Are you the owner for this park? Make it a featured listing and be seen in the top search results!
Allatoona Lake - COE/McKinney
Overview
McKinney Campground sits on the sprawling shores of Allatoona Lake, offering a serene escape within the rolling hills of North Georgia. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this park is widely regarded as one of the premier camping destinations in the region due to its well-maintained facilities and stunning waterfront views. The park manages to balance a rustic, natural atmosphere with the convenience of modern infrastructure, providing a lush, pine-covered setting that feels worlds away from the nearby metropolitan bustle. Whether you are looking for a quiet place to watch the sunset or a basecamp for lake adventures, the peaceful environment here is sure to deliver.
Location & Surroundings
Located in Acworth, Georgia, the campground occupies a prime peninsula on the southeastern shore of Allatoona Lake. The surrounding landscape is characterized by dense hardwood and pine forests that provide ample shade and a sense of privacy between campsites. Because the park is situated away from major thoroughfares, visitors can enjoy a quiet atmosphere dominated by the sounds of local songbirds and the gentle lap of water against the shore. Its proximity to the Etowah River and several protected parklands ensures that the area remains a lush haven for wildlife and nature lovers alike.
Amenities & Park Features
The park features 150 campsites, many of which are equipped with 50-amp electrical hookups and water connections. A rare find for a Corps of Engineers park, McKinney offers a selection of premium sites with sewer hookups, making it highly desirable for those in larger RVs. On-site amenities include:
- A large designated swimming beach with a sandy shoreline.
- Two conveniently located boat ramps for easy lake access.
- Modern bathhouses with hot showers and laundry facilities.
- A well-maintained playground and multiple picnic areas for family gatherings.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Beyond the campground, the area is rich with recreational and historical opportunities. Hikers and history buffs will appreciate the close proximity to Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, which offers miles of scenic trails and educational exhibits. For more intensive hiking and biking, Red Top Mountain State Park is just a short drive around the lake. If you are looking for a change of pace, the historic downtown Acworth area features a variety of local boutiques and highly-rated restaurants, providing the perfect destination for an afternoon stroll or a delicious meal away from the campfire.
Who This Park Is Best For
McKinney Campground is an ideal fit for boating and fishing enthusiasts who want to maximize their time on the water with easy boat ramp access. It is also a fantastic choice for families seeking a safe, nature-focused environment where children can bike and swim. Because the park offers spacious, paved pads and some full-hookup options, it is particularly popular with big-rig owners and long-term travelers who want the beauty of a public park without sacrificing the essential comforts of a high-end RV resort.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Janice Schaag
Great campground on Lake Allatoona. Easy access from I-75. Very shaded, level spots. Some of the wooden platforms are beginning to show their age ...
Holly Salazar
The sites are big, most sites have lovely views of the lake and restrooms are clean. We like it because it is just an hour from home, but we have to take something into consideration when deciding to go here. I am pretty sure it depends on the site, but we were at site 44 and the cell service was in and out the whole weekend. There is also a train that goes at all hours of the night and day. Another small complaint is we wish there were more garbage stations/dog poop stations. The park is nice though, clean and the hosts are super friendly.
Mike D
We stayed at McKinney the first time after a personal recommendation and it was great. Highly recommended. And an extra bonus for us was being able to watch and listen to the freight trains pass over the water in the distance on a railroad trestle. The trains did not bother us one bit :-)
Ethan Ringrose
I stayed at camp site 110 and couldn't give it a better rating. The spot was secluded, private and absolutely beautiful. Not far down the trail from the restrooms as well. This spot has electric to plug into, a water pump, and a short set of natural steps that lead to the lake. Easy to swim in because of the way the rocks are and great spot to fish at. I recommend backing the vehicle in.
Daniel Seland
We would have given this 4/5 stars if it weren't for the freight trains blasting their horns all night. We stayed on a Saturday night not realizing that the campground is near a train line. There were a minimum of 6-7 trains that passed through between 10pm and 6am, each of them blowing their horns multiple times. The camp area itself is wonderful and we had a great time during the day but didn't get much sleep at all.