We weren't real sure about getting a site here, so about a week prior to our arrival we made a reservation. I used the not-so-great maps on the reservation website along with Google Earth to select site 30. We enjoyed the great view down over the lake.

Date of visit: April 2015

 
We decided we would like stay a couple of more days beyond our original three days, but since our site was reserved, we had to move next door to site 29. Just as nice as 30 and we were quite happy there.

Actually it's pretty hard to go wrong in choosing a site here - most of them provide a view of the lake and have very large decks alongside the RV pad. The cul-de-sac we were on included sites 27-33.

Most of the sites are positioned at quite an angle to the lake, providing both a great view and privacy. We were here in the spring just as trees were beginning to bud; once the leaves are fully out, I suspect the view of the lake is not quite as good.

Site 21 is a single site just off the main park road, so there will be a little more traffic passing by than at sites in the cul-de-sacs.

There are four sites (15, 15A, 16 and 17) in an open area. These do not have decks and are the only non-reservable sites available. But they are the only sites with sewer hookups.

Sites 1-4.

Sites 8-13 are located near the end of a campground road with a turn-around loop. These sites are much more open. Kids like riding their bikes here.

Tenters are not forgotten, with about 20 sites dedicated for their use. They are just as nice as the RV sites, with decks, fire rings and raised grills and also a level tent pad.

  Out at the far end of the camp road near the point of the peninsula are more walk-in tent sites. Shown here are sites 53-57.

Site 45 is another tent-only site.

And more tent sites, 34-36. You have to carry your gear down a hillside from the parking area, but you are rewarded with a great view and privacy.

There are two modern bathhouses, one on each of the two camp road spurs, that provide free hot showers and laundry facilities. The staff here had done a great job of sprucing things up prior to opening a few days ago. We could smell the fresh paint in the bathhouse and all the wooden decks had been powerwashed.

Out at the end of the peninsula near sites 49-57 is this modern vault toilet.

Boating and fishing is a popular pastime at Carters Lake. The campground has a dual boat ramp. After launching some folks tie up at the shore down below their campsite. But in general getting down the high, steep bank from campsites to the waterline is very difficult, if not impossible.

Across an inlet is the swimming beach at Harris Branch COE Park. There is no swimming area at Doll Mountain.

Amenities

 39 sites (4 with E/W/S) with W/E - $28

19 tent sites with no hookups - $18

Dump station, showers, laundry

Open April - October

Coordinates: 34.603795 N, 84.613851 W

Elevation: 1167'