🌤 Weather at Red Top Mountain State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 39–79 °F | 64–88 °F | 38–82 °F | 29–55 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Allatoona Dam 2, 2 mi away, elevation 975 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Red Top Mountain State Park is one of Georgia’s most popular state parks—a scenic peninsula jutting into the 12,000-acre Lake Allatoona just 30 minutes north of Atlanta. Named for the rich red soil from historic iron ore mining, this lakeside retreat offers a sandy swim beach, over 15 miles of trails, diverse camping, and fascinating Civil War history.
Whether you’re swimming at the beach, fishing the lake, hiking the Iron Hill Trail, or exploring Civil War earthworks, Red Top Mountain delivers an epic outdoor experience right at Atlanta’s doorstep.
Park Fast Facts
| 📍 Location | Cartersville, Georgia (30min from Atlanta) |
| 🌊 Lake | 12,000-acre Lake Allatoona |
| 🥾 Trail Miles | 15+ miles |
| ⛺ Campsites | 142+ sites |
| 🏠 Cottages | 18-20 rentals |
| 📞 Phone | (770) 975-0055 |
Lake Allatoona
The park sits on a peninsula in the massive 12,000-acre lake!
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏖️ Swimming | Sandy beach in protected cove (seasonal) |
| ⛵ Boating | Bring your own or rent from nearby marinas |
| 🎿 Water Skiing | Permitted on the lake |
| 🎣 Fishing | Bass, catfish, crappie, stripers |
| 🛶 Kayaking/Canoeing | Explore lake coves |
Trails
| Trail | Distance | Features |
|---|---|---|
| 🚴 Iron Hill Trail | 4 mi | Gravel-topped, hikers & bikers, lake views |
| ♿ Homestead Trail | Short | Paved, ADA-accessible, 1860s homestead |
| 🥾 Lakeside Trail | Varies | Scenic lake shoreline views |
| 📏 Total Trails | 15+ mi | Hiking, biking, nature walks |
Camping & Lodging
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| ⛺ Tent/RV Sites | 90 sites (electric available) |
| 🚶 Walk-In Sites | 52 sites |
| 🏕️ Pioneer Camp | Rustic group camping |
| 🏠 Cottages | 18-20 rentals (some dog-friendly!) |
| 🛖 Yurts | Lakeside glamping |
History: Why “Red Top”?
The park’s name comes from the rich red color of the soil—evidence of high iron ore content that made this area an important mining region in the 19th century.
- ⛏️ Historic iron mining operations
- 🔥 “Iron Pour” programs demonstrate heritage
- 🏛️ 1860s homestead (reconstructed, accessible trail)
Allatoona Pass Civil War Battlefield
The park encompasses the Allatoona Pass Battlefield, a significant site from the 1864 Atlanta Campaign!
- ⚔️ Scene of fierce Civil War battle
- 🏛️ Well-preserved trenches and earthworks
- 📜 Part of Sherman’s March to the Sea history
Wildlife & Nature
Red Top Mountain SP — 1,776 acres on Allatoona Lake (12,010 acres) — named for the iron-rich red soil. The park’s lake, Piedmont forest, and wetlands support bald eagles, osprey, and great blue herons. Largemouth bass, spotted bass, and striped bass provide fishing. White-tailed deer are abundant.
Nearby Attractions
Cartersville — adjacent. Etowah Indian Mounds SHS — 5 miles west. Booth Western Art Museum — 5 miles west. Kennesaw Mountain NBP — 15 miles south.
Why is it called Red Top Mountain?
The park is named for its rich red soil, caused by high iron ore content. This area was an important iron mining region in the 19th century. The park occasionally hosts “Iron Pour” programs to demonstrate this heritage.
Is there a beach at Red Top Mountain?
Yes! The park has a sandy swimming beach located in a protected cove on Lake Allatoona. It’s open seasonally during warmer months.
Can I bring my own boat?
Yes! You can bring your own boat to Lake Allatoona. The 12,000-acre lake allows motorboats, sailboats, kayaks, and water skiing. Boat rentals are also available from nearby marinas.
Are dogs allowed in the cottages?
Some cottages are dog-friendly! Check availability when booking. The park offers 18-20 rental cottages plus lakeside yurts for glamping.
What Civil War history is at the park?
The park encompasses the Allatoona Pass Battlefield, a significant site from Sherman’s 1864 Atlanta Campaign. You can see well-preserved trenches and earthworks from this Civil War battle.
How far is Red Top Mountain from Atlanta?
Red Top Mountain State Park is just 30 minutes north of Atlanta, easily accessible from Interstate 75. It’s one of Georgia’s most popular state parks due to its proximity to the metro area.
More parks nearby: Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site is a short drive away, while Pickett’s Mill Battlefield State Historic Site lies a short drive away.
⛰️ Atlanta’s Lakeside Escape
Swim at the sandy beach, hike 15+ miles of trails, camp or cottage-stay on beautiful Lake Allatoona—all just 30 minutes from Atlanta!
Explore More Georgia State Parks
Red Top Mountain State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Georgia. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Georgia guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
⛺ Camping at Red Top Mountain State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 93 sites — 93 tent/trailer/RV sites (electric) |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 20 cottages; 6 yurts |
| Reservations | gastateparks.reserveamerica.com or 800-864-7275 (Mon-Fri 8a-8p, Sat-Sun 9a-5p EST); overnight guests pay daily ParkPass fee once per vehicle per stay |
| Special sites | 1 pioneer campground (call for capacity); 2 group shelters (seat 100 and 250); 7 picnic shelters; 1 event room (seats 30); sand beach |
Camping questions about Red Top Mountain State Park
Can you camp at Red Top Mountain State Park?
Yes. Red Top Mountain State Park has 93 campsites. 93 tent/trailer/RV sites (electric).
How do you reserve a campsite at Red Top Mountain State Park?
gastateparks.reserveamerica.com or 800-864-7275 (Mon-Fri 8a-8p, Sat-Sun 9a-5p EST); overnight guests pay daily ParkPass fee once per vehicle per stay.
Are there cabins at Red Top Mountain State Park?
20 cottages; 6 yurts.
Source: gastateparks.org (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Red Top Mountain State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Leashed dogs are welcome in Georgia State Parks, including campgrounds and most park trails, and must be accompanied by the owner at all times.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash no longer than 6 feet required at all times; dogs may not be tied to trees or fences.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not permitted in swimming areas or on beaches.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are banned from lodges, yurts and group camps; designated dog-friendly cottages are available for a $50 fee per dog (maximum 2 dogs) covering the entire stay.
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; $50 per dog (max 2) per stay in dog-friendly cottages.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Dogs prohibited on certain trails at Tallulah Gorge and Panola Mountain; fenced dog park at Laura S. Walker State Park; 'Tails on Trails Club' rewards program.
Are dogs allowed at Red Top Mountain State Park?
Leashed dogs are welcome in Georgia State Parks, including campgrounds and most park trails, and must be accompanied by the owner at all times. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via gastateparks.org. More: Georgia state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Red Top Mountain State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
