Best Campgrounds near Kennesaw, GA

Kennesaw, Georgia provides access to several mixed-use campgrounds within a short drive of the city. Red Top Mountain State Park Campground offers tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping options along the shores of Lake Allatoona. McKinney Campground, located approximately 15 miles northwest of Kennesaw, features waterfront camping with boat-in access and developed sites for both tent and RV campers. The region includes both Army Corps of Engineers facilities and Georgia state parks, with most campgrounds providing electric hookups, water access, and established camping areas with fire rings and picnic tables.

Reservations are strongly recommended at most developed campgrounds in the area, particularly during summer months when lakeside sites fill quickly. Many campgrounds remain open year-round, though some facilities like Sweetwater Campground operate seasonally from March through September. The terrain around Lake Allatoona features moderate hills with some campgrounds requiring navigation of steep roads. Most sites offer good shade coverage from the abundant hardwood forests typical of northern Georgia. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, though coverage may vary in more remote camping areas. A visitor noted, "If you want lake front, they got it! Almost all sites either have a view of the lake or are right on lake Allatoona!"

Campers report high satisfaction with waterfront sites, which tend to be the most sought-after locations in the area. Lake Allatoona serves as the centerpiece for outdoor recreation, with multiple campgrounds offering direct water access for swimming, fishing, and boating. Several visitors mentioned the family-friendly nature of these campgrounds, with amenities like playgrounds, beaches, and hiking trails. The proximity to Atlanta makes these camping areas popular weekend destinations, with many campers appreciating the wooded settings despite being relatively close to urban areas. While some campgrounds feature more RV-oriented facilities, tent campers can find suitable sites throughout the region. One camper shared that "Georgia Veteran's Memorial State Park, McKinney Campground on Allatoona Lake is very woodsy and a nice lake. Hiking, rafting/etc, and walking all around."

Best Camping Sites Near Kennesaw, Georgia (154)

    1. Red Top Mountain State Park Campground

    78 Reviews
    Emerson, GA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (770) 975-0055

    $40 - $315 / night

    "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."

    "Our site I believe was 51 and steps away from The water. Easy check in and friendly staff."

    2. Mckinney Campground

    24 Reviews
    Emerson, GA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (678) 721-6700

    $30 - $34 / night

    "Campground Review: This campground is an excellent place to stay not far outside of the bustling metropolis of Atlanta."

    "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."

    3. Sweetwater Campground

    31 Reviews
    Lebanon, GA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (678) 721-6700

    $24 - $290 / 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."

    4. Victoria Campground

    15 Reviews
    Lebanon, GA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (678) 721-6700

    $24 - $34 / 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"

    5. Clark Creek North Campground

    12 Reviews
    Acworth, GA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (770) 387-5149

    $34 / 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."

    6. Payne Campground

    13 Reviews
    Woodstock, GA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (678) 721-6700

    $24 - $68 / night

    "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."

    7. Marina Resort - Allatoona Landing

    11 Reviews
    Emerson, GA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (770) 974-6089

    $42 - $52 / 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"

    8. McKinney Campground

    10 Reviews
    Emerson, GA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (678) 721-6700

    $28 / 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."

    9. COE Allatoona Lake Old Highway 41 No 3 Campground

    9 Reviews
    Emerson, GA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (678) 721-6700

    $30 - $68 / 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."

    10. Sweetwater Creek State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    Lithia Springs, GA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (770) 732-5871

    $28 - $100 / 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."

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Recent Reviews near Kennesaw, GA

922 Reviews of 154 Kennesaw Campgrounds


  • Sarah H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Clark Creek South Campground

    Rules not enforced

    The sites are very small and very close together. The lake does have beautiful views. I give 1 star because no rules are enforced. There was no quiet time for us. People were partying, loud music, yelling, being loud up to 3/4am. Both Friday and Saturday nights. It was so bad Friday night that we went to the local Dollar Tree for EAR PLUGS so we could sleep Saturday night. The gate is locked at 10pm however the gate will let you out. A camper below us went to the gate about 11pm and let 2 other cars in. 1 vehicle went out, 3 come in. No rules are enforced. We do not recommend it. The host site is an eye sore. It needs to be cleaned up. It's such a mess! The lake is so beautiful, though.

