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.
Water activities at Lake Allatoona
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…