John F
September 26, 2026
Please place a sign at main road that shows to turn right towards shelter B. All the guests called me for directions once the got into the gate.
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Featured amenities
Playground
About Riverside Park Day Use Area (GA)
Riverside Park Day Use Area is situated along the Etowah River, a tributary of the Coosa River. This Day Use Area is downstream of the dam which impounds Allatoona Lake. The river and peaceful surroundings offer a relaxing getaway from the nearby city of Atlanta, just 35 mi south. Visitors enjoy various water sports, hiking, hunting and viewing wildlife.
Seasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
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Closed periods
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Currently open - Mar 1 to Oct 31
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Playground
On Site Services
- Playground
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Reviews
16 reviews
Summary
Riverside Park Day Use Area is a great venue for large group picnics, offering privacy and convenient restroom access. While there were issues with gate access and directions for guests, the overall experience has been positive, leading to repeat visits for special occasions. Suggestions for improved signage could enhance the experience for future guests.
Based on guest feedback
4.6
Overall rating
Based on 16 reviews
5 stars
81.3% (13)
4 stars
6.3% (1)
3 stars
6.3% (1)
2 stars
6.3% (1)
1 star
0.0% (0)
Showing 16 reviews
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Su K
May 12, 2026
Nice place to have a large group picnic.
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Lamar M
September 27, 2025
We had reserved a shelter, but the gate was locked when we got there! One of our number somehow got in touch with the Corp office and eventually a “volunteer” showed up to unlock the gate. But by that time we had moved to an open shelter. That caused some confusion for late arriving party members. The Corp use to come out and open up the “reserved” sign, but now that does not happen either.
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Shan D
September 17, 2025
We were not able use this time, but we have used several time for different occasions, Always great place to be there & enjoy outgoing. Thanks
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Bethannie G
September 6, 2025
We had our daughter's 2nd birthday here at shelter B and had a great experience. The only complaint was that attendees had a difficult time finding it, but that can be resolved by putting a sign, balloons or something of the sort out at the entrance of that road to let people know. We loved the privacy of shelter B and the fact that there was a bathroom out there as well. We will be using this location again!
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Dick F
June 26, 2023
No problems at all.
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Ankit N
May 1, 2022
.
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Alison R
October 23, 2021
Love this place. Great for a large gathering. The pavilions have lots of parking and privacy. Bathrooms are easily accessible. Very peaceful and serene, and lots of fun activities.
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Barbara B
August 28, 2021
This is a perfect place for family parties, geocaching meetings, or any other type event.
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Lisa W
May 8, 2021
Loved the seclusion of the shelter. It has very pretty surroundings. The shelter and nearby restrooms were clean. The attendants on duty were very friendly and helpful. We had a last minute micro-weddings that turned out very lovely. Will definitely reserve this shelter again and again for more friend and family gatherings.
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Location & Directions for Riverside Park Day Use Area (GA)
1138 Georgia Highway Spur 20, Catersville, GA 30121 United States
Elevation: 219 ft
Getting There
From I-75 take Exit 285/Red Top Mountain Road exit. Northbound traffic will turn left and southbound traffic will turn right onto Red Top Mountain Road. Turn right at the first traffic light onto the connector which will come to Hwy 41. Turn ri...
From I-75 take Exit 285/Red Top Mountain Road exit. Northbound traffic will turn left and southbound traffic will turn right onto Red Top Mountain Road. Turn right at the first traffic light onto the connector which will come to Hwy 41. Turn right onto Hwy 41 and travel 1 mi to Allatoona Dam Road. Turn right onto Allatoona Dam Road and travel 1.7 mi to Riverside Park Day Use entrance.
Physical Address: Riverside Day Use Area, 513 Allatoona Dam Road SE, Cartersville, GA, 30121
Highway access
Riverside Park Day Use Area is accessible via I-75, with Exit 285 leading to Red Top Mountain Road, which connects to Hwy 41. The park is located approximately 1.7 miles from Hwy 41.
Policies & Rules
General
- Shelter 'A' has a capacity of 200 people maximum/100 vehicles maximum.
- Shelter 'B' has a capacity of 50 people maximum/20 vehicles maximum.
- Tables under the shelter are chained in place and cannot be moved.
- This park is downstream of the dam on the river rather than upstream of the dam on Allatoona Lake.
- No swim beach in this area.
- There is a subdam three miles downstream from boat ramp.
- A small boat ramp is available, limited navigable river distance.
- This is a Use Fee area, all vehicles must pay $5 use fee.
- No dunk tanks, pools, slip & slides, etc. permitted in this area. Call 678-721-6700 for questions.
- No water balloons, confetti, or any other small miscellanous items that are harmful to wildlife in the area.
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Last updated: October 7, 2026
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Nearby city: Marietta, GA
Approx. 18 mi away (straight-line distance)
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Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers