Newton Factory Shoals Recreation Area offers primitive camping sites situated along a river just 42 miles east of Mableton, Georgia. The area features raised gravel tent platforms at waterfront sites for $15 per night. Campsites include fire pits, grills, and trash cans, with a central bathroom facility that includes showers and water access.
What to do
Water activities: Newton Factory Shoals Recreation Area provides riverside camping with opportunities to watch wildlife. According to camper Nicolle, "We had a happy little bonus of getting to watch the beavers play in the river early in the morning" at Newton Factory Shoals Rec Area.
Hiking trails: McIntosh Reserve Park offers several trail options for hikers. Sarah S. notes, "I hiked the 2 mile Eagle Loop Trail and saw a mountain biker as well. I saw signs for an Orienteering Course" at McIntosh Reserve Park.
Fishing spots: Several campgrounds provide river access for fishing. Deb F. simply states that McIntosh Reserve is "The best place to camp, Fish, Enjoy the Chattahoochee."
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: Campers appreciate the direct water access at many sites. Addison C. mentions, "They have many water front campsites with a lot of room. They have a box platform for your tent. It could easily fit my 8 person tent" at Newton Factory Shoals Recreation Area.
Playground amenities: For families with children, Little Tallapoosa Park offers several recreation options. Andy M. shares, "Sites are nice we were at site 11 pull thru with full hook up. Splash park was fun and clean for the kids as well as really nice walking trails we enjoyed."
Affordable camping: The region offers budget-friendly camping options. According to Sarah F., "For the price ($15/night), this is a pretty great place to camp" at Little Tallapoosa Park.
What you should know
Reservation systems vary: Some parks require reservations while others operate on a first-come basis. At Quail Run at Pate's Creek, Joseph P. notes, "Great location if you're driving through or visiting Atlanta. It's just off the interstate, and there are plenty of restaurants around. Also there's a Dollar General at the end of the road if you need anything."
Campground layout: McIntosh Reserve has a somewhat unconventional setup. Sarah S. explains, "The camping layout falls somewhere between dispersed camping and a traditional campground. When I checked in, I was told I could pull up to any site with a fire pit."
Limited facilities: Some areas offer basic amenities. Cass P. warns about McIntosh Reserve, "No power, and only saw one tap for running water, but is a good spot if you are self sufficient."
Tips for camping with families
Clean bathrooms: Some campgrounds maintain better facilities than others. At Factory Shoals Recreation Park, a camper notes, "There is a bathroom with a shower that was kept up with and stocked with toilet paper and paper towels."
Kid-friendly activities: Little Tallapoosa Park offers recreational options for children. Sarah F. mentions, "My kids enjoyed biking around the camping loop and we did some geocaching."
Splash pads available: Several parks feature water play areas for hot days. DeWayne H. shares that McIntosh Reserve "even do Easter egg hunts every year. Also, for those that are into Geocashing, there are a few you could find here."
Tips from RVers
Horse campgrounds near Mableton: Equestrian facilities exist at several locations. At Little Tallapoosa Park, Hollis K. explains, "We stayed in the horse camp section because the RV area was full. They use the horse camp area as overflow. Plenty of space there with power and water. Sewer hookup is only available in the RV section."
Campsite size considerations: Finding level ground can be challenging. One reviewer at James Shackleford Memorial Park mentions, "Not much to say about it pretty much all the sites around the lake area the same in Hall county Gwinnett it was very peaceful nice people was able to find plenty of outdoor stuff to do."
Limited hookups: Some equestrian campgrounds near Mableton offer partial connections. Shirley D. explains at Little Tallapoosa Park, "They have 3 camping areas. Section 1 is for tents and pop ups. Section 2 is full hookups for campers, 5th wheels and motor homes. Site 3 is for equine camping."
