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Best Campgrounds near Rydal, GA

1,118 Reviews

Camping areas around Rydal, Georgia center on Lake Allatoona, with multiple Corps of Engineers campgrounds providing waterfront access. Red Top Mountain State Park and McKaskey Creek Campground offer a mix of tent and RV sites with varying levels of amenities. Most established campgrounds in the area feature electric hookups, picnic tables and fire rings, while several provide cabin options for those seeking more comfortable accommodations. The region includes both primitive tent sites and full-hookup RV areas, with several campgrounds offering boat-in access points.

Road conditions throughout the Rydal area remain generally good, with most campgrounds accessible via paved roads. Summer temperatures typically reach the high 80s and 90s with humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions ideal for outdoor activities. "Very peaceful, very quiet, with very big lots," noted one visitor about McKaskey Creek Campground. Reservations are strongly recommended during peak season (late spring through early fall), particularly for weekend stays when waterfront sites fill quickly. Many campgrounds in the Lake Allatoona system operate seasonally, with several closing between September and March, though Red Top Mountain State Park maintains year-round availability.

The waterfront sites consistently receive the highest ratings from campers, particularly at McKaskey Creek and Upper Stamp Creek campgrounds. Visitors frequently mention the swimming areas, boat launches, and fishing opportunities as key attractions. According to one visitor, "There is a small beach here that has a slow drop off that ends up at about 7 feet deep and it is well kept." While most campgrounds offer clean restroom facilities, visitors note that privacy varies significantly between sites. Several reviews highlight the spaciousness between campsites at McKaskey Creek as a positive feature. Campgrounds closer to the water tend to be more popular but may experience increased boat traffic and noise on summer weekends, while those seeking quieter experiences might prefer sites set back from the shoreline.

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Best Camping Sites Near Rydal, Georgia (337)

    1. Red Top Mountain State Park Campground

    79 Reviews
    Emerson, GA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (770) 975-0055

    $40 - $315 / night

    "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."

    "Our site I believe was 51 and steps away from The water. Easy check in and friendly staff."

    2. Sweetwater Campground

    31 Reviews
    Lebanon, GA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (678) 721-6700

    $24 - $290 / night

    "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."

    3. Mckinney Campground

    24 Reviews
    Emerson, GA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (678) 721-6700

    $30 - $34 / night

    "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."

    4. Mckaskey Creek Campground

    12 Reviews
    Emerson, GA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (678) 721-6700

    $24 - $34 / night

    "My dad SCUBA dives quite a bit in a quarry nearby, so this is a great site for the family to stay with the camper."

    "It also seems as though most have access to the lake and the bath houses are pretty clean."

    5. Victoria Campground

    15 Reviews
    Lebanon, GA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (678) 721-6700

    $24 - $34 / night

    "Lots of sites are waterfront or has access to the lake, that is a plus. The lake area is tranquil and quiet."

    "Wanted to know every detail of everyone in our party, and my husband came late and I have to give notice for him to join us ( the campground is gated) Now the positives- It’s right on beautiful lake Allatoona"

    6. Doll Mountain Campground

    22 Reviews
    Talking Rock, GA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 276-4413

    $26 - $100 / night

    "Doll Mountain Campground near Ellijay, Georgia is located on a peninsula stretching into Carter's Lake, and managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. "

    "The sites are tucked into the trees, lots of great spots for your hammock! We stayed at a walk-in site, but were still close to a pit toilet and our car."

    7. Salacoa Creek Park

    10 Reviews
    Calhoun, GA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 629-3490

    "The campground entrance is 10 miles on the right off the Redbud Rd exit. Only con is not a lot of shade in the campsites."

    "The campground is situated on a hill with the campsites tiered one above(or below) the next. Not much in shade or privacy but well kept and clean."

    8. Clark Creek North Campground

    12 Reviews
    Acworth, GA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (770) 387-5149

    $34 / night

    "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."

    9. Payne Campground

    13 Reviews
    Woodstock, GA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (678) 721-6700

    $24 - $68 / night

    "This campground is full of beautiful lakeside sites! Many are well-spaced, but some are close together. We camped with our van in one of the tent sites because the rv sites were full."

    "I didn't get a chance to snap pictures or videos but it is nestled along the shore of Lake Allatoona."

