Stone Mountain Park Campground and other state parks near Jonesboro offer overnight camping accommodations within 45 minutes of the city. The region has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers reaching 90°F and mild winters rarely dropping below 30°F. Most campgrounds in the area remain open year-round due to the moderate temperatures, though weekend reservations often fill 2-3 months in advance during peak season from April through October.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls and historic sites: At High Falls State Park Campground, campers access trails leading to cascading falls. "The lake is like small but the hiking makes up for it," notes Matthew A. The park features multiple trails ranging from easy half-mile walks to more challenging 2-mile routes with elevation changes.
Mountain biking on dedicated trails: Fort Yargo State Park offers extensive mountain biking paths separate from hiking areas. "There are bike trails and plenty of entertainment for all," reports Holly B. The park maintains over 20 miles of biking trails with varying difficulty levels from beginner to advanced.
Kayaking and paddle boarding: Many campsites at Chattahoochee Bend State Park Campground provide direct water access. Susan K. shares, "My husband and son enjoyed fishing and paddle boarding right behind our site." Paddlecraft rentals typically cost $15-25 per hour with availability from March through November.
Historical exploration: Several parks contain preserved historical structures. One visitor mentioned, "We took a picnic lunch with us and found one of the many picnic areas to have lunch and enjoy the lake views." The old mill ruins and historic fort structures date to the early 1800s and feature interpretive signage.
What campers like
Spacious, level campsites: Fort Yargo State Park Campground receives high marks for site quality. "Our site was very level, and pull through," notes Judi P. Most sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and water/electric hookups with 30-50 foot clearance between neighboring campers.
Clean, well-maintained facilities: The parks invest in regular maintenance. "Bathhouse was clean. Sites on lake are spaced apart a little more than river campground," reports Elaine H. Bathhouses typically include hot showers with strong water pressure and are cleaned daily.
Lake views from select sites: Prime waterfront locations provide scenic settings. "It was a nice, spacious campsite with a nice picnic table and partial view of the lake even though we didn't have 'lake view' site," explains Tonya B. Waterfront sites often cost $5-10 more per night but offer direct water access.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The natural setting attracts diverse wildlife. "Deer roaming everywhere," observes Todd L. Morning and evening hours provide the best wildlife viewing with deer, foxes, and numerous bird species commonly spotted.
What you should know
Train noise affects some campgrounds: Multiple reviewers mention railroad proximity. "There are train tracks nearby so expect some train noise," warns one camper. Noise levels vary by campground, with sites further from the tracks experiencing minimal disruption.
Limited availability for tent-only sites: Walk-in tent areas fill quickly, especially at Sweetwater Creek State Park Campground. "I wish there were more tent sites. Very friendly staff," says Virginia W. Most parks have fewer than 10 dedicated tent-only sites compared to 30-50 RV sites.
Water restrictions at certain locations: Swimming isn't permitted at all parks. "Swimming is not allowed due to leaches," cautions Savannah W. Parks with swimming restrictions typically offer alternative water activities such as fishing or paddling.
Seasonal crowds impact experience: Visitor volume fluctuates dramatically by season. "This is a great campground and definitely worth a visit... can imagine it gets pretty busy on the weekends and during the summer," notes a reviewer. Summer weekends regularly reach full capacity, while weekday camping from November through March offers significantly more solitude.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity matters: Select sites near recreational areas for convenience. "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," suggests Bille W. Most family-friendly loops include playgrounds within 200 yards of campsites.
Junior Ranger programs continue year-round: Red Top Mountain State Park maintains educational activities. "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!!" shares Cheryl C. Programs typically last 1-2 hours and cover local wildlife, conservation, and outdoor skills.
Multiple bathroom options: Some parks offer both vault toilets and full facilities. "There's all kind of activities for the kids. They have free transportation within the park/campground area. Helpful staff too," explains Harvey B. Most comfort stations remain open year-round with heated facilities during winter months.
Yurt camping provides comfort for inexperienced families: Yurt camping near Jonesboro, Georgia appeals to those seeking structure with outdoor access. "Red Top Mountain State Park is an incredible spot for a camping getaway... The fact that they have rental cottages and yurts makes it a great choice for people who want a more relaxed camping experience," notes RyaCo. Yurts typically include electricity, fans, heaters, and furnished interiors while maintaining an outdoor camping feel.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require equipment adjustments. "The only downfall was that the trailer needed a lot of leveling. But it was totally worth it," shares Susan K. from Stone Mountain Park Campground. Sites on hills may require blocks raising wheels 2-3 inches for proper leveling.
Power fluctuations reported: Electrical systems vary in reliability. "The RV sorta aren't that great. they have power fluctuations a lot," cautions Matthew A. RVers recommend using surge protectors and monitoring electricity during peak usage times.
Narrow access roads: Larger rigs navigate carefully in certain parks. "Very narrow roads in the campground with lots of pot holes. Not the easiest state park to pull a travel trailer in," warns Brock D. Most parks accommodate rigs up to 40 feet, though tighter turns may challenge drivers with limited experience.
