Searching for a tent camping spot near McDonough? Finding a place to camp in Georgia with your tent has never been easier. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of McDonough's most popular destinations.
Sweetwater Creek State Park is a peaceful tract of wilderness only minutes from downtown Atlanta. A wooded trail follows the stream to the ruins of the New Manchester Manufacturing Company, a textile mill burned during the Civil War. Beyond the mill, the trail climbs rocky bluffs to provide views of the beautiful rapids below. Additional trails wind through fields and forest, showcasing ferns, magnolias, wild azaleas and hardwoods. Park rangers lead informative hikes to these areas throughout the year.
Have you ever seen a Wild Georgia Turkey strut around?
We have one of the largest wood peckers I have EVER seen!
Not to mention our doe pack will definitely sneak upon you.
And there have even been little Georgia otters spotted!
The property is a beautiful wooded 10 acres on a rainwater creek. There are small babbling brooks and waterfalls, walking trails, lake, and Georgia's best wildlife.
About 500ft down a trail into the beautifully cleared woods is this one room cabin off the grid, disconnected from the “creature comforts” to enjoy the peace and serenity of nature.
Experience the nostalgia of camping but inside a solid building. You get to enjoy the whole cabin, greenhouse spa room and bamboo composting outhouse to yourself.
There is a fire-pit to roast whatever you desire as well as a grill with utensils.
The greenhouse is covered and filled with beautiful flowers in the spring and summer.
Inside you will find a large soaking spa tub with a fully functioning cold water shower head. There are 2 sun heated camp showers in the greenhouse. These stay in the sun and warm through the day.
The super simple compost toilet outhouse gets the job done in the most environmentally friendly way while it is composting. Additionally it does not disturb the natural ecosystem of our local wildlife. Once full, we use it to fill spaces and garden soil on the property.
Parking is complimentary at the main house (where my family and I live full time) It is a short walk down the trail to the cabin. Bring your rain boots if rain is on the forecast. We do have some you can borrow in case of Atlanta's notorious downpours!
There are other guests and other animals on the property.
No electricity or running water but composting toilet outhouse with cold running water sink+ camp shower in the greenhouse spa room. I also bring and/or make available 3 gallons of boiling water in a warming tank per day.
During the winter you receive 2 tanks of propane for the camp heater and 1 long burn fire log per night. There is a Cabana and Fire pit as well as a grill with utensils. 6 charging ports, Wi-Fi and parking available at the main house. Walking trails, lake, and wildlife. You’re welcome to enjoy our 10 acres of trails with creeks and brooks.
This is not just a cheap overnight stay, it’s an experience. In order to keep the cost affordable to those who are truly looking for this type of experience, please be honest with yourself.
We care for each of our guests with everything we have, but this is an independent journey and exploration of nature in a safe space.
God has entrusted the care of this Sacred Space to me. I pour my heart and soul into the cultivation of its natural beauty.
We are a thriving community of nature lovers.
Off-grid means learning how to exist in your most natural state without commonly connected amenities.
Here we disconnect from electricity and hot water.
That means:
No electricity - we have solar or battery powered lights after sundown.
No a/c - we have fans during summer, propane heater and sub zero sleeping bags during winter
No wifi - your brain will thank you.
According to the Cleveland clinic, researchers have found that taking icy showers may heighten your immune system and make you more resistant to illness.
All Amenities Listed Available on Request
The host/owner is a disabled Afghanistan veteran. We believe in and protect the rights of every American citizen. But we also love peace, nature, safety and all our babies - human or furry.
Georgia is a constitutional carry state. All guests who have weapons brought onto the property must notify us prior to arrival. The weapon must stay stored and secured during your stay as we are a family friendly and animal friendly property. We are in the middle of 4 subdivisions. This is not a safe place to shoot your weapon for recreation .
Also, this is Georgia and the cabin is in the woods. There are Georgia wild animals capable of showing up during your stay. Please do not shoot the animals.
Additionally, we have a few non-aggressive companion animals on the property. Please inform us if you are bringing an animals that may or may not be startled or agitated easily. They are still VERY welcome, but we want to take every measure to ensure everyone’s safety
Finally, if you’re coming here for a hotel stay, this is not the place to book. Poor reviews of this experience because of a lack of understanding diminish the purpose of the place we love.
