Stone Mountain Park Campground offers diverse camping options beyond traditional tent sites, with RV hookups, cabins, and yurt accommodations surrounding East Lake. Located 20 miles east of Atlanta, the park provides camping experiences for all skill levels with sites ranging from basic to premium lakefront locations. The campground's elevation of approximately 1,000 feet offers moderate temperatures during camping season, with summer highs in the 80s and cooler autumn evenings in the 50s.
What to do
Hiking accessible trails: At Fort Yargo State Park, the trail system accommodates various skill levels. "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, but you feel much more secluded than the campsites in the regular campground," notes Amalia K.
Kayaking on peaceful waters: Paddlers enjoy the calm lakes throughout the region. "My husband and son enjoyed fishing and paddle boarding right behind our site. There was a lot to see and do at Stone Mountain," shares Susan K. Many campgrounds rent kayaks and paddleboards for hourly or daily rates.
Historical exploration: The area features numerous historical sites dating to the 1800s. "The hike to the top was a challenge, but the views were worth it," mentions Judy B. about climbing Stone Mountain. Several campgrounds include interpretive trails with informational plaques explaining the area's mining and agricultural history.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: High Falls State Park Campground provides generous sites. "Our campsite was very private and spacious. Lots of ticks though," warns Tatiana Reinheimer A. Many sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and tent pads.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathhouses. "The shower house was a little dirty, so that's why I gave 4 stars instead of 5," notes Tonya B., indicating expectations for cleanliness. Most campgrounds feature flush toilets and hot showers.
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk bring opportunities to observe local fauna. "There are a ton of beautiful wildlife!!!" shares Jennifer T. Deer, rabbits, and various bird species are commonly spotted throughout the camping areas around Lithonia.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near Lithonia require advance bookings, especially for yurts and cabins. Weekend dates often fill 2-3 months ahead during peak season from March through November.
Variable terrain: Sites may require leveling equipment. "The only downfall was that the trailer needed a lot of leveling. But it was totally worth it," explains Susan K. about her experience at Stone Mountain Park.
Seasonal considerations: Summers can be hot and humid, while spring and fall offer milder conditions. "We took a picnic lunch with us and found one of the many picnic areas to have lunch and enjoy the lake views," explains Nancy W. about her April visit to Fort Yargo State Park.
Limited privacy: Some campgrounds feature sites in close proximity. "The sites are close but they are not difficult to enter," reports Harvey B. about Stone Mountain's layout.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "There's all kind of activities for the kids. They have free transportation within the park/campground area. Helpful staff too," notes Harvey B.
Lakeside activities: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas during summer months. "We went swimming and hiking. Close to Cartersville to enjoy great restaurants and shopping," shares Suzy E. about her family trip.
Educational programs: Many parks offer junior ranger activities. "The playground is centrally located. Trails are easy to get to and the falls are a nice sight," explains Bille W. about High Falls State Park.
Safety considerations: Some water features have restrictions. "Swimming is not allowed but there is a pool, it cost $5 person," points out Tatiana Reinheimer A. about High Falls State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Choose sites carefully based on rig size. "The roads are a little hilly and twisting but if you have a big rig and go slow you will be fine. All the campsite driveways are angled so backing in is pretty easy," advises Nancy W.
Utility considerations: Water quality varies between parks. "There was some sediment in the water from the spigot and it seemed to have a bit of a chlorine taste. I would suggest bring your own water or a water filter," shares Karen C. from her experience at Indian Springs State Park Campground.
Leveling requirements: Prepare for uneven terrain at some sites. "We did not have trouble getting level in our site (#17)," notes Nancy W. about her Fort Yargo campsite, but other campers report needing blocks and levelers.
Full hookup availability: Sweetwater Creek State Park Campground offers limited sites with full hookups. "This is a gorgeous state park with plenty of great campsites. I recently had a campsite right by the lake with a great view," shares Bob V. For yurt camping near Lithonia, Georgia, reservations must be made well in advance.
