If you love coasters and other thrill rides, head to Atlanta’s Six Flags Over Georgia for your next big RV adventure. The park has more than 40 amusement rides with 11 roller coasters, including Goliath, a hypercoaster with a height of 200 feet that reaches 70 miles per hour.
Then there’s the Great American Scream Machine, which was the world’s tallest and fastest coaster when it opened in 1973. Or you can try the Joker Funhouse Coaster, which is a family ride for everyone to enjoy.
As far as theme parks go, Six Flags Over Georgia has more themes than most, including those in the water park, Hurricane Harbor. One of these is the kids' park, Bugs Bunny Boomtown, where visitors will find rides, food, and entertainment for the little ones to enjoy. The Yosemite Sam Wacky Wagons is a favorite, as well as the Speedy Gonzalez Speed Boats. There is even a special shop just for the kiddos that have toys and souvenirs for $10 and under.
The park has more than two dozen shops where you can find t-shirts, toys, collectibles, and unique souvenirs. Spending the day at the park means you’ll need to eat a couple of times or more, and with over 30 eateries, you will have plenty of choices. Watch a show, play some games, ride some rides, and then do it all over again.
Don’t forget your swimsuit for Hurricane Harbor! The water park is open Memorial Day until Labor Day and has rides, food, and slides to enjoy.
You may save up to $30 if you buy your Six Flags Over Georgia tickets online. In recent years, the price for a one-day pass was around $45 online but closer to $75 at the park. If you’re a theme park fan and plan to visit more than once a year, get the season pass for about $70, which pays for itself after two visits. The season pass gets you into all Six Flags parks all over the world.
Right off of I-20, Six Flags Over Georgia is easy to get to near Atlanta. Motorists might reach I-20 from I-75 to the north, I-285 to the east, I-85 to the south, or I-59 to the west. Since you are only going to be 10 miles from Downtown Atlanta, stop by and check out the capital where you can find museums, historical buildings, and Centennial Olympic Park. It is also home to over 300 parks to enjoy including the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area and Sweetwater Creek State Park.
Reserve your parking spot online to save money as well as time when you get to Six Flags Over Georgia. All you have to do is stop at the toll booth and scan your ticket and parking pass and the parking attendants will show you where to park. Also, for those who forget where they park, there is a number and character on each light post so you can find your ride when you’re ready to go. RVs will be directed where to go upon arrival at the gate.
With Atlanta being a major activity hub, there is plenty of public transportation. The Pace Suburban Bus has a direct route to the park from the Rosemont or Schaumburg stations with free parking at the Schaumburg lot and a small fee at Rosemont. The city also has the MARTA Train, which takes you from just about anywhere in the Atlanta area to the park. Of course, you can also use a rideshare app or call a taxi if you would rather.
Six Flags Over Georgia does not have any kind of campground or overnight parking on the property. Guests cannot stay overnight in the parking lots either. However, you may be able to find a boondocking site via one of the local businesses nearby. Otherwise, there are some state parks with campgrounds and private parks in the area where you can stay.
Sweetwater Creek RV Reserve in Austell is a fantastic spot just seven miles to the northwest of the park. With 85 level sites and full utilities, a fun recreation area, and a park-like setting, this place is popular, so book early. If you don’t mind a bit of a drive, the Cartersville / Cassville-White KOA, about 51 miles to the north, has 65 sites with utilities that can fit a rig up to 75 feet. They also have a pool, playground, cable TV, and other fun stuff.
You won’t have to walk much to get to the gate no matter how far away you had to park in the parking lot. Six Flags Over Georgia offers free tram rides from three different stops in the parking lot that take you right to the front gate. If you need a wheelchair or stroller, you can bring your own or rent one from Guest Services at the front of the park.
Since the park is big, you are likely to get in some walking between the rides, so pack comfy shoes. Although many people think flip flops are a good idea for the park, they are not comfortable to walk in after a while, and they can easily fall off on some of the rides. It gets hot in Atlanta, so shorts and tank tops are typical. However, it does rain often, so pack a rain jacket or poncho.
A fanny pack is a good choice for carrying your belongings because backpacks are not allowed on many of the rides, or you can rent a locker. Some guests carry a handbag, but these are typically not allowed on rides either and will have to be placed in a locker. Just bring the necessities like your wallet, keys, phone, etc. Zipped pockets are beneficial, if possible.
Another item you may want to add to your pockets is a small bottle of sunscreen. You can get travel-sized bottles at many stores that fit right into your pocket or fanny pack. A hat and sunglasses are also recommended to keep the sun at bay. Be sure to pack bug repellent for the campground too as the Georgian insects get pretty hungry after the sun goes down near Atlanta.
Go ahead and pack your camp stove and grill just in case because you never know what kind of campsite you may land at if your original plans change. It is always good to be prepared for anything. Although there is limited space in every RV, you can usually find room for a grill or camp stove easy enough. Also, stock up on necessities like trash bags, foil, cooking spray, and eating utensils before you go, so you don’t have to pay the higher prices near the park.
From barbecue to burritos and pizza to perogies, you’ll find all kinds of eateries near Six Flags Over Georgia. In fact, if you go four miles to the north, you can even find a West African dining parlor and an old-fashioned soul food eatery three miles to the west. If Asian food is on your mind, there are a couple of those nearby, too. Seafood, pizza, and burger joints are also close by in the community.
Even if you aren’t hungry, the wonderful smells of over 30 eateries will make your stomach growl and cause you to drool. The variety of food choices will make you want to spend the whole day just trying out the different flavors. You can get healthy food like salads and wraps or quell your sweet tooth with ice cream and funnel cake. You can also enjoy some super tasty burgers, pizza, and tacos. After eating, take some time to peruse the shops for some one-of-a-kind souvenirs and gifts.
Since you have to pass through security and your bag will be searched, make sure you know what you can and cannot bring into the park. Place all your personal items in a baggie to keep them dry on the rides. This also helps to keep them together for your trip through security.
Spring and fall temperatures in this part of Georgia are typically in the lower 70s for highs and middle 50s for lows. The summer can be sweltering, though, with temps in the upper 80s and lows in the 70s. The humidity can also be stifling during the summer months, so dress lightly and drink plenty of water. Rain and thunderstorms are likely in just about any season, but mostly from June through September. Download a weather app so you can stay up to date on the weather.
The park insists that no matter whether you get a little scratch or just feel a bit ill, you should get checked out at the first-aid center. You’ll find a Health Services Office across from the Rabun Gap Railroad Station right by the Lost Parents Schoolhouse. Certified paramedics are on staff to help, and there are vending machines with a few basic medications. If you need to see a doctor, there are a dozen medical facilities within 15 miles of the park as well.