Recommending that we spend more money on your comforts will more than likely price this location out of the budgets for those who choose to be frugal and intentional with it.
Why don't we use or have a/c?
Air Conditioning one of the single greatest contributors to global warming.
Think about it. Cool air in equals warm air out. The heat you “cool” had to go somewhere. That’s why when you stand next to the HVAC outside your house it’s blowing out hot air.
The cooler you make your house, the more heat you are releasing into the atmosphere. The hotter it gets outside, the more you need to cool down your house…ad nauseam.
Almost 90% of American homes use air conditioners, accounting for 6% of all the country's residential energy use. This air conditioning directly translates to a release of about 100 million tons of carbon dioxide every year.
As humans we have gotten accustomed to burning up the planet on both ends for our comfort.
Please, I beg you, do not come here if being hot in the summer and cold in the winter is unreasonable. Dress appropriately so you may enjoy the campsite.
Winter time recommendations: bring/wear a onesie type footed/hooded pajamas.
Summer time: bring loose fitting clothing, hop in the shower upon arrival, grab a cool drink and settle down in one of our hammocks.
If you have read all of this, you want to be adventurous, but are unsure, I participate in Airbnb's flexible cancellation policy. It's worth it.
$30 - $75 / night
$25 / night
This park is located at the intersection of Browns Bridge Road and Appalachee Church Road and was newly dedicated for the late Council member James Shackelford. Before its dedication and reopening, the park was renovated by Scout Troop 774. This park offers camping areas with shelters, and a beautiful nature trail that circles the park.
The Hembree Park Campsite offers an area for individuals or groups to gather and enjoy nature within the safe environment of a City Park. The site can be used by individuals, families, civic groups, etc. The grounds include an open grass area, fire ring with log seating, 2 picnic tables, and 11 tent pads.
There are no water/electrical hookups, or firewood on-site.
Scout
This place is great if you still want some of the comforts of home. Water spouts are dropped around the sites and there is a bathhouse with showers and hot water accessible to all who camp there! The sites for tent camping are fairly close together-you can definitely see the next site because there aren’t a whole lot of trees but still far enough away to feel comfortable. The tent spots have gravel that is hard to get tent states into but also include a picnic table and a fire pit. Wood can be purchased for $5 from the host but you can also forage from the fallen trees on site. You may have to search around a bit but it worked well enough for my crew.
The lake was so beautiful even in the middle of winter and was such a great spot to camp. Some hikes are close by but none are big for elevation changes or waterfalls or anything like that. Still lots of places to go and get off your campsite. Maybe the best part of this park is the disc golf! My crew enjoyed the course and spent a few good hours there!
I would definitely come back and maybe try out one of the tent sites in the woods for a bit more privacy.
ScoutPerfect for tent camping. Must have a hunting or fishing license or a land use pass.
Guide
Beautiful bottoms for tent camping. Very primitive but fun. Loved walking the river bank looking for drift wood.
Traveler
Been tent camping here for years, this is the first time with our pop up. It was pretty warm this weekend, but had a great time.
Guide
Beautiful campground with great hiking. I wish there were more tent sites. Very friendly staff.
ScoutThey have water Front camping on the weather and Forrest for RV’s of all sizes pull through and back in . Full hook-ups and dump station to boot . Also tent camping .
ScoutSecond time tent camping here, but easily my tenth time coming here for the scenery. I bring all out of town visitors here for a great hike and dip in the rapids. Great amenities and wildlife to boot.
Traveler
Claystone Park was our first ever experience tent camping. Everything was great from the location of the bathroom and shower house, to ample space, and spectacular views. Quiet hours were respectfully observed, and all the amenities provided within our campsite were more than enough. Clean clean clean
GuideWe tent camped here on site 112 on the lakeside camping area. We had a view of the lake and enjoyed renting a double kayak from the state park. Bathhouse was clean. Sites on lake are spaced apart a little more than river campground. We will try sites 87 or 88 on the river next time.
Traveler
beautiful campground, but if you tent camp, be aware that the tent pads are on a hill and vary greatly in size! so, if you have a bigger tent, scout out a bigger site. the bathroom and shower facilities were fine, functional and clean. the shower floor doesn’t drain super well, so if lots of folks are showering that day, the floor will be wet. the pool is very nice and so is the playground.
ScoutThis State Park has only 10 yurts and 5 walk in tent sites. There are no RV sites and no dump station. Check the website to verify.
