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Water

Established Camping

Payne Campground

Payne Campground, near Cartersville, Georgia, is a fantastic spot for those who love lakeside camping. With a mix of tent and RV sites, it offers beautiful views of Lake Allatoona and easy access to water activities like boating and swimming.

The campground features spacious sites, some right on the water, making it ideal for families and friends looking to enjoy the outdoors. Visitors have noted the friendly camp hosts and the clean facilities, which include picnic tables and fire rings for evening gatherings. One camper mentioned, “We had a secluded, beautiful primitive site with rocky lake access,” highlighting the charm of the area.

While the campground is seasonal, open from late March to early September, it’s a popular choice for those wanting to escape the city. The surrounding nature is perfect for kayaking and canoeing, with plenty of quiet spots to explore. Just be mindful of the poison ivy if you venture off the beaten path!

If you’re planning a trip, keep in mind that some sites can be close together, but the overall atmosphere is welcoming and relaxed. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, Payne Campground is a great place to unwind and enjoy the beauty of Georgia’s outdoors.

Description

US Army Corps of Engineers

Allatoona Lake

Overview

Payne Campground sits on the banks of Allatoona Lake, providing visitors with a variety of water activities in the green rolling hills of Georgia.

Recreation

Allatoona Lake is one of the most frequently visited Corps of Engineers lakes in the nation. Nearly 7 million visitors each year enjoy picnicking, swimming, camping, hunting, fishing, boating and observing wildlife along the 270 miles of shoreline. The lake is annually stocked with bass, crappie, bream, gar and catfish, making it a popular destination for anglers. Fishing jetties are available at numerous shoreline fishing locations, and a dock is provided at the campground.

Natural Features

Located only 35 miles from Atlanta, Allatoona Lake is situated on the Etowah River, a tributary of the Coosa River. The serene lake and peaceful surroundings offer visitors respite from the rush of city living.

Nearby Attractions

The city of Acworth and Woodstock are nearby, offering restaurants, shopping, and historic downtown areas. Historic sites like the Etowah Indian Mounds and Booth Western Art Museum are a close drive to the city of Cartersville. The Visitor Center at Allatoona Lake Project Management Office features video exhibits and displays about the areas history, ranging from the time of early Native Americans, to the Civil War and to present times. The Visitor Center overlooks the dam and offers many hiking trails. Red Top Mountain State Park has more than 15 miles of trails and offers interpretive programs. Eight marinas are located on Allatoona Lake that offer boat rentals and restaurants. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield is located in Kennesaw and White Water Park is in Marietta. Zoo Atlanta and Georgia Aquarium are located in Atlanta.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (678) 721-6700.

Charges & Cancellations

Change and Cancellation Policies and Fees Overnight and Day Use Facilities: To ensure fairness, reservation arrival or departure dates may not be changed beyond the booking window until 18 days after booking the reservation. Camping / Day Use: A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation (including campsites, cabins, lookouts, group facilities, etc.). The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amount. You can cancel or change reservations through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Late Cancellations Overnight and Day Use Facilities: Late cancellations are those cancelled between 12:01 a.m. (Eastern) on the day before arrival and check out time on the day after arrival. Individual Campsites: If a customer cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival they will be charged a $10.00 service fee and will also forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a single night's reservation will forfeit the entire use fee but no cancellation fee will apply. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee. Group Facility: If a customer cancels a group overnight facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date they will be charged the $10.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee. Group Day Use Area: If a customer cancels a group day use facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date, they will forfeit the total day use fee with no service fee charge. No-Shows Camping / Day Use: A camping no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Reserved campsites and group overnight facilities will be held until check-out time on the day following your scheduled arrival. Group day-use facilities will be held until check-in time on your scheduled arrival date. If a customer does not arrive at the campground or group facility by check-out time the day after arrival or does not cancel the reservation by the times listed under "Late Cancellations" above, the customer may be assessed a $20.00 service fee and forfeit use fees. Refunds Customers must request refunds no later than 14 days after the scheduled departure date. Recreation.gov will not grant refund requests after 14 days of departure. Reservation Fee: For some facilities, tours or permits an additional reservation fee is charged. For some overnight and day-use facilities, an additional non-refundable reservation fee may apply. The non-refundable reservation fee for tours and tickets is $1.00. The non-refundable reservation fee for permits varies by location. Refunds for Bankcard Purchases: Refunds for bank card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank card. Refunds for Check or Cash Purchases: Refunds for Recreation.gov payments made by check or money order, and cash payments at selected campgrounds will be issued a check refund. A refund will be processed within 30 days of receipt and approval. Please Note: Refund requests made during or after departure can only be processed when approved by the facility management staff based upon local policy. Refunds for Emergency Closures: In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team will attempt to notify users and offer alternate dates (as appropriate). If this is not possible, reservations will be cancelled and all fees paid will be refunded. Reservation fees for free tickets are non-refundable in the event of an emergency closure.

