Tips for an Enjoyable Experience
June is National Camping Month and it is a great time to enjoy one of the campgrounds operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Allatoona Lake. The Corps manages eight convenient and affordable campgrounds in Cherokee and Bartow counties. In fact, Corps of Engineers’ campgrounds across the country provide an affordable, fun and scenic way to spend a vacation.
Know Before You Go
1. Although it may be tempting, camping outside of designated campgrounds is prohibited. This helps prevent erosion, wildfire, litter and sanitation problems.
2. Know your equipment BEFORE you arrive. Always try out new equipment before you leave home – especially tents, trailers and RVs.
3. Never underestimate the importance of lighting. Make sure you have enough lanterns and flashlights.
4. Do not arrive late at your campsite. Setting up at night is much more difficult and tends to disturb other campers.
5. Never leave food and garbage accessible to wildlife. Warding off animals and ants is never enjoyable.
About Corps Campgrounds
Pricing is based on the location and the amenities on the campsite. There are different prices for waterfront and interior campsites, with either 30 amp or 50 amp electrical and water hookups. Reservations can be made by calling (toll-free) 1-877-444-6777 or by going through Recreation.gov, which links to recreational sites around the nation. Allatoona Lake’s booking window is three days; therefore, reservations can be made up to three days before you want to camp. For instance, a reservation made by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday can allow you to begin camping on Allatoona Lake on Friday, when you call the National Recreation Reservation System (NRRS) or use this new website.
Because of environmental concerns and water quality, gray/waste water from RVs and portable toilets must be caught in holding tanks or other receptacles and deposited at the dump station. Washing vehicles, camping equipment or anything that produces gray water to be discharged on or around the campsite is prohibited.
Interagency Passes
The Corps of Engineers issues and accepts the America the Beautiful Access, Interagency, Senior, Military and Every Kids to the Park Passes, as well as the Golden Age Passports and Golden Access Passports. However, customers having one of the discount passes are required to provide the discount pass number at the time the reservation is made to receive the discount. If the customer makes more than one reservation for the same location and date, the discount will only apply to the campsite the discount holder occupies. Upon arrival, customers using one of these discount passes are required to present the pass and one form of photographed identification to confirm the discount. If you do not provide proper documentation, you must pay the full recreation use fee. Discount passes do not apply to group camping facilities.
June is the busiest recreation month on Allatoona Lake. We hope you have a safe and relaxing time this year on the lake, and remember to wear your life jackets. For more information about camping at Allatoona Lake, please contact the Operation Project Management Office at 678-721-6700.
By Christopher Purvis, contributing writer and lead ranger Lake Allatoona.
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