I think people are mixing Sweetwater Creek State Park up with Sweetwater Campground (which is 54 miles away on Lake Allatoona)
Scout
The tent campsites were nice and close to the river. Next time I go, I would like to try the platforms next to the river. Everything was clean and well kept. The trails needed some work.
ScoutWe went early August and it was too hot for me. The tent site we reserved was very nice overlooking the lake. We'll definitely go back in the fall. Restrooms were good but some of the sites were a bit of a hike if you are carrying a lot (wood)
GuideFort Yargo is in the Winder Ga area and is close to Helen, Jefferson, Athens and Atlanta. Entering the campground is a nice paved road and leads to tent camping, cabins, yurts and RV sites.
Very clean park and has Historical area, playground, tennis court, bike and hike trails. Not to mention beach and boating area.
Picnics, camping, boating biking and camping or just day use areas. Pet friendly and all around great park.
There is a small general store, but you are so close to everything if you need it, it's there.
Gread for the Georgia Bulldog crowd as its less then 30 minutes!
I recommend this park highly.
GuideThere's only limited camping here. There's several yurts and 5 walk-in tent sites. Yes, some of the reviews here are confusing this park with another. There's NO RV or TRAILER camping here.
The Yurts look awesome but do attract gaggles of families so be warned that if you're looking for a quiet get away then you may find yourself in the middle of a large family reunion that has no care for other campers.
The camping is isolated from the bustling 'core' of the park too. That's a nice change from other parks in the area. But you will also need to drive to the trailheads more than likely so take that into consideration when packing etc.
The tent sites run a little parallel to each other. I didn't go any look at the lake views from 5 at the back but expected it to be partial if that. Site 1 and 2 would be my first choice when I go back.
There is also full cell reception given its proximity to Atlanta.
Update: - Something else to know is that the visitor center called for 'check in' before we arrived and organized a wood drop off service.
GuideThis place is a great place for family reunions or birthday parties. They even do Easter egg hunts every year. Also, for those that are into Geocashing, there are a few you could find here. This place has some nice trails and plenty of pavilions for large groups. You can tent camp or bring your RV. They have access to the Chattahoochie River for kayaking and fishing as well. This is a beautiful and quite place to enjoy some time in the sun.
TravelerThe tent sites and the yurts are very close together. Both of which are right on the lake. Plenty to do for the family,Playground, Fishing, and tons trails by the huge river. All of which are kept up in great condition including the restrooms. This is a 5 star spot for families who don’t mind a social setting. If you wanting a very quiet or secluded experience this may not be the place for you.
ScoutThe primitive sites (for tents) were a bit close and not as private as I like.
They offer platform camping and those sites seem a bit more secluded (and are in a separate area from the tent sites).
There are 4 cabins available to reserve and they have great amenities (running water, electricity)
We looked at them once there and think next time we will do this with the kids.
2 rangers live in the park full time and there is a large welcome center/ gift shop with basics for sale should you forget anything.
GuideIt’s a decent park. We camped on the raised platforms by the river. The other campgrounds are away from the river back in the woods. The tent sites are a bit too close together for my liking. The facilities are taken care of and kept up, but my idea of hiking is a bit more than just a walk through the woods- not a whole lot of elevation change on the trails, as you are not in the mountains. I would stay there again, though.
GuideBeautiful looking park. Didn't stay long enough to actually enjoy it. Dirty bathrooms lots of trash scattered throughout the woods near the tent sites. We've stayed at cleaner campsites for cheaper. The staff struggled to understand walk-ins - your stay will be much easier if you plan a week or more in advance. We arrived while the office was open, yet they still couldn't seem to get us the correct car tag or gate code. Would come back to enjoy the park, but would not camp here again.
GuideIt was awesome. The trails are well marked and easy to follow. The river is beautiful and the overlook towers were a nice touch. Being able to lay in the hammock right next to the water was perfect. The campsites are flat and easy to get in and out of especially with large 5th wheel campers. The tent sites can be right up front or just off the beaten path. I really appreciate the choice. The picnic areas are perfect for the whole family and the boat ramp is well maintained. I will be a frequent visitor.
