Best Campgrounds near Holly Springs, GA

Lake Allatoona dominates the camping landscape around Holly Springs, Georgia, with numerous campgrounds situated along its shoreline. Established campgrounds like Sweetwater, McKinney, and Red Top Mountain State Park offer a range of accommodation options from tent sites to RV hookups, yurts, and cabins. Most campgrounds in the area provide electric and water hookups, with many sites offering direct lake access. The region primarily features developed camping areas managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Georgia State Parks, with campgrounds concentrated within a 15-mile radius of Holly Springs, providing convenient access for visitors from the greater Atlanta area.

Gate hours and seasonal operations affect camping availability throughout the area, with many campgrounds operating on limited schedules from March through September. "The campground is gated, and the gates are shut between 10:30pm and 8am, so if you are arriving late, make sure you get in before 10:30," noted one visitor regarding Sweetwater Campground. Water levels in Lake Allatoona fluctuate seasonally, which can impact boating and fishing opportunities. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer weekends when lakefront sites fill quickly. Most campgrounds feature paved roads suitable for standard vehicles, though some sites may have steep grades that prove challenging for larger RVs.

Waterfront access stands out as the defining feature of camping in this region, with numerous sites offering direct views of Lake Allatoona. Campers frequently mention the spacious sites and shaded camping areas as highlights. A visitor observed that "Large campground with lots of water front sites. Boat ramp and playground. Clean facilities and lots of shaded sites." While most campgrounds maintain clean facilities, bathhouse quality can vary. Summer temperatures typically reach the high 80s to 90s, making lake access particularly valuable for swimming and cooling off. Noise levels vary by location and time of year, with holiday weekends drawing larger crowds. The proximity to Atlanta makes these campgrounds popular weekend destinations, so midweek reservations often provide a quieter experience.

Best Camping Sites Near Holly Springs, Georgia (284)

    1. Red Top Mountain State Park Campground

    78 Reviews
    Emerson, GA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (770) 975-0055

    $40 - $315 / night

    "Many were positioned right on the lake. The trails in the park were great for hiking and running. We enjoyed visiting the Qualusi Winery that was nearby."

    "Our site I believe was 51 and steps away from The water. Easy check in and friendly staff."

    2. Sweetwater Campground

    31 Reviews
    Lebanon, GA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (678) 721-6700

    $24 - $290 / night

    "These are two completely different parks in two completely different parts of Georgia. SCofA does not have a mill, ruins, river or mountain trails. It does have a lake. Allatoona Lake."

    "Beautiful area of camping spots around the lake. Very good infrastructure, showers, bathrooms, etc."

    3. Mckinney Campground

    24 Reviews
    Emerson, GA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (678) 721-6700

    $30 - $34 / night

    "Georgia Veteran’s Memorial State Park, McKinney Campground on Allatoona Lake (north of Atlanta; a Corp of Engineer park) - very woodsy and a nice lake. Hiking, rafting/etc, and walking all around."

    "Campground Review: This campground is an excellent place to stay not far outside of the bustling metropolis of Atlanta."

    4. Victoria Campground

    15 Reviews
    Lebanon, GA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (678) 721-6700

    $24 - $34 / night

    "Lots of sites are waterfront or has access to the lake, that is a plus. The lake area is tranquil and quiet."

    "Wanted to know every detail of everyone in our party, and my husband came late and I have to give notice for him to join us ( the campground is gated) Now the positives- It’s right on beautiful lake Allatoona"

    5. Payne Campground

    13 Reviews
    Woodstock, GA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (678) 721-6700

    $24 - $68 / night

    "This campground is full of beautiful lakeside sites! Many are well-spaced, but some are close together. We camped with our van in one of the tent sites because the rv sites were full."

    "I didn't get a chance to snap pictures or videos but it is nestled along the shore of Lake Allatoona."

    6. Clark Creek North Campground

    12 Reviews
    Acworth, GA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (770) 387-5149

    $34 / night

    "There is also signage to verify that you are going the right way until you see the CG entrance. We pulled into the gate area and were checked in by the attendant on duty."

    "Clark Creek North is a small gem tucked along the shore of Lake Allatoona just north of Atlanta. It is small with just 24 spots equipped with water and electric and every spot has water access."

    7. Mckaskey Creek Campground

    12 Reviews
    Emerson, GA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (678) 721-6700

    $24 - $34 / night

    "My dad SCUBA dives quite a bit in a quarry nearby, so this is a great site for the family to stay with the camper."

