Quick Definition
Lake Allatoona is a 12,010-acre U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir in Bartow and Cherokee counties, created by the Allatoona Dam on the Etowah River—completed in 1950. With 270 miles of shoreline, it is the most visited COE lake in the eastern United States, drawing 10+ million annual visitors each year. The lake sits 40–50 miles north of Atlanta, spans elevations from 840–860 feet depending on the season, and is managed jointly by the USACE and Georgia Power. Six USACE campgrounds ring the lake: Sweetwater, McKinney, McKaskey Creek, Clark Creek North, Clark Creek South, and Payne. Red Top Mountain State Park occupies a 1,776-acre peninsula on the lake's north shore, offering some of the most developed recreational infrastructure in the region. For broader area context, see Atlanta Metro RV Parks.
TL;DR
- 12,010 acres with 270 miles of shoreline—the most visited COE lake in the eastern US
- 10+ million annual visitors make it Georgia's premier outdoor destination
- 40–50 miles from Atlanta via I-75—suburban proximity with lake access
- 6 USACE campgrounds available via recreation.gov; book exactly 6 months ahead for summer weekends
- Red Top Mountain State Park provides 1,776 acres on-lake with 92 full-hookup RV sites
- Bass tournament venue—BASS Elite Series and Bassmaster Opens; largemouth, striped bass, and crappie year-round
- No PWC restrictions enforced (unlike Lake Blue Ridge)—jet skis welcome
- Peak season: May–September—spring and fall shoulder season offer lower rates and fewer crowds
For statewide context, see Georgia RV Parks.
Where to Stay Near Lake Allatoona
Allatoona offers four primary access zones, each serving different camping preferences and boat launch needs.
Red Top Mountain State Park (North Shore)
Red Top Mountain State Park is the crown jewel for family camping. The 1,776-acre peninsula provides 92 full-hookup RV sites with 30-amp and 50-amp service, two boat ramps, a sandy beach open Memorial Day through Labor Day, and 12 miles of hiking trails. Modern bathhouses, laundry facilities, and camp stores serve the grounds. The park's distinctive red iron-ore soil gave the mountain its name; Civil War earthworks remain visible on some trails. This is the best all-around family option if you prioritize modern amenities, swimming access, and onshore recreation.
Sweetwater and McKinney USACE Campgrounds (West Shore)
Sweetwater and McKinney are the largest USACE campgrounds on Allatoona. Sweetwater features approximately 380 sites, with select sites offering full hookups (30/50 amp), modern restrooms, and a marina. McKinney, slightly smaller with around 270 sites, also provides full-hookup options and is known for good shade coverage. Both have day-use areas with parking and boat access. These campgrounds book solid from Memorial Day through Labor Day via recreation.gov; weekday stays in spring and fall are far easier to secure.
Clark Creek North and McKaskey Creek (South and East Shore)
The south end of Allatoona sees less summer crowding. Clark Creek North (Cherokee County side) has full-hookup sites and modern facilities; McKaskey Creek offers mostly electric and primitive sites at lower nightly rates. Both serve as good fallback options when north-shore parks are full. Cell service is adequate but not as robust as the north shore.
Cartersville and Emerson Private Parks (I-75 Corridor)
Private parks along the I-75 corridor in nearby Cartersville and Emerson sit 2–5 miles from major boat launches. These parks typically offer full hookups, pull-through sites, and amenities like Wi-Fi and pool access. They're ideal if your priority is comfort and convenience over on-lake camping.
See Cartersville RV Parks for additional options in the I-75 corridor.
Things to Do at Lake Allatoona
Allatoona's 10+ million annual visitors come for recreation—not just camping. The lake supports serious sport fishing, water recreation, hiking, and historical exploration.
