Private Campgrounds Near Atlanta, GA

Blue Ridge/Toccoa River KOA Holiday – Blue Ridge

With a network of over 500 campgrounds across the country, KOA campgrounds epitomize family-friendly camping. Located along the Toccoa River, this newly opened campground provides 86 full hookup RV/trailer sites and four tent camping sites located near the bathhouse. In addition to camping, check out the six cabins with electricity, bathroom, and full kitchens. Prices range from $34 for tents to $250 for cabins, depending on the day and location.

Amenities include a saltwater swimming pool, fishing pier, dog park, playground, cornhole, ladder ball, and horseshoe pits. Parents can satisfy their coffee fix at the complimentary hot beverage bar! Check the calendar for special events including food trucks, live music, and scavenger hunts. Explore downtown Blue Ridge less than 10 minutes away, ride the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway to McCaysville, zipline at Zipline Canopy Tours of Blue Ridge, or hike to one of 16 waterfalls in the area.

Bald Mountain Camping Resort – Hiawassee

Take in fresh mountain air at Bald Mountain! The Atlanta camping site,about two hours north of the metro region, offers over 250 pet-friendly RV sites with full hookups, Wi-Fi, a fire ring, and a picnic table. Although primarily an RV park, two tent camping sites are available. Prices range from $45-$53.

With basketball, volleyball, and shuffleboard courts, as well as a baseball field, two playgrounds, miniature golf, and a swimming pool, families have plenty to do. A highlight is pedal boating on the private lake. If everyone is tired of the outdoors, head to the game room complete with pool tables, pinball machines, and air hockey. While in the area, visit the observation deck at nearby Bell Mountain Park and Historical Site for panoramic views of the mountains and Lake Chatuge.

Stone Mountain Park Campground – Stone Mountain

A perfect introduction to those new to Atlanta camping, Stone Mountain Park offers 400 campsites for tent camping and RVs with various hookups. All sites include a grill, picnic table, and fire pit. Guests can book a Safari Rental Tent, already set up on a concrete platform. For those wanting to try RV camping without the cost outlay of ownership, the park rents six RVs on the lake. Those without pets can stay in one of the yurts located near the bathroom facilities. Just remember to bring sleeping bags and cookware for any of these options. Campsite prices range from $28 to $180, not including the $20 parking fee.

The swimming pool, playground, and sand volleyball courts are sure to please everyone, but don’t miss exploring the 3,200-acre Stone Mountain Park with hiking, biking, and fishing. While there, you can buy tickets for the ropes course, mini golf, railroad, and laser light show.

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park makes a great trip for kids of all ages. Photo courtesy of the park

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park – Bremen

Jellystone Park, 50 miles west of Atlanta, offers theme weekends and kid-centered activities. Choose from cabins, RV sites with full hookups, or six tent camping sites with nearby access to the bathhouse. All 100 sites include a picnic table and fire ring. If you aren’t quite ready to camp overnight, purchase a day pass for $20 per person to experience the park until 10pm. Prices start at $45-$75 for campsites and $140-$222 for cabins.

Families enjoy amenities including a zipline, swimming pool, splash pool, jump pad, basketball court, horseshoes, playground, cornhole, gem mining, outdoor theater, miniature golf, and snack shop. Older kids enjoy the indoor arcade; younger kids love visits made by Yogi Bear and his friends, as well as riding the small train throughout the site.

Georgia State Parks Campgrounds Near Atlanta

Chattahoochee Bend State Park – Newnan

Head to Chattahoochee Bend State Park, less than an hour away near Newnan. Opening in 2011 along five miles of the Chattahoochee River, this 2,900-acre park boasts 38 well-spaced, tent and RV campsites with partial hookups and 12 walk-in tent sites. For something more remote, select one of the paddle-in backcountry tent sites on the river. If camping with other families, consider the Adirondack Camp starting at $75. Each shelter sleeps four people and consists of a roof, three walls, and one completely screened wall. The four shelters surround a common area with a grill, fire ring, and picnic tables. Primitive campsites begin at $11, while RV and tent camping prices range from $17-$28, not including a $5 parking pass.

In addition to kayak and canoe rentals, the park offers fishing, hiking, and mountain biking trails. Popular spots include a butterfly garden near the visitor center, two-story observation tower, and playground. While the general store sells ice and firewood, the closest stores and restaurants are about a 30 minutes away.

FD Roosevelt State Park – Pine Mountain

Overlooking Pine Mountain Valley, Georgia’s largest state park boasts 9,000 acres, including personal property donated by President Franklin Roosevelt. Over 100 dog-friendly, RV and tent camping sites with partial hookups flank a 15-acre lake perfect for fishing. Prices are $30 per night or $210 per week, not including the $5 parking fee.

