Red Top Mountain State Park Campground
Surrounded by water
Red Top Mountain State Park is surrounded by Altoona Lake with boat docks & marina for water sports.
117 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Powder Springs, Georgia provide a mix of developed camping areas and RV-focused options within easy access of Atlanta's metropolitan area. Sweetwater Creek State Park offers tent camping, RV sites, and yurts with lakeside views, while Stone Mountain Park Campground provides year-round camping with tent sites, RV hookups, cabin rentals, and yurt accommodations about 30 miles east of Powder Springs. Red Top Mountain State Park, located approximately 20 miles north near Lake Allatoona, features similar accommodations with the addition of cabins in a wooded setting. Most sites in the region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some specialized facilities like Atlanta-Marietta RV Park catering exclusively to recreational vehicles.
The Georgia camping season generally extends year-round, though summer brings higher temperatures and humidity that can make primitive camping less comfortable. Several campgrounds in the area, including Stone Mountain Park and Red Top Mountain State Park, remain open throughout all seasons, while others like Clark Creek North Campground operate on a limited schedule from April to September. Most developed campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays when sites fill quickly. Water access represents a significant draw for many campers in the region, with several campgrounds positioned near lakes or rivers. A visitor noted, "The campground is great but the trails are really what makes the experience. The trails are moderate in difficulty and the views are awesome."
Campground quality and amenities vary considerably throughout the Powder Springs area. Sweetwater Creek State Park receives consistently high ratings for its hiking trails and scenery, with one reviewer highlighting that "There are 5 walk up sites - can't park at your site and the campsites are up a small hill hidden in the woods. Private sites - water and electric - fireflys everywhere!" In contrast, reviews for Sweetwater Creek RV Reserve mention mixed experiences, with some appreciating its proximity to the state park while others noted limited amenities and close spacing between sites. The region's campgrounds typically provide basic amenities like water hookups, electric service, and restrooms, though some primitive sites may have more limited facilities. Wildlife viewing opportunities, historical features like the mill ruins at Sweetwater Creek, and water recreation options enhance the camping experience at many locations.
"I stayed at the walk- in campsites with waterfront view and access to walk down to the water. There is no electric at site and water didn’t work."
"Many were positioned right on the lake. The trails in the park were great for hiking and running. We enjoyed visiting the Qualusi Winery that was nearby."
from $40 - $315 / night
Check Availability"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. "
"15 miles West of Atlanta, Ga off I20 Sweetwater Creek State Park offers history, trails, water activities and peace and quiet."
from $28 - $100 / night
Check Availability"Georgia Veteran’s Memorial State Park, McKinney Campground on Allatoona Lake (north of Atlanta; a Corp of Engineer park) - very woodsy and a nice lake. Hiking, rafting/etc, and walking all around."
"Campground Review: This campground is an excellent place to stay not far outside of the bustling metropolis of Atlanta."
from $30 - $34 / night
Check Availability"All around peacefull place! Laundry room on site as well as showers and wi fi for guest access. Manager is a sweetheart! Located very close to convenience stores and grocery stores as well."
"Wasn’t what we expected as there is not really a view of Sweetwater Creek- but it is about a 5 minute drive."
from $60 - $650 / night
Check Availability"Lived in Georgia my whole life and yet my first time to Stone Mountain was literally three years ago. Now we have an annual pass and go all the time."
"One of the best camping areas in Georgia."
from $44 - $65 / night
Check Availability"I use this park strictly for sporting events as it’s close by and is relatively quiet considering how close it is to the highway. I have no complaints."
"Nice resort and it’s close to the battery where the braves play baseball. The pizza place is soooo yummy, make sure you check it out. There are so many little ponds nearby and such cute little homes."
from $64 / night
Check Availability"There is also signage to verify that you are going the right way until you see the CG entrance. We pulled into the gate area and were checked in by the attendant on duty."
"Clark Creek North is a small gem tucked along the shore of Lake Allatoona just north of Atlanta. It is small with just 24 spots equipped with water and electric and every spot has water access."
from $34 / night
Check Availability"These are two completely different parks in two completely different parts of Georgia. SCofA does not have a mill, ruins, river or mountain trails. It does have a lake. Allatoona Lake."
"Beautiful area of camping spots around the lake. Very good infrastructure, showers, bathrooms, etc."
from $24 - $290 / night
Check Availability"The lake is beautiful. It’s quiet other than the occasional train whistles. The WiFi is pretty much non existent so don’t plan on that. Even with a booster we couldn’t pick it up."
"The bathrooms were pretty amazing compared to the last campground we were at which was also on alatoona lake as well. ( McKinney camp ground ) The first night we got here it was packed, like crazy packed"
from $42 - $52 / night
Check Availability"If you want lake front, they got it! Almost all sites either have a view of the lake or are right on lake Allatoona! We tent camped here on site 45 in October 2017."
"Great water views and easy step down to the waters edge for fishing. In our area, the bathroom/shower combo is adequate but needs an update."
from $28 / night
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Red Top Mountain State Park is surrounded by Altoona Lake with boat docks & marina for water sports.
I had one of tha best times at McKinney campground.. tha water is perfect and its so pretty .. the people that runs it also was very polite and very kind.. I highly recommend this locations
Site 24 has a large pad that easily fit our 14x10 tent. It is part shade; our tent received a little sun when we arrived around lunchtime, but only for a couple of hours.
Although the site is next to the walk-in tent parking lot, it sits higher than the parking area, making the parking lot barely noticeable from camp. The wooden railing and a few trees around the site helped create a sense of privacy while still preserving our view of the water. The railing also came in handy for drying towels.
