Camping areas surrounding Lithia Springs, Georgia consist of diverse terrain and camping options within the Chattahoochee River watershed. Located approximately 20 miles west of Atlanta, this area features elevations between 700-1,100 feet with distinct seasonal patterns affecting camping conditions. Water levels at lakefront campgrounds typically fluctuate seasonally, with summer bringing higher water tables to Lake Allatoona and nearby reservoir areas.
What to do
Historical exploration: Take a 2-mile hike to the Manchester Mill ruins at Sweetwater Creek State Park Campground. "This is a great state park with good fishing on three lakes. Make sure you go see Manchester Mill Ruins," shares Mike K. The hike follows moderately challenging terrain with some rock scrambling required.
Lake activities: Access rental watercraft at Red Top Mountain State Park Campground for day use on Lake Allatoona. "The water is nice and cool. The people here are so friendly and helpful. Perfect lake to boat and fish on," notes Tracy L H. Day passes cost $5 per vehicle, with kayak rentals available from $15/hour.
Swimming: Visit designated beach areas at Clark Creek North Campground where shallow entry points make water access easier. "My daughter and I went camping here for 2 nights right on the beach it was like having the beach all to ourselves," explains Sharrah B. Swimming areas remain unguarded, so personal flotation devices are recommended.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses at many area campgrounds receive consistent positive feedback. "The bathhouse was an uphill hike probably 300 ft away but was modern and clean with hot showers and good water pressure," comments Jeff E. about Red Top Mountain State Park Campground. Bathroom facilities often include credit card-operated laundry machines.
Proximity to Atlanta: Easy access to urban conveniences while maintaining natural settings. "This is close enough to metro to make for a quick getaway. The trail around the lake is good and in the winter it is not too far north has to be too cold to get outside in a tent," says Anna R. Most campgrounds in the region are within 30-45 minutes of downtown Atlanta.
Private sites: Many campgrounds offer secluded spots despite their proximity to metropolitan areas. "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. Most spots provide complete privacy from your neighbors because of all the trees," writes Kathy B.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Campground availability varies throughout the year with some facilities operating seasonally. "Sweetwater Campground has a season from March 15 to September 7," according to campground data. Winter camping options become more limited, with fewer facilities maintaining water hookups during freeze-potential months.
Security concerns: Theft can occur even in gated campgrounds near metropolitan areas. "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," warns Chris C. about Clark Creek North Campground. Secure valuable items when away from your campsite.
Road conditions: Interior roads at some campgrounds require careful navigation. "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," notes Brock D. about Red Top Mountain State Park. Road deterioration is commonly mentioned in reviews of campgrounds throughout the area.
Noise factors: Highway proximity affects sound levels at several best places to camp near Lithia Springs. "This park is about 30-40 minutes outside of Atlanta right off of I-75. If you are in a tent... 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," explains Jeff E.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Check campgrounds with dedicated swimming areas and hiking trails suitable for younger visitors. "This isnt for backpackers but for camping with your family, its good. They have water and outlets and very very clean bathrooms. Like cleaner than a Publix bathroom. Kid friendly," shares Cris C. about Red Top Mountain State Park Campground.
Junior Ranger programs: Participate in educational activities offered at state parks during summer months. "Friendly staff, with the Jr ranger program still going with the help of adult campers during covid. Still so much fun and so clean and beautiful!!" says Cheryl C. These programs typically operate weekends and provide structured activities lasting 1-2 hours.
Space considerations: Select sites with adequate room for play equipment and family gatherings. "The tent pad was large but extremely hard to drive tent stakes into... smaller stakes worked better," advises one camper. Sites near Lithia Springs often have compacted soil requiring specialized stakes or alternative tent securing methods.
Tips from RVers
Site access: Check campground roads before booking if driving larger rigs. "As our rig is 40', we needed to watch the trees on a couple of corner turns and then pull down into our site," cautions MickandKarla W. about Clark Creek North Campground. Many campgrounds near Lithia Springs have tight turns and low-hanging branches.
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven sites at some campgrounds in the area. "We got the rig into the levelist position possible to get our rig's steps down to an assessable position and fairly level, but we did need to add levelers to our steps and the passenger-side tires," shares MickandKarla W.
Long-term vs. short-term stays: Consider campground atmosphere when planning your visit. "Sweetwater Creek RV Reserve is definitely urban. The sites aren't much wider than the trailers. You definitely won't sit outside for the scenery. Maybe 2/3 to 3/4 of the sites looked to be occupied by long-term residents but all of the units looked to be in good repair," explains Art Z.
