Campers arrive at this US Army Corps of Engineers campground via a winding road that leads to a quiet cove on Lake Allatoona's shoreline. The 25 sites spread along the water's edge offer direct lake access, though some are packed closely together while others provide more space and privacy. Matt H. notes the campground has "clean, privacy, lake, no mud on your site if it is raining (thanks to the pea stone), and fairly level" conditions.
Most sites feature asphalt RV pads, concrete picnic tables, and fire rings with flip-top grills, all set on pea gravel that helps with drainage during wet weather. Sites accommodate RVs up to 30 feet easily, though larger rigs face limited options with only sites 59 and 60 offering full hookups away from the water. The campground provides 15/30/50-amp electrical service and water hookups, but no sewer connections. Premium lakefront sites command higher fees but deliver direct water access where campers can beach small boats.
The no-wake cove makes swimming and paddling particularly appealing, with rocky shoreline access at many sites. Robert T. recommends taking "a kayak SUP or canoe paddle back deep into the cove for some pristine and quiet areas." A boat launch connects to the campground for those trailering watercraft.
The single bathhouse serves the entire campground but sits far from many sites, and reviews consistently mention its dated condition and strong odors. The thick pea gravel can make walking difficult, particularly around fire rings where chairs don't sit level. Campers exploring the region can find camp sites around Allatoona Lake or check nearby Victoria Campground for additional options.
This seasonal campground works best for RV campers and families who prioritize lake access over hiking trails or premium facilities.
Description
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.
Facilities
Payne Campground provides 57 spacious reservable campsites, conveniently located near the dock and swimming beach. Fire rings, picnic areas, drinking water, flush toilets and showers are all provided, creating a comfortable camping experience for visitors.
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.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (678) 721-6700.
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.
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.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Payne Campground will remain closed until further notice due to issues with septic system. All current reservations will be canceled and refunded in full.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundPayne 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
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/12/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 3/10/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 users
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/12/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 3/10/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 users
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
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
Drive Time
- 32 min from Atlanta, GA
- 52 min from Rome, GA
- 1 hr 6 min from Gainesville, GA
- 1 hr 26 min from Athens, GA




























