Stone Mountain Park Campground offers safari-style glamping options with lake views and the granite monolith backdrop approximately 20 miles east of Atlanta. The area features low-rolling hills with mixed pine and hardwood forests at around 1,000 feet elevation. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-90°F, with high humidity during peak camping season from May through September, making air circulation important for tent and glamping accommodations.
What to do
Hiking trails: Red Top Mountain State Park Campground offers extensive paths along Lake Allatoona for all skill levels. According to Holly B., "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. There are bike trails and plenty of entertainment for all."
Waterfront activities: At Shady Grove Campground, many sites provide direct lake access. One camper notes, "My husband and son enjoyed fishing and paddle boarding right behind our site. There was a lot to see and do at Stone Mountain." The park features multiple lake entry points for paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing.
Historical exploration: Visit the ruins at Sweetwater Creek State Park Campground. "Make sure you go see Manchester Mill Ruins," advises Mike K. The park combines natural settings with historical elements on trails that follow the river. Another visitor adds, "The park is set up on the land of an old factory that used the river to power a water wheel."
What campers like
Privacy options: Walk-in sites at Fort Yargo State Park Campground provide more seclusion than standard sites. "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," explains Amalia K.
Lakeside views: Many campers appreciate waterfront camping. Susan K. from Stone Mountain notes, "The only downfall was that the trailer needed a lot of leveling. But it was totally worth it. Our site was on the lake." At Bald Ridge Creek, "Nearly every site is on the Lake, with access to the water. The sites are very well maintained."
Urban proximity: Campgrounds near Scottdale maintain natural settings while remaining close to urban conveniences. "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," notes Jessica D. This makes yurt camping near Scottdale, Georgia practical for weekend getaways.
What you should know
No alcohol policies: Some parks strictly enforce no-alcohol rules. A Shady Grove visitor warns, "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."
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds require significant leveling for RVs. At Bald Ridge Creek, visitors mention uneven terrain: "Heavily wooded sites that are not well maintained. Very narrow roads in the campground with lots of pot holes. Not the easiest state park to pull a travel trailer in."
Bathroom facilities vary: While some campgrounds offer modern facilities, others require improvements. At Sweetwater Creek, a reviewer notes, "The bathrooms were cleanish. Just needed a little bit of detailed cleaning." For yurt camping near Scottdale and surrounding areas, bathroom quality can significantly impact comfort levels.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: High Falls State Park Campground provides central recreation areas. "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," says Bille W.
Water safety awareness: Some natural water features have safety restrictions. At High Falls, a visitor cautions, "Swimming is not allowed but there is a pool, it cost $5 person. Our campsite was very private and spacious. Lots of ticks though." Another mentions entering the water "was prohibited due to leaches."
Transportation options: Stone Mountain offers convenient movement between amenities. Harvey B. explains, "There's all kind of activities for the kids. They have free transportation within the park/campground area. Helpful staff too. The sites are close but they are not difficult to enter."
Tips from RVers
Electrical hookups: Most campgrounds offer power connections, but amp ratings vary. At RamsdenLake, glamping accommodations include power for comfort items like fans and device charging. For extended yurt camping near Scottdale, Georgia, verify power availability when booking.
Site width considerations: Check site dimensions before booking. One Bald Ridge Creek visitor notes, "Sites were very narrow." At Fort Yargo State Park, sites are "arranged in a way that you don't feel close to your neighbor. Free hot showers, firewood for $5/bundle, soda machines, dump station (sites have power and water)."
Dump station logistics: Plan accordingly for Sunday checkout. An RV camper at Bald Ridge Creek reports, "Single dump station tends to line up on Sunday but I suppose that's part of the deal." Most campgrounds offer water and electric hookups at sites with central dump stations.