TravelerChattahoochee Bend state park is located about 30 minutes west of Newnan, GA. It's located on the Chattahoochee river and is a surprisingly large area. The park has a number of trails for hiking and mountain biking. There are cabins and tent camping sites separate from the rv sites. Rv camping area has large, level gravel sites with water, 30/50 amp electric and cable. Two dump stations help eliminate waiting in long lines when you're ready to hit the road again. Bath house looks like new and is well cared for. On site host is keeping the place in tip top shape. We'll definitely be returning to this park. Highly recommended. Only negative - no cell service while we were there.
LegendChattahoochee Bend State Park is located on bend of the Chattahoochee River southeast of Atlanta, near Columbus GA. This is one of Georgia’s largest and newest state parks, with five miles of river frontage on the Chattahoochee. The campground has about 40 sites, some pull-they, but little shade. There are also some walk-in tent sites, and platform sites. The standard sites are water & electric, there is a bathroom/shower, and a dump station. There are cabins if you are not a camper. This is mostly a fishing/hiking park. A boat ramp provides access to the river for boaters and canoeing and there are six miles of wooded trails are open for hiking. There is an observation platform with views of the river and forest, but visibility was limited because of the trees. There isn’t much here but the river trail. But it is close to Columbus, GA, there are some zip-line places near by, and Roosevelt’s Little White House are close.
Ranger
We were back at HLC this past weekend and, as always, top-notch park! We have tent camped for several years but recently upgraded to a new (to us) pop up and we had a blast!
We camped at site 26 (one of the newer sites) and it had full hookup (our PUP does not have a bathroom but does have a galley). The site has electric (50 amp and 30 amp service) as well as free cable TV!!
The sites at HLC are well spaced and the bath houses are spotless!!
The park staff is amazing and the camp hosts are always cleaning up and are available if you need anything!
HLC is our go-to spot for a weekend getaway because of the above-mentioned reasons and it is close to home!!
GuideI am new to kayaking and recently bought my own boat. I wanted to take it someplace with a small, safe lake to spend the weekend practicing. Ft. Yargo was perfect, because I was able to tie my boat up to a tree right at my campsite. I was at site 42, which is a walk-in tent site. It served my purpose well. Otherwise, it's kind of a low-key run-of-the-mill state park. There's a beach for swimming, mini-golf, biking/hiking trails, picnic and grilling space, and they also rent boats (paddle boats, jon boats, kayaks, and possibly canoes). It's close to Atlanta, so if you want to go for a quick trip away from the city, this is a good spot.
TravelerI was actually shocked at how terrible our actual campsite was; we stayed at site 29, which was supposedly intended for tent camping.
Pros
Cons
There is no way I would stay at this campground again; it was definitely made for RVs.
TravelerI have lived in and around Bibb County, Georgia most of my life and I have always enjoyed going to Tobesofkee Recreation Parks. There were four parks but one was shut down (Flintrock Park). I believe the park was built back in the 60’s. Early morning on Mother’s Day of 2008 a tornado came through leaving destruction to all three parks. The campground bathhouse’s saved around 50 people that were camping when the tornado came ripping through destroying campers, cars and trees. The county has rebuilt the three parks and each one offers a little something different. It’s pretty great place in my opinion.
Claystone Park: Lake Tobesofkee access, large beach, playground, water sports, boat ramps, fishing, disc golf, several small pavilions, one large enclosed pavilion, numerous picnic tables throughout the park and camping. The campground has 45 sites, some tents, back-ups and pull through. Not sure about tents sites but all camper sites have 20/30/50 amp service, water and poor cable service. There are a few sites with sewer. The campground does have a nice bathhouse with coin operated laundry.
Sandy Beach Park: Lake Tobesofkee access, large beach, water sports, fishing, several small pavilions, one large open pavilion, numerous picnic tables throughout the park and a water park.
Arrowhead Park: Lake Tobesofkee access, small beach, water sports, fishing, several small pavilions, one large open pavilion, numerous picnic tables throughout the park, mountain bike trail, playground, boat ramps and camping. The campground has 58 sites, some tents, back-ups and pull through. Not sure about tents sites but all camper sites have 20/30/50 amp service and water; no cable. There are a few sites with sewer. The campground does have two nice bathhouse with coin operated laundry.
Tent camping near McDonough, Georgia offers a blend of natural beauty and convenient amenities, making it an ideal getaway for outdoor enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near McDonough, GA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near McDonough, GA is Sweetwater Creek State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 28 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near McDonough, GA?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 tent camping locations near McDonough, GA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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