Best Campgrounds near Waleska, GA

Waleska, Georgia serves as a gateway to multiple established campgrounds along Lake Allatoona and surrounding areas. Red Top Mountain State Park Campground and McKinney Campground provide diverse accommodation options including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Most campgrounds in this region feature water and electric hookups, with several offering full sewer connections for RVs. Sweetwater Campground and Victoria Campground provide additional options within 15 miles of Waleska, each maintaining waterfront access and basic amenities for overnight stays.

Seasonal availability varies significantly among these camping areas, with some facilities operating year-round while others close during winter months. Sweetwater Campground typically operates from mid-March through early September, while McKinney Campground remains open throughout the year. Tent campers can find water and electric hookups at most established sites, though primitive camping options are limited in the immediate area. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekend stays during summer when lakefront sites fill quickly. A visitor noted, "The lake is definitely low, we walked across the deep end of the swimming area. Overall the campground is well maintained and staffed by professional retirees."

Lake Allatoona serves as the central feature for camping in this region, with numerous campgrounds offering direct water access. Campers consistently rate waterfront sites highest, particularly those with level parking pads and adequate shade. Several developed campgrounds maintain boat ramps, designated swimming areas, and fishing access points around the lake's perimeter. Privacy between campsites varies considerably, with some locations featuring adequate spacing while others position sites in closer proximity. A recent review noted, "Not a lot of privacy or woods between camp sites but all services available and plenty of spots right on lake line." Most campgrounds provide clean restroom facilities and trash collection, though amenities like showers may be limited at certain locations.

Best Camping Sites Near Waleska, Georgia (362)

    1. Red Top Mountain State Park Campground

    79 Reviews
    Emerson, GA
    15 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
    9 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. Amicalola Falls State Park Camping

    60 Reviews
    Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, GA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 265-4703

    "It's proximity to Atlanta can cause the area around the falls to fill up quick so the earlier or colder the better."

    "If you're taking off on the AT, then you need to get walking. However, if you want a small taste of the AT and would like to camp out near the starting point, then this is a great place to be."

    4. Victoria Campground

    15 Reviews
    Lebanon, GA
    12 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. Mckinney Campground

    24 Reviews
    Emerson, GA
    17 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."

    6. Payne Campground

    13 Reviews
    Woodstock, GA
    14 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."

    7. Mckaskey Creek Campground

    12 Reviews
    Emerson, GA
    13 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. Clark Creek North Campground

    12 Reviews
    Acworth, GA
    17 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."

    9. Doll Mountain Campground

    22 Reviews
    Talking Rock, GA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 276-4413

    $26 - $100 / night

    "Doll Mountain Campground near Ellijay, Georgia is located on a peninsula stretching into Carter's Lake, and managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. "

    "The sites are tucked into the trees, lots of great spots for your hammock! We stayed at a walk-in site, but were still close to a pit toilet and our car."

    10. Marina Resort - Allatoona Landing

    11 Reviews
    Emerson, GA
    17 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 Waleska, GA

1267 Reviews of 362 Waleska Campgrounds


  • pThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Amicalola Falls State Park Camping

    Quick fall foliage trip

    The park is absolutely beautiful, great scenery and hiking trails. The visitors center is nice, but the helpfulness of the staff was hit or miss. The campsite is nice, quiet, clean bathrooms and warm showers. We camped in a tent and the ground was hard, almost like cement which made staking the tent down difficult. Other than this, we loved it and would come back again.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 22, 2025

    Red Top Mountain State Park Campground

    Red top mountain state park

    Plenty of campsites, some on the lake. RV, tents, yurts. Spaces 1-12 are especially nice since they are spacious and can handle class A and 5th wheelers. All 12 have water electric and sewer. We have a class C and prefer 1-12 because there is plenty of space between sites.

  • Kayla D.
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Bald Ridge Creek

    It’s a NO from us

    I wanted to wait a few days before writing this review — truthfully, I wanted to wait until after we checked out. I dreaded the retribution of Mrs. Cynthia “Cindy” Farmer, the campground manager, which I was sure would follow.