Bass Fishing
Lake Allatoona hosts BASS Elite Series tournaments and Bassmaster Opens, drawing competitive anglers nationwide. Largemouth bass are the primary target—Georgia's 5-fish daily limit applies, with a 12-inch minimum. Striped bass and hybrids are also abundant (15-inch minimum for stripers). Crappie bite year-round near dock structure and submerged timber; catfish anglers work the dam area after dark. March through May and September through October are peak largemouth seasons. A Georgia 3-day fishing license costs $10.
Boating and Water Sports
Multiple marinas serve ski boats, wakeboarding, tubing, and pontoon recreation. Allatoona Landing (west shore), Sunrise Landing (east shore), and Holiday Harbor (south) all rent boats and offer fuel, bait, and tackle. Unlike Lake Blue Ridge, no personal watercraft restrictions are enforced on Allatoona—jet skis are allowed throughout the lake.
Red Top Mountain Hiking
The state park's 12-mile trail system ranges from easy lakeside walks to strenuous ridge climbs. The distinctive red iron-ore soil makes Allatoona unique among Georgia reservoirs. Civil War entrenchments and earthworks are visible on several trails—the lake area saw Confederate activity during the Atlanta Campaign. Expect wildlife sightings: deer, wild turkey, waterfowl, and the occasional bald eagle. A fishing pier on the lake provides bank access.
Swimming
Designated swim areas operate at Red Top Mountain beach (Memorial Day–Labor Day, lifeguard-free), McKinney campground beach, and Sweetwater's day-use beach. Georgia law requires swimmers to assess conditions and swim at their own risk—no lifeguards are posted.
Boating to Etowah Indian Mounds
A 5-mile boat trip from the dam area up the Etowah River tributary reaches the Etowah Indian Mounds—a 54-acre archaeological site with six earthen mounds built by the Mississippian culture (1000–1500 AD). Water access provides a unique perspective unavailable from the land-side museum. This trip requires a boat, patience for navigation through narrow channels, and advance research on the mounds' current visitation policies.
See Canton RV Parks for nearby camping options if exploring the broader region.
Practical Tips for Lake Allatoona RV Camping
Book USACE Sites Exactly 6 Months Ahead
Recreation.gov opens reservations 6 months in advance. Popular sites at Sweetwater and McKinney sell out within hours of release. Set a calendar alarm for the day your desired dates become available, especially for summer weekends.
Water Level Fluctuations
The lake is managed by USACE primarily for flood control—water levels fluctuate seasonally and after heavy rain. Georgia Power draws down the lake in late winter for flood storage. Call the USACE Allatoona Resource Manager at 678-721-6700 to check current levels before your trip, especially if you plan on boat launching.
Red Top Mountain State Park Reservations
Unlike USACE campgrounds, Red Top Mountain requires advance reservations for all RV and tent sites. Call the park directly or book online through the Georgia State Parks system. Weekend slots fill months ahead.
Summer Heat and Shade
July and August temperatures regularly exceed 90°F in direct sun. RV sites with shade are considerably more comfortable and book faster. Arrive early in the season if shade coverage matters to your trip comfort.
Clark Creek North as a South-End Alternative
Clark Creek North offers full-hookup sites with better summer availability than the north-shore parks, making it a smart fallback when Sweetwater and McKinney are booked.
See Marietta RV Parks for camping options in neighboring Marietta if Allatoona is full.
Cost Math
3-Night Allatoona Camping Trip
| Lodging | Nightly Rate | 3-Night Total |
|---|---|---|
| USACE Campground (Sweetwater/McKinney) | $18–$38 | $54–$114 |
| Red Top Mountain State Park | $28–$35 | $84–$105 |
| Private I-75 Corridor Park | $38–$52 | $114–$156 |
| Lakefront Cabin | $175–$300 | $525–$900 |
Boat Rental: $80–$150 per day Georgia 3-Day Fishing License: $10 USACE Day-Use Parking: $5 per vehicle per visit
Sample Budget: 3-Night Fishing Trip
- USACE campground (mid-range): $90
- One day boat rental: $120
- Fishing license: $10
- Fuel and food: $100–$150
- Total: $320–$370 for two people
This makes Allatoona one of the most affordable multi-day fishing trips within 50 miles of Atlanta.
