Payne Campground-Allatoona Lake
4.27171 reviews2495 Kellogg Creek Road, Acworth, GA 30102
Quick Facts
Price
$24 - $68/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
57 campsites
Season
Open March 13 - Sept...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV FriendlyElectricShowers
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$24 - $68/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
57 campsites
Season
Open March 13 - Sept...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV FriendlyElectricShowers
Get DirectionsPayne Campground-Allatoona Lake
$24.00 - $68.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Campsite fees range from $24-$68 per night, depending on site amenities like water and electric hookups.
Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$30.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider678-721-6700
What Campers Say
4.27
Satisfactory
Based on 171 reviews
273 Google reviews
Most mentioned
viewscleanspaciouswater
Some mention
noise
"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."
Fees & Passes at Payne Campground-Allatoona Lake
$24 - $68/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Cancellation: A $10 service fee applies for changes or cancellations, and late cancellations forfeit the first nig...
Prices verified December 7, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website.
Best Time to Camp at Payne Campground-Allatoona Lake
From March through September, Payne Campground comes alive under Georgia's warm embrace, with temperatures ideal for both land and water activities. Spring arrives with wildflowers and perfect camping weather, while summer brings long, sun-drenched days perfect for lake adventures. Gentle rainfall keeps the landscape lush and green throughout the peak season. As autumn approaches, cooler evenings create perfect conditions for campfire stories. The campground takes its winter rest during the colder months, allowing nature to refresh and renew for the next season's adventures.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: March 13 - September 01.. 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
Nestled along the scenic shores of Allatoona Lake, Payne Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with 57 thoughtfully designed campsites that blend modern comfort with natural beauty. Each site comes equipped with essential amenities including fire rings for evening gatherings, picnic areas for lakeside dining, and access to clean drinking water, hot showers, and flush toilets. The campground serves as your gateway to endless water adventures—cast a line for bass at dawn, paddle through morning mist in your kayak, or spend lazy afternoons swimming in the lake's refreshing waters. With nearby attractions just a short drive away, Payne offers the perfect balance of wilderness escape and convenient exploration.
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.
Historical SignificanceYour stay at Payne Campground places you at the crossroads of Georgia's rich heritage. Just minutes away, the ancient Etowah Indian Mounds tell stories of sophisticated Native American societies that flourished here over a thousand years ago. Art enthusiasts will discover treasures at the renowned Booth Western Art Museum, home to the largest permanent exhibition space for Western art in the country. History comes alive at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield, where Civil War echoes still resonate across preserved battlegrounds. These cultural gems transform your camping trip into a journey through time, offering meaningful day trips between your lakeside adventures.
Weather and SeasonsFrom March through September, Payne Campground comes alive under Georgia's warm embrace, with temperatures ideal for both land and water activities. Spring arrives with wildflowers and perfect camping weather, while summer brings long, sun-drenched days perfect for lake adventures. Gentle rainfall keeps the landscape lush and green throughout the peak season. As autumn approaches, cooler evenings create perfect conditions for campfire stories. The campground takes its winter rest during the colder months, allowing nature to refresh and renew for the next season's adventures.
ElevationThe campground's gentle lakeside setting provides easy access to the water while maintaining comfortable camping conditions throughout your stay.
Natural Features and SceneryPayne Campground unfolds across a landscape painted with Georgia's finest natural brushstrokes. Towering mature trees create a living canopy overhead, their branches filtering sunlight into dancing patterns across your campsite. The emerald waters of Allatoona Lake stretch before you, reflecting sky and forest in an ever-changing mirror. Green rolling hills frame the horizon, creating intimate coves and scenic vistas at every turn. Early risers might spot deer grazing in morning meadows, while great blue herons patrol the shoreline. The abundant vegetation—from flowering dogwoods to mighty oaks—creates a verdant sanctuary where the stress of daily life melts away with each sunset over the lake.
