If you think you’d like to give camping a try, but you’re not quite ready to dive into the intense experience of cliff camping (yes, it’s just as dangerous as it sounds) or backpacking through the wilderness to your campsite, then you might consider one of these first-timer-friendly campgrounds. Yes, they all offer restrooms and showers. Pull your vehicle in, set up your tent, and you’re good to go.
Stone Mountain Park
Located minutes from downtown Atlanta.
Campsites: Features 431 campsites, nearly half with water, electric and sewer hookups for RVs; 191 sites with water and electric hookups, and 56 primitive tent sites. Lakeside sites available.
Open: Year-round
Pets: OK
Amenities: Restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, grills, picnic tables, fire rings and general store.
Activities: Kayaking, swimming, hiking and biking.
Highlight: Free shuttle service to park activities.
Address: 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain, GA 30083
770-498-5710 or 800-385-9807, www.stonemountainpark.com
Old Federal Campground
Located on the eastern banks of Lake Lanier by the Chattahoochee Bay.
Campsites: 84 total; 59 with electric and water hookups; seven walk-in sites.
Open: April 10-Sept. 6
Pets: OK
Amenities: Showers, laundry facilities, dump station and boat ramp.
Activities: Swimming, fishing, boating, hiking and rock climbing.
Highlight: Abundant waterfront sites.
Address: 6219 Old Federal Road, Flowery Branch, GA 30542
770-967-6757, www.recreation.gov
Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge
Located about 30 minutes from the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame, Dawsonville.
Campsites: 24 wooded sites, all with power and water. Accommodates RVs and tents.
Open: Year-round
Pets: OK
Amenities: Grills, fire rings, picnic tables, restrooms, laundry facilities and dump station.
Activities: Hiking, waterfall photography, seasonal trout fishing, geocaching.
Highlight: Amicalola Falls is the billed as the tallest cascading waterfall in the Southeast.
Address: 418 Amicalola Falls Lodge Road, Dawsonville, GA 30534
706-265-8888, www.amicalolafallslodge.com
Shady Grove Campground
Located on the southwest side of Lake Lanier, Forsyth County.
Campsites: More than 110 campsites available for RVs and tents; seven are walk-in. Thirty-amp and 50-amp electric hookup. Water sites available.
Open: March 24-Nov. 2
Pets: OK
Amenities: Showers, restrooms and laundry facilities. Each campsite includes a fire pit, grill and picnic table.
Activities: Boating (boat launch), swimming, fishing, volleyball and horseshoes. Playground for children.
Highlight: Low-key camping with beautiful lake views.
Address: 7800 Shadburn Ferry Road, Cumming, GA 30041
770-205-6849, www.forsythco.com
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