Best Campgrounds near Kingston, GA

The area surrounding Kingston, Georgia features multiple lakefront campgrounds managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers along Lake Allatoona. Red Top Mountain State Park Campground provides accommodations ranging from traditional tent sites to RV hookups, cabins, and glamping options. McKaskey Creek Campground and McKinney Campground offer water-based recreation with direct lake access. Most established campgrounds in the region provide electric hookups, with several offering full RV facilities including sewer connections, sanitary dump stations, and 50-amp service.

Seasonal operations vary significantly among the mixed-use campgrounds in the area. While McKinney Campground maintains year-round availability, other facilities like McKaskey Creek operate with limited seasons, typically from March through early September. Most developed campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer months when lakefront sites fill quickly. The hilly terrain at some campgrounds requires careful consideration when selecting sites. "It's a hilly place, take lots of leveling blocks but we made the best of it," notes one visitor about Gatewood Park Campground.

Campers consistently highlight the peaceful atmosphere and spacious sites at McKaskey Creek, with one reviewer describing it as "very quiet and kid-friendly with a nice playground, kept very clean." Water access represents a primary attraction across most campgrounds, with swimming beaches, boat launches, and fishing opportunities. Several Corps of Engineers campgrounds provide waterfront sites with varying levels of privacy. Site selection proves important, as some campgrounds feature considerable differences in shade coverage, slope, and proximity to amenities. While most developed campgrounds maintain clean facilities, some visitors mention bathroom maintenance as variable. Clark Creek North Campground and Victoria Campground receive particularly positive reviews for their water access and site quality, making them popular choices for summer camping.

Best Camping Sites Near Kingston, Georgia (162)

    1. Red Top Mountain State Park Campground

    78 Reviews
    Emerson, GA
    15 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."

    "I camped at Red Top regularly when I lived in Georgia 28 years ago. I’ll definitely be returning."

    2. Mckinney Campground

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

    $30 - $34 / 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."

    3. Sweetwater Campground

    31 Reviews
    Lebanon, GA
    21 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. Mckaskey Creek Campground

    12 Reviews
    Emerson, GA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (678) 721-6700

    $24 - $34 / night

    "My dad SCUBA dives quite a bit in a quarry nearby, so this is a great site for the family to stay with the camper."

    "It also seems as though most have access to the lake and the bath houses are pretty clean."

    5. Marina Resort - Allatoona Landing

    11 Reviews
    Emerson, GA
    16 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"

    6. Clark Creek North Campground

    12 Reviews
    Acworth, GA
    18 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."

    7. Victoria Campground

    15 Reviews
    Lebanon, GA
    19 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"

    8. McKinney Campground

    10 Reviews
    Emerson, GA
    17 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. Nude in the country

    2 Reviews
    Adairsville, GA
    8 miles
    +1 (470) 309-3668

    $25 - $65 / night

    10. Gatewood Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Emerson, GA
    14 miles
    Website

    "Campsites have great views of Lake Allatoona. Only 4 stars because campsites are very close to each other and the road through the campground is very hilly and curvy."

    "Near the water and tons of huge rocks. So beautiful!"

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Recent Reviews near Kingston, GA

898 Reviews of 162 Kingston 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.

  • 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.

  • Bobbi Jo P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Hickory Gap

    One of our favorite places!

    Nice small campground with 5 sites. Fills up during hunting season. Can't beat the peaceful sounds of the creek and nature at its finest!

  • K
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Campville LLC

    Close to Interstate 75

    This camp ground is amazing. Especially if you have kids. Indoor pool. Pickleball courts. Amazing game room. The host is very hospitable!!

  • 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!

  • b
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Campville LLC

    Great stay

    Super clean campground with great amenities!! Only a mile from 75 but doesn't feel like it's located by the interstate. Highly recommend checking the place out!

  • 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.


Guide to Kingston

Lake Allatoona serves as the primary water feature for camping near Kingston, Georgia, with most campgrounds situated along its 270 miles of shoreline. The lake sits at approximately 840 feet above sea level, with seasonal water level fluctuations that can impact beach access at certain campgrounds. Summer temperatures regularly reach the 90s, making the lake's swimming areas particularly valuable during peak camping season.

What to do

Swimming at designated beaches: McKinney Campground offers two sand beach swimming areas that remain active throughout the camping season. "We enjoyed the BBQ grill and the fire pit and the view of the water. The girls swum in the lake," notes a visitor at McKinney.

Hiking historical trails: Several campgrounds connect to local historical sites. "We love the water. We also love the historical trails that lead to the old civil war mill. It's a great hike," mentions a camper at Sweetwater Campground.

Kayaking and boating: Most campgrounds provide boat ramps or direct water access. "We rented kayaks from a local company, Murphy's, and enjoyed time out on the lake every day! Our grandsons had a great time swimming at the beach area...yes, in Georgia you can swim in October!" reports a visitor to McKinney Campground.

Fishing for multiple species: Lake Allatoona supports diverse fishing opportunities. "We love to fish and we always catch several kinds but the crappie are so delicious," shares a camper at Mckinney Campground.

What campers like

Private waterfront sites: Clark Creek North Campground receives consistent praise for its layout. "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," explains one reviewer.

Clean facilities: Bathroom maintenance stands out at several locations. "Bathrooms are large and clean with hot showers and good water pressure. The park is clean and scenic," mentions a camper at Red Top Mountain State Park.

Wildlife viewing: The natural surroundings support diverse wildlife. "Always see deer and other wild life. Sites are large and well placed. Many sites with lakeview to choose from," notes a visitor to Mckinney Campground.

Well-maintained campsites: Victoria Campground receives praise for its spacious sites. "The sites are very large, and everyone I saw had lots of privacy! Restrooms are large and clean!"

What you should know

Terrain challenges: The hilly landscape can create leveling difficulties. At Gatewood Park Campground, "It's a hilly place, take lots of leveling blocks but we made the best of it," explains one camper who adds, "Oh bring a long water hose for some reason the people that placed the water hook up have never owned a camper."

Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking during peak season. "We booked the campground at the last minute but they were still able to get us in. We met a few of the attendants during our stay and they were all so very kind," shares a visitor to Gatewood Park.

Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby transportation. "You will hear I-75 traffic all night so keep in mind, that while it looks like country, you are not deep in nature...the drone of the highway will remind you. There is a train that blows its whistle that will wake you up 3 times each night," reports a camper at Red Top Mountain State Park.

Limited hookup options: Not all sites offer full amenities. "Most sites don't have sewer hookup but there is a dump station and randomly placed gray water dumps which aren't really accessible while parked unless you have a 50'+ hose," notes a visitor to Marina Resort - Allatoona Landing.

Tips for camping with families

Beach access for kids: Multiple campgrounds offer swimming areas. "My daughter and I went camping here for 2 nights right on the beach it was like having the beach all to ourselves. We went on a weekday so the people at the front actually let us switch sites," explains a family at Clark Creek North.

Playground availability: Several campgrounds maintain playground facilities. "Very quiet and kid-friendly with a nice playground, kept very clean," notes a camper at McKaskey Creek Campground.

Weekday visits for quieter experience: Less crowded conditions occur mid-week. "The first night we got here it was packed, like crazy packed with tent campers... the next day the tent campers left and I got to see how nice it actually is here! Plenty of space for the kids to play and just walk right into the water," shares a family at Marina Resort - Allatoona Landing.

Wildlife encounters: "There's tons of duck and geese that just walk right into your site, which is really entertaining for children," mentions a visitor to Marina Resort.

Tips from RVers

Site selection considerations: Due to the hilly terrain, carefully research specific sites. "Driving a 30+ ft camper/RV through the park is a little sketchy in some areas. Many trees so spots are shaded," warns a visitor to Gatewood Park Campground.

Low clearance warnings: Some campgrounds have challenging access points. "Notice - the campground entrance is located between 2 railroad crossings and each have low ground clearance and located in turns," cautions an RVer at Marina Resort - Allatoona Landing.

Limited availability for larger rigs: Site dimensions can be deceiving. "We stayed at site #9 said it was a 40' site our 37 took every inch of it," notes an RVer at Gatewood Park Campground.

Dump station congestion: "The dump site gets really busy. They could really use 2 trash/dump sites as this is a large campground and it stays full," advises a camper at McKinney Campground.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Kingston, GA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Kingston, GA offers a wide range of camping options, with 162 campgrounds and RV parks near Kingston, GA and 6 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Kingston, GA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Kingston, GA is Red Top Mountain State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 78 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Kingston, GA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Kingston, GA.

What parks are near Kingston, GA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Kingston, GA that allow camping, notably Allatoona Lake and Carters Lake.