Stone Mountain Lake
Discover the largest exposed granite monolith and a serene lake offering outdoor adventures, wildlife, and dazzling laser shows.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds.
Stone Mountain Lake
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the largest exposed granite monolith and a serene lake offering outdoor adventures, wildlife, and dazzling laser shows.
"A true outdoors experience with boating, fishing, and wildlife interaction – enriching for all ages. "
🚗 Annual Parking Pass
Save money with a $40 annual pass if you visit often; daily parking is $20. :car:
👟 Be Prepared for Terrain
Trails have inclines, rocks, and wood chips. Good footwear is essential. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Kayaking and Paddleboarding
Stone Mountain Lake
Glide across serene waters, enjoying nature and wildlife. A perfect way to connect with the outdoors.
Camping by the Lake
Stone Mountain Lake Campground
Experience an overnight adventure with grills, fire pits, and picnic tables. Great for families and couples.
Wildlife Encounters
Around Stone Mountain Lake
Spot ducks, turtles, fish, and butterflies. Watch out for aggressive squirrels!
Laser Show Spectacle
Stone Mountain Park
A dazzling evening display of lights, music, and entertainment. A must-see event!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking Pass vs. Daily Fee
Terrain and Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Annual Parking Pass
Save money with a $40 annual pass if you visit often; daily parking is $20. :car:
👟 Be Prepared for Terrain
Trails have inclines, rocks, and wood chips. Good footwear is essential. :athletic_shoe:
🐿️ Secure Your Food
Aggressive squirrels may try to raid your picnic table. Keep food covered! :squirrel:
🎶 Avoid Playlist Fatigue
Some visitors find the repetitive music annoying; consider earplugs or visiting during quieter times. :musical_note:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Annual Parking Pass
Save money with a $40 annual pass if you visit often; daily parking is $20. :car:
👟 Be Prepared for Terrain
Trails have inclines, rocks, and wood chips. Good footwear is essential. :athletic_shoe:
🐿️ Secure Your Food
Aggressive squirrels may try to raid your picnic table. Keep food covered! :squirrel:
🎶 Avoid Playlist Fatigue
Some visitors find the repetitive music annoying; consider earplugs or visiting during quieter times. :musical_note:
⛺ Campsite Amenities
Campsites include a grill, fire pit, and picnic table for a comfortable stay. :tent:
🎃 Fall Festival Fun
The Stone Mountain Pumpkin Festival offers a great fall experience with discounted tickets often available. :jackolantern:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Stone Mountain Lake for its natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and family-friendly activities like camping and water sports. The laser show is a highlight, and unique glamping options offer a comfortable nature experience. However, some find the park's music repetitive and the terrain challenging for those with mobility issues.
"I live just 3 miles away from Stone Mountain so I used to go to Stone Mountain Lake a lot. But the last few times I’ve been there, they have Katy Perry’s song Roar playing on what it seems like on repeat.
I will now drive an hour away to go paddle at Lake Allatoona, where I can enjoy nature without noise pollution.
Please, for the love of God switch up your playlist or turn it off."
Lynn Nguyen
"I visited here with my family and it was a true outdoors experience. Parking is $20. A year long (12-months) parking pass is $40. Renting a campsite is $90.00 ($80.00 with military discount.) Each campsite had a grill, fire pit and picnic table.
We camped out overnight at the lake and there were lots of other families there as well. There is so much to do from boating, fishing, kayaking and stand-up paddling to the interaction with the various wildlife: ducks, turtles, fish, butterflies. The fish in the lake are blue gill. There are also a good line of blackberry bushes around the perimeter of the lake. The squirrels are very aggressive and will jump up on your food table if you don’t cover it up.
I grew up in the deep Georgia country so the environment is not new to me but I think it is an educational and enriching experience for any adult or child who has not been exposed to true outdoor adventures/living.
The summer weather was humid, warm and a few light showers came through but nothing major. The campground terrain is much like the bottom of a mountain (hence, Stone Mountain) and would not be suitable for persons who are unable to walk up and down soft inclines with rocks paths, wood chip paths and slightly steeper areas. It is a workout and tough on the knees. The sites where you will be setting up your tent is clay/dirt areas, so don’t expect to be laying on grass. It can get muddy once water comes into play. Prepare to get dirty.
Most of the other campers were friendly or just stayed to themselves. There are restrooms and showers with lots of space. The park puts on various events for (family friendly) evening entertainment such as lightshows, fireworks and live concerts. The experience is a super affordable way for couples or families to break away and indulge in the land the way God intended."
A P
"Wonderful views....very serene!"
Anthony Yates
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Stone Mountain Lake is located within Stone Mountain Park, approximately 30 minutes east of Atlanta. You can drive via US-78 E. Public transportation options are limited, so driving is generally recommended.
Daily parking at Stone Mountain Park costs $20. An annual parking pass, valid for 12 months, is available for $40, which is a cost-effective option for frequent visitors.
Public transportation to Stone Mountain Lake is not readily available. It's best to have your own vehicle or arrange for a ride-sharing service.
Some believe there are 'haunted' or less-discussed areas, particularly near fences, where caution is advised due to past incidents.
Stone Mountain is recognized as the largest exposed piece of granite in the world, with a significant carving on its face.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Stone Mountain Park typically requires a parking pass, which is $20 per day or $40 annually. Some specific attractions or events may have separate admission fees.
Yes, discounts for events like the Pumpkin Festival can often be found on platforms like Groupon, making it more affordable.
Stone Mountain Park is generally open daily, but specific hours for attractions, campgrounds, and events can vary. It's best to check the official Stone Mountain Park website for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, camping is available at Stone Mountain Lake with campsites costing around $90 per night (with discounts for military personnel). Campsites are equipped with grills, fire pits, and picnic tables.
Kennesaw Mountain has a lower admission fee ($5 vs. $20 for Stone Mountain), fewer crowds, more trees, and focuses on natural views rather than numerous attractions.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Activities include boating, fishing (bluegill are common), kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, hiking, and enjoying the natural scenery.
Yes, Stone Mountain Lake is known for fishing, particularly for bluegill.
You can encounter ducks, turtles, fish, and butterflies. Be mindful of aggressive squirrels that might approach your food.
Yes, there are hiking trails, though the terrain can be challenging with inclines and rocky paths. Some areas might feel 'bouncy' due to the ground composition.
Campsites are on clay/dirt areas, can get muddy, and are situated on inclines. They come with a grill, fire pit, and picnic table.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, food delivery services like Uber Eats and DoorDash can deliver to your campsite at Tents at Ramsden Lake, a glamping option near Stone Mountain.
Stone Mountain Park offers various dining options, from casual eateries to restaurants. Specifics can be found on their official website.
The Pumpkin Festival typically features seasonal treats and food options suitable for families.
Yes, visitors are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks, especially for picnics and camping.
Yes, picnic tables are available at campsites and in designated picnic areas throughout the park.
📸 📸 Photography
The lake itself offers serene shots, especially during sunrise or sunset. The granite mountain provides a dramatic backdrop.
Yes, the Stone Mountain Laser Show is a popular subject for photography and videography, capturing the lights and spectacle.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require permits. Always check park regulations.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting for the lake and mountain. Midday can be harsh due to direct sunlight.
The 'bouncy' ground in some hiking areas can lead to fun, dynamic photos. The diverse wildlife also presents unique photographic subjects.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
💑 Couples Retreat
The park's laser shows and beautiful views offer memorable shared experiences. 🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Stone Mountain Park's Natural Beauty
The lake is a hub for water activities. Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are popular ways to experience the tranquility of the water and observe local wildlife such as ducks, turtles, and fish.
For those seeking an immersive outdoor experience, camping is available. Campsites are equipped with essential amenities like grills, fire pits, and picnic tables.
Events and Entertainment at Stone Mountain
During the fall season, the Stone Mountain Pumpkin Festival transforms the park into a festive autumn wonderland. This event features glowing pumpkins, family-friendly activities, and seasonal treats, making it a popular destination for families.
Beyond these major events, the park occasionally features live concerts and other family-friendly entertainment. While some visitors have noted repetitive music playlists in certain areas, the park generally aims to provide engaging experiences for all ages.
Unique Stays Near Stone Mountain Lake
This provides a comfortable way to enjoy the outdoors without the ruggedness of traditional camping. These glamping sites are situated in Stone Mountain, making them a convenient escape from the city while still being close to Atlanta.
A significant perk is the ability to have food delivered directly to your site via services like Uber Eats or DoorDash, combining the convenience of modern amenities with a natural setting. This type of accommodation is ideal for couples or individuals seeking relaxation and a connection with nature without sacrificing comfort. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit