Tent camping options near Peachtree Corners, Georgia offer a mix of forested and lakeside experiences within an hour's drive of the metro area. This suburban city sits at approximately 1,050 feet elevation in the Piedmont region, with camping areas ranging from 700 to 1,800 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach 90°F with high humidity, making spring and fall the preferred camping seasons.
What to do
Fishing at Lake Lanier: Laurel Park provides multiple access points to Lake Lanier where anglers can catch bass, catfish, and crappie year-round. "It has plenty of access to Lake Lanier, and plenty of room for grilling out," notes Josh D. about the park facilities.
Hiking to mountain views: The Springer Mountain Shelter sits at the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, offering spectacular sunset views. "The shelter is close to the terminus of the AT - definitely recommend setting up, eating dinner, then heading back to the terminus to watch the sunset there!" says Maria A. who has camped there multiple times.
Explore urban-adjacent nature: Buford Dam Park Shelters offers walking paths along the Chattahoochee River just minutes from city amenities. "Wonderful walks, good fishing most of the year. Can be heavily used at times," says reviewer R.G., highlighting the park's accessibility.
What campers like
Wildlife encounters: Panola Mountain State Park campers enjoy natural sounds at their primitive campsites. "Very peaceful and even had the sounds of a vibrant coyote pack," writes Michael T. about his overnight experience at the walk-in sites.
Water features for families: Laurel Park offers summer water activities that complement camping. "It has a splash pad that's operating from late spring through summer," mentions Josh D., making this a family-friendly option during hot Georgia summers.
Spacious camping areas: James Shackleford Memorial Park provides room to spread out around its lake. "Not much to say about it pretty much all the sites around the lake area the same in Hall county Gwinnett it was very peaceful nice people was able to find plenty of outdoor stuff to do," according to Neil R.
What you should know
Varying water availability: Springer Mountain Shelter's water source fluctuates seasonally. One reviewer noted in July "it was just a small trickle but still filled our bottles," while another mentioned it was "non-existent" during their September visit.
Campsite surfaces: Some area campgrounds have unexpected surface types. At Laurel Park, one camper was surprised: "We arrived late at night. The campground was on cemented floor, which we did not realize till we got there."
Wildlife precautions: Expect mice and other creatures at shelters like Springer Mountain. "Expect mice and other creatures if you stay at the shelter. Definitely a high traffic area," warns Aubra F., emphasizing the need for proper food storage.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Hembree Park Campground works well for families new to camping. "Nice place very clean and plenty of room for me and my family. We in joy the freedom and the neighbors are very friendly," reports Ron W.
Look for recreational amenities: Laurel Park includes additional activities beyond camping. The splash pad operating "from late spring through summer" provides entertainment for children during hot weather camping trips.
Consider distance to facilities: Some primitive sites require significant walking. At Panola Mountain, campsites are "the quoted 3/4 mile walk in," according to Michael T., which may be challenging for families with young children or lots of gear.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most campgrounds near Peachtree Corners have restricted RV services. At Hembree Park Campground, campers should note: "It's not an RV park, they said there's is a little section of the park for rv but non hookups of any kind," according to Xochilt E.
Check road conditions: Some area campgrounds need infrastructure improvements. At Atlanta West Campground, one camper pointed out the need for "road improvement" and mentioned many "long term residents who leave a total mess in this area."
Campground communication challenges: Contacting some campgrounds may require persistence. One reviewer noted about Atlanta West Campground: "Not sure how they have so many people staying there when they were almost impossible for us to contact! We ended up staying somewhere else after a week of calling and not getting through."
