Lake Allatoona provides the backdrop for many pet friendly camping options near Marietta, Georgia, approximately 20 miles northwest of Atlanta. The area features elevations ranging from 840 to 1,600 feet and experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F, while winter nights can drop below freezing. Most campgrounds in the region sit on Corps of Engineers land surrounding Lake Allatoona's 12,010 acres of water with 270 miles of shoreline.
What to do
Hiking with pets: At Sweetwater Creek State Park Campground, trails range from easy to challenging with historical attractions. "We took the trail that shows you where they built the mill then goes along the river for a while. It was a beautiful hike but definitely challenging since there are a lot of rocks you have to climb over," notes Asher K.
Fishing access: The cove at Payne Campground provides quieter waters ideal for fishing with pets nearby. "Great campground right on Lake Allatoona! Many lakefront sites available and all within a no wake zone on the lake. Great for swimming and non motorized water activities," according to Caitlin's review.
Beach swimming: Victoria Campground features a dedicated swimming area where pets can rest in the shade while humans cool off. "This campground has a beautiful big beach! Boat ramps also. Sites are very narrow, with a drop off," notes Lauren W. The beach area is typically less crowded on weekdays.
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: McKinney Campground receives high marks for spacious sites with lake access. Jane B. shares: "This is a very newbie-friendly park on a pretty lake. The attendants were great and responsive. The spaces are well-equipped. My spot was 38 and had a brand new huge picnic table."
Clean facilities: Clark Creek North Campground maintains well-kept bathrooms and showers. "Shower house is clean and well maintained also has laundry facilities. Hosts are friendly. Has lots of power and water sites as well as tent sites with nice gravel tent pads," reports Terri P.
Winter camping options: Unlike seasonal campgrounds, some locations remain open year-round. "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," explains Anna R. about camping in cooler months.
What you should know
Highway noise: Interstate proximity affects some campgrounds. "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," warns Jeff E.
Site leveling challenges: Many campsites require leveling equipment. "The sites are color coded depending on size and there is even a yurt to rent," explains Suzy E., while Brock D. cautions: "Heavily wooded sites that are not well maintained. Very narrow roads in the campground with lots of pot holes."
Limited tent camping options: Stone Mountain Park Campground offers tent sites, but they fill quickly. "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," notes Tonya B., though shower facilities may not always meet expectations.
Tips for camping with families
Junior ranger programs: Some parks maintain educational programs even during pandemic restrictions. "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!!" shares Cheryl C.
Kid-friendly bathrooms: Family campers appreciate clean, reliable facilities. "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," reports Cris C.
Security considerations: Take precautions with belongings even at gated campgrounds. Chris C. warns: "While this great little park should deserve 4.5-5 stars, we had an unfortunate experience while we were there... locals often come through the woods and even wade through the edge of the lake to steal from the campground."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Sewer connections vary by campground with many sites offering only electric and water. "Our site is very private (we only used the website map to pick an available site...props to my wife for selecting the site...we are in site 22 in case you were wondering)... Keep in mind there is no septic hookup at these campgrounds. They do have 15/30/50A power and water hookups," advises Matt H.
Navigation challenges: RV drivers report difficult roads within some campgrounds. "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," cautions Brock D.
Urban RV options: For RVers prioritizing convenience over scenery, Sweetwater Creek RV Reserve provides basic amenities near Atlanta attractions. "Simple no frills place to stop for the night. Safe area and the Manager was really nice when we had an issue," reports Bee, though others note deteriorated pavement and close site spacing.