Stone Mountain Park, Georgia
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or just looking for a fun time, Stone Mountain Park is the perfect destination for any camping group. One of the most-visited attractions in the entire state of Georgia, the 3,200-acre park is just 18 miles outside of Atlanta and offers visitors an all-encompassing educational and recreational experience.
Stone Mountain itself is actually classified as the largest piece of exposed granite in the world and the unique environment has attracted major events like portions of the 1996 Summer Olympics. Over the years, the park has added modern entertainment to keep bringing folks back year after year. Stone Mountain Park has everything you need and want in an RV camping destination.
Hop on the green and yellow Stone Mountain Express for an unforgettable tour of the mountain area. The 1940s era locomotive will chug along the local five-mile loop around the mountain while you take in the scenery from your open-air passenger car. If you don’t know where to start when it comes to the massive size of Stone Mountain Park, this train ride can help you get your bearings.
Expect your train adventure to last about 30 minutes or so. To board the train, you’ll have to head to the depot within the Crossroads sector. Any child under 16 years of age will also require adult supervision.
Visitors looking for a traditional nature/camping experience will love exploring the park’s eight different trails. Ranging from one to five miles, paved to rocky, hilly to flat, there’s an appropriate trail for everyone. Bird lovers will particularly enjoy the Songbird Habitat Trail.
If you are looking for a different hiking experience, give SkyHike a try. SkyHike is essentially a high ropes course that requires hikers to navigate obstacles and challenges up to 40 feet in the air. You’ll need to make advance reservations to enjoy SkyHike and all children must be at least 44 inches tall.
Visit the Historical and Environmental Education Center to learn more about the role of the Stone Mountain area during the Civil War. Knowledgeable park staff are available to answer any questions you may have. A massive carving of confederate generals on the mountain itself is also frequented by visitors for its large size (about 3 acres of surface area) as well as its controversial roots.
There are also a number of other historical sites on the property that reflect the day-to-day lives of early Georgians. Check out the 150-year-old grain mill or the historic granite quarry. A visit to the Historic Square is also an interesting look at original buildings from the region during the early 1800s.
If you tend to pack your clubs on any vacation, you’ll be in luck at Stone Mountain Park. Two different 18-hole courses on the grounds of Stone Mountain Park offer golf in an incredible scenic environment. The clubhouse also features delicious sandwiches and burgers to be enjoyed between rounds.
For golfers looking for a traditional challenge, the Stonemont Course is the ticket. The narrow fairways on this par 70 course are sure to test even the most seasoned golfers. The Lakemont Course, on the other hand, is slightly more forgiving and has a more rugged and scenic appearance.
What better way to close out the day at Stone Mountain Park than a coordinated laser and fire show? Better yet, the whole show is projected on the side of the mountain. With a great selection of music, the high-quality lasers have almost a 3D appearance and the show is a mixture of historical themes and comedic cartoons.
To close out the show, expect an excellent heart-wrenching tribute to our nation’s servicemen and women and first responders. Everything culminates in an awesome firework finish. This show is not one to miss.
Stay right at one of Stone Mountain Park’s 400 RV campsites and you won’t miss a second of the action. Choose your comfort level, with either full hookup access (including sewer) or just water and electric. If you prefer a lakeside camping experience, go for an Orange Site. If you prefer a forested feel, the Green Sites are what you’re after.
By far your closest option outside the park is Stone Mountain Heights RV Park. A mere two and a half miles to the east, this campground is a quiet and simplistic contrast to the action at Stone Mountain proper. Your RV campsite will be a comfy one with full hookup access and a wooded lot. A pool is available if you would like to take a dip and a variety of restaurants and shops are within reasonable walking distance.
The Atlanta-Marietta RV Resort is located on the northwestern side of Atlanta and is a little bit of a drive to Stone Mountain (31 miles). The heavily wooded campground has full hookup campsites waiting for your RV with paved sites available. Bathhouse, laundry, and propane services are available for your convenience. The sleepy campground does have a pool for recreation, but otherwise has a pretty low-key vibe. There are a number of restaurants and a grocery store within walking distance.
If you’d like to stay on Atlanta’s south side, the Atlanta South RV Resort is 37 miles from Stone Mountain. Choose one of 140 sites with full hookup access, 80 of which are large pull-through sites for big rigs. Bathhouses, laundry facilities, and ice service are available for your comfort. For fun, take a dip in the newly remodeled pool or play one of the many available lawn games. This campground is a favorite among race fans due to its close proximity to the Atlanta Motor Speedway. Check to see if there’s a race during your stay.
If you are willing to make the 35-mile drive from Atlanta’s west side, Sweetwater Creek RV Reserve will allow you to camp very close to the beautiful Sweetwater Creek State Park which has tons of outdoor fun and adventure for your group. Your RV campsite will have full hookup access with 30- or 50-amp electrical service. Bathhouses and laundry services are also available for campers.
The sprawling Stone Mountain campus includes six different dining options. Choose from BBQ, pizza, a cafeteria, a snack bar, a buffet, or burgers and sandwiches. For breakfast, your best bets are the Marketplace or the Waterside Restaurant.
Just outside the park’s west entrance in the town of Stone Mountain, you’ll find a solid set of dining options including German, southern comfort food, BBQ, pizza, Jamaican, and a number of small American cafés and coffee shops. If you are looking for something special or unique, you always have the option to head to downtown Atlanta where you’ll find anything you could possibly imagine.
No matter where you stay, the unique blend of experiences at Stone Mountain Park are sure to create fond memories of your RV camping trip through the great Peach State.