Red Top Mountain State Park Campground
Gorgeous park
Nice clean and level sites, very peaceful setting
11 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Campgrounds near Hiram, Georgia range from established state parks to more basic RV reserves. Red Top Mountain State Park Campground offers tent, RV, cabin, and glamping accommodations on the shores of Lake Allatoona, while Sweetwater Creek State Park features yurts and tent camping within 20 miles of the Hiram area. Facilities at these campgrounds typically include electric hookups, water access, and picnic areas. Several locations provide both short-term and seasonal camping options with varying levels of amenities and natural settings.
The camping season generally extends year-round at many sites near Hiram, with Red Top Mountain and McKinney Campground open throughout all seasons. Road access to most campgrounds is well-maintained, though some areas have deteriorating pavement. "The pavement is so deteriorated that it is almost moon craters," noted one visitor about Sweetwater Creek RV Reserve. Most established campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak summer months when sites fill quickly. Weather conditions remain mild through much of the year, though summer heat and humidity can be significant. Cell service is generally available at most campgrounds due to proximity to the Atlanta metro area.
Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews from visitors to the area, particularly at Lake Allatoona sites. Campers highlight the combination of wooded settings with lake views and water access. A reviewer at Sweetwater Creek State Park noted that "tent sites and yurts are very close together, both of which are right on the lake. Plenty to do for the family." Many campgrounds feature hiking trails, fishing access, and boat ramps, with several sites offering rentals for watercraft. While proximity to Atlanta makes these campgrounds convenient, it also means most are not particularly secluded or remote. Some RV parks in the area primarily serve long-term residents rather than overnight campers, with varying levels of maintenance and amenities.
"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."
Available next weekend
from $40 - $315 / night
"There's several yurts and 5 walk-in tent sites. Yes, some of the reviews here are confusing this park with another. There's NO RV or TRAILER camping here. "
"15 miles West of Atlanta, Ga off I20 Sweetwater Creek State Park offers history, trails, water activities and peace and quiet."
Available next weekend
from $28 - $100 / night
"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
"All around peacefull place! Laundry room on site as well as showers and wi fi for guest access. Manager is a sweetheart! Located very close to convenience stores and grocery stores as well."
"Wasn’t what we expected as there is not really a view of Sweetwater Creek- but it is about a 5 minute drive."
from $60 - $650 / night
"There is also signage to verify that you are going the right way until you see the CG entrance. We pulled into the gate area and were checked in by the attendant on duty."
"Clark Creek North is a small gem tucked along the shore of Lake Allatoona just north of Atlanta. It is small with just 24 spots equipped with water and electric and every spot has water access."
from $34 / night
"If you want lake front, they got it! Almost all sites either have a view of the lake or are right on lake Allatoona! We tent camped here on site 45 in October 2017."
"Great water views and easy step down to the waters edge for fishing. In our area, the bathroom/shower combo is adequate but needs an update."
from $28 / night
"The lake is beautiful. It’s quiet other than the occasional train whistles. The WiFi is pretty much non existent so don’t plan on that. Even with a booster we couldn’t pick it up."
"The bathrooms were pretty amazing compared to the last campground we were at which was also on alatoona lake as well. ( McKinney camp ground ) The first night we got here it was packed, like crazy packed"
from $42 - $52 / night
"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."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $24 - $290 / night
"One section of the campground was too close to the highway, which made you hear cars passing all night, but sites 32 and up were very peaceful and quiet."
"This is a great campground, close to town and the lake view is amazing. There’s enough space and privacy between camp sites. Clean comfortable picnic area with table and fire pit."
from $30 - $68 / night
"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"
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $24 - $34 / night












Nice clean and level sites, very peaceful setting
Well, another review from Hank and I about three weeks ago in October we stayed at McIntosh reserve in Whitesburg Georgia. We stayed for a week. They have no power, but we have a solar generator and a regular generator they have water Spicket spread out sporadically throughout the park, they do have restrooms and a shower house. Very nice park. Very nice host.
Well Hank and I stayed at McKinney site 125 one week and 123 the second week we had some work to do in the area. We had a really great time. The neighbors brought us some taco soup and cornbread to go with my roast and broccoli the hose were really helpful and friendly. Oh and all I highly recommend Mc Kinney campground for people to come here.
