3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Tent campsites near Marietta, Georgia range from established state parks to primitive walk-in locations with varying amenities. Panola Mountain State Park Campground offers developed tent sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and toilet facilities. Hideaway Park provides tent-only sites with basic amenities including drinking water, firewood, and designated fire areas. Several walk-in tent locations around the Marietta area cater specifically to tent campers seeking a more secluded experience.
Most tent campgrounds require advance reservations, especially during peak seasons from spring through fall. Hembree Park Campground provides drive-in tent sites with drinking water, picnic tables, and toilets, but no electric hookups or showers. Serenity Ridge offers a single primitive tent site accessible via a hiking trail, providing a more isolated experience. Terrain at most tent camping areas consists of natural ground surfaces that may become muddy after rain. Cell phone coverage varies significantly between locations, with better reception at developed campgrounds near populated areas and limited service at more remote walk-in tent sites.
Walk-in tent locations generally provide more privacy than drive-in campgrounds. Panola Mountain State Park features primitive tent sites approximately 3/4 mile from parking areas, creating a buffer from day-use visitors. Sites at Buford Dam Park Shelters are accessible by foot or boat, offering scenic lakeside camping with picnic tables and toilet facilities. At Hideaway Park, campers have the option of drive-in or walk-in tent sites, with alcohol permitted and firewood available on site. According to one visitor, "Brand new place that is definitely worth a visit if you like freedom. I'll definitely be returning for a visit again soon when the weather is a bit warmer." Primitive tent campsites typically offer more solitude and natural surroundings, though they require carrying all gear from parking areas to the camping location.
"I'll definitely be returning for a visit again soon when the weather is a bit warmer!"
from $25 / night
"We did an overnighter to check this out after doing a separate hike on the primary trails from the other side of the park in the morning. "
"Camped overnight on a primitive site"
Available this weekend
from $125 / night
"This is a nice place to just come and stroll around for a bit. Parking is close to the street and paths go down to the lakeside."
"Wonderful walks, good fishing most of the year. Can be heavily used at times."
"A tent or two can be set up, ready for you. Cooler stocked with ice. Firewood stacked by the fire pit, ready for you to roast hotdogs or s'mores!"
from $80 - $100 / night
"Empty on a December Wednesday night, but I found smouldering ashes and plenty of trash so don't be surprised if there are partiers using the area."
"We went out and found this place and setup our campsite very nice secluded and away from people very few people out here and there are a few big potholes in the road to watch out for but there is also"
ScoutA great find to hang your hat for the evening. New owners look like they are doing amazing up grades. Our site 57 didn’t have a picnic table or fire ring but I’m sure they are working on it. Fairly quite and we would for sure come back and give it a 5 star when their done on the remodel.
TravelerWelcome center is nice, but the roads and asphalt sites are crumbling. We had a back in site that was fairly level. No real privacy from neighboring sites.
TravelerWay too many rules to have to abide by. It’s not a day use area, so you HAVE to camp over night or else they threaten to ban you from all FoCo campsites. Normally not a big deal, but there was supposed to be rain during our visit and that had me paranoid. We camped out, the rain held off, it was nice. Then day 2, I wasn’t feeling it anymore, but I didn’t want to be banned from camping 🙄 so we stayed the night and packed up at 5:45am the next day. No coffee or chilling. I just wanted to get out of there! I love camping out in the wilderness…no rules, no stress, no people, no RVs. Just nature.
TravelerHonestly it was so super easy. Just reserve a spot in the recreation.gov app, pull to the entrance camp host gate, get your paper pass after checking in, and you’re good to go! Need to book longer? Go in the app and if your site is available just make a new booking and tell the camp hosts!
ScoutThis campground use to be a good hold over spot or a good spot for beginner campers. The homeless in the area have taken it over and have completely destroyed it. Trash all over the place and used needles and foils scattered about. The police routinely check this area as it has become a known hideout spot for wanted people. Would not camp here. Back when I was a kid we would ride our bikes and stay out there for days at a time. Not anymore. Would avoid
ScoutVery quiet,has porter potty in parking lot, cell service, free camping.
TravelerThe webpage is hokey 1990s vintage, can’t handle multi-day reservations. I gave up out of frustration.
ScoutDiamond Lure is a phenomenal campground! The sites are shaded, the amenities are fantastic, and the staff are sweet as can be. Melia booked our reservation and checked us in and was so kind. We got guided to our spot and the gentlemen helped us back our camper in no problem. The amenities are really great - multiple playgrounds and bath houses. Swimming area is the lake is great plus there are several other activities by the lake like cornhole and horseshoes. If you’ve got a dog, there’s a dog swimming area, dog park, and dog washing station. The hiking trails are really nice and shaded. Full hook ups plus cable/wifi. Overall, this is a really great campground I’m so glad we stumbled upon!
ScoutLake side sites are in full sun. Shady sites are gravel with full hookups. Nice place.
Tent camping near Marietta, Georgia offers a blend of natural beauty and convenient amenities, making it an ideal escape for outdoor enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at tent campsites near Marietta?
Amenities at tent campsites near Marietta vary by location. Serenity Ridge offers a premium experience with tents already set up upon arrival, stocked coolers with ice, and firewood stacked by the fire pit for cooking and s'mores. Hideaway Park is a newer campground with basic amenities in development but offers privacy and freedom for tent campers. Other campgrounds in the area typically provide fire rings or pits, picnic tables, and access to hiking trails. Some have communal water sources and vault toilets, while others offer more developed facilities like showers and flush toilets. Cell reception is generally available at most campgrounds near Marietta, with stronger signals at sites closer to town.
Are there any lakeside tent camping options near Marietta, Georgia?
Buford Dam Park Shelters offers lakeside access with good fishing opportunities throughout most of the year. The park features walking paths that lead down to the lakeside, making it easy to set up near the water. Parking is available close to the street, though space for oversized vehicles is limited. Another option is Lake Allatoona Military - Fort McPherson, which provides reservable tent sites near Lake Allatoona. For those seeking a more rustic experience, several dispersed camping areas can be found near water sources around Marietta, though these typically offer fewer amenities and require more self-sufficiency.
How much does tent camping cost at Marietta campgrounds?
Tent camping costs around Marietta vary by campground type and amenities. Atlanta West Campground charges standard rates for tent sites, though it's primarily designed for RVs and long-term stays. Hidden Creek offers free dispersed camping on Forest Service land, providing a budget-friendly option for tent campers willing to forgo amenities. State parks like Panola Mountain typically charge $15-30 per night for tent sites, while private campgrounds with more amenities can range from $25-50 per night. Some campgrounds offer discounts for longer stays or during off-peak seasons. Always check if there are additional vehicle or reservation fees when budgeting for your tent camping trip near Marietta.
Where are the best tent camping sites near Marietta, GA?
For tent camping near Marietta, Panola Mountain State Park Campground offers primitive tent sites around a pond with hiking opportunities nearby. The sites require a short 3/4 mile walk-in, making them peaceful for overnight stays. Hidden Creek Campground provides a more secluded experience with dispersed camping options. While it's a bit farther from the highway with some rough road conditions (watch for potholes), it offers excellent privacy for tent campers seeking a quieter outdoor experience. Other options include Hembree Park for a community feel and James Shackleford Memorial Park for those wanting basic tent camping facilities within reasonable driving distance of Marietta.
Keep Exploring
