Red Top Mountain State Park Campground
Heavenly! Red Top Mountain State Park
Spot #50 is perfection! Feels like you live alone on a tiny peninsula. Perfect place to explore trails, go fishing, enjoy sunset, and just be.
402 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping options near Ball Ground, Georgia range from state park campgrounds to private RV parks within a 25-mile radius. The area features several established campgrounds including Amicalola Falls State Park, which provides tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations. Sweetwater Campground and Twin Lakes RV Park offer additional developed camping areas with varying amenities. Most campgrounds in the region provide electric hookups and water access, with many sites featuring picnic tables and fire rings. Several locations accommodate both tent and RV camping, with a few offering glamping options like yurts or cabins for visitors seeking more comfort.
Seasonal availability varies across campgrounds in the area, with some facilities operating year-round while others maintain specific operating seasons. Amicalola Falls State Park remains open throughout the year, while campgrounds like Sweetwater operate from mid-March through early September. According to one visitor, "Sweetwater is a nice park with a Beach. We camped right next to the beach and the kids loved it." Reservations are recommended, especially during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. Most campgrounds in the region maintain clean facilities with accessible bathrooms and showers, though amenities vary by location. Road access is generally good, with most campgrounds accommodating standard vehicles without requiring high clearance or four-wheel drive.
Waterfront camping represents a significant draw for visitors to the Ball Ground area, with multiple campgrounds situated along Lake Allatoona or smaller bodies of water. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, campers particularly value sites with lake views and water access. Sweetwater Campground receives consistently positive feedback for its lakeside locations, with one camper noting, "The view of the lake is beautiful. We always stay on site 100 it's right on the water." Family-friendly amenities and clean facilities are frequently mentioned in positive reviews. While most established campgrounds offer reliable amenities, some private campgrounds in the region have mixed reviews regarding long-term residents and site conditions. Wildlife viewing opportunities and hiking access complement the camping experience at several locations, particularly at Amicalola Falls State Park with its proximity to scenic trails.
"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."
"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 - $315 / 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"Site 10 (on water) and 38 (next to playground."
"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!)"
from $26 - $36 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 - $240 / 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"Doll Mountain Campground near Ellijay, Georgia is located on a peninsula stretching into Carter's Lake, and managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. "
"The sites are tucked into the trees, lots of great spots for your hammock! We stayed at a walk-in site, but were still close to a pit toilet and our car."
from $26 - $100 / night
Check Availability"This campground is full of beautiful lakeside sites! Many are well-spaced, but some are close together. We camped with our van in one of the tent sites because the rv sites were full."
"I didn't get a chance to snap pictures or videos but it is nestled along the shore of Lake Allatoona."
from $24 - $68 / 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"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"
from $20 - $36 / night
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Spot #50 is perfection! Feels like you live alone on a tiny peninsula. Perfect place to explore trails, go fishing, enjoy sunset, and just be.
The campsites are great - most appear to be very level and in good shape. Our site is noisy at times, as it backs up to a primary road in the park and there is a good bit of vehicle and foot traffic. There is zero reception for T-Mobile users at this campsite.
We stayed at Winding Waters Riverfront RV Resort for four nights after picking up our new 5th wheel toy hauler from Three Way Campers in Marietta to thoroughly test all of the RV's systems while remaining close to the dealership if any issues arose. We followed the emailed arrival instructions, checked in quickly, and were escorted to pull-through Site 89 with full hookups. The staff was friendly, service-oriented, and very accommodating throughout our stay. We spent our first night in the pull-through before moving to a river-view back-in site. The staff initially suggested Site 190, but after we noticed it had very little yard space, they happily moved us to Site 193, which better suited our needs. The resort offers several unsecured Wi-Fi networks; we selected the strongest signal and averaged 82 Mbps download and 9 Mbps upload. We received two bars on both Verizon and T-Mobile, and our T-Mobile Home Internet worked well. We didn't bring Starlink on this trip, but with very few trees throughout the main campground, it should perform well in most sites. The pull-through sites are better spaced than many campgrounds of this type, although we still wouldn't describe them as spacious. We appreciated the PVC chairs and round tables found at many sites instead of the typical picnic table, and there are five"Paw Pen" pull-through sites with private fenced pet areas. The nearby dog park consists of two small fenced runs that are adequate for potty breaks but not really large enough to throw a ball. Although the water park and numerous family-oriented amenities are not typically what we look for in a campground, Winding Waters was an excellent place to shake down our new rig.