    Our church group had been looking forward to this camping trip for nearly a year. I’ve personally camped at Bald Ridge Creek Campground many times and never had a single issue — until now. Our church typically takes two group trips a year at another Forsyth County campground, but this year, we decided to rent nine sites at Bald Ridge. Even Cindy seemed excited that we were coming!

    We’re a Baptist group — not exactly known for our wild nights. We sing, we fellowship, and we’re back in our campers by 10 p.m. But according to “Queen Cindy,” you’d think we were a pack of college kids throwing keg parties.

    Our crime? An evening of worship and fellowship — a small keyboard, a guitar, and around 50 people spread over three campsites for a couple of hours each night. Cindy declared it an “event” (apparently forbidden) and told us we couldn’t do it again and threatened to make us all leave. She also banned us from eating together — saying we could gather while serving food but had to disperse to our own campsites immediately once we got our plates.

    The only actual rule violation came from one site where a tent wasn’t put up right away. Cindy seized on that excuse to call dispatch and have three sheriff’s deputies sent to “deal with” our peaceful group of families, children, and worshipers.

    To their credit, the deputies couldn’t have been kinder, yet embarrassed that they even had to be there. They laughed at the situation, noting they’re called out to the campground frequently because of Cindy’s pettiness and made-up rules. They said our little keyboard — which Cindy had described like it was a baby grand piano — was no problem at all. They simply advised us to set up the tent and let her stomp it out.

    Cindy even claimed that someone had called the Corps of Engineers to report us — at 7:00 p.m., during the government shutdown, when the office wasn’t even open. 🙄

    For context, Cindy lives at the campground for free as part of her role as host. It’s time for someone new to take over. She also wears a body camera and records campers (which is legal, I know), but as a county employee, those recordings are public record.

    We’ll continue to pray without ceasing for her — that the Lord softens her heart. But until then, I can’t recommend Bald Ridge Creek Campground to anyone who values fair treatment, hospitality, or simple human kindness.

  • 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.


Guide to Waleska

Camping near Waleska, Georgia, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Fort Mountain State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "There are a lot of hiking trails as well as the lake where you can rent paddle boats, swim or fish."
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing at Don Carter State Park Campground. A camper shared, "A great place to camp with lots of hiking trails; there’s even a canoe trail!"
  • Swimming: Relax by the water at Sweetwater Campground. One visitor noted, "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!"

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Raven Cliff Falls, have fewer amenities. A camper warned, "The bathrooms in the parking area are filthy."
  • Steep Roads: Be prepared for steep roads when heading to Fort Mountain State Park Campground. One visitor noted, "I gave my transmission a workout climbing up the mountain to get here."
  • Wildlife: Keep an eye out for wildlife, especially bears, at places like Fort Mountain State Park Campground. A camper shared, "Bears were active in the area."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids, like Stone Mountain Park Campground. One family said, "Tons of things to do train rides, gondola ride to the top, hiking and fireworks."
  • Plan for Crowds: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during events. A visitor at Red Top Mountain State Park Campground mentioned, "In October there are different activities for the kids."
  • Bring Snacks: Make sure to pack snacks and drinks, especially if you're hiking. A camper at Vogel State Park Campground noted, "The park has a very nice and well-stocked visitor center."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Before booking, check the size of the sites at Unicoi State Park & Lodge. One RVer said, "If you’re around 40’, you’ll fit - but anything over probably would not."
  • Use Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups, like Don Carter State Park Campground. A camper mentioned, "Has grey tank hookup which is nice."
  • Be Mindful of Road Conditions: Some roads can be narrow or steep, especially at Fort Mountain State Park Campground. One visitor noted, "The roads are narrow, but in good repair."

Camping near Waleska, Georgia, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Enjoy the great outdoors and make some unforgettable memories!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Waleska, GA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Waleska, GA offers a wide range of camping options, with 362 campgrounds and RV parks near Waleska, GA and 16 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Waleska, GA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Waleska, GA is Red Top Mountain State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 79 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Waleska, GA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 free dispersed camping spots near Waleska, GA.

What parks are near Waleska, GA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 parks near Waleska, GA that allow camping, notably Allatoona Lake and Carters Lake.