Red Top Mountain State Park offers diverse camping experiences 40 minutes northwest of Atlanta along Lake Allatoona. The park's 15 miles of hiking trails wind through hardwood forests with varying terrain difficulty levels. Sites accommodate everything from basic tent camping to fully-equipped RVs, with both standard and premium waterfront options available. Lake access provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming during warm months while the park remains open year-round.
What to do
Hiking trail exploration: Clark Creek North Campground connects to several trails that showcase the natural beauty of Lake Allatoona. According to a camper, "There are plenty of opportunities to hike, fish and boat" with both easy walking paths and more challenging terrain options.
Fishing adventures: The McKinney Campground offers excellent fishing opportunities directly from shoreline sites. As one visitor notes, "We love to fish and we always catch several kinds but the crappie are so delicious." Most waterfront sites have direct lake access, making fishing convenient without needing to relocate.
Historical exploration: Venture to Sweetwater Creek State Park to discover fascinating industrial history. A reviewer mentioned, "The park is set up on the land of an old factory that used the river to power a water wheel." The Manchester Mill ruins create a unique backdrop for photographs and learning about Georgia's manufacturing past.
What campers like
Platform camping: Chattahoochee Bend State Park offers unique elevated camping platforms that provide a different experience from standard tent sites. One camper shared, "Platform sites are super nice. Short walk into the sites, right beside a river." These structures keep tents dry during rain and provide stable footing.
Family-friendly facilities: Campgrounds near Hiram maintain clean facilities that make extended stays comfortable. At Clark Creek North, a reviewer noted, "Bathroom/shower house is clean and well maintained also has laundry facilities." Many parks offer accessible bathhouses with hot water showers within walking distance of camping areas.
Wildlife observation: Stone Mountain Park Campground provides opportunities to spot local wildlife while staying in various accommodations. A visitor mentioned they "always see deer and other wildlife" throughout their stay. Morning and evening hours offer the best chances for animal sightings around water features.
What you should know
Site selection considerations: At Old Highway 41 Campground, noise levels vary significantly based on site location. One camper warned, "It is so close to I-75 that the sound of traffic is constant; during the day is manageable but at night it makes it hard to sleep if you are in a tent." Request sites farther from highways when making reservations.
Terrain challenges: Many campgrounds feature sloped sites requiring leveling equipment. At McKinney Campground, a visitor reported needing to "raise the right tire 3 inches to be level." Bring leveling blocks or jacks, especially for RVs and trailers.
Security awareness: Some campgrounds experience occasional theft issues. One family at Clark Creek North reported, "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." Secure valuables, especially at sites near public access points.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly accommodations: Sweetwater Creek State Park offers yurt camping near Hiram, Georgia with amenities that work well for families with children. A visitor explained, "The bathrooms were cleaner than my bathroom at home. The dogs loved the hiking and the river is beautiful with the fall colors."
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature playground equipment suitable for various age groups. A Red Top Mountain visitor shared, "They have water and outlets and very very clean bathrooms. Like cleaner than a Publix bathroom. Kid friendly." Several parks maintain modern play structures within walking distance of camping areas.
Easy hiking for children: Trails near most yurt camping facilities around Hiram are designed with families in mind. One Sweetwater Creek visitor noted, "The trails are shaded and very nice!" Most paths feature gradual elevation changes suitable for younger hikers.
Tips from RVers
Space limitations: RV campers should carefully check site dimensions before booking. A visitor to Old Highway 41 observed, "Roads are narrow and asphalt sites are narrow." Large rigs may struggle at older campgrounds with tight turning radiuses and limited pull-through availability.
Hookup variability: The Winding Waters RV Resort offers full-service sites with varying amenities. According to a recent visitor, "For a bit more, you can get your own private dog run or patio furniture." Electric service typically includes 50-amp options at newer facilities while older campgrounds may limit connections to 30-amp service.
Weather considerations: Summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F, taxing air conditioning systems. A camper at Winding Waters noted, "Since it's new there's no shade at all, so I can't imagine how hot it is in the summer and with all the big rigs blasting their a/c." Select sites with shade coverage when possible during summer months.