Really nice newer RV park located in the mountains. They originally were a motorhome only resort, but since opened it up to towable units (still no tents). Many sites have great mountain views and the website has pictures of each site so you can decide what you want and how much you want to pay. They accept Passport America and give a 50% discount for up to a two-week stay which is why we stayed for two weeks. That discount made it a great place for a full hook-up RV resort with nice amenities. We loved the campground and the owners are super nice and helpful. Upon check-in, you get a nice welcome packet full of information about the local area and a loaf of homemade sourdough bread (which was delicious!!!!). Sites are basically a double site so where you park your camper and patio are both paved. They have “Solo” type firepits so you can move them wherever you want and not destroy the grass or pavement. Our site had two comfortable patio chairs and a picnic table. Everything is paved so no dusty roads or dirty sites. They allow you to wash your RV and car which was a big plus for us since they both needed it. The utilities worked well. There is a really nice swimming pool with lounge chairs and tables. The clubhouse is large and a great gathering place that offers free Nespresso coffee, snacks, and information. There are a couple of hiking trails on the property and they offer guided walks with staff. The nearby town of Talking Rock is really cute with restaurants, a brewery, shops, and a general store that sells a variety of items including firewood and pantry staples. We would definitely stay here again.
Red Top Mountain State Park is surrounded by Altoona Lake with boat docks & marina for water sports.
I 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
Great location small river but absolutely NO Cell service of any kind.
They have plenty of pads for pull behinds or the fancy RV. Plenty of hookups for all your needs. 2 pools, weight room, live music, restaurant, bar, dog park, dog bath, and close to all local stores.
We had a wonderful 2-night stay at Timberline Glamping River Forks! The tent was clean, comfortable, and thoughtfully set up with everything we needed. Being right on Lake Lanier made the experience even more special, with easy lake access for fishing, kayaking, and enjoying the beautiful views. The peaceful atmosphere was perfect for relaxing and unwinding while still enjoying outdoor adventures. The hosts were friendly, responsive, and made everything easy from start to finish. If you’re looking for a unique glamping experience with comfort, nature, and lake activities all in one place, Timberline Glamping River Forks is a great choice. We can’t wait to visit again!
Camping options near Ball Ground, Georgia expand beyond established campgrounds to include lakefront and mountain sites within a 30-mile radius. The area sits at approximately 1,100 feet elevation in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, creating varied terrain for campers seeking different experiences. Water temperatures at Lake Allatoona and Lake Lanier typically range from 68-85°F during camping season, making these popular destinations for swimming and water activities.
Waterfall hikes: Amicalola Falls State Park offers access to Georgia's tallest waterfall at 730 feet. One visitor noted, "This 730ft cascading waterfall is accessible by stairs and bridge from top to bottom. It's proximity to Atlanta can cause the area around the falls to fill up quick so the earlier or colder the better." The park also connects to the Len Foote Hike Inn, one of Georgia's few backcountry lodges.
Lake swimming: Sweetwater Campground features designated swimming areas with beach access. "Beautiful area of camping spots around the lake. Very good infrastructure, showers, bathrooms, etc. For pad or by your car camping, easy access to the lake, and close to home around Canton Woodstock area YOU CAN'T BEAT IT!" reports one camper.
Fishing opportunities: McKinney Campground on Lake Allatoona provides excellent fishing access. "We love to fish and we always catch several kinds but the crappie are so delicious," shares one regular visitor who stops at this campground during trips to Florida.
Boating access: Victoria Campground includes boat ramps for those bringing watercraft. "This campground has a beautiful big beach! Boat ramps also," mentions one reviewer, highlighting the dual recreation options.