  • A
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Margaritaville

    Best Campground Ever

    My wife and I went here for a week back in June 2025. I’ve been to many campgrounds in my day and I can say this one by far is the best. Clean campsites, fun amenities and great golf.

    We went to a Braves game one night since it is only an hour away and made may fond memories. I have already scheduled my week to go back again in 2026!

  • G F.
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Amicalola Falls State Park Camping

    Overpriced

    Like some of the other privately managed Georgia state parks, our visit here was disappointing.

    The issues started at the welcome center. The RV parking area was full of cars, even though plenty of regular parking spots were open. When we mentioned it to staff, the response was dismissive — one employee told us, “that’s above my paygrade.”

    The restroom at the welcome center was also a low point. The toilets are stainless steel with no seats — the kind you’d expect to see in a jail — and designed so shallow that whether you sit or hover, you end up getting splashed. It’s an unpleasant and unsanitary setup.

    The campground itself felt neglected, with rotting picnic tables and a general lack of upkeep. It’s also isolated from the rest of the park — there isn’t even a connector trail from the camping area to a single hiking trail, which makes it feel cut off from the very amenities most people come for. At $60 a night, you’d expect at least a basic map of the trails and amenities, but instead you’re told to snap a photo of a cardboard display. That felt like corner-cutting.

    One memorable (and concerning) part of the stay was the bear activity. In September, several bears came through the campground, startling tent campers who had to retreat inside their cars for safety.

    All in all, while the natural setting of Amicalola Falls is beautiful, the way the park is managed left the overall experience underwhelming and, at times, frustrating.

  • Ney N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Woodring Branch Primitive Campground — Carters Lake

    Slice of heaven cost: $10

    My partner always said he loved going here as a kid, so we went. $10 a night was a bargain and I did not expect much. The site we picked was near the restrooms, which were very well kept. It was quiet, beautiful, and an absolute slice of heaven. We went swimming and exploring. It did not feel overcrowded or busy. We walked down the peninsula at night to stargaze surrounded by water. I didn't want to leave and go back to the real world.

  • Brittany B.
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Clark Creek South Campground

    Great view of the Lake

    The campsite was right next to the swimming beach so little to no privacy and very loud. Although I slept very well in my tent because Quiet hours were observed. It was nice waking up to view of Lake Allatoona. Lady at the gate was rude when checking in so make sure to “READ the sign!” Other than that bathrooms were clean and they have laundry and hot water showers. Will most likely be back!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Calhoun A-OK Campground

    Now called CedarBreak…

    Not KOA anymore - the campground has been renamed CedarBreak. New owners and they are very nice and helpful. Nicely Renovated office and store. Upgraded our site when they knew our plans. Minor sound from adjacent road, other than that very quiet, clean, nice layout with trees, good site spacing, I’ll be back.

  • Suzanne-Will C.
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Woodring Branch Primitive Campground — Carters Lake

    Great Tent Camping

    I love that this was a tent only camping site (no RVs). The sites were a bit smaller than I would have liked but as it was just the 10 sites on the road, the kids could safely play in the road. The water was by the toilets at the entrance but easily walkable from the sites.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Winding Waters RV Resort

    Labor Day Weekend Glamping

    We booked Friday through Sunday of Labor Day weekend. We arrived after hours on Friday, and our check-in packet was prepared and ready for us when we arrived. No problems checking in and getting hooked up.

    The RV park is enormous, new and extremely well-kept. Our spot was next to the Etowah River and was one of the few that is on gravel and not concrete. The few gravel lots are among the quietest of this very busy place.

