Camping spots near Lithonia, Georgia offer a mix of lakeside and wooded sites within an hour's drive of Atlanta. The area features red clay soil typical of Georgia Piedmont region, with elevations ranging from 700 to 1,000 feet. Summer temperatures often reach the high 80s to 90s with humidity levels above 70%, making water-based camping locations particularly popular.
What to do
Kayaking and paddleboarding: At Stone Mountain Park Campground, campers have direct water access for personal watercraft. "My husband and son enjoyed fishing and paddle boarding right behind our site. There was a lot to see and do at Stone Mountain," reports Susan K.
Moonlight kayak tours: Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground organizes special guided night paddling experiences. "They offered a kayak by moonlight group tour that was fun," writes Maethea R., who appreciated the unique evening activity option.
Hiking the granite formations: The Arabia Mountain area features unusual rock landscapes near Atlanta Glamping. According to ERIC G., "Lots of quality quiet time short walk to Arabia Mountain part hiking fishing and bike riding saw people roller skating also."
Wildlife observation: Deer are common visitors at many campsites, especially at dawn and dusk. "While hiking we saw a lot of beautiful wildlife!!!" notes Jennifer T. about her Stone Mountain experience, while deer sightings are frequently mentioned at Hard Labor Creek.
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: Campers consistently praise lakefront access at Stone Mountain. "Our site was on the lake. There was a nice picnic table and partial view of the lake even though we didn't have 'lake view' site," shares Tonya B.
Clean facilities: High Falls State Park Campground receives positive reviews for maintenance. "Restrooms and shower were always clean!" reports Jim R., who returned for multiple visits after his first stay.
Hiking trail quality: Trail systems with clear markers get high marks. "The trails are well-maintained and clearly marked!" notes George & Patty C. about Hard Labor Creek's network of paths.
Walk-in camping options: More secluded sites are available for those willing to carry gear a short distance. "If you're like me and appreciate a bit of privacy when camping, the walk-in campsites at Fort Yargo are the place to go. Just a short 1-2 minutes walk from your car and bathrooms," recommends Amalia K.
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly: Some campgrounds offer more privacy than others. "Not cramped at all and most of the sites are spread apart to provide privacy!" reports George & Patty C. about Hard Labor Creek, while others note closely spaced sites elsewhere.
Weekend crowds vs. weekday tranquility: Timing affects experience dramatically. "The weekend nights were so crowded with cars spilling into the camp roads, loads of large groups at each site. Felt very claustrophobic. On weekdays the park became a (lovely) ghost town," explains Christina about her Fort Yargo State Park Campground stay.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity can be spotty in certain areas. "Cell phone service is very spotty in the park but that is alright with us, camping is about getting AWAY and enjoying the outdoors," notes George & Patty C.
Reservation requirements: Site-specific booking is increasingly common. "This campground is now site-specific (meaning that you reserve a specific site prior to arrival) and this worked perfectly for us because we're familiar with the best sites!" explains George & Patty C.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Panola Mountain State Park Campground offers educational experiences for children. "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. Highly recommended," shares Holly B.
Kid-friendly hiking: Several parks feature trails suitable for younger hikers. "There are tons of things to do from Golf, hiking, zoo, laser show, food and you can hike the mountain or take a ride to the top," notes Holly B. about Stone Mountain's options.
Centralized playgrounds: High Falls is designed with families in mind. "This campground is great if you have kids. The playground is centrally located. Trails are easy to get to and the falls are a nice sight," reports Bille W.
Wildlife encounters: Scheduled night hikes allow for unique animal sightings. "Very peaceful and even had the sounds of a vibrant coyote pack," shares Michael T. about his Panola Mountain experience.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Some sites require significant adjustment. "The only downfall was that the trailer needed a lot of leveling. But it was totally worth it," notes Susan K. about her Stone Mountain experience.
Limited full-hookup availability: Research site amenities carefully. "Had we known we would have taken showers in our own camper," writes Maethea R., who discovered her Hard Labor Creek site had unexpected sewer connections.
Grey water dump stations: Hard Labor Creek provides convenient options. "The park has numerous cottages to rent, a group shelter, picnic pavilions and even a mini-golf course (newly renovated)!" notes George & Patty C.
GPS routing caution: Some navigation systems direct RVs along problematic routes. "Be careful and follow the Campground signs and not your GPS because you might come in a different way and have to navigate an overpass that, for some rigs, is too short!" warns Debbie K.
