Red Top Mountain State Park offers primitive tent camping options near Lake Allatoona with varying levels of privacy and amenities. Some tent-only walk-in sites sit on points extending into the lake, featuring water access but limited shade and no electrical hookups at the tent pad. The campground provides both RV and tent sites, with tent sites requiring sturdy stakes due to hard ground. Interstate 75 noise can be heard from the tent camping areas, along with occasional train whistles during the night, making it less secluded than some campers expect despite the natural setting.
What to do
Hiking with lake views: Clark Creek South Campground offers direct lake access from most sites with trails that showcase Lake Allatoona. "Perfect views of the lake, some spots lead directly down to the water. Huge spots, well-spaced and friendly hosts!" notes camper Ava R.
Fishing from your campsite: At McKinney Campground, fishing opportunities abound right from waterfront sites. "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. We love to fish and we always catch several kinds but the crappie are so delicious," shares Robin M.
Mountain climbing: Visit Stone Mountain Park Campground for a challenging hike up Stone Mountain with panoramic views. "We loved these grounds. They were clean and there was easy access to bathrooms. The hike to the top was a challenge, but the views were worth it," says Judy B. The campground serves as a convenient base for exploring the mountain and surrounding attractions.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Fort Mountain State Park Campground features spacious gravel sites with good separation. "The campgrounds we're just lovely with plenty of space between spots. We can't wait to go on more trails and explore everything this park has to offer. The fire tower is a vision," writes Elaine G.
Clean facilities: At Clark Creek South Campground, the amenities receive consistent praise. "Being our first stop ever we were happy to have the friendly helpful staff. The lots are spaced out a bit so even if you have to unload dogs or children, you won't be on top of the next slot. Large bathroom/showers though they are not exactly constant," reports Kimberly Y.
Tent camping beaches: Some campsites at COE Allatoona Lake Old Highway 41 No 3 Campground offer peaceful lakefront settings for tent campers. "Loved this little campground. Roads are narrow and asphalt sites are narrow. But beautiful views of the lake. Could hear a train but no highway/interstate noise at our waterfront site #47," shares Maggie C.
What you should know
Highway noise concerns: At several campgrounds near Emerson, interstate proximity affects the camping experience. McKinney Campground can be noisy for tent campers: "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," reports Jennifer T.
Campsite selection matters: Red Top Mountain State Park offers varying site quality. "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. Sites were very narrow," warns Brock D.
Security considerations: Be aware of potential theft at some locations. "While this great little park should deserve 4.5-5 stars, we had an unfortunate experience while we were there. My family of 5 were on the lake-side of our little 22ft TT while someone less fortunate than us decided to steal my 9yr old daughter's new bike," reports Chris C. from Clark Creek North Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Sweetwater Creek State Park Campground offers family-oriented glamping close to Emerson, Georgia. "This 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. Along with the campgrounds there are also picnic benches and large group areas where you can host a lunch or dinner," explains Asher K.
Tent camping with kids: Red Top Mountain State Park provides family-friendly tent options. "This isnt for backpackers but for camping with your family, its good. They have water and outlets and very very clean bathrooms. Like cleaner than a Publix bathroom. Kid friendly," notes Cris C.
Educational opportunities: Fort Mountain State Park offers historical learning experiences. "We really enjoyed the hiking here so much we never kayaked or fished the lake... You will truly enjoy this park with its history, mountain and lake views," recommends Travyl Couple.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Fort Mountain State Park requires preparation for uneven sites. "The site had about a 5 inch difference shopping towards the road. I used rocker blocks maxed out (about 4 inches in height) and still was not level," reports Mike N. about site 24.
Dump station access: Be aware of dump station configurations at various parks. At Clark Creek North, "They have an interesting dump station set up where you climb a fairly steep hill. This station would be good for shorter rigs. On our 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," warns MickandKarla W.
Narrow entrance roads: RVers should prepare for tight access at some campgrounds. Old Highway 41 Campground has "narrow roads and asphalt sites are narrow" according to Maggie C., while at Red Top Mountain, Brock D. notes "narrow roads in the campground with lots of pot holes" making it challenging for travel trailers.