    "It also seems as though most have access to the lake and the bath houses are pretty clean."

    8. Stone Mountain Park Campground

    91 Reviews
    Stone Mountain, GA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (770) 498-5710

    $44 - $65 / night

    "Lived in Georgia my whole life and yet my first time to Stone Mountain was literally three years ago. Now we have an annual pass and go all the time."

    "One of the best camping areas in Georgia."

    9. McKinney Campground

    10 Reviews
    Emerson, GA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (678) 721-6700

    $28 / night

    "If you want lake front, they got it! Almost all sites either have a view of the lake or are right on lake Allatoona! We tent camped here on site 45 in October 2017."

    "Great water views and easy step down to the waters edge for fishing. In our area, the bathroom/shower combo is adequate but needs an update."

    10. Marina Resort - Allatoona Landing

    11 Reviews
    Emerson, GA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (770) 974-6089

    $42 - $52 / night

    "The lake is beautiful. It’s quiet other than the occasional train whistles. The WiFi is pretty much non existent so don’t plan on that. Even with a booster we couldn’t pick it up."

    "The bathrooms were pretty amazing compared to the last campground we were at which was also on alatoona lake as well. ( McKinney camp ground ) The first night we got here it was packed, like crazy packed"

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Recent Reviews near Holly Springs, GA

1155 Reviews of 284 Holly Springs Campgrounds


  • George M.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Mulky Campground

    Great location for fishing

    A lot of the campsites are right on the water, so it's super easy to fish. But if you want something more private, there are also some secluded spots up the road.

  • Sarah H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Clark Creek South Campground

    Rules not enforced

    The sites are very small and very close together. The lake does have beautiful views. I give 1 star because no rules are enforced. There was no quiet time for us. People were partying, loud music, yelling, being loud up to 3/4am. Both Friday and Saturday nights. It was so bad Friday night that we went to the local Dollar Tree for EAR PLUGS so we could sleep Saturday night. The gate is locked at 10pm however the gate will let you out. A camper below us went to the gate about 11pm and let 2 other cars in. 1 vehicle went out, 3 come in. No rules are enforced. We do not recommend it. The host site is an eye sore. It needs to be cleaned up. It's such a mess! The lake is so beautiful, though.

  • A
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Margaritaville

    Best Campground Ever

    My wife and I went here for a week back in June 2025. I’ve been to many campgrounds in my day and I can say this one by far is the best. Clean campsites, fun amenities and great golf.

    We went to a Braves game one night since it is only an hour away and made may fond memories. I have already scheduled my week to go back again in 2026!

  • G F.
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Amicalola Falls State Park Camping

    Overpriced

    Like some of the other privately managed Georgia state parks, our visit here was disappointing.

    The issues started at the welcome center. The RV parking area was full of cars, even though plenty of regular parking spots were open. When we mentioned it to staff, the response was dismissive — one employee told us, “that’s above my paygrade.”

    The restroom at the welcome center was also a low point. The toilets are stainless steel with no seats — the kind you’d expect to see in a jail — and designed so shallow that whether you sit or hover, you end up getting splashed. It’s an unpleasant and unsanitary setup.

    The campground itself felt neglected, with rotting picnic tables and a general lack of upkeep. It’s also isolated from the rest of the park — there isn’t even a connector trail from the camping area to a single hiking trail, which makes it feel cut off from the very amenities most people come for. At $60 a night, you’d expect at least a basic map of the trails and amenities, but instead you’re told to snap a photo of a cardboard display. That felt like corner-cutting.

    One memorable (and concerning) part of the stay was the bear activity. In September, several bears came through the campground, startling tent campers who had to retreat inside their cars for safety.

    All in all, while the natural setting of Amicalola Falls is beautiful, the way the park is managed left the overall experience underwhelming and, at times, frustrating.

  • Ney N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Woodring Branch Primitive Campground — Carters Lake

    Slice of heaven cost: $10

    My partner always said he loved going here as a kid, so we went. $10 a night was a bargain and I did not expect much. The site we picked was near the restrooms, which were very well kept. It was quiet, beautiful, and an absolute slice of heaven. We went swimming and exploring. It did not feel overcrowded or busy. We walked down the peninsula at night to stargaze surrounded by water. I didn't want to leave and go back to the real world.

