Stone Mountain Park provides glamping accommodations with several safari tent options near Norcross, Georgia. Located on a peninsula of Lake Lanier, Sawnee Campground offers waterfront sites with picnic areas and fire rings just 30 miles from Norcross. The area features multiple lakes with accessible shorelines for water activities and various campsites ranging from primitive tent sites to fully-equipped RV hookups.
What to do
Mountain hiking trails: At Stone Mountain Park Campground, trails lead to panoramic views from the mountain summit. "We loved these grounds. They were clean and there was easy access to bathrooms. The hike to the top was a challenge, but the views were worth it," reports Judy B.
Fishing and paddle sports: Bald Ridge Creek on Lake Lanier provides direct water access from most campsites. "We come here often, as it's only a 35 minute drive from home! Nearly every site is on the Lake, with access to the water," explains camper Pam.
Historical sites: Sweetwater Creek State Park features ruins from an old mill along the river. "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," notes Asher K.
What campers like
Level, spacious sites: Shady Grove Campground offers recently upgraded lakeside sites with ample room. "The sites are well-equipped. My spot was 38 and had a brand new huge picnic table. It also had a fire ring, though I was told I could use my own portable fire pit," shares Jane B.
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention the well-maintained bathrooms at Fort Yargo State Park, which offers glamping close to Norcross, Georgia. "The visitor center was closed but bathrooms were open... The roads are a little hilly and twisting but if you have a big rig and go slow you will be fine," reports Nancy W.
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds in the area feature abundant wildlife. "We had an amazing visit!! All the staff were extremely helpful and sweet. Shower house was clean, laser show fabulous and while hiking we saw a lot of beautiful wildlife!!!" shares Jennifer T. about Stone Mountain Park.
What you should know
Alcohol policies vary: Some campgrounds strictly enforce no-alcohol policies. At Shady Grove Campground, one reviewer noted: "If you enjoy having a beer while camping don't come here. Beautiful day, beer in a solo cup playing cards with my wife at a picnic table. We were not making noise, nobody complained about us. Ranger pulls up and gave us both tickets."
Noise considerations: Highway sounds can affect tent camping at some locations. At McKinney Campground, one camper reported: "It's definitely not quiet unless you're in an RV. And I guess we camped on the wrong morning too because they started mowing the lawn at around 8:30-9 am after listening the highway all night."
Reservation timing: Many campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer months and weekends. "We visited in late April and could only find a campsite during the week. Despite Covid-19, the park was open for day-use and overnight guests," noted a Fort Yargo State Park visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas ideal for children. "There is a nice playground and bathroom facilities with laundry. Sites have water and electric hookups. There is a dump station near entrance. People are always friendly there. We like to kayak to islands, collect rocks and take lots of pictures," mentions Christy C. about Bald Ridge Creek.
Kid-friendly programs: Check for junior ranger activities at state parks. "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. about Red Top Mountain.
Walk-in sites for privacy: Fort Yargo offers secluded sites a short distance from parking. "If you're like me and appreciate a bit of privacy when camping, the walk-in campsites at Fort Yargo are the place to go. Just a short 1-2 minutes walk from your car and bathrooms, but you feel much more secluded than the campsites in the regular campground," recommends Amalia K.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Check site descriptions carefully before booking. "The campground is very peaceful during the week when we were there but can imagine it gets pretty busy on the weekends and during the summer. Most of the sites have pretty good separation between them so you don't feel like you are on top of someone," reports a Fort Yargo visitor.
Dump station access: Some campgrounds have convenient sanitation facilities. "Single dump station tends to line up on Sunday but I suppose that's part of the deal," notes AR M. about Bald Ridge Creek.
Seasonal advantages: Shoulder season offers a quieter experience for RVers seeking glamping near Norcross. "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. Would absolutely camp here again," shares Tonya B. about Stone Mountain Park.
