Camping means something a little different to everyone, from pitching a tent in a primitive site to glamping in an RV resort. Whatever way your family likes to sleep under the stars, there’s a destination that’s perfect for you in Georgia. Here are the seven best camping spots near Sugarloaf.

Stone Mountain Park Campground

Family setting up a tent

BC_FamilyTent_9260” licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Flickr by vastateparkstaff

Whether you want to detox from technology or bond with the kiddos in nature, head to Stone Mountain Park Campground. Located just south of Sugarloaf on Stonewall Jackson Drive, this sizable lakeside campground offers a variety of ways to camp out, from tent sites and RV hookups to yurts. Some sites even offer amenities like free Wi-Fi, plus easy access to the nearby Stone Mountain Park’s world-class attractions.

Nestled among 3,200 acres of Georgia’s natural beauty, this park also touts loads of recreational activities, family-friendly attractions, and seasonal events. Play sand volleyball, fish, or attend a festive occasion like the annual Pumpkin Festival. It’s terrific for kids as young as two. You’ll also find a pool, modern, public restrooms with showers, a laundry facility, and a general store inside the park.

Red Top Mountain State Park

Your next outdoor adventure awaits at Red Top Mountain State Park. This popular park sits on the shores of the 12,000-acre Lake Allatoona, making it an ideal destination for camping, swimming, boating, water skiing, and fishing. Bring your personal watercraft or rent one from the marina. While this pick is well known for the lake, Red Top Mountain State Park is also a popular place to hike, with 15 miles of trails. 

Head to the sandy swimming beach on a hot Georgia summer day. Mature trees surround the water, providing a wonderfully shady cove to rinse off, while picnic shelters provide a cool spot to grill out when you’re roughing it. Access the park’s campgrounds off of Lodge Road Southeast in Acworth, about an hour west of Sugarloaf. Guests stay overnight in:

  • One of 20 rental cottages.
  • The spacious tent and RV campground.
  • The park’s sole shoreside yurt.

Amicalola Falls State Park

Set up your tent just an hour south of the city at Amicalola Falls State Park. Find it off Highway 155 Southwest in Stockbridge, covering 829 acres of pristine wilderness. Take in the views of the North Georgia Mountains, the Chattahoochee National Forest, and of course, the remarkable 729-foot waterfall all at this nature lover’s wonderland.

Your overnight excursions start with your choice of a private cabin or a scenic wooded tent and RV campsites complete with water and power. Primitive camping sites are also available at the top of the mountain, making it easy to plan your dream trip. These accommodations get the outdoor enthusiasts in your family access to:

  • Ziplining.
  • Guided hikes to the Amicalola Falls.
  • Wildlife education shows.
  • GPS scavenger hunts.
  • 3D archery.
  • Survivalist camps.

Unicoi State Park

Schedule a one-of-kind Georgia camping retreat at Unicoi State Park. If your family loves primitive camping, this is the place to get wild. Unicoi is a camper’s paradise in the Appalachian foothills in Helen, about 90 minutes north.

Here you can embark on a unique experience in the Squirrels Nest. Bring your hammock or a sleeping bag and snooze under the stars on this open-air, raised platform. This park also offers campers a range of other options, from luxury RV hookups to secluded tent sites. There are nearly 100 campsites, including ADA-approved spots. Rent a GoPro to catch the excitement, then explore 1,029 acres filled with adventure activities like:

  • Guided nature hikes.
  • Mountain biking.
  • Shooting air guns in the range.
  • Paddleboarding.
  • Fly fishing classes.
  • Aerial adventures.

Fort Yargo State Park

Fort Yargo State Park in Winder is a 1,816-acre camper’s paradise. Its star attraction is the 260-acre lake and glorious swimming beach. This popular state park also features 20.5 miles of multi-use trails and one of the area’s only remaining forts. Settlers built the log structure in 1792, so make it your first stop if you’re a history buff.

If you don’t have your own accommodations, stay in a lakeside yurt. These canvas and wooden structures are fully furnished and feature electricity, a fire ring, a picnic table, and a grill. Pop your tent or back in your camper and get ready for loads of exciting endeavors within this natural refuge, like:

  • Disc golf.
  • Geocaching.
  • Miniature golf.
  • Kayaking.
  • Pedal boating.

Sweetwater Creek State Park

Find your choice of cozy campsites this year at Sweetwater Creek State Park. Located on Mt. Vernon Road in Lithia Springs, this natural area offers camping facilities, including five campsites and 10 reservable yurts. There’s also a visitor’s center, museum, playgrounds, and gift shop.

Spend a long family weekend and discover the ruin of a brick, Civil War-era textile mill or fish the 215-acre George Sparks Reservoir. Reconnect with your spouse and the kiddos amongst this Georgia state park’s rocky bluffs or afloat Sweetwater Creek’s rolling rapids. Join a ranger for an informational hike. You’ll follow trails through fields and forest, where you can spot ferns, magnolias, wild azaleas, hardwoods, and more.

Sawnee Campground

Located on Buford Dam Road in Cumming, Sawnee Campground is just the spot to stake your ground close to home. It’s only about a half-hour from Sugarloaf’s city center, and it offers just about everything the legendary state parks do. It lies on the banks of Lake Sidney Lanier, just north of the Dam.

The campground features enchanting views of the water, especially at sunset. This vast 38,000-acre lake boasts more than 100 islands and almost 700 miles of shoreline to explore. In addition, you’ll appreciate premier amenities at Sawnee Campground, such as:

  • Water and electric hookups.
  • Restroom with bathhouse.
  • Playground.
  • Laundry facility.
  • Swimming beach.

Start planning your trip with these seven amazing places to camp near home. What are your family’s favorite spots to camp out? Let us know at  Crème de la Crème of Sugarloaf, so we can share your idea with other outdoorsy Georgia parents.