  • Brittany B.
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Clark Creek South Campground

    Great view of the Lake

    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. It was nice waking up to view of Lake Allatoona. Lady at the gate was rude when checking in so make sure to “READ the sign!” Other than that bathrooms were clean and they have laundry and hot water showers. Will most likely be back!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Calhoun A-OK Campground

    Now called CedarBreak…

    Not KOA anymore - the campground has been renamed CedarBreak. New owners and they are very nice and helpful. Nicely Renovated office and store. Upgraded our site when they knew our plans. Minor sound from adjacent road, other than that very quiet, clean, nice layout with trees, good site spacing, I’ll be back.

  • Suzanne-Will C.
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Woodring Branch Primitive Campground — Carters Lake

    Great Tent Camping

    I love that this was a tent only camping site (no RVs). The sites were a bit smaller than I would have liked but as it was just the 10 sites on the road, the kids could safely play in the road. The water was by the toilets at the entrance but easily walkable from the sites.


Guide to Holly Springs

Camping near Holly Springs, Georgia, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds nearby, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature and make lasting memories.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Vogel State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The kids had loads of fun playing by the little rivers. Several hikes/trails ranging in difficulty to choose from."
  • Swimming: At Fort Yargo State Park Campground, you can enjoy a nice beach area. A reviewer said, "The campground is quiet and clean. One word of caution, check the grade of your site before booking."
  • Fishing: Don Carter State Park Campground is perfect for fishing enthusiasts. One camper noted, "A great place to camp with lots of hiking trails; there’s even a canoe trail!"

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground said, "Bathroom and bath house area kept very clean with plenty of HOT water."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peaceful environment. A reviewer at Red Top Mountain State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground is quiet with well laid out sites."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of the staff. One visitor at Stone Mountain Park Campground shared, "Sites are usually clean and staff are friendly."

What you should know:

  • Site Conditions: Some sites may have steep grades. A camper at Sweetwater Campground advised, "Check the grade of your site before booking; there are quite a few with a very steep grade."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full hookups. A visitor at Georgia Unicoi State Park noted, "The bathrooms are dated but had plenty of hot water."
  • Access Fees: Some parks charge additional fees for entry. A camper at Amicalola Falls State Park Camping mentioned, "BEWARE- there is a steep 24% grade getting to the campground."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. A reviewer at Fort Yargo State Park Campground said, "Great playground with a sweet stream and lake access."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. One camper at Georgia Vogel State Park Campground suggested, "The park has a very nice and well-stocked visitor center."
  • Pack for Weather: Be prepared for changing conditions. A visitor at Georgia Fort Mountain State Park noted, "The roads are narrow, but in good repair."

Tips from RVers:

Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an action-packed adventure, the campgrounds near Holly Springs, GA, have something for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Holly Springs camping areas?

Camping areas around Holly Springs offer varied amenities to enhance your outdoor experience. Stone Mountain Park Campground provides both on-site attractions and natural areas to explore, with amenities for various camping styles. Doll Mountain Campground on Carter's Lake features peninsular campsites managed by the Army Corps of Engineers, though campers should note the steep hills and switchbacks. Most campgrounds in the region offer basic amenities like water hookups, restroom facilities, and picnic areas, while state parks typically add shower facilities, dump stations for RVs, and recreational opportunities like hiking trails and water access.

How much does it cost to camp at Holly Springs?

Camping costs in the Holly Springs area vary by campground type and amenities. McKinney Campground on Allatoona Lake, a Corps of Engineers park, offers reasonable rates for sites with lake access and wooded surroundings. Amicalola Falls State Park camping rates reflect its premium location near the 730-foot cascading waterfall. Generally, state park campgrounds in the region charge $30-45 per night for developed sites with water and electric hookups, while primitive sites typically cost $15-25. Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds tend to range from $26-35 per night. Many campgrounds offer discounts for seniors, military, and extended stays.

Where are the best campgrounds in Holly Springs?

The Holly Springs area offers several excellent camping options. Don Carter State Park Campground is a standout choice situated at the northern end of Lake Lanier with spacious sites set far apart and some located just yards from the shoreline. For mountain views and cooler temperatures, Fort Mountain State Park Campground provides private wooded campsites that make summer camping more enjoyable, plus good hiking trails nearby. Both parks offer clean facilities and natural beauty that make them top choices in the region.