There are certain parts of the country where finding a good, clean dump station feels like a true victory, and the sprawling metropolitan area of Atlanta is definitely one of them. When you're trying to navigate the busy interstates and bypasses, the last thing on your mind should be stressing over where to empty your holding tanks. That’s why McKinney Campground, nestled on the beautiful shores of Lake Allatoona, is such a gem. Located in Acworth, just a 30 mile drive north of the city, it offers a perfect blend of natural scenery and practical RVer services. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this place is more than just a pit stop; it’s a destination in itself, providing a welcome respite from the concrete jungle. Whether you’re staying for a few nights or just passing through, it’s an ideal spot to reset before you continue your journey down I 75.
The setting is what really sets McKinney apart. Lake Allatoona is a massive 12,000 acre reservoir, a recreational hotspot for boating, fishing, and swimming. Pulling into the campground feels like entering a different world. The dense forest of tall pines provides a cooling canopy, and the air smells of earth and water, a stark contrast to the city smog. It's the kind of place where you plan to just dump your tanks and end up staying for a lakeside picnic to watch the sunset. For families traveling with kids, it's a perfect layover. There are sandy coves for swimming and plenty of space to run around. If you’re an active traveler, you’re in luck. The famous Iron Hill biking loop and the Homestead hiking trail at Red Top Mountain State Park are just a short drive away, offering some fantastic outdoor adventure. And when you’re ready for a little civilization, the historic downtown of Acworth is charming, with Main Street restaurants and a friendly, small town vibe that feels a million miles away from Atlanta’s hustle.
Dumping your tanks at a public campground like this is typically a smooth and well thought out process, and McKinney is no exception. These Army Corps parks are designed with RVers in mind. You’ll usually find a staffed gatehouse at the entrance where you can get information and pay any necessary fees. The internal roads are well signed, often laid out in one way loops to keep traffic flowing smoothly. At McKinney, they’ve smartly placed the dump station on the exit road. This is a brilliant design choice because it allows departing campers to take care of their tanks without getting in the way of arriving guests who are trying to find their sites. It prevents those awkward campground traffic jams that we’ve all experienced at one time or another.
The dump station itself is top notch. You can expect a well maintained asphalt apron with plenty of room, even for the biggest of rigs to swing in and out without any trouble. They typically feature dual, side by side drains, which is a fantastic feature that helps keep lines moving on busy checkout mornings. There’s nothing worse than waiting behind someone doing a five cycle black tank flush when you’ve got miles to cover. Having two drains alleviates a lot of that pressure. You’ll also find separate, clearly marked potable water spigots for filling your fresh tank, located a safe distance from the non potable rinse water spigots at the dump drains. This attention to detail and hygiene is something I always appreciate. It shows they understand the needs of the RVing community.
As for amenities, this is where a campground stop really outshines a basic roadside dump. Because it’s a fully operational campground, you have access to a whole suite of facilities. Of course, potable water is available right at the dump station. The park is very pet friendly, so your four legged companions are welcome to stretch their legs on the lakeside trails with you, as long as they’re on a leash. There are modern, clean bathhouses with hot showers tucked into the camping loops, which is a real luxury if you’ve been on the road for a while. For those on longer trips, the on site laundry facilities are a game changer. The campsites themselves are excellent, with most featuring 50 amp electric hookups. And you won't have to worry about packing out your trash, as there are large dumpsters conveniently located near the exit. The only things you won’t find on site are fuel and propane, but the towns of Emerson or Cartersville are just a quick drive away to handle those refills.
When it comes to the cost, the value is incredible. For registered campers, use of the dump station is complimentary, included with your overnight fee. If you're just passing through for the day, there may be a modest day use fee. It’s always a good idea to call the gatehouse ahead of time to confirm the policy and the cost. Often, for a small fee, they’ll happily let you come in just to use the dump station, and it’s well worth it for the quality of the facility and the beautiful setting.
To make your visit as smooth as possible, a little planning goes a long way. During peak seasons, like spring break or the fall when the leaves are changing, this place is incredibly popular. It’s wise to make a reservation online well in advance if you plan to stay overnight. When you arrive, try to do so before dusk. The campground roads are lovely, but they twist and turn through the tall pines, which can be a little tricky to navigate for the first time in the dark. If you arrive after hours and the gatehouse is closed, they often have a self service kiosk, so carrying a little exact change is a good idea. For the most peaceful dump station experience, aim for a mid week morning. On a Tuesday or Wednesday, you’ll likely have the place all to yourself. McKinney Campground is more than just a convenient place to empty your tanks near Atlanta. It’s a beautiful, well maintained facility that offers a moment of peace and a touch of nature.
6659 McKinney Camp Ground Rd SE, Acworth, GA 30102
(678) 721-6700
Cost: Price not available
Category: Campground
Has Water
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