Tent camping locations around Snellville, Georgia provide varying levels of seclusion within a 30-mile radius of this eastern Atlanta suburb. The area experiences moderate temperatures year-round with humidity peaking during summer months when overnight lows rarely drop below 65°F. Wildlife viewing opportunities increase at more remote sites, particularly during spring and fall migration seasons.
What to do
Hiking opportunities: At Panola Mountain State Park Campground, trails connect directly to camping areas. "Staff was awesome and very accommodating," notes Ashley C., making this a good basecamp for day hiking. The park offers guided tours with unusual educational components: "We took the guided tour of the Mountain and it was awesome. We ate Pine Trees and they explained about liken and the red fungus," shares Holly B.
Water activities: Several tent camping areas provide water access for fishing, paddling, or swimming during warmer months. Laurel Park offers multiple recreational options according to Josh D.: "It has a splash pad that's operating from late spring through summer. It has plenty of access to lake Lanier, and plenty of room for grilling out."
Wildlife viewing: Remote tent sites often provide better wildlife encounters. The natural areas around Ocmulgee River Camp offer good opportunities for spotting native species. "Saw some deer on a walk," reports Julie H., adding that "There are hunters around and we heard a good deal of shots."
What campers like
Dark sky viewing: Some tent camping locations provide excellent stargazing conditions. LeeAnne T. describes Tyler Hunt Camp as "a refuge... It's quiet, super dark at night and beautiful." The location's distance from city lights creates opportunities for night sky observation.
Natural soundscape: Campers frequently mention enjoying natural sounds at tent sites near Snellville. J A. describes Ocmulgee River Camp as "Very nice a bit bumpy on the drive in but no major holes. Quiet and peaceful 2 neighbors great amount of space to find a nice spot." The distance from major roads reduces traffic noise at many locations.
Seasonal variations: Tent camping experiences change significantly with seasons. Micah C. notes, "I enjoyed my stay here during the day" at Tyler Hunt Camp, while SJ W. shares a winter experience at Ocmulgee River Camp: "It was nice and warm even in December! Almost 70 degrees!"
What you should know
Site access challenges: Several tent camping areas require preparation for difficult access roads. Greg D. describes Ocmulgee River Camp: "Open spaces and very quiet this time of the year (January) train horn in the distance and gunshots in the distance as well from hunters here and there but all around a great spot to really enjoy."
Facility limitations: Most tent sites near Snellville offer minimal amenities. Michael S. describes Ocmulgee River Camp as having a "Nice open camp site with plenty of spots for camping. Only a mile off the road, which is a little bumpy but manageable."
Safety considerations: Some camping areas experience changes in activity patterns after dark. Micah C. reports: "As night fell, I began preparing for bed, but I noticed vehicles coming and going—at least three within an hour. Around 10 PM, a few Mustangs pulled up and sat for about 45 minutes."
Weather impacts: The region's humidity affects tent camping comfort significantly. According to SJ W., conditions can be "a little buggy since it was humid and by the river but not too bad."
Tips for camping with families
Accessibility planning: When tent camping with children near Snellville, choose sites with shorter walks from parking. Jessica D. notes that Panola Mountain State Park has "Just a few campsites around a pond. Not many trees around and no commodities. Close to a few hiking places but you have to drive to get to them."
Space considerations: Look for tent sites with sufficient room for family setups. James Shackleford Memorial Park provides good options according to Neil R.: "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."
Bathroom facilities: Verify bathroom availability before arrival with children. Vivian T. mentions at Laurel Park, "We appreciate the hot water in the bathroom," while Josh D. indicates the facilities at Buford Dam Park had limitations: "The bathrooms were locked when we went so make sure you keep that in mind when coming here."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookups: Most tent-focused campgrounds near Snellville offer minimal RV accommodations. Hembree Park Campground has limitations according to Xochilt E.: "It's not an RV park, they said there's is a little section of the park for rv but non hookups of any kind."
Urban-adjacent camping: RVers seeking convenience to Atlanta can find options with limited amenities. Asher K. describes Atlanta West Campground: "This is much more of a mobile home or RV park than a campground since most of the people staying here are set up for long term residency rather than for a night or two. Additionally, it is right near downtown Atlanta and alongside a highway."
Site surface conditions: Tent campers should note that some RV-friendly sites have paved surfaces. Vivian T. explains: "We arrived late at night. The campground was on cemented floor, which we did not realize till we got there."