Camping sites near Jonesboro, Georgia range from basic tent plots to full-service RV facilities within a 30-mile radius. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with daytime averages of 65-80°F. Most camping areas sit at elevations between 850-1,050 feet above sea level, with pine and hardwood forests dominating the landscape.
What to do
Hiking at Stone Mountain Park: The 15-mile trail system offers routes for all skill levels around the 825-foot granite monolith. "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!!!" notes Jennifer T. about Stone Mountain Park Campground.
Paddling opportunities: Rent kayaks or bring your own to explore the local waterways. Susan K. mentions, "My husband and son enjoyed fishing and paddle boarding right behind our site. There was a lot to see and do at Stone Mountain."
Historic sites exploration: Visit mill ruins and historic structures throughout the region. "Make sure you go see Manchester Mill Ruins," recommends Mike K. about Sweetwater Creek State Park Campground. The park preserves a textile mill destroyed during the Civil War, with marked trails leading visitors through the historic site.
What campers like
Lake access and views: Waterfront sites provide direct lake access and scenic views. "Our site was on the lake. My husband and son enjoyed fishing and paddle boarding right behind our site," explains Susan K. about her Stone Mountain experience. Several campgrounds offer similar water-adjacent sites with fishing opportunities.
Private and wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the natural screening between sites. Dalhya L. describes High Falls State Park Campground as "beautifully wooded and offered plenty of space/privacy from other campsites and was still a short walk from the bathhouse. Also had a little view of a lake down below."
Accessible nature near urban areas: The region's proximity to Atlanta while maintaining natural features appeals to many campers. Jessica D. notes that Stone Mountain Park is "Good for a quick get away while still having access to 'city life'. There are some beautiful spots close to the water where you do feel like you're deep in nature."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak season (April-October). For primitive camping at Panola Mountain State Park Campground, Michael T. explains: "Getting to the campsite was simple enough and it is the quoted 3/4 mile walk in."
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require significant leveling for trailers and RVs. Susan K. notes that "the only downfall was that the trailer needed a lot of leveling. But it was totally worth it."
Wildlife presence: Coyotes and other wildlife are active in certain areas. At Panola Mountain, Michael T. mentions it was "Very peaceful and even had the sounds of a vibrant coyote pack."
Limited tent-only options: Sweetwater Creek offers just five walk-in tent sites. Virginia W. notes: "Beautiful campground with great hiking. I wish there were more tent sites."
Tips for camping with families
Playground-adjacent sites: Choose campgrounds with centralized play areas for convenience. Bille W. recommends High Falls State Park Campground: "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."
Multiple activity options: Sites with varied recreational offerings keep children engaged. Holly B. reports: "The campground offers everything you would ever need. There are tons of things to do from Golf, hiking, zoo, laser show, food and you can hike the mountain or take a ride to the top."
Swimming alternatives: Since many natural water bodies prohibit swimming, look for campgrounds with pools. Tatiana Reinheimer A. mentions: "swimming is not allowed but there is a pool, it cost $5 person. Our campsite was very private and spacious."
Transportation services: Some larger parks provide internal transportation. Harvey B. notes: "They have free transportation within the park/campground area. Helpful staff too."
Tips from RVers
Big rig access considerations: Some parks can accommodate larger rigs but require careful navigation. Jason E. says Atlanta South RV Resort is "big rig friendly, and so is the staff. Donna in the office was very kind and helpful, and so were all of the guys working the grounds."
Full hookup availability: Many sites offer complete utility connections. Susan & Kevin W. describe Atlanta South RV Resort as "Definitely an RV park, not resort. No frills and packed tighter than sardines, but easy and convenient for a one night stay on the way to somewhere else."
Arrival timing strategy: Consider traffic patterns when planning arrival times. Benita P. suggests: "A great place to pull off of I75 and get out of the traffic. Sleep in and then take off when traffic is not so heavy!!"
Site assistance services: Some parks offer escort services to your site. Douglas T. appreciates that at Atlanta South RV Resort, "the best part was they took us to our site. We're always concerned coming into a strange campground in the dark since you can't see the site numbers or know the logistics of it."