Take a dip in the spring-fed swimming pool after hiking on one of the many trails and picnicking at Dowdell’s Knob. Experience the park on a guided horseback tour provided by Roosevelt Stables. History buffs may want to tour Roosevelt’s Little White House State Historic Site in Warm Springs. Visit nearby Callaway Resort and Gardens —with 10 miles of biking trails, Robin Lake Beach, TreeTop Adventure Zipline, and Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center.

Enjoy the yurts of High Falls State Park. Photo by Bill Leffler

High Falls State Park – Jackson

Enjoy fishing and a quieter atmosphere at High Falls State Park, 50 miles south of Atlanta. In addition to six yurts, the park offers 95 tent and RV sites with partial hookups. Most of the sites are located along the Towaliga River, but a handful of campsites reside on the 650-acre High Falls Lake. There, find the swimming pool, miniature golf, and boat rentals. Prices for the campsites are $35-$38 per night while the yurts are $85, not including the $5 parking pass.

To see the cascading waterfall, take the 1.5-mile Falls Trail if you don’t mind a moderate to strenuous hike. However, families with younger children may prefer the ADA-accessible 0.5-mile Historic Trail which goes by the old powerhouse and grist mill. For more hiking trails, head over to Dauset Trails Nature Center about six miles away. Drive down to Juliette and eat at The Whistle Stop Café, featured in the movie Fried Green Tomatoes.

Tugaloo State Park - Lavonia

Tugaloo State Park, located on Lake Hartwell about 100 miles northeast of Atlanta, offers 105 tent and RV sites with partial hookups, 11 walk-in campsites, six yurts, and 20 cottages. Prices start at $25-$38 for campsites, $85 for yurts, and $165 for the cottages.

Enjoy bass fishing, swimming at the beach, and boating. If you don’t own a boat, rent kayaks and canoes. Hike four miles of trails or play volleyball, tennis, and miniature golf. Added bonus? This Atlanta camping site sits on a peninsula perfect watch the sunrise instead!

Enjoy the North Georgia Mountains at Unicoi State Park. Photo by the author

Unicoi State Park – Helen

About 90 miles northeast of Atlanta, Unicoi State Park boasts 31 walk-in tent sites and 50 RV sites with partial and full hookups. Prices range from $18 for primitive walk-in tent sites to $80 for double buddy sites, not including the $5 parking pass. If bringing an RV or trailer, visitors must back in as the campground doesn’t offer pull-through sites. If you don’t have a tent or RV, consider booking a platform in the Squirrel’s Nest for $15. The raised walk-in shelter provides an open-air sleeping experience for four people with a roof and only one wall. For non-campers, the cottages and lodge provide additional accommodations.

Hike the 2.5-mile trail around Lake Unicoi. Try archery, fishing, paddle boarding, ziplining, or relaxing at the beach. This location offers an excellent base to explore Anna Ruby Falls, the alpine town of Helen, and Vogel State Park.

DeSoto Falls Recreation Area offers great outdoor fun in Cleveland, GA. Photo by Bill Leffler

Atlanta Camping on U.S. Government Campgrounds

DeSoto Falls Recreation Area – Cleveland

Nestled in the Chattahoochee National Forest two hours north of Atlanta, DeSoto Falls offers a bare-bones experience with 24 tent and RV sites. While the campsites don’t offer hookups or a dump station, faucets provide drinking water during the peak months of April through October. Prices range between $10-40, not including the $5 USDA Forest Service vehicle fee.

In addition to fishing along Frogtown Creek, two waterfalls draw visitors to the area. Hike the kid-friendly 0.5-mile loop to the lower DeSoto Falls or the 1.5-mile loop to the upper falls. The campsite serves as another great base to explore Vogel State Park, Helton Creek Falls, and Helen. You can find restaurants and groceries 15 miles away in Cleveland.

McKinney Campground - Acworth

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city at the shores of Lake Allatoona. Managed by the US Corps of Engineers, McKinney Campground provides 150 campsites with partial hookups just 40 miles northwest of downtown Atlanta. Best suited for tents and smaller RVs, all sites come with a picnic table, grill, and fire ring. Prices range from $30-$34.

View wildlife, swim at the beach, and fish at the campgrounds. For hiking and mountain bike trails, head over to Red Top Mountain State Park —although the state park offers camping, spots are hard to come by due to renovations.

Old Federal Campground – Flowery Branch

With wooded lakefront views, the Old Federal Campground remains a favorite spot with 65 tent and RV sites with partial hookups, seven walk-in tent sites, and 12 primitive tent sites. Although sewage hookup is not available, the campgrounds provide well-maintained bathhouses and a dump station. Open from late March to mid-October, prices range from $20-$36.

While the facility offers a swimming beach and playground, bring your own gear for fishing and boating activities. Drive over to Margaritaville at Lake Lanier Islands Water Park about 11 miles away for kid-friendly, water fun.