Fee Info

Campsite fees range from $22-$64 per night.

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Location

Payne Campground is located in Georgia

Detail location of campground

Directions

Physical address: 2495 Kellogg Creek Road, Acworth, GA 30102 From I-75 take exit 277 and go east on Highway 92. After a mile, turn left onto Hunt Road, which will turn into Kellogg Creek Road. Campground entrance is on the right after two miles.

Address

1138 Georgia Highway Spur 20
Cartersville, GA 30121

Coordinates

34.1208333 N
84.5791667 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Available

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • WiFi
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Drive Time


Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

12 Reviews

Reviewed Apr. 21, 2024

Nice campground, missing some amenities

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.

The drawbacks are that the bathhouse is pretty old and FAR from most of the sites and there aren’t any hiking trails. But this place is great if you love boating or don’t need a bathhouse.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Payne Campground by Lucy P., April 21, 2024
  • Review photo of Payne Campground by Lucy P., April 21, 2024
  • Review photo of Payne Campground by Lucy P., April 21, 2024
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Aug. 1, 2021

Good for boaters.

If you are into boating and have a 30’ or less camper or like to tent camp this is the place for you. There are several lake front sites, both with power/water hookups and primitive tent sites. If you have a larger RV (35’ or bigger) your choice of sites is limited. There are only 2 sites (59 & 60) with full hookups (which are not near the water) but are very spacious. Many of the sites that are advertised as fitting larger rigs would be very challenging to get into and some would be impossible. The bathhouse was in good shape but dated as would be expected for an older COE. The camp hosts were very friendly and helpful. We probably won’t be back as we are not lake type folks but will leave space open for other to enjoy.

Site60
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Payne Campground by Kim , August 1, 2021
  • Review photo of Payne Campground by Kim , August 1, 2021
  • Review photo of Payne Campground by Kim , August 1, 2021
  • (4) View All
Reviewed May. 31, 2021

Great place to camp

Easy access from Atlanta area with great camping plots for both tents and campers. Beautiful views of the lake..

Month of VisitMay
Reviewed May. 3, 2021

Great Lake Camping, but watch out for poison ivy.

Just got back from camping at Payne Campground for the weekend. It is in a quite cove on Lake Allatoona. Second time camping here. Camped on 03/04 double campsite. My buddy brought his camper and we were in a tent. We did use the shower facility, and it was in pretty good condition. My buddy said the asphalt was not level and he had a hard time leveling his rig. It was near the water, and we were able to beach his boat there. The fire ring was nice and had a flip top grill. Overall fun spot, just watch out for all the poison ivy surrounding the site if you camp in this spot...

Site03/04
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Payne Campground by Grant B., May 3, 2021
  • Review photo of Payne Campground by Grant B., May 3, 2021
  • Review photo of Payne Campground by Grant B., May 3, 2021
Reviewed Mar. 21, 2021

Clean and friendly

The camp host was very nice and friendly. The site was clean but it had a very thick layer on P gravel and made it difficult to walk around. Camp sites was very close together with very little privacy (winter time, no leaves). Site 21 which we stayed in fits an average size for a small camper, fire pit was in an inconvenient spot for putting chairs around it.

