How much does camping cost at Payne Campground-Allatoona Lake?

Camping fees at Payne Campground-Allatoona Lake range from $24-$68/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Payne Campground-Allatoona Lake first-come first-served or reservation?

Payne Campground-Allatoona Lake accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Payne Campground-Allatoona Lake before I book?

Yes! Payne Campground-Allatoona Lake has 35 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Payne Campground-Allatoona Lake?

Payne Campground-Allatoona Lake is open March 12 to September 04. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Payne Campground-Allatoona Lake?

Yes, Payne Campground-Allatoona Lake has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Payne Campground-Allatoona Lake?

Fire policies at Payne Campground-Allatoona Lake: Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Payne Campground-Allatoona Lake have?

Payne Campground-Allatoona Lake has 57 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Payne Campground-Allatoona Lake?

Yes, pets are allowed at Payne Campground-Allatoona Lake. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Payne Campground-Allatoona Lake?

Payne Campground-Allatoona Lake offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Payne Campground-Allatoona Lake?

Popular activities at Payne Campground-Allatoona Lake include Fishing, Swimming, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Payne Campground-Allatoona Lake

4.20

462 reviews

2495 Kellogg Creek Road, Acworth, GA 30102

Top 12% in GASummer

Summer Destination

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Georgia

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,063 ft

Price

$24 - $68/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

57 campsites

Season

Open March 13 - Sept...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,063 ft

Price

$24 - $68/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

57 campsites

Season

Open March 13 - Sept...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Payne Campground-Allatoona Lake

$24.00 - $68.00 / night

Campsite Fees

RV ELECTRIC: $34.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC Double Lakefront: $68.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC Lakefront: $34.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC-Double: $60.00; STANDARD...

Standard Site Fee$30.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

678-721-6700

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

2495 Kellogg Creek Road, Acworth, GA 30102

Payne Campground-Allatoona Lake

2495 Kellogg Creek Road, Acworth, GA 30102

Nearby places

Acworth (approximately 5 miles), Woodstock (approximately 8 miles), Cartersville (approximately 15 miles), Atlanta (approximately 35 miles).

Weather at Payne Campground-Allatoona Lake

Current alerts(9)

Camping limit is 14 consecutive days or 14 non-consecutive days in any 30-day period at all Corps of Engineers operated campgrounds on the Allatoona Lake Project.
Digital Copies of campground maps are available online. Please print ahead of time if you would like physical copy.
Entrance gate is closed from 10:30 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Maximum of eight people per campsite

Best Time to Camp at Payne Campground-Allatoona Lake

Best season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit because the lake is fully active—water temperatures are warm (mid-70s to low-80s °F) and boating, swimming, and bass fishing are all at their peak. Daytime highs are typically in the 80–95 °F range with long daylight hours for paddling and shoreline relaxation. Expect higher crowds on holiday weekends and frequent afternoon thunderstorms, so book early and plan for insect repellent and flexible afternoon plans. Peak months: June, July, August, May Avoid: September, October, November, December

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 12% in GA

Peak season; water temps mid-70s/low-80s, ideal for swimming, boating and fishing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 12 to September 04. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open March 13 - September 01 during peak season. Closed September 01 - March 12.

About Payne Campground-Allatoona Lake

Payne Campground sits on the shores of Allatoona Lake in the north Georgia foothills, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The campground offers direct lake access for fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing, with spacious sites that provide water and electric hookups. Reviewers praise the lake views and helpful staff, though bathroom cleanliness and noise enforcement can be inconsistent.

