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.
Location
Payne Campground is located in Georgia
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
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Stay Connected
- WiFiAvailable
- VerizonAvailable
- AT&TAvailable
- T-MobileAvailable
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