  • Review photo of Payne Campground by Diana H., March 21, 2021
  • Review photo of Payne Campground by Diana H., March 21, 2021
  • Review photo of Payne Campground by Diana H., March 21, 2021
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Dec. 5, 2020

Thumbs Up!

Payne is one of our favorite ‘close to home’ campgrounds.

Reviewed Sep. 14, 2020

Quiet Lakefront

Great campground right on Lake Allatoona! Many lakefront sites available and all within a no wake zone on the lake. Great for swimming and non motorized water activities. Also good places to keep your boat if you’re bringing one! Connected to an easy boat launch. Good place for families.

Reviewed Aug. 10, 2020

Glad we stopped!

We stopped here for the night on our way to Dahlonega and were so happy we did! We had a secluded, beautiful primitive site with rocky lake access that we managed to get our kayak onto the water on. Clean spots, friendly staff at the front, and we met some fun people! We definitely plan on returning for a weekend trip.

  • Review photo of Payne Campground by Asia + Jalen B., August 10, 2020
  • Review photo of Payne Campground by Asia + Jalen B., August 10, 2020
  • Review photo of Payne Campground by Asia + Jalen B., August 10, 2020
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Sep. 15, 2019

Too bad it is seasonal

Wow what a view and location. Too bad it is only open for the summer. If you have a kayak SUP or canoe paddle back deep into the cove for some pristine and quiet areas. Some of the sites are close together but it is worth it for the location. If you like to camp with a neighbor there are a few double sites too.

  • Review photo of Payne Campground by Robert  T., September 15, 2019
  • Review photo of Payne Campground by Robert  T., September 15, 2019
  • Review photo of Payne Campground by Robert  T., September 15, 2019
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Jun. 1, 2019

Private and quiet!

This is our first time at an army corps of engineers campground. We truly enjoyed it!

Our site is very private (we only used the website map to pick an available site...props to my wife for selecting the site...we are in site 22 in case you were wondering).

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

The sites are clean, large fire rings, concrete picnic tables, asphalt vehicle and RV pad, pea stone is spread across the"living space of the site and surrounds the fire ring. They are also fairly level; I only had to use one block under there pair of tires on The driver side of the trailer to level the RV out side to side.

Keep in mind there is no septic hookup at these campgrounds. They do have 15/30/50A power and water hookups.

Yes, we'd come back in a heart beat.

Clean, privacy, lake, no mud on your site if it is raining (thanks to the pea stone), and fairly level.

Happy camping everyone.

Reviewed Aug. 20, 2018

on the lake

site 2 was nice and shady. our dog loved to swim in the lake,! it had a single bathhouse that was nice. it is close to Woodstock ga. which is a nice little town. other spots are right on the water if you like that.

  • Review photo of Payne Campground by Larry M., August 20, 2018
  • Review photo of Payne Campground by Larry M., August 20, 2018
Reviewed Jul. 25, 2018

Lovely Campground on the Lake

This was such a lovely campground on the lake! Very quiet and peaceful. We have four kids and a large tent (10x20) so we paid for a "premium" site - not only to get a site big enough to fit our crew, but as an added bonus it was on the gorgeous lake (see photos)! While our site was fairly secluded, large, and shaded, we checked out the other sites and there were plenty that were packed in tightly or wouldn't have fit our tent, so definitely check the sites out online before booking. The staff at check-in were so sweet and helpful and we found the facilities clean and adequate.

Site40
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Payne Campground by Melissa R., July 25, 2018
  • Review photo of Payne Campground by Melissa R., July 25, 2018
  • Review photo of Payne Campground by Melissa R., July 25, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Payne Campground have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Payne Campground has 50 amp electric hookups, water hookups and sewer hookups.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Payne Campground?

    Payne Campground allows vehicles up to 70 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Payne Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Payne Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Payne Campground have wifi?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Payne Campground does have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Payne Campground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is available, AT&T is available, and T-Mobile is available.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Payne Campground?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Payne Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Payne Campground, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Payne Campground?

    There are 57 campsites at Payne Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts