Allatoona Lake covers over 12,000 acres with 270 miles of shoreline in northwestern Georgia, situated at 840 feet elevation. Seasonal water level fluctuations affect campsite selection, with summer levels typically 2-3 feet higher than winter. Most campgrounds operate between March and October, though several remain open year-round for campers seeking lakeside accommodations during Georgia's mild winters.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Allatoona offers excellent fishing for spotted bass, striped bass, and crappie. McKinney Campground provides direct water access for anglers. "We love to fish and we always catch several kinds but the crappie are so delicious," notes a regular visitor.
Beach swimming: Several campgrounds maintain designated swimming areas with sandy beaches. Marina Resort - Allatoona Landing features a large beach area. "Sweetwater is a nice park with a Beach. We camped right next to the beach and the kids loved it. Beautiful place," shares one camper.
Kayaking and paddle sports: The lake's coves provide protected paddling areas ideal for beginners. "If you have a kayak SUP or canoe paddle back deep into the cove for some pristine and quiet areas," recommends a visitor to Victoria Campground.
What campers like
Well-spaced sites: Many campers appreciate the generous spacing between sites compared to more crowded metro Atlanta campgrounds. Victoria Campground receives praise for its layout: "The sites are very large, and everyone I saw had lots of privacy!"
Multiple bathhouses: Larger campgrounds maintain multiple restroom facilities throughout the grounds. "There are 2 dumpstations. The only downfall is the beach area- it is in a cove and the water level is often down," notes a camper about the facilities.
Variety of site types: From wooded interior sites to premium waterfront locations, campers can choose based on preferences and budget. Clark Creek North Campground offers "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."
What you should know
Highway and train noise: The lake's proximity to Interstate 75 and railroad lines means some noise pollution. COE Allatoona Lake Old Highway 41 No 3 Campground experiences this issue: "It is so close to i75 that the sound of traffic is constant; during the day is manageable but at night it makes it hard to sleep if you are in a tent."
Security gates: Most campgrounds enforce strict entry hours. "The gate is open from 7 AM until 10:30 PM. NO ONE gets in after hours!" notes one camper, which affects late arrivals.
Seasonal operations: Check operating dates carefully as they vary between campgrounds. Some like McKinney remain open year-round while others like Old Highway 41 only operate from May through September.
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. Mckaskey Creek Campground gets positive reviews from families: "Very quiet (you can setup a hammock and take a nice nap) and kid friendly with a nice playground, kept very clean."
Protection from boat traffic: For swimming with children, choose coves with restricted boat speeds. "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," recommends a visitor to Payne Campground.
Educational opportunities: Red Top Mountain State Park offers nature programs and Junior Ranger activities. "Friendly staff, with the Jr ranger program still going with the help of adult campers during covid. Still so much fun and so clean and beautiful!!"
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many lakeside sites feature slopes requiring additional equipment. Sweetwater Campground campsites receive praise for being "very nice, clean, and most sites are fairly level."
Roadway conditions: Campground roads may challenge larger rigs. "Very narrow roads in the campground with lots of pot holes. Not the easiest state park to pull a travel trailer in. Sites were very narrow," warns one camper about Red Top Mountain.
Dump station congestion: Plan for potential waiting times at popular campgrounds. "Only downsides for us was the distance to the trash dumpsters, and the dump site gets really busy. They could really use 2 trash/dump sites as this is a large campground and it stays full."
Traveler
