Near Atlanta Is Georgia's Must-Visit Lake With Sandy Beaches, Mountain Trails, And Campgrounds

Georgia is filled with breathtaking natural beauty. From Providence Canyon State Park, one of Georgia's seven natural wonders, to the gorgeous woodland trails and beach views at Fort Mountain State Park, there's no shortage of amazing things to see in the Peach State. But one site in particular is definitely worth a trip — the 12,000-acre Lake Allatoona, one of Georgia's most popular outdoor destinations. Nearly 7 million people come here each year to enjoy the lake's clear waters, sandy beaches, and trails. Tucked into the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, this tree-lined lake is the perfect spot for spending the day or weekend swimming, boating, or hiking around the shore.

Although the lake is relatively close to Atlanta, it feels a world away from the city, providing a peaceful, nature-filled getaway. Getting to Lake Allatoona couldn't be simpler. Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is about an hour away, and from there, you can grab a rental car and head north to your beachy vacation spot on the lake. As far as lodgings go, there are many vacation rentals and hotels in the area. If you're looking for a more outdoorsy retreat, the lake also boasts several excellent campgrounds. 

An outdoor retreat wouldn't be complete without some hiking trails to explore. There are plenty of trails around Lake Allatoona that cater to hikers of all skill levels. One of the best spots to find hikes with excellent views of the lake and surrounding woodlands is Red Top Mountain State Park. For an easy stroll near the water, the 0.75-mile Lakeside Trail is the perfect option. If you're after more of a challenge, try the 5.3-mile Homestead Trail or the 3.9-mile Iron Hill Bike Trail (don't let the name fool you — this trail is open to both bikers and hikers).

And if you still haven't gotten your fill of trekking around Lake Allatoona, head over to the lake's west edge. A couple of challenging trails for more experienced hikers are located between the lake and Cartersville, a laid-back Georgia city known as the gateway to Atlanta's metro area. To view the lake and Allatoona Dam from above, try the Vineyard Mountain Trail. This 5.3-mile trek takes you right along the lake shore before ascending Vineyard Mountain, where you can walk along stunning granite cliffs and admire the view. For people who want to add a little history to their hike, check out Pine Mountain via Coopers Furnace Trail. This 7.2-mile trail passes a large, old iron furnace with signs describing its history, then climbs about 1,500 feet to the top of Pine Mountain.

Whether you're pitching a tent by the water, parking an RV under the trees, or settling into a cabin with a porch overlooking the lake, Lake Allatoona's campgrounds make it easy to find the perfect spot for an outdoor escape. Lake Allatoona offers a wide variety of campgrounds ideal for both quick overnight stays and extended outdoor getaways. Several of these are located right near wonderful, sandy beaches.

For campers who want the full range of amenities, Red Top Mountain State Park delivers a very diverse camping experience. In addition to traditional tent and RV sites with hookups, the park offers unique lodging options such as cozy cottages and airy yurts, all set within a sprawling landscape of forested trails and lake views. This campground even has walk-in tent sites for campers who want a little more space and serenity.

Another popular spot is McKinney Campground, known for its expansive lakeside sites that give campers direct water access and beautiful sunrise views. Many sites include RV hookups, making it a favorite for longer stays. Just down the shoreline, Clark Creek North Campground is a smaller and quieter campground full of wooded sites with quick access to sandy beaches and calm coves. For families looking for easy access to swimming and boating, Victoria Campground — located right on the sandy Victoria Beach — is another great choice, featuring waterfront sites, boat ramps, and a relaxed atmosphere. Payne Campground offers a variety of tent and RV sites, plus some double sites for larger groups. Finally, on the northern part of the lake, Sweetwater Campground offers a peaceful retreat for RV or tent campers, with large, shaded sites tucked along the lake.