Camping opportunities abound across Georgia, but my heart is particularly drawn to the simple, no-frills sites managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Some of my most treasured memories involve waking up in a stifling tent. As a child growing up in Massachusetts, I spent many summer vacations camping near Cape Cod’s tip, nestled with my brothers and cousins in a pile of intertwined sleeping bags. That first morning moment of unzipping the tent’s entrance, greeted by a rush of fresh air and the sight of my father laying out the sugary cereals we were only allowed on camping trips, remains a cherished memory.
When I relocated to Georgia as an adult, my initial camping experiences left me uncertain. Popular destinations like Lake Lanier and Lake Allatoona, close to Atlanta, revealed their peculiarities—man-made lakes with troubled histories submerged beneath their warm, summer waters. I vividly recall the first time a large black snake swam beneath my paddleboard at Lake Lanier—a harmless water snake, though, as a New Englander, I didn’t know that at the time. That encounter nearly led me to abandon camping in Georgia altogether.
Yet, I found myself drawn back to the wilderness. Escaping the sweltering heat of Atlanta by spending weekends outdoors became one of my favorite ways to recharge. Between March and October, my friends and I regularly load up our cars, pack our dogs, and set off for campgrounds across the state. While we frequent nearby lakes, we also venture further north to Vogel State Park, Lake Rabun, and even into North Carolina and Tennessee on extended weekends. Our campsites become temporary havens, adorned with string lights, Atlanta United flags, and drying bathing suits, as we cook breakfast on one of our many Coleman stoves.
Over the years, I’ve explored numerous camping spots across Georgia, from backpacking deep into Providence Canyon to canoeing out to tent platforms in the Okefenokee Swamp. However, I’ve developed a particular fondness for the practical, understated campgrounds dotting Lake Allatoona and Lake Lanier. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which constructed both reservoirs in the mid-20th century, these campgrounds offer little more than a firepit, a concrete picnic table, and—if you’re fortunate—a grill.
Typically overseen by retired couples who live on-site in their RVs, these campgrounds provide a unique sense of community. The caretakers manage visitors, conduct occasional drive-bys to enforce rules about off-leash dogs and vehicle limits (we’ve been reminded about both), and maintain the minimal amenities. The single campground bathroom rarely has soap, but nearly every site offers a lakefront view, perfect for launching kayaks and paddleboards—or, on cooler days, taking a dip in the turquoise waters.
These campgrounds attract a diverse array of people, creating a spontaneous community you’d rarely find elsewhere. One site might host a father prepping fishing rods outside a turbocharged RV adorned with political bumper stickers, while next door, a lively Brazilian family blasts samba music and grills steaks. Our group, an eclectic mix of queer, multiethnic friends with unconventional haircuts and anxious rescue dogs, fits right in. Under the stars, as campfires flicker across the shore, we all share the same peaceful moment.
One summer weekend during the pandemic, my friends and I sought refuge from the confines of home by camping at Lake Allatoona. A friend brought along someone new, who arrived late—mistaking McKaskey for McKinney, a common error—with her Coleman stove and her nervous rescue dog. The moment I met her, I knew I’d found the person I would marry.
These days, we’ve traded our tent for a camping bed my wife built inside our car. The mattress, though less traditional, offers comfort that a sleeping bag never could, even with our dog squeezed between us. But some things remain unchanged—each morning, we open the hatchback to let in a fresh breeze and watch the mist rise over the lake. Occasionally, we’re treated to the sight of a great blue heron gliding across the turquoise water. It’s a joy I’ll treasure forever.
Top Camping Destinations in Georgia
Lake Allatoona
Located about 40 miles from Atlanta, Lake Allatoona is an ideal camping spot for beginners or those seeking a quick weekend retreat. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates several campgrounds around the lake, offering both primitive tent-only and RV sites, many with waterfront views. Most campgrounds also feature boat launches and small beaches with designated swimming areas.
Cumberland Island
Cumberland Island, off Georgia’s coast, offers one of the most unique camping experiences in the country. With no vehicles and limited electricity, campers must come well-prepared. Accessible only by ferry, securing a permit for one of the island’s five campgrounds is essential. Despite the rugged journey, the reward is a stunning national seashore and abundant coastal wildlife
Cloudland Canyon State Park
Situated on the western edge of Lookout Mountain near the Tennessee border, Cloudland Canyon State Park boasts an extensive trail system leading to two majestic waterfalls. The park offers a range of camping options, including tent, trailer, and backcountry sites, as well as yurts and cottages for a more comfortable stay.