Camping cabins near Smyrna, Georgia offer accommodations within several state parks and private facilities throughout the region. The area sits at approximately 1,050 feet above sea level with a moderate climate that allows for year-round cabin use. Summer temperatures typically reach 90°F with high humidity, while winter lows rarely drop below freezing, making three-season camping comfortable without specialized gear.
What to do
Hiking opportunities: Red Top Mountain State Park features scenic trails around Lake Allatoona with minimal elevation changes. "This is close enough to metro to make for a quick getaway. The trail around the lake is good and in the winter it is not too far north has to be too cold to get outside in a tent," notes one visitor to Red Top Mountain State Park.
Water recreation: Lake Allatoona provides swimming, fishing, and boating options from multiple access points. At Holiday Harbor Marina & Resort, visitors can enjoy "peaceful and clean park" conditions with multiple water access points for day use or overnight stays.
Mountain biking: Fort Yargo State Park offers dedicated mountain biking trails for various skill levels. A visitor mentions, "Mountain bike trails and hiking trails inside park. When I have more time we plan to go back and take it all in. Close to the town of Winder for items you forgot. Less than a 3 mile ride," according to a Fort Yargo State Park Campground review.
What campers like
Platform camping: Some parks offer raised platforms ideal for tent camping near water. One Chattahoochee Bend State Park Campground visitor shares, "Platform sites are super nice. Short walk into the sites, right beside a river. Not much privacy between platforms but every time we have been it hasn't been full or crowded."
Spacious, wooded sites: Several campgrounds offer sites with good separation and natural screening. "We camped with my parents in the RV section of the campground, it was 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," according to a Stone Mountain Park Campground visitor.
Clean facilities: Bathhouses are well-maintained at most locations. A camper at Chattahoochee Bend notes, "The bathrooms were cleaner than my bathroom at home. The dogs loved the hiking and the river is beautiful with the fall colors."
What you should know
Railroad proximity: Several campgrounds have nearby train tracks. A visitor to Marina Resort - Allatoona Landing comments, "Very nice lake campground, paved parking pads, lots of foliage, a good bit of lakefront sites, level pads with electric, water, sewer, picnic table, and fire ring. I noticed several permanent residences here, and yes the train is LOUD."
Reservation requirements: Weekends fill quickly during peak seasons (April-October). Sites with the best amenities or views should be booked 3-6 months in advance.
Military-only options: Several facilities restrict use to military personnel. One visitor to Naval Recreation Site notes, "This is only for military, you have to have ID to prove."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple parks feature recently updated play equipment. A camper at Chattahoochee Bend State Park Campground shares, "Lots of great hiking. 2 playgrounds were open. Playgrounds are brand new or at least they look brand new. I am 225 lbs and I played on all the equipment with my daughter."
Kid-friendly bathrooms: Facilities are typically clean and accessible. One Red Top Mountain visitor notes, "This isn't for backpackers but for camping with your family, it's good. They have water and outlets and very very clean bathrooms. Like cleaner than a Publix bathroom. Kid friendly."
Seasonal programming: Several parks offer organized activities for children. "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!!!" reports a Stone Mountain Park visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Many campgrounds require additional equipment for leveling. A visitor to Atlanta South RV Resort states, "The sites here are a little close, but it's 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. This will be our go-to park when visiting Atlanta."
Hookup variations: Sites offer different utility connections, even within the same campground. A Red Top Mountain visitor cautions, "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. Sites were very narrow."
Road conditions: Interior roads at some parks present challenges for larger rigs. Look for pull-through sites when possible, particularly for vehicles over 30 feet in length.