    10. Marina Resort - Allatoona Landing

    11 Reviews
    Emerson, GA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (770) 974-6089

    $42 - $52 / night

    "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"

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Recent Camping Photos near Rydal, GA

436 Photos of 337 Rydal Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Rydal, GA

1118 Reviews of 337 Rydal Campgrounds

  • pThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Amicalola Falls State Park Camping

    Quick fall foliage trip

    The park is absolutely beautiful, great scenery and hiking trails. The visitors center is nice, but the helpfulness of the staff was hit or miss. The campsite is nice, quiet, clean bathrooms and warm showers. We camped in a tent and the ground was hard, almost like cement which made staking the tent down difficult. Other than this, we loved it and would come back again.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 22, 2025

    Red Top Mountain State Park Campground

    Red top mountain state park

    Plenty of campsites, some on the lake. RV, tents, yurts. Spaces 1-12 are especially nice since they are spacious and can handle class A and 5th wheelers. All 12 have water electric and sewer. We have a class C and prefer 1-12 because there is plenty of space between sites.

  • Kayla D.
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Bald Ridge Creek

    It’s a NO from us

    I wanted to wait a few days before writing this review — truthfully, I wanted to wait until after we checked out. I dreaded the retribution of Mrs. Cynthia “Cindy” Farmer, the campground manager, which I was sure would follow.

    Our church group had been looking forward to this camping trip for nearly a year. I’ve personally camped at Bald Ridge Creek Campground many times and never had a single issue — until now. Our church typically takes two group trips a year at another Forsyth County campground, but this year, we decided to rent nine sites at Bald Ridge. Even Cindy seemed excited that we were coming!

    We’re a Baptist group — not exactly known for our wild nights. We sing, we fellowship, and we’re back in our campers by 10 p.m. But according to “Queen Cindy,” you’d think we were a pack of college kids throwing keg parties.

    Our crime? An evening of worship and fellowship — a small keyboard, a guitar, and around 50 people spread over three campsites for a couple of hours each night. Cindy declared it an “event” (apparently forbidden) and told us we couldn’t do it again and threatened to make us all leave. She also banned us from eating together — saying we could gather while serving food but had to disperse to our own campsites immediately once we got our plates.

    The only actual rule violation came from one site where a tent wasn’t put up right away. Cindy seized on that excuse to call dispatch and have three sheriff’s deputies sent to “deal with” our peaceful group of families, children, and worshipers.

    To their credit, the deputies couldn’t have been kinder, yet embarrassed that they even had to be there. They laughed at the situation, noting they’re called out to the campground frequently because of Cindy’s pettiness and made-up rules. They said our little keyboard — which Cindy had described like it was a baby grand piano — was no problem at all. They simply advised us to set up the tent and let her stomp it out.

    Cindy even claimed that someone had called the Corps of Engineers to report us — at 7:00 p.m., during the government shutdown, when the office wasn’t even open. 🙄

    For context, Cindy lives at the campground for free as part of her role as host. It’s time for someone new to take over. She also wears a body camera and records campers (which is legal, I know), but as a county employee, those recordings are public record.

    We’ll continue to pray without ceasing for her — that the Lord softens her heart. But until then, I can’t recommend Bald Ridge Creek Campground to anyone who values fair treatment, hospitality, or simple human kindness.

  • George M.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Mulky Campground

    Great location for fishing

    A lot of the campsites are right on the water, so it's super easy to fish. But if you want something more private, there are also some secluded spots up the road.

  • Sarah H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Clark Creek South Campground

    Rules not enforced

    The sites are very small and very close together. The lake does have beautiful views. I give 1 star because no rules are enforced. There was no quiet time for us. People were partying, loud music, yelling, being loud up to 3/4am. Both Friday and Saturday nights. It was so bad Friday night that we went to the local Dollar Tree for EAR PLUGS so we could sleep Saturday night. The gate is locked at 10pm however the gate will let you out. A camper below us went to the gate about 11pm and let 2 other cars in. 1 vehicle went out, 3 come in. No rules are enforced. We do not recommend it. The host site is an eye sore. It needs to be cleaned up. It's such a mess! The lake is so beautiful, though.

  • A
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Margaritaville

    Best Campground Ever

    My wife and I went here for a week back in June 2025. I’ve been to many campgrounds in my day and I can say this one by far is the best. Clean campsites, fun amenities and great golf.

