Tent camping opportunities near Kennesaw, Georgia range from primitive sites to walk-in locations within an hour's drive. Located in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains at approximately 1,000 feet elevation, this area experiences humid summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F, while winter nights can drop below freezing. Fall camping offers moderate temperatures with colorful foliage, but requires advance reservations at most established campgrounds.
What to do
Hiking opportunities: At Springer Mountain Shelter, campers can access the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. "The shelter is only 1 mile away from the nearest parking lot, or you can start at Amicalola and hike the 8 miles for the Approach Trail," notes one visitor. Another adds it's "definitely recommend setting up, eating dinner, then heading back to the terminus to watch the sunset there."
Fishing spots: Buford Dam Park Shelters provides access to year-round fishing on Lake Lanier. "Wonderful walks, good fishing most of the year. Can be heavily used at times," reports one camper. Fishing permits are required, and the park features a seasonal swimming area with sand beach.
Wildlife observation: Primitive camping sites offer opportunities to hear local wildlife. The natural surroundings provide habitat for coyotes, deer, and various bird species. "Night time was brisk and windy with a full moon. Great spot," mentions a camper at Springer Mountain.
What campers like
Privacy options: Many tent campers appreciate the secluded sites at Serenity Ridge. "Beautiful, secluded, off-grid camping," notes one reviewer. The site offers a unique feature where "you don't need camping gear. A tent or two can be set up, ready for you. Cooler stocked with ice. Firewood stacked by the fire pit."
Convenience: Some campsites are surprisingly accessible despite feeling remote. At Atlanta West Campground, "The campsite's proximity to I-20 makes it super convenient to get to. It's a great spot for a quick trip or a longer stay, and the friendly seasonal campers really add to the community vibe."
Water features: Multiple campgrounds offer water access. Atlanta West Campground has "a cool river that is in the back side" according to one reviewer, while Buford Dam Park provides lake access with "nice scenery" though it's "usually very busy."
What you should know
Amenity limitations: Most tent sites have minimal facilities. At Hideaway Park, a newer campground, "You can tell that the property has been empty for quite some time, but I saw a pretty good bit of progress during the time I spent there." Facilities are improving but still basic.
Water availability: Water sources at backcountry sites can be unreliable, especially in summer. One camper at Springer Mountain noted that "last July it was just a small trickle but still filled our bottles." Always carry extra water or purification methods.
Reservation challenges: Some campgrounds have communication issues. At Atlanta West Campground, a camper reported they were "almost impossible for us to contact! We ended up staying somewhere else after a week of calling and not getting through."
Wildlife concerns: Shelter camping requires proper food storage. Springer Mountain Shelter provides bear boxes, but campers should "expect mice and other creatures if you stay at the shelter."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Hembree Park Campground offers spacious tent sites suitable for families. "Nice place very clean and plenty of room for me and my family," reports one camper, adding "we enjoy the freedom and the neighbors are very friendly."
Educational opportunities: Some parks offer guided nature programs. At Panola Mountain, one visitor shared: "We took the guided tour of the Mountain and it was awesome. We ate Pine Trees and they explained about lichen and the red fungus. Highly recommended."
Bathroom considerations: Not all sites have toilet facilities. Buford Dam Park visitors noted, "The bathrooms were locked when we went so make sure you keep that in mind when coming here. There is not a convenience store for miles, the nearest is 20-30 mins drive away."
Weekend planning: Popular sites fill quickly on weekends. One camper at Buford Dam Park noted it "is a nice place to just come and stroll around for a bit... It is usually busy by people just driving thru."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most tent camping areas around Kennesaw have minimal or no RV facilities. Hembree Park Campground reports: "It's not an RV park, they said there is a little section of the park for RV but non hookups of any kind."
Access challenges: Many campgrounds have narrow or difficult access roads. At Panola Mountain State Park Campground, one visitor described it as having a "beautiful area...tough to get to" and another mentioned tent sites requiring a "3/4 mile walk in."
Alternative options: RVers seeking more amenities might consider surrounding counties. "Only a couple miles away is Sweetwater State Park which is well worth a visit and has some wonderful hiking trails," notes a reviewer who stayed at Atlanta West.