The fire ring includes a cooking grate, and we loved watching the lightning bugs around our site at night. Unlike the fishing areas near the tent sites, we didn’t experience any mosquitoes around our campsite during our stay.
What stood out most about this campground was what I can only describe as being “socially secluded.” There were plenty of other campers, and many sites appeared to be occupied by families and groups camping together. You could occasionally hear laughter and conversation while walking through the campground, which made it feel welcoming and lively. Yet once back at our site, those sounds seemed to disappear. We often forgot we even had neighbors. It was a surprisingly peaceful experience and one of the things we enjoyed most about Site 24.
A gravel path from the tent parking lot leads to a small fishing area with a metal bench and a timed fish feeder, making it a great spot for anglers, especially kids wanting to catch bream/panfish. During our stay they were constantly stealing bait from our hooks until we started using size 8 hooks. Once we switched, we had the best luck fishing close to shore and caught fish one after another. Honestly, if your kids want to make their own fishing pole by tying line and a hook to a stick and yanking fish out of the water, this is the place to do it! You don’t even need worms—a ball of bread worked like a charm! 😂
⛺ The bathrooms were close enough to walk to, clean, and had lighting. However, I recommend bringing a flashlight for nighttime trips since the road leading to them is quite dark.
⛺ There is another small fishing area near the swimming beach, though we didn’t have a chance to try it.
⛺ The dumpsters are located near the swimming beach. Taking your trash on the way there is an easy way to help keep ants out of your campsite.
⛺ The camper registration tags for your site post are located on the information board beside the tent parking area.
⛺ Be aware that Game Wardens actively enforce the rule requiring everyone to be off the lake by sunset, including anglers, swimmers, and boaters.
Next time we visit, we plan to try one of the walk-in tent sites. The path appeared easy enough to navigate with a wagon loaded with camping gear from the parking lot.
We have been here twice. Site 10 (on water) and 38 (next to playground. The sites are huge, everything is clean, hot steady flow water can be tricky but as a mom of 7, I love that it feels secluded but is close to target and Publix! Love this place and it is our go to when we visit the North Georgia Revival. Highly recommend!
I stayed at the walk- in campsites with waterfront view and access to walk down to the water. There is no electric at site and water didn’t work. The bathroom facilities are well maintained and whole place is really clean. This site was right next to parking other 3 are close but wagon recommended to haul items to other walk on sites.
Gorgeous campground on the lake with excellent facilities. Priority along the lake front is given to tent sites, which is nice. There's a mix of sizes for small campers and big RVs so it never feels crowded. Not a huge amount to do in the area except chill on the lake or at your site in the woods... which is fine by me. The one shortcoming was difficult lake access from the campground. There are plenty of beach areas when the lake is low but getting to them can be challenging. There's a public beach in another part of the park but we didn't go there.
Very crowded campground, tight sites, and dated facilities. Stayed one night on a through trip, so they let me stay with my custom built RV but they have a rule against it if you’re staying more than one night. I am not sure why because this isn’t an RV resort, it reminds me of an over crowded KOA. Good for business stay or a quick overnight but if you have a family and want room for your kids to play, I’d look elsewhere.
While there is a free dispersed campground nearby, it requires advanced registration on their website. This is a good spot for passers by who wing trips without reservations. It’s just a lot, but there is a portapotty. It is a trail head for the local greenway. There’s also a frisbee golf course next to the lot. The trail is posted no motorized vehicles, so take that into account if you have ebikes. The streams nearby do have fish that are easily caught as well as water snakes (non-venomous). Overall I’d recommend to not abuse it (don’t deploy any awnings, chairs, grills, etc in the lot), but it’s a quiet waypoint to stretch your legs and overnight.
Tent camping. Very beautiful views and environment. Bathroom is just a room with a curtain though lol
Powder Springs, Georgia provides access to several campgrounds within a 30-mile radius, including both state parks and private RV facilities. Red Top Mountain State Park Campground and Sweetwater Creek State Park offer developed camping options with tent sites, RV hookups, and alternative accommodations like yurts and cabins. The surrounding area includes both established campgrounds managed by Georgia State Parks and privately operated RV parks that cater to different camping preferences and needs.
Most campgrounds in the region remain open year-round, though specific amenities and activities may vary seasonally. Reservations are recommended, particularly for weekend stays at popular state parks like Stone Mountain Park and Sweetwater Creek. Private RV parks such as Sweetwater Creek RV Reserve and Atlanta-Marietta RV Park provide full hookups but typically offer less privacy than state park campgrounds. As one visitor noted about Sweetwater Creek State Park, "The 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 of trails by the huge river."
Several campgrounds near Powder Springs feature waterfront locations with access to lakes or rivers, particularly those positioned along Lake Allatoona and Sweetwater Creek. The state park campgrounds consistently receive higher ratings than nearby private RV parks, with visitors frequently mentioning the quality of hiking trails, water activities, and natural scenery. Sweetwater Creek State Park receives particular praise for its hiking opportunities and historical ruins. Reviews indicate that RV parks in the area vary significantly in quality and maintenance. A camper described Sweetwater Creek State Park as having "all the walking trails well maintained and excellent views. The ruins are very cool to see as well." Visitors should note that Sweetwater Creek State Park offers only yurts and walk-in tent sites with no RV camping available, while other nearby campgrounds accommodate various RV sizes with full hookups.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Powder Springs, GA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Powder Springs, GA offers a wide range of camping options, with 117 campgrounds and RV parks near Powder Springs, GA and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Powder Springs, GA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Powder Springs, GA is Red Top Mountain State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 82 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Powder Springs, GA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Powder Springs, GA.
What parks are near Powder Springs, GA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Powder Springs, GA that allow camping, notably Allatoona Lake and Lake Sidney Lanier.
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