Just so beautiful and awesome. Camp host was lovely and our site could not have been more perfect. Internet said it was a walk up but it was a drive up. Site 52, I’m convinced it has to be the best one there. It adjoins via a mild staircase to 53 and would be perfect for two families to have. It’s right on the water and the sunset was phenomenal. Love it a lot. Electric and water, picnic table and fire ring.
It is a beautiful campground and very friendly. The sites are spacious and it is was a great time with my family and my truck camper.
I love this run down old campground. They are slowly fixing up the amenities, but the sites probably haven’t been fixed up in decades. That’s honestly the charm of itv
Very nice clean campground with clean facilities. Access to the tallapoosa River for kayaking and tubing. One thing to note if if traveling I20 east to west your GPS your gos may get you off interstate one exit to soon. Go to the exit for Hwy 46 where the loves truck stop is. If your in a larger rig you will not make it from the other exit.
A great find to hang your hat for the evening. New owners look like they are doing amazing up grades. Our site 57 didn’t have a picnic table or fire ring but I’m sure they are working on it. Fairly quite and we would for sure come back and give it a 5 star when their done on the remodel.
Welcome center is nice, but the roads and asphalt sites are crumbling. We had a back in site that was fairly level. No real privacy from neighboring sites.
Camping options near Hiram, Georgia include multiple state parks and Corps of Engineers facilities centered around Lake Allatoona and Sweetwater Creek. Red Top Mountain State Park, McKinney Campground, and Sweetwater Creek State Park provide diverse accommodation types, including tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and yurts. Most developed campgrounds are within 20 miles of Hiram, with several facilities concentrated around Cartersville and Acworth. The region features a mix of lakeside and forested settings, with varying levels of development from primitive tent-only areas to full-service RV parks.
Seasonal availability affects many campground options in the area, with several facilities operating from spring through early fall. According to a camper at Sweetwater Creek State Park, "There's only limited camping here with several yurts and 5 walk-in tent sites - NO RV or TRAILER camping." Amenities vary widely between locations, with facilities like Red Top Mountain offering modern conveniences including showers, electric hookups, and sanitary dumps, while other locations provide more rustic experiences. Most campgrounds require advance reservations, especially during summer weekends and holidays. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area given the proximity to metro Atlanta, though coverage may vary in more remote sections.
Lakefront camping represents a significant draw for visitors to the region. Several campgrounds offer direct water access for fishing, boating, and paddling opportunities on Lake Allatoona and Sweetwater Creek Reservoir. As one visitor noted, "They have waterfront camping on the reservoir and forest for RVs of all sizes - pull through and back in." The state parks in the area maintain well-developed hiking trail systems, with Sweetwater Creek State Park featuring Civil War-era ruins that attract history enthusiasts. The proximity to Atlanta makes these camping areas popular weekend destinations, with many campgrounds reporting higher occupancy rates during summer months and holidays. Several campgrounds accommodate both short-term visitors and seasonal campers, creating varied atmospheres depending on the facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What parks and recreation areas are in Hiram, GA for camping?
The Hiram area is within reach of several excellent parks with camping facilities. McKinney Campground on Lake Allatoona offers beautiful lakefront sites with stunning sunset views. Most sites either have lake views or direct lake access, making it perfect for water enthusiasts. Not far from Hiram, Chattahoochee Bend State Park Campground features about 40 campsites along five miles of river frontage. As one of Georgia's largest and newest state parks, it provides access to the scenic Chattahoochee River, though be aware that some sites lack shade.
What campgrounds are available in Hiram, GA?
While Hiram itself has limited camping options, several quality campgrounds are available within a reasonable drive. Atlanta West Campground is one of the closest options, functioning more as an RV park with many long-term residents but offering convenient access to the Hiram area. For those willing to drive a bit further, Sweetwater Creek RV Reserve provides a tree-surrounded setting with full hookups, though access roads can be rough. Both locations are suitable for RVs, with Atlanta West being closer to urban amenities while Sweetwater Creek offers a more natural setting with a park nearby for recreation.
Are there any free or low-cost camping options in Hiram, GA?
Budget-friendly camping near Hiram is limited but available within driving distance. Shady Grove Campground offers reasonably priced sites with beautiful wooded spots and lake views. Their tent-only loop provides more privacy and separation from the RV-focused areas, with sites 52-54 being particularly good for group camping. If you're willing to drive further, Stone Mountain Park Campground provides affordable camping options with the benefit of access to the park's many attractions. For the most economical option, check county parks near Hiram which sometimes offer basic camping at lower rates than commercial facilities.
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