Geological RegionPayne Campground claims its place along the beautiful Allatoona Lake, where the Etowah River has been transformed into a sprawling aquatic playground. This corner of Georgia showcases the region's characteristic rolling green hills—ancient mountains worn smooth by millennia, now clothed in dense forests of pine and hardwood. The lake itself, carved into the landscape, creates a stunning contrast between water and woodland. This geological tapestry of gentle elevations, river valleys, and forested ridges represents the best of North Georgia's Piedmont region, where the mountains begin their gradual descent toward the coastal plain, creating the perfect setting for outdoor recreation and natural beauty.
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Campsite details
AccessibilitySome sites are described as accessible, and there is mention of accessible flush toilets. However, the overall accessibility details are limited.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as 'spacious,' with some large enough to accommodate RVs and some smaller tent-only sites.
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 CampsitesChoose shaded sites for relief during summer months. Sites close to the lake provide easy access to water activities.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at 4 PM.
Check-out
Check-out time is 3 PM.
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 are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of reservable sites arranged along paved roads, some with direct lake access, others grouped in clusters.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen March 13 - September 01 during peak season. Closed September 01 - March 12.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityNot explicitly stated, but online reservations through Recreation.gov are recommended.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 service fee applies for changes or cancellations, and late cancellations forfeit the first night's use fee. No-shows incur a $20 fee and forfeit fees for the first night.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
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
Fishing is a popular activity, with the lake stocked annually with bass, crappie, bream, gar, and catfish. Fishing jetties and a dock are available for use.Swimming
A swimming beach is available, described by a user as 'a lovely little beach area on the lake for kids to play in.'Boating
Boating is a key activity with a dock provided at the campground. Nearby, eight marinas offer boat rentals.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is highlighted, with one user stating, 'Much wildlife and serenity may be found in this little corner of God's green earth.'Beach activities
The beach area is noted for sunbathing and play, especially for children. One user described it as 'a lovely little beach area on the lake for kids to play.'Winter Activities
No specific information on winter activities is provided.Water Sports
Kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are common activities due to the calm waters of Allatoona Lake.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted within designated fire rings. Visitors are encouraged to buy local firewood to prevent pest spread.
- Quiet hours start at 10:30 PM.
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews mention poison ivy and oak at some campsites, and the occasional presence of dead tree limbs near sites.
Weather at Payne Campground-Allatoona Lake
42
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 94%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 4.7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
Weather History
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Emergency Services
Nearest hospital: Wellstar Kennestone Hospital in Marietta (approximately 17 miles away). Police station: Cobb County Police Department in Acworth (around 6 miles away). Ranger station: Allatoona Lake Project Management Office within close proximity.
Good to know
Peak season datesMarch 13 - September 01.
Trash and recyclingNo detailed information about trash and recycling facilities is provided in the sources.
Proximity to water featuresAllatoona Lake surrounds Payne Campground, offering direct access to swimming beaches, fishing areas, and boating docks.
Common complaintsBathrooms are often noted as dirty or lacking soap. Noise issues from neighbors and insufficient enforcement of quiet hours are also mentioned.
HostHosts are described as friendly and helpful in multiple user reviews.
Campground Map
2495 Kellogg Creek Road, Acworth, GA 30102
Driving directionsFrom I-75 take exit 277 and go east on Highway 92. After a mile, turn left onto Hunt Road, which will turn into Kellogg Creek Road. Campground entrance is on the right after two miles.
Access via major roads is straightforward. From I-75, the exit and subsequent roads are paved and well-maintained. Seasonal closures are not mentioned, and the terrain does not appear challenging.Nearby places
Acworth (approximately 5 miles), Woodstock (approximately 8 miles), Cartersville (approximately 15 miles), Atlanta (approximately 35 miles).
Nearby supplies
Groceries and camping supplies available in Acworth (approximately 5 miles). Gas stations and general stores are also found within Acworth and surrounding areas.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.3
171 reviews
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 171 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 171 reviewsShow more
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 171 reviewsPro 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 171 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is busiest during peak summer months. During off-season periods, it is described as quieter and less crowded.
Based on 171 reviewsCamper 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 171 reviewsSite-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 171 reviewsAccessibility Features
Specific accessibility reviews are limited, but some sites are noted as accessible.
Based on 171 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, with a maximum of three per campsite.
Based on 171 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 7, 2025
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