maintained in a bit so there was a decent amount of climbing and exploration on our part to stay on it. Wouldn't advise without good trail maps on your phone.

  • tonya O.
    Oct. 29, 2025

    Lake Russell Recreation Area

    This campground has went down

    Weve always came here but our last experience wasn't great... since Rhonda has been gone this campground has gone down so bad. I was so disappointed in this... the bathrooms was so nasty and the camp host i went to wouldn't come to the door... I had to call police on a unruly camper and still didnt help..... we went to relax and had a weekend from hell.

  • j
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Unicoi State Park & Lodge

    Great central location.

    I camp at Unicoi State Park several times a year for a number of different reasons. First, it is right in the middle of what I call waterfall country. There are more beautiful waterfalls within an hour than I can count. Second, there are spectacularly beautiful trails everywhere. You’re only about 20 minutes from the Appalachian Trail at Hog Pen Gap and 30 minutes from Blood Mountain and the Blood Mountain wilderness. Third, there are numerous picturesque and friendly little towns nearby. The park is about 3 miles from the town of Helen, which is a pseudo Bavarian village. A little touristy but still fun. There are some great German restaurants there. As to the park itself, I tent camp, and the campsites are excellent. Nice bathroom and shower facilities close by and regardless of the time of year it has never been crowded. Definitely worth $25 a night and I get a discount because I’m a senior (Remember you have to ask for the discount. They won’t tell you). If you are camping in the tent area, I can almost guarantee you’ll see a bear because they come out almost every night. Keep all of your food in the bear boxes. Since it is somewhat of a resort park, there are cabins, RV hook ups and even a motel/conference center. There are lots of activities like swimming, boating, archery, zip lining, etc. The Smith Creek pub is a nice little restaurant for a quick meal or a drink.


Guide to Cumming

Camping near Cumming, Georgia, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot for your next adventure.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails at Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The hike to the base of the Gorge is strenuous with LOTS of stair steps back up but if you can do it certainly worth it."
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing at Don Carter State Park Campground. Campers have noted, "A great place to camp with lots of hiking trails; there’s even a canoe trail!"
  • Swimming: Relax at the beach area at Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground. One camper shared, "We had so much fun... swimming at the beach it was very convenient."

What campers like

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Red Top Mountain State Park Campground said, "The best shower of my camping experience so far! Hot water and great water pressure- what a treat!"
  • Friendly staff: Many campers have praised the helpfulness of the staff. One reviewer at Stone Mountain Park Campground mentioned, "Sites are usually clean and staff are friendly."
  • Activities for families: Campgrounds like Vogel State Park Campground offer various activities. A camper noted, "The kids had loads of fun playing by the little rivers."

What you should know

  • Site proximity: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A visitor at Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites are a little closer to each other than what I'm used to."
  • Additional fees: Be prepared for extra costs, like parking fees. One camper at Stone Mountain Park Campground pointed out, "On top of the $70 a night you must pay a $20 parking fee."
  • Payment methods: Some campgrounds only accept cash for certain transactions. A visitor at Vogel State Park Campground noted, "You need to do it by cash only."

Tips for camping with families

  • Plan for activities: Choose a campground with plenty of family-friendly activities. One camper at Fort Yargo State Park Campground said, "Kids can ride bikes everywhere, play some putt-putt or on the playground."
  • Check for amenities: Look for campgrounds with clean bathrooms and showers. A visitor at Amicalola Falls State Park Camping mentioned, "The campground was neat, clean, and quiet."
  • Bring outdoor games: Having games on hand can keep kids entertained. One camper at Fort Mountain State Park Campground noted, "There are a lot of hiking trails as well as the lake where you can rent paddle boats, swim or fish."

Tips from RVers

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Red Top Mountain State Park Campground said, "The roads are a little confusing and tight and the sights are pretty unlevel."
  • Look for full hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with full hookups for convenience. One camper at Don Carter State Park Campground mentioned, "Has grey tank hookup which is nice."
  • Be aware of road conditions: Some campgrounds have narrow or winding roads. A visitor at Fort Yargo State Park Campground noted, "The roads were windy, but they were doable."

Camping near Cumming, Georgia, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for family fun or a peaceful getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds near Cumming, GA?

The Cumming area boasts several excellent campgrounds. Stone Mountain Park Campground offers a renowned camping experience with its impressive granite mountain, scenic trails, and regular laser shows and fireworks. The park features both developed sites and natural areas to explore. For those seeking a more serene forest setting, Doll Mountain Campground on Carter's Lake provides beautiful peninsula camping, though be prepared for steep hills and switchbacks on entry. Most campgrounds in the region offer water and toilet facilities, with many requiring reservations during peak season.

What RV parks are available in the Cumming area?

Wesley Oaks RV Park is an excellent option for longer stays in Cumming, located less than a mile from GA 400 at Exit 13. It offers a quiet atmosphere without resort amenities like pools or clubhouses, focusing instead on peaceful surroundings with convenient access to downtown Cumming and Lake Lanier. Twin Lakes RV Park is another option in the Cumming area that provides full hookups and is big-rig friendly. Most RV parks in the region are accessible year-round and offer water connections, with some requiring advance reservations, especially during summer months.

Are there any lakeside camping options near Cumming, GA?

Cumming offers excellent lakeside camping with Don Carter State Park Campground at the north end of Lake Lanier providing spacious sites about 35 yards from the shore. Sites offer plenty of privacy with large distances between them. Another great option is Bolding Mill, which features waterfront sites on Lake Lanier with beautiful views. Other nearby lakeside options include Bald Ridge Creek, Shady Grove Campground, and Sawnee, all offering water access and basic amenities. Most lakeside campgrounds in the area require reservations, especially during summer months.