Quiet RV Camping And Lake Recreation Await At This Beautiful State Park In Georgia

Sitting on a forested peninsula surrounded by the peaceful waters of Lake Allatoona, Red Top Mountain State Park is one of Georgia's most popular destinations. Conveniently located just off I-75, it's only a 36-mile drive north from Atlanta and provides a scenic getaway for RV travelers and weekend campers who want to venture beyond Atlanta's best tourist spots. Known for its quiet atmosphere, thanks to its nearly 2,000 acres of mixed hardwood and pine forests and 12,000-acre lake, its other distinguishing feature is the iron-rich red soil, which gives Red Top Mountain its name.

More than 15 miles of winding trails pass through the park, appreciated by hikers and bikers alike, while the lake draws visitors to the water for a variety of activities and a chance to escape the hot Georgia sunshine. The area also has some Civil War history, with Allatoona Pass Battlefield only a short drive away. Park visitors can stay at Red Top Mountain State Park Campground, which has a range of sites available and modern, recently upgraded, facilities. 

More than 90 sites are spread around the campground, many with lake views. Around 70 sites have electricity, some of which also have full RV hookups with water and sewer connections. The campsites start at $23 per night, but there are more overnight options like rental cottages and lakeside yurts for a more luxurious stay.

The park is open to day visitors from 7 a.m. until sunset. A daily pass costs $10, or you can buy an annual pass for $70, which will also give you access to Georgia's other state parks such as the historic Vogel State Park and the underrated Sweetwater Creek State Park. Being such a large lake, there's plenty of room for everyone to have their own space for splashing around, with a range of activities both on and off the water. Boating is especially popular, and there are two boat ramps if you're bringing your own boat either for fishing or simply to enjoy the open water. 

To hire a boat, head to the marina on the north side of the park, where you can rent anything from jet skis to larger pontoon boats, handy if you're in a group. Other activities include kayaking, paddleboarding, and water skiing, and if you need more information or supplies, the well-stocked visitor center on the east side of the park has maps, equipment, and basic essentials. You may be a long way from the ocean, but that doesn't mean you can't relax on the beach and feel the sand between your toes. The park has a designated swimming beach on the west side, complete with playgrounds and picnic tables, making it an ideal spot for families.

Beyond the water, the park has around 15 miles of trails of varying degrees of difficulty. Make the most of the quiet setting and do a spot of wildlife and bird watching, of which there is an abundance. White-tailed deer are often seen, and ruby-throated hummingbirds and red-headed woodpeckers add a splash of color amongst the trees.

Of the seven trails, the 3.9-mile Iron Hill Loop is suitable for both hiking and biking. An easy trail that mostly follows the lakeside, passing through an area that was once a thriving mining community, with the thick canopy providing some welcome shade during the hot summer months. The 5.3-mile Homestead Trail is considered one of the prettiest trails in the park, thanks to a variety of terrain, lakeside views, and woodland scenery. It also has access points to the lake in case you want to cool off with a quick dip. 

Near the visitor center, the shorter Lakeside Trail is an ADA-compliant paved trail suitable for wheelchairs, strollers, and young children. Less than a mile long, the trail leads to the Vaughn Cabin, a restored 1860s homestead-style cabin, sometimes used for park events. If you're interested in taking part in any of the park activities, a full calendar of events runs throughout the year, from plant-based tincture workshops and shelter building to historical demonstrations and orienteering. Most are free, but some require a small fee.