    There are plenty of things to do for a family...lazy river pool, pickle ball, etc. There are kids, electric scooters, electric everything flying around the park morning to evening. It's not necessarily a problem so long as you know what to expect. This is a less quiet place than many others that we have stayed at.

    Lots of investment in 5G WiFi towers, but WiFi is not terribly good. I opted to pull out my StarLink for a better, high bandwidth connection.

    My wife and I travel with e-bikes, so we were glad that it was easy to get to southern Cartersville in about 3 miles and to the Cooper's Furnace Day Area also in about 3 miles.

    Overall, and great place as long as you know you're signing up for a pretty active RV resort geared toward lots of family activity. Not particularly quiet. I'll come back... really enjoyed the cleanliness, order and adherence to strict rules.


Guide to Kennesaw

Camping options near Kennesaw, Georgia largely center around Lake Allatoona, with the lake's 12,000 acres serving as the focal point for water recreation. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F, while fall camping benefits from cooler nights in the 50s-60s and colorful hardwood foliage. Most campgrounds in the area sit at elevations between 800-900 feet, with moderate hills and established campsites requiring navigation of some steep access roads.

What to do

Water activities: Lake Allatoona: The lake offers multiple access points for recreation across several campgrounds. "We took some great pictures and meditated on the water. I recommend this park to anyone living in the area or just passing through," notes a visitor to Sweetwater Creek State Park Campground.

Hiking: Explore mill ruins: Historical sites provide interesting hiking destinations. "Make sure you go see Manchester Mill Ruins," recommends a camper at Sweetwater Creek State Park. Another visitor adds, "The park is set up on the land of an old factory that used the river to power a water wheel. There are a whole bunch of trails of varying difficulty and length that meander through the woods along the river."

Fishing: Early morning catches: The calm waters of coves and inlets provide good fishing opportunities. "We always catch several kinds but the crappie are so delicious," shares a regular visitor to Mckinney Campground.

Swimming: Beach access: Many campgrounds feature swimming areas with sandy beaches. A visitor at Mckinney Campground mentions, "The girls swum in the lake," while another camper notes, "We tent camped here on site 45 in October 2017... Our grandsons had a great time swimming at the beach area...yes, in Georgia you can swim in October!"

What campers like

Private waterfront sites: Many campers prioritize lakeside locations. At Victoria Campground, "The sites are very large, and everyone I saw had lots of privacy! Restrooms are large and clean!" One camper appreciated that "Lots of sites are waterfront or has access to the lake, that is a plus. The lake area is tranquil and quiet."

Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses are frequently mentioned in positive reviews. A visitor to Clark Creek North Campground noted, "Shower house is clean and well maintained also has laundry facilities. Hosts are friendly. Has lots of power and water sites as well as tent sites with nice gravel tent pads."

Wildlife viewing: The natural setting offers opportunities to observe local fauna. "Always see deer and other wild life," comments a regular at Mckinney Campground. At Marina Resort, a camper mentioned, "There's tons of duck and geese that just walk right into your site... which is really entertaining for children."

Proximity to Atlanta: The convenience of camping so close to the city is appreciated. "This is close enough to metro to make for a quick getaway," notes a camper at Red Top Mountain State Park. Another camper at Payne Campground shared, "This campground is an excellent place to stay not far outside of the bustling metropolis of Atlanta. If you want to camp instead of a hotel, believe me, you need to stop here instead of trying to find something safe and camp-worthy closer to the city."

What you should know

Seasonal operations: Not all campgrounds operate year-round. "Sweetwater is open May till September," notes a visitor, and other campgrounds like Victoria have similar seasonal limitations (typically "March 28 to October 6").

Highway noise: The proximity to major roadways affects some campgrounds. A camper at Sweetwater Campground mentioned, "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."

Train disturbances: Railways near some campgrounds cause noise disruptions. A visitor to Marina Resort noted, "Notice - the campground entrance is located between 2 railroad crossings and each have low ground clearance and located in turns. Also the trains run pretty close by the campground roughly on the hour."

