High Falls State Park lies 28 miles northeast of McDonough, Georgia and centers around a waterfall created by the Towaliga River as it flows over a natural rock ledge. The park contains multiple campgrounds with sites for tent camping, RVs, and glamping accommodations. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F with high humidity, making water activities particularly popular at area campgrounds.
What to do
Hiking with children: High Falls State Park Campground offers family-friendly trails with waterfall views. "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," notes reviewer Bille W. The park's hiking options include trails suitable for beginners and more experienced hikers.
Kayaking on calm waters: Fort Yargo State Park Campground provides a 260-acre lake for paddling with minimal boat traffic. A camper shares, "We had a view of the lake and enjoyed renting a double kayak from the state park." The lake's no-wake zones create ideal conditions for beginners and those seeking peaceful water experiences.
Historical exploration: Sweetwater Creek State Park features ruins from the Civil War era that make for educational excursions. "Manchester Mill Ruins" are highlighted by reviewer Mike K., who notes "This is a great state park with good fishing on three lakes. Make sure you go see Manchester Mill Ruins." The site provides interpretive signs explaining its historical significance.
What campers like
Lakefront sites: Dames Ferry State Park Campground offers direct water access from many campsites. "90% of the spots are right on the beautiful crystal clear lake. We launched our kayaks and swam from our sight so easy and convenient," explains reviewer Chad H. Sites 16-26 provide the best water views but have varying levels of shade coverage.
Clean facilities: Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground maintains modern bath houses and laundry facilities. "The bath houses/comfort stations are brand new (including laundry rooms) and the camp hosts keep them spotless!" reports George & Patty C. The park offers two separate comfort stations to accommodate the campground's size.
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacing at Stone Mountain Park Campground. "We camped with my parents in the RV section of the campground, it was beautifully wooded and offered plenty of space/privacy from other campsites and was still a short walk from the bathhouse," notes Dalhya L. The campground layout takes advantage of natural vegetation to create separation between neighbors.
What you should know
Water conditions: Several lakes in the area have restrictions or water quality considerations. Reviewer Chad F. notes about Dames Ferry, "I'm not sure about the quality of the water. There is a GA Power plant close by and I read an article about possible contamination from the smoke stacks. Do your research." Some areas prohibit swimming due to water conditions.
Noise factors: Despite natural settings, some campgrounds experience unexpected noise. "The road noice in the far loop is horrible, all night long!! I didn't realize it was so close to the road! There are 18 wheelers for the nearby rock plant that run at all hours," warns Jenny P. about Dames Ferry State Park. Train noise affects several area campgrounds.
Reservation requirements: Indian Springs State Park Campground and other popular glamping spots near McDonough require advance booking. Lauren W. explains, "Been here twice already!" while noting the park's popularity. Most glamping accommodations require reservations 3-6 months in advance, especially for weekend stays.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: High Falls State Park Campground offers centralized play areas. "This campground is great if you have kids. The playground is centrally located," shares Bille W. The playground is visible from several campsites, allowing parents to supervise from a distance.
Swimming alternatives: When natural swimming is restricted, look for parks with built amenities. "Swimming is not allowed but there is a pool, it cost $5 person," notes Tatiana Reinheimer A. about High Falls State Park. Several parks offer swimming pools as alternatives to lake swimming.
Safety considerations: Be aware of natural hazards at water features. Valerie R. cautions about High Falls, "nice easy hike along falls, do not swim in falls - dangerous." Multiple parks post safety warnings about swift currents, underwater obstacles, and steep drop-offs near waterfalls.
Tips for RVers
Leveling requirements: Stone Mountain Park Campground has sites requiring adjustment. Susan K. notes, "The only downfall was that the trailer needed a lot of leveling. But it was totally worth it." Many campgrounds in the area have slightly uneven terrain due to the rolling landscape.
Hook-up variations: Fort Yargo State Park Campground offers water and electric but lacks full hook-ups. One solution noted by a camper: "No FHU, but they do have grey water dumps in numerous places in campground." These satellite dumping stations allow for longer stays without relocating your RV.
Power stability issues: Electrical service quality varies between parks. Matthew A. warns about Indian Springs, "The RV sorta aren't that great. they have power fluctuations a lot." RVers should consider surge protectors when glamping close to McDonough, Georgia, particularly during summer months when air conditioning demands increase.
