Tent campsites near Smyrna, Georgia range from urban-adjacent parks to more secluded natural areas within driving distance of the city. Most camping options lie within a 20-40 mile radius of Smyrna, with sites concentrated along the Chattahoochee River corridor and eastward toward Stockbridge. Winter temperatures typically remain mild enough for year-round tent camping, though summer humidity can make July and August challenging for outdoor sleepers.
What to do
Explore freshwater fishing spots: At Buford Dam Park Shelters, anglers can access prime Chattahoochee River fishing locations throughout most seasons. One visitor notes that it offers wonderful walks, good fishing most of the year, though the area "can be heavily used at times."
Take guided nature tours: Several parks offer educational experiences beyond basic hiking. At Panola Mountain State Park Campground, a camper shares they "took the guided tour of the Mountain and it was awesome. We ate Pine Trees and they explained about liken and the red fungus. Highly recommended."
Visit nearby state parks: While staying at Atlanta West Campground, consider day trips to neighboring recreation areas. A camper mentions: "Only a couple miles away is Sweetwater State Park which is well worth a visit and has some wonderful hiking trails."
What campers like
Private wooded settings: Hideaway Park offers more seclusion than many Atlanta-area campgrounds. A visitor describes it as a "great place if you are looking for a peace of mind and a breath of fresh air. The prices are great for your stay, too."
Wildlife encounters: Overnight tent campers at Panola Mountain State Park Campground report unexpected nature experiences. One camper's review mentions their site was "very peaceful and even had the sounds of a vibrant coyote pack."
Staff support: Several campsites provide attentive ranger services. A Panola Mountain camper specifically mentioned that "staff was awesome and very accommodating," making their overnight experience more enjoyable.
What you should know
Access challenges: Many tent sites require physical effort to reach. At Panola Mountain, a reviewer described it as a "beautiful area...tough to get to" while another confirmed "it is the quoted 3/4 mile walk in."
Variable availability: Contacting campgrounds can sometimes prove difficult. A visitor to Atlanta West Campground reported: "We ended up staying somewhere else after a week of calling and not getting through."
Facility limitations: Bathrooms and amenities can be inconsistent. At Buford Dam Park, a camper warns: "The bathrooms were locked when we went so make sure you keep that in mind when coming here. There is not a convenience store for miles, the nearest is 20-30 mins drive away."
Tips for camping with families
Spacious sites: Families need room to spread out tents and gear. At Hembree Park Campground, a visitor appreciated the generous layout: "Nice place very clean and plenty of room for me and my family. We in joy the freedom and the neighbors are very friendly."
Cell reception: For families needing to stay connected, service varies by location. At Panola Mountain, a camper noted "there is good cell reception (T-Mobile)" which can be important for emergencies or keeping in touch.
Water access: Swimming opportunities exist but require preparation. At Buford Dam Park, a reviewer mentions they "have a seasonal swimming area with sand. You will get the Georgia red clay on your clothes if you go in the water."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Few campgrounds near Smyrna accommodate both tents and RVs with full services. A visitor to Hembree Park Campground cautions: "It's not an RV park, they said there's is a little section of the park for rv but non hookups of any kind."
Long-term residents: Some campgrounds function more as semi-permanent communities. An Atlanta West visitor observed: "This is much more of a mobile home or RV park than a campground since most of the people staying here are set up for long term residency rather than for a night or two."
Road conditions: Access roads at some locations need maintenance. A camper at Hideaway Park noted: "You can tell that the property has been empty for quite some time, but I saw a pretty good bit of progress during the time I spent there."