The campground caters to a variety of camping styles, including RV camping, tent camping, and group sites. Sites are described as spacious, with some directly on the lakeshore.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit because the lake is fully active—water temperatures are warm (mid-70s to low-80s °F) and boating, swimming, and bass fishing are all at their peak. Daytime highs are typically in the 80–95 °F range with long daylight hours for paddling and shoreline relaxation. Expect higher crowds on holiday weekends and frequent afternoon thunderstorms, so book early and plan for insect repellent and flexible afternoon plans. Peak months: June, July, August, May Avoid: September, October, November, December

Elevation1063 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies the wooded shore of Allatoona Lake, part of the Etowah River system in North Georgia's Piedmont. Elevation sits at 1,063 feet. Dense forests of pine and hardwood cover rolling hills that slope toward the water. The lake itself creates long coves and fingers of blue water framed by green ridges. Mature trees provide shade at many sites. Deer and great blue herons appear in reviews. The setting blends typical Georgia forest with expansive lake views.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodges or other accommodations beyond campsites are mentioned.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned at Payne Campground, but nearby attractions like the Etowah Indian Mounds offer historical learning opportunities.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of eight people per campsite.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

AccessibilitySome sites are described as accessible, and there is mention of accessible flush toilets. However, the overall accessibility details are limited.

Site SizeCampsites are described as 'spacious,' with some large enough to accommodate RVs and some smaller tent-only sites.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary; some users describe the sites as 'spacious and clean,' while others mention that the sites are 'close together' and lack vegetation buffers.

Total Campsites57 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose shaded sites for relief during summer months. Sites close to the lake provide easy access to water activities.

Best CampsitesSites 46, 47, 49, and 23 get mentioned in reviews for lake access and shade. Some sites sit directly on the water. Others are set back in clusters among the trees.

Need help booking Payne Campground-Allatoona Lake?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Payne Campground at Allatoona Lake offers a variety of amenities designed to enhance the camping experience. These include 57 spacious reservable campsites with features such as fire rings, picnic areas, drinking water, flush toilets, showers, and access to a dock and swimming beach. The campsites are noted for their proximity to water, with some sites directly along the lakeshore. One user noted, 'The sites are nice, spacious, and clean. The bathhouse is well kept.'

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Payne Campground offers a range of recreational activities, including swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, and camping. The location on Allatoona Lake provides opportunities for water-based activities, and the surrounding green hills offer scenic views. One user described the area as 'a lovely little beach area on the lake for kids to play in, and we took our kayak out in the lake.'

Fishing

Swimming

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

462 reviews

Satisfactory

Payne Campground-Allatoona Lake is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Payne Campground receives a mix of reviews, with many users praising its scenic location, spacious sites, and proximity to water. However, there are repeated complaints about the cleanliness of the bathrooms, lack of soap, and the strict enforcement of rules.

Review Summaries

Based on 462 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently mention the campground's 'beautiful lake views,' 'spacious and clean sites,' and 'friendly and helpful staff.' Many appreciate the direct lake access and the variety of water-based...

Based on 462 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include 'dirty bathrooms,' 'lack of hand soap,' and issues with 'strict rule enforcement.' Some users also noted difficulties with late-night access due to locked gates.

Based on 462 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 46: 'Much more shaded and has lake access but it’s rocky.' Site 47: 'Great lake access but it’s mostly in the sun.'

Based on 462 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own soap and hand sanitizer due to inconsistent bathroom maintenance. Plan arrival times carefully to avoid issues with the locked gates after 10:30 PM.

Based on 462 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during peak summer months. During off-season periods, it is described as quieter and less crowded.

Based on 462 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Beautiful setting on the lake with mature trees and large open sites.' 2. 'The bathhouse is well kept.' 3. 'There isn’t a helpline available to call for assistance after hours.'

Based on 462 reviews

Accessibility Features

Specific accessibility reviews are limited, but some sites are noted as accessible.

Based on 462 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, with a maximum of three per campsite.

Based on 462 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want spacious lakeside sites with hookups and don't mind seasonal operation with evening gate restrictions.

Skip if

You need 24-hour gate access or pristine bathroom facilities with consistent maintenance.

Nearby Campgrounds

937 Victoria Landing Drive, Woodstock, GA 30189

Victoria Campground sits on the shores of Allatoona Lake near Woodstock, managed by the Corps of Engineers. This mid-sized facility offers electric and water hookups alongside tent sites, with lake access for fishing and swimming. Reviewers highlight spacious, private sites and helpful hosts, though road noise and overnight gate closure are considerations.