Lake Allatoona RV Parks: At a Glance
| Park Name | Location | Full Hookups | Pull-Thru | Nightly Rate | Pets | Wi-Fi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Top Mountain SP | North Shore (Bartow) | Yes | Yes | $28–$35 | Yes | Limited |
| Sweetwater USACE | West Shore | Select Sites | No | $18–$28 | Yes | No |
| McKinney USACE | West Shore | Select Sites | No | $18–$28 | Yes | No |
| Clark Creek North USACE | South Shore (Cherokee) | Yes | No | $18–$24 | Yes | No |
| McKaskey Creek USACE | South Shore (Cherokee) | No | No | $12–$18 | Yes | No |
| Payne USACE | East Shore | No | No | $12–$18 | Yes | No |
| Allatoona Landing | West Shore (Private) | Yes | Yes | $32–$42 | Yes | Yes |
| Holiday Harbor | South Shore (Private) | Yes | Yes | $38–$48 | Yes | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
When does recreation.gov open Lake Allatoona reservations?
Recreation.gov opens USACE campground reservations exactly 6 months in advance. For example, July 2026 sites open January 2026. Sweetwater and McKinney summer weekends sell out within hours.
Does Lake Allatoona's water level fluctuate significantly?
Yes. The USACE manages Allatoona primarily for flood control, not recreation. Water levels drop in late winter (February–April) when the agency drains storage capacity. Call 678-721-6700 before your trip if boat launching is critical to your plans.
Can I use jet skis on Lake Allatoona?
Yes. Unlike Lake Blue Ridge and some other Georgia lakes, Allatoona has no PWC restrictions. Personal watercraft are permitted throughout the lake.
Which USACE campground has the most full-hookup sites?
Sweetwater offers the most full-hookup options, followed by McKinney, then Clark Creek North. Sweetwater is also the most amenity-rich, but also the hardest to book.
When is Red Top Mountain State Park's swim beach open?
Memorial Day through Labor Day. The beach is unguarded; swimmers assume all risk.
Where can I find the BASS Elite Series tournament schedule for Lake Allatoona?
Check bassmaster.com and the official BASS tour calendar. Allatoona hosts multiple Elite events annually, typically in spring (March–May).
How much does USACE day-use boat launching cost?
$5 per vehicle for day-use parking and boat launch. Annual passes are available.
What's the RV size limit at Red Top Mountain State Park?
Red Top Mountain accommodates RVs up to 45 feet, though sites vary. Call the park in advance if you're towing a large rig.
Is cell service reliable at Lake Allatoona campgrounds?
Yes. The lake's suburban location (40–50 miles north of Atlanta) means all major carriers provide coverage at campgrounds. Data speeds are adequate for streaming.
How long is the drive from Atlanta's downtown core to Lake Allatoona?
45–55 minutes via I-75 North to exit 290 (Bartow/Cartersville). Red Top Mountain's north-shore entrance is the closest point to Atlanta.
Thinking About Selling Your RV Park Near Lake Allatoona?
Lake Allatoona is the most visited Corps of Engineers lake in the eastern United States—10+ million annual visitors draw consistent revenue streams year-round. The lake sits 40–50 miles north of Atlanta's 6.2-million-person metro area, within weekend-trip range for millions of households. Bass tournament season (March–May and September–October) creates predictable seasonal demand. USACE infrastructure and adjacent state park operations create a stable operating environment.
If you own or operate an RV park in the Allatoona region—whether a USACE concession, private park, or cabin rental venture—the current market values strong cash flow, seasonal predictability, and location. We work with park owners and operators to structure acquisitions that reflect the asset's true earning potential.
Contact Jenna Reed — Director of Acquisitions, rv-parks.org
Email: jenna@rv-parks.org
Or visit: /sell
Let's talk about your park's value.