Lake Allatoona forms the centerpiece of camping opportunities near Smyrna, Georgia, situated about 20 miles northwest of Atlanta. The area features a mix of Corps of Engineers campgrounds and state parks with elevations ranging from 800-1,600 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons offer milder 65-80°F temperatures with less precipitation.
What to do
Hiking trails year-round: Red Top Mountain State Park offers extensive trails for all skill levels with lake views. One camper noted, "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."
Historical sites exploration: Visit the Manchester Mill Ruins at Sweetwater Creek State Park for a glimpse into industrial history. "Make sure you go see Manchester Mill Ruins," recommends a visitor to Sweetwater Creek State Park Campground.
Swimming beaches: Clark Creek South Campground provides direct lake access with a dedicated swimming area. A camper shared, "The campsite was right next to the swimming beach so little to no privacy and very loud. Although I slept very well in my tent because Quiet hours were observed."
Paddleboarding and kayaking: Bald Ridge Creek Campground offers easy water access for non-motorized watercraft. "We come here often, as it's only a 35 minute drive from home! Nearly every site is on the Lake, with access to the water."
What campers like
Waterfront site privacy: Many lakeside sites at Clark Creek South offer seclusion between camping spots. A visitor mentioned, "Perfect views of the lake, some spots lead directly down to the water. Huge spots, well-spaced and friendly hosts!"
Convenient location: Mckinney Campground provides an accessible base for Atlanta-area trips. "We always stop here on our trips down to florida and we always stay a couple days as we love to get a waterfront site and they are nice, clean sites with lots of shade and pet friendly."
Clean facilities: The bathrooms at many area campgrounds receive high marks. At Clark Creek South Campground, "Restrooms/showers cleaned and relatively maintained, debris free paved lanes to all sites."
Wildlife viewing: Deer sightings are common at several campgrounds around Smyrna. One camper at Shady Grove noted, "A lot of deer just walking around. Bathrooms are in good shape."
What you should know
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. An Old Highway 41 camper shared, "It is so close to i75 that the sound of traffic is constant; during the day is manageable but at night it makes it hard to sleep if you are in a tent and are a silent sleeper."
Alcohol restrictions: Some county parks strictly enforce no-alcohol policies. A visitor to Shady Grove Campground reported, "Nice campground. 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."
Security issues: At Clark Creek North, campers should take precautions with valuables. One camper warned, "After discussing the issue with the campground staff, we were informed that locals often come through the woods and even wade through the edge of the lake to steal from the campground."
Reservation timing: Summer weekends book quickly at most campgrounds, with reservations opening 6-12 months in advance depending on the park. For glamping in Smyrna, Georgia area, booking 3-4 months ahead is recommended.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Stone Mountain Park Campground features kid-friendly facilities. A visitor mentioned, "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!!!"
Biking opportunities: Old Highway 41 Campground offers paved roads ideal for kids learning to ride. "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."
Junior Ranger programs: Several parks maintain educational activities despite pandemic limitations. A Red Top Mountain visitor noted, "Friendly staff, with the Jr ranger program still going with the help of adult campers during covid. Still so much fun and so clean and beautiful!!"
Beach proximity: Select sites at Clark Creek South put you steps from swimming. "One of my favorite! Only 40 sites. $22 night primitive $34 full hook-up. Most sites on the lake with a ton of space between sites and lake access."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Be prepared with leveling blocks at several area campgrounds. At Red Top Mountain, one camper reported, "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."
Utility accessibility: At One with Nature Glamp Camp, glamping options near Smyrna provide modern amenities without traditional hookups. "The amenities are mind blowing…….top tier linens, mobile power units, lighting, movie projector, movie speaker and yes a wood burning stove in your tent."
Extension cord requirements: Some premium sites require longer power cords. A Clark Creek South camper advised, "10 you need extra cords to reach electric box as it's at front of site."
Dump station congestion: Plan Sunday departures accordingly. A Bald Ridge Creek visitor observed, "Single dump station tends to line up on Sunday but I suppose that's part of the deal."
