Payne Campground-Allatoona Lake

4.20

462 reviews

2495 Kellogg Creek Road, Acworth, GA 30102

Summer Destination

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Georgia

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

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

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

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Payne 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

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

678-721-6700

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What Campers Say

4.20

Satisfactory

Based on 462 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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

2495 Kellogg Creek Road, Acworth, GA 30102

Payne Campground-Allatoona Lake

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.

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.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 12% in GA

Open and busiest Mar 13–Sep 1; ideal for swimming, boating and water activities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

Not recommended

Campground closed Sep 1 - Mar 12 (closed for much of fall).

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Open from Mar 13; spring wildflowers and pleasant weather for lake activities.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed Sep 1 - Mar 12; no winter services.

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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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 camping is 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.

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.

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.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

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.'

FishingFishing 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.

SwimmingA swimming beach is available, described by a user as 'a lovely little beach area on the lake for kids to play in.'

BoatingBoating is a key activity with a dock provided at the campground. Nearby, eight marinas offer boat rentals.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is highlighted, with one user stating, 'Much wildlife and serenity may be found in this little corner of God's green earth.'

Beach activitiesThe 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

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews mention poison ivy and oak at some campsites, and the occasional presence of dead tree limbs near sites.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted within designated fire rings. Visitors are encouraged to buy local firewood to prevent pest spread.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours start at 10:30 PM.

Emergency ServicesNearest 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.

Trash & RecyclingNo detailed information about trash and recycling facilities is provided in the sources.

Water FeaturesAllatoona Lake surrounds Payne Campground, offering direct access to swimming beaches, fishing areas, and boating docks.

Camp HostHosts are described as friendly and helpful in multiple user reviews.

Weather at Payne Campground-Allatoona Lake

Reviews

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

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