Limited tent camping options: Some campgrounds better serve RV campers. "It's definitely not quiet unless you're in an RV. And I guess we camped on the wrong morning too because they started mowing the lawn at around 8:30-9 am after listening the highway all night. 10/10 do not recommend tent camping here," warned a visitor to Mckinney Campground.

Security concerns: Some campgrounds have reported theft issues. A camper at Clark Creek North shared, "After discussing the issue with the campground staff, we were informed that locals often come through the woods and even wade through the edge of the lake to steal from the campground."

Tips for camping with families

Beach activities: Multiple swimming areas: Several campgrounds feature dedicated swimming beaches with varying amenities. "Sweetwater has a nice park with a Beach. We camped right next to the beach and the kids loved it. Beautiful place," notes a camper. Another visitor mentioned, "This campground has a beautiful big beach! Boat ramps also."

Playground access: Several campgrounds have play equipment for children. At Marina Resort - Allatoona Landing, a visitor noted, "We had a good time on our weekend trip. Place had a pool and 2 playgrounds. Great for kids."

Family-friendly facilities: Some campgrounds specifically cater to families with clean bathrooms and amenities. "This isn't for backpackers but for camping with your family, it's good. They have water and outlets and very very clean bathrooms. Like cleaner than a Publix bathroom. Kid friendly," commented a visitor to Red Top Mountain State Park.

Wildlife entertainment: Natural animal encounters provide entertainment for children. A family at Marina Resort shared, "There's tons of duck and geese that just walk right into your site... which is really entertaining for children."

Tips from RVers

Site selection considerations: Many campgrounds have challenging terrain for larger rigs. "Heavily wooded sites that are not well maintained. Very narrow roads in the campground with lots of pot holes. Not the easiest state park to pull a travel trailer in. Sites were very narrow," warned an RVer about Red Top Mountain State Park.

Leveling challenges: The hilly terrain requires preparation for leveling. "Many of the sites are very steep and slanted and causes difficulty getting your trailer or RV into the site. Makes leveling very difficult," notes an RVer at Mckinney Campground.

Dump station logistics: Some campgrounds have limited dumping facilities relative to their size. A visitor at Victoria Campground shared, "There is only one dumpstation. The gate is open from 7 AM until 10:30 PM. NO ONE gets in after hours!"

Full hookup availability: Not all sites offer sewer connections. "Many campgrounds feature more RV-oriented facilities, with amenities like electric hookups, water access, and established camping areas with fire rings and picnic tables, though some campgrounds offer more RV-oriented facilities than others."

Frequently Asked Questions

Is camping allowed at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park?

No, overnight camping is not permitted at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park as it's a historical preservation site. For camping options near Kennesaw, consider Red Top Mountain State Park Campground about 20 minutes away, which offers both tent and RV sites with modern amenities. Another good option is Mckinney Campground on Lake Allatoona, which provides an excellent alternative not far from Kennesaw while still being close enough to visit the battlefield as a day trip.

What RV parks are available near Kennesaw, GA?

Several RV parks are available near Kennesaw. Atlanta West Campground is a convenient option with full hookups and is relatively close to the city. Sweetwater Creek RV Reserve offers another good choice with sites that can accommodate larger rigs. For a more natural setting while still having RV amenities, consider Corps of Engineers parks on Lake Allatoona such as Payne Campground or Clark Creek North, both offering water and electric hookups with easy lake access.

Where can I find tent camping sites near Kennesaw?

For tent camping near Kennesaw, Chattahoochee Bend State Park Campground offers beautiful sites with five miles of river frontage, though with limited shade. For a more mountainous experience, Amicalola Falls State Park Camping features tent sites near a stunning 730-foot waterfall. If you prefer a lakeside setting, Doll Mountain Campground on Carter's Lake provides secluded tent sites tucked into the trees with hammock spots and nearby hiking trails, though be prepared for steep roads leading to the campground.