Lake Allatoona serves as the centerpiece for most camping spots near Dallas, Georgia, located approximately 30-40 minutes northwest of Atlanta. The region features multiple campgrounds along the 12,000-acre reservoir, with elevation ranging from 840 to 880 feet above sea level. Summer water temperatures typically reach the mid-80s, making swimming pleasant from May through early October.
What to do
Fishing from shore: Red Top Mountain State Park Campground offers excellent bank fishing opportunities. "The water is nice and cool. The people here are so friendly and helpful. Perfect lake to boat and fish on," shares one camper who enjoyed the accessible shorelines.
Hiking historic ruins: At Sweetwater Creek State Park Campground, trails lead to significant historical sites. "The park is set up on the land of an old factory that used the river to power a water wheel. There are a whole bunch of trails of varying difficulty and length that meander through the woods along the river," explains one visitor who found the trails both beautiful and challenging.
Kayaking rentals: Watercraft rentals are available at several locations around the lake. "We rented kayaks from a local company, Murphy's, and enjoyed time out on the lake every day," notes a camper at McKinney Campground who spent their days paddling the calm waters.
Swimming beaches: Several campgrounds maintain designated swimming areas. A visitor to Clark Creek North Campground shares, "My daughter and I went camping here for 2 nights right on the beach it was like having the beach all to ourselves. We went on a weekday so the people at the front actually let us switch sites so we could get the one we wanted."
What campers like
Lake views: Most campgrounds feature waterfront sites that campers consistently rate highly. At Victoria Campground, "It's right on beautiful lake Allatoona! And you have access to the lake everywhere! The sites are very large, and everyone I saw had lots of privacy!"
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness varies across campgrounds but receives particular praise at some locations. "Bathroom facilities and shower were among the cleanest I've seen on the road," reports one camper at Sweetwater Creek who was impressed with the maintenance standards despite the park's urban setting.
Site spacing and privacy: Campers appreciate the generous spacing between sites at certain campgrounds. "The sites are color coded depending on size and there is even a yurt to rent," notes a visitor to Red Top Mountain State Park who found the variety of accommodation options helpful.
Gated security: Several campgrounds offer controlled access for added security. At Clark Creek North, a camper noted, "Shirley and Bud who checked us in and out were very friendly and found a spot right on the lake for us at 10 pm at night. Gate closes at 10:30 so it is a nice option if you are driving late."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Several campgrounds operate only during warm weather months. A reviewer at Old Highway 41 No 3 Campground notes, "There are about 50 sites, most had water and 30/50 amp electricity, a few with sewer. Basic water/electric sites are $28/night, full hook-ups are $36, Lakefront are $64/night."
Traffic noise: Proximity to highways affects sound levels at some campgrounds. One tent camper observed, "It is close to I-75 and US 41, but it is in the woods, so some of the highway noise is muffled, only some!" Another noted, "The gate is open from 7 AM until 10:30 PM. NO ONE gets in after hours!"
Train sounds: Railroad tracks near certain campgrounds create periodic noise. A camper at Marina Resort - Allatoona Landing mentioned, "Notice - the campground entrance is located between 2 railroad crossings and each have low ground clearance and located in turns. Also the trains run pretty close by the campground roughly on the hour."
Water levels: Lake levels can impact shoreline access. "The only downfall is the beach area - it is in a cove and the water level is often down," observed a camper at Victoria Campground, highlighting how seasonal fluctuations affect lake access.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly beaches: Families with children particularly enjoy the swimming areas. "The girls swum in the lake," mentions a camper at McKinney Campground who appreciated having safe water access for their children.
Wildlife watching: Many campgrounds offer opportunities to observe local fauna. "Plenty of wildlife, relatively quiet part of the lake," reported one visitor at Old Highway 41, who enjoyed pointing out animals to their younger campers.
Playground access: Some campgrounds feature playground equipment. "This is a good campground for camping with your family. They have water and outlets and very very clean bathrooms. Like cleaner than a Publix bathroom. Kid friendly," states a camper at Red Top Mountain State Park.
Wildlife encounters: Waterfowl are common visitors to lakeside sites. "There's tons of duck and geese that just walk right into your site, which is really entertaining for children," shared one parent who found this natural feature particularly engaging for their kids.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: RV campers should research specific site dimensions before booking. "The campground is only open May till September. There are about 50 sites, most had water and 30/50 amp electricity, a few with sewer," explains a veteran RVer who carefully selects their sites.
Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring additional equipment. "Many of the sites are very steep and slanted and causes difficulty getting your trailer or RV into the site. Makes leveling very difficult," cautions an RV owner at McKinney Campground.
Road conditions: Internal campground roads vary in quality and width. "Roads are narrow and asphalt sites are narrow. But beautiful views of the lake," observes an RV camper who successfully navigated the constraints at Old Highway 41.
Dump station access: Limited dump stations can create congestion during busy periods. "The only thing I'd be cautious about is those narrow roads, but once you're set up, it seems totally worth it," advises a camper at Red Top Mountain.
