Several campgrounds offer alternatives to traditional glamping close to Marietta, Georgia. Located just 35-40 minutes from Atlanta, these campgrounds surround Lake Allatoona and Lake Lanier, creating water-based recreation opportunities at elevations between 840-950 feet. The region experiences mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures, making most campsites available year-round with proper preparation.
What to do
Hiking historical ruins: Sweetwater Creek State Park features trails that showcase abandoned mill ruins. "You can spend a whole day out here just walking along the creek and jumping across the rocks. We took some great pictures and meditated on the water," notes Asia + Jalen B. The park offers several trails of varying difficulty that follow the creek.
Kayaking and paddleboarding: Old Highway 41 provides boat ramp access for water activities on Lake Allatoona. "It was fun watching the boaters and skiers. Biting bugs were minimal which surprised me," reports Maggie C. Sites near the water offer excellent views of lake activities.
Beach swimming: Clark Creek South Campground features a swimming beach with lake access from nearly every site. "Most sites on the lake with a ton of space between sites and lake access. Beach and boat ramp on site. Clean bathhouse. Quiet, peaceful and picturesque," writes Jen.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Bald Ridge Creek receives high marks for site spacing and layout. "This is the best campground on Lake Lanier. Nearly every site is on the Lake, with access to the water. The sites are very well maintained," says Pam. Most sites feature paved pads with direct lake access.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Amicalola Falls State Park provides habitat for diverse insects and animals. "Beautiful area, my teens loved it. They found all kinds of insects they had never seen even a Luna moth," reports Traci C. The park's varied terrain supports wildlife observation throughout the seasons.
Accommodating staff: McKinney Campground hosts receive consistent praise for helpfulness. "This is a very newbie-friendly park on a pretty lake. The attendants were great and responsive. The spaces are well-equipped," explains Jane B. New campers particularly appreciate the guidance offered at check-in.
What you should know
Road conditions: Several campgrounds feature challenging roads that may affect larger vehicles. "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," warns Brock D. about Red Top Mountain.
Security concerns: Some lakeside campgrounds experience occasional theft despite gated access. "We were informed that locals often come through the woods and even wade through the edge of the lake to steal from the campground," reports Chris C. from Clark Creek North.
Noise factors: Highway noise affects several campgrounds, particularly for tent campers. "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," notes Jeff E. Lighter sleepers should consider earplugs or white noise machines.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly facilities: Several campgrounds offer modern bathrooms suitable for families with young children. "This isn't for backpackers but for camping with your family, it's good. They have water and outlets and very very clean bathrooms. Like cleaner than a Publix bathroom. Kid friendly," shares Cris C.
Campground activities: Stone Mountain Park offers numerous attractions beyond camping. "There's all kind of activities for the kids. They have free transportation within the park/campground area. Helpful staff too," explains Harvey B. Families often stay multiple days to experience everything available.
Beach access: Designated swimming areas provide safer water recreation for children. "We spent a weekend here in section O. It was a nice, spacious campsite with a nice picnic table and partial view of the lake even though we didn't have 'lake view' site," mentions Tonya B. Requesting sites near beaches reduces walking distance with tired children.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many sites require significant leveling equipment for RVs. "Our RV GPS and Waze brought us right to the campground. 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.
Hookup locations: Water and electric connections sometimes require extended cords or hoses. "Site 10 best hookup for lake views and access. 10 you need extra cords to reach electric box as it's at front of site," advises Jen about Clark Creek South.
Early booking essential: Waterfront sites with hookups fill quickly, especially during summer months. "We booked one of their cheaper sites, a classic pull-thru site. To say the least, it was the TIGHTEST pull thru site we have ever booked," notes Christina H. at Winding Waters RV Resort. Making reservations months ahead improves site selection options.