Private lakefront sites: Campers consistently rate water access as a top feature at the best places to camp near Ball Ground, Georgia. At Bald Ridge Creek, "Almost all the campsites are on lake lanier some are heavily wooded beautiful views and nice lake breezes," according to one visitor.
Wildlife viewing: Many camping areas provide opportunities to observe local wildlife. At Amicalola Falls State Park, one camper reported, "My teens loved it. They found all kinds of insects they had never seen even a Luna moth." The park's varied habitats support diverse wildlife observation opportunities.
Historical elements: Some campgrounds offer access to historical sites. At Sweetwater, a camper mentions, "We also love the historical trails that lead to the old civil war mill. it's a great hike." These historical features add educational value to the camping experience.
Shade coverage: The wooded nature of many sites provides relief from summer heat. A camper at Victoria Campground noted, "The spaces were spread out with plenty of shade and canopy cover," which is particularly valuable during Georgia's hot summer months.
Seasonal closures: Many campgrounds around Ball Ground operate on limited schedules. Payne Campground runs from "March 28 to September 2," while Victoria Campground operates from "March 28 to October 6," making fall and winter camping options more limited.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially for premium sites. At McKinney Campground, a visitor points out, "The gate is locked at 10:30 PM; after that you have to park outside the entrance and walk to your site." Know check-in procedures before arriving.
Alcohol policies: Rules vary significantly between campgrounds. At Shady Grove, "If you enjoy having a beer while camping don't come here," warns one visitor who received a ticket with a mandatory court appearance and $280 fine for consuming alcohol, even discreetly.
Road conditions: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. A camper at Amicalola Falls observed, "Roads are extremely steep getting to the campground," while another mentioned, "I read a lot before my trip, so I knew to except the 25% grade incline going up to the campground."
Beach access selection: When camping with kids, sites near swimming areas prove popular. At Sweetwater Campground, one parent shared, "We camped right next to the beach and the kids loved it. Beautiful place." These sites often fill first during reservation periods.
Junior ranger programs: Red Top Mountain State Park maintains children's activities even during challenging times. A visitor reported, "Friendly staff, with the Jr ranger program still going with the help of adult campers during covid. Still so much fun and so clean and beautiful!!"
Playground proximity: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Bald Ridge Creek, a visitor noted, "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." Playground quality varies by location.
Kid-friendly biking: Some campgrounds offer safe cycling environments. A parent at Victoria Campground mentioned, "We had a fun time here, especially the kids. They loved riding their bikes around in this great family friendly campground."
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds require equipment to level RVs. At Doll Mountain Campground, campers note the steep terrain, with one mentioning, "No campsites directly on the lake, it is a mountain so it's steep terrain." Bring leveling blocks and stabilizers.
Size restrictions: Larger RVs face limitations at certain campgrounds. At Amicalola Falls, one RVer advised, "We have a 27' airstream and there are a couple campsites that are hard to get into. Number 18 does not look hard, but the layout is very difficult to get into. The bend halfway into the campground would be extremely difficult with much bigger than 27' camper."
RV site selection: Some campgrounds offer premium views for RVs. At Red Top Mountain, a visitor reported, "Sites are color coded depending on size and there is even a yurt to rent." Research site dimensions before booking to ensure proper fit.
Dump station timing: At popular campgrounds, Sunday departures can mean waiting to use facilities. A camper at Bald Ridge Creek noted, "Single dump station tends to line up on Sunday but I suppose that's part of the deal." Plan accordingly or depart earlier/later to avoid delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Ball Ground, GA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Ball Ground, GA offers a wide range of camping options, with 402 campgrounds and RV parks near Ball Ground, GA and 22 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Ball Ground, GA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ball Ground, GA is Amicalola Falls State Park Camping with a 4.7-star rating from 60 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ball Ground, GA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 free dispersed camping spots near Ball Ground, GA.
What parks are near Ball Ground, GA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Ball Ground, GA that allow camping, notably Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest and Lake Sidney Lanier.
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