    We went to a Braves game one night since it is only an hour away and made may fond memories. I have already scheduled my week to go back again in 2026!

  • G F.
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Amicalola Falls State Park Camping

    Overpriced

    Like some of the other privately managed Georgia state parks, our visit here was disappointing.

    The issues started at the welcome center. The RV parking area was full of cars, even though plenty of regular parking spots were open. When we mentioned it to staff, the response was dismissive — one employee told us, “that’s above my paygrade.”

    The restroom at the welcome center was also a low point. The toilets are stainless steel with no seats — the kind you’d expect to see in a jail — and designed so shallow that whether you sit or hover, you end up getting splashed. It’s an unpleasant and unsanitary setup.

    The campground itself felt neglected, with rotting picnic tables and a general lack of upkeep. It’s also isolated from the rest of the park — there isn’t even a connector trail from the camping area to a single hiking trail, which makes it feel cut off from the very amenities most people come for. At $60 a night, you’d expect at least a basic map of the trails and amenities, but instead you’re told to snap a photo of a cardboard display. That felt like corner-cutting.

    One memorable (and concerning) part of the stay was the bear activity. In September, several bears came through the campground, startling tent campers who had to retreat inside their cars for safety.

    All in all, while the natural setting of Amicalola Falls is beautiful, the way the park is managed left the overall experience underwhelming and, at times, frustrating.

  • Ney N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Woodring Branch Primitive Campground — Carters Lake

    Slice of heaven cost: $10

    My partner always said he loved going here as a kid, so we went. $10 a night was a bargain and I did not expect much. The site we picked was near the restrooms, which were very well kept. It was quiet, beautiful, and an absolute slice of heaven. We went swimming and exploring. It did not feel overcrowded or busy. We walked down the peninsula at night to stargaze surrounded by water. I didn't want to leave and go back to the real world.

Guide to Rydal

Camping near Rydal, Georgia, offers a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors with family and friends. With beautiful parks and campgrounds nearby, you can find plenty of activities and amenities to make your stay enjoyable.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "There are lots of short trails to amazing vistas," making it a great spot for both casual walkers and serious hikers.
  • Waterfalls: Visit DeSoto State Park Campground to see stunning waterfalls. A camper shared, "Saw 4 waterfalls and so many amazing rock formations," highlighting the park's natural beauty.
  • Fishing and Swimming: At Fort Yargo State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and paddleboarding. One reviewer noted, "The lake had been drained for maintenance... still good for paddle boarding."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Stone Mountain Park Campground said, "The bathroom and showers are very new and well-maintained."
  • Privacy: Many campgrounds offer spacious sites. A camper at Vogel State Park Campground mentioned, "Our site was very spacious and private with lots of shade."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often rave about the helpful staff. One reviewer at Don Carter State Park Campground said, "Clean and well-maintained including the facilities."

What you should know:

  • Crowded Campgrounds: Some sites can get busy, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground noted, "The sites are very close together here and you can expect it to usually be booked up."
  • Check-in Confusion: Be prepared for check-in procedures. One camper mentioned, "Checking in is confusing because they don’t send you any info on what to do or how to get to your site."
  • Limited Parking: Some parks have limited parking, especially during events. A visitor at Amicalola Falls State Park Camping warned, "BEWARE- there is a steep 24% grade getting to the campground."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Parks: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. At Stone Mountain Park Campground, one family enjoyed "train rides, gondola ride to the top, hiking and fireworks."
  • Pack Games: Bring outdoor games for family fun. A camper at Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground mentioned, "It backs up to woods but also has an open area that you could play numerous games."
  • Plan for Meals: Make sure to have easy meal options. One camper at DeSoto State Park Campground noted, "We mostly cooked out, but a lunch visit to the Wildflower in Mentone is worth it."

Tips from RVers:

Camping near Rydal, Georgia, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation. Enjoy the beautiful parks and make the most of your outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Rydal, GA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Rydal, GA offers a wide range of camping options, with 337 campgrounds and RV parks near Rydal, GA and 13 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Rydal, GA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Rydal, GA is Red Top Mountain State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 79 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Rydal, GA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 free dispersed camping spots near Rydal, GA.

What parks are near Rydal, GA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Rydal, GA that allow camping, notably Allatoona Lake and Carters Lake.

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