Atlanta’s position as a gateway to the Southern Appalachians, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and Georgia’s extensive state park system generates sustained demand for quality camping and outdoor gear. Within two to three hours of the city, campers access Blood Mountain, Vogel State Park, Tallulah Gorge, and hundreds of miles of Appalachian Trail corridor. The metro area’s outdoor enthusiast population has grown steadily as younger residents embrace backpacking, car camping, and overlanding, supporting a diverse retail ecosystem that includes cooperative outdoor retailers, specialty boutiques, and premium apparel brands.
When choosing a camping store in Atlanta, look for staff who use the gear they sell and can provide specific recommendations for Georgia and Southeast conditions rather than generic advice. A credible outdoor retailer will ask about your experience level, planned terrain, group size, and season before recommending sleeping bags, tents, or backpacks. Be cautious of stores that push the most expensive options regardless of your needs, or that cannot answer basic questions about sleeping bag temperature ratings, tent waterproofing standards, or backpack fit. Gear rentals are a legitimate option for beginners evaluating commitment before purchasing.
Top Camping Store Companies in Atlanta
1. REI Atlanta
Address: 1800 NE Expy NE, Atlanta, GA 30329
Phone: (404) 633-6508
Website: https://www.rei.com/stores/atlanta
Services:
- Tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads
- Backpacks and daypacks
- Hiking footwear and apparel
- Climbing gear and kayaks
- Bike sales and repair
- Outdoor skills events and classes
About: REI’s Atlanta flagship on the Northeast Expressway corridor is the metro area’s most comprehensive outdoor gear retailer, carrying the broadest range of camping, hiking, climbing, cycling, and paddling equipment available under one Atlanta roof. The store hosts regular skills workshops ranging from wilderness first aid basics to group hikes, providing customers with both equipment and practical knowledge. REI’s cooperative membership model means Atlanta members share in the company’s annual dividend and have a voice in its direction. Staff at the Atlanta location are consistently praised for their genuine outdoor expertise and willingness to spend time helping customers select the right gear for specific trips.
2. REI Perimeter
Address: 1165 Perimeter Center W, Ste 200, Atlanta, GA 30338
Phone: (770) 901-9200
Website: https://www.rei.com/stores/perimeter
Services:
- Camping and backpacking gear
- Hiking boots and trail running shoes
- Outdoor apparel for all seasons
- Paddling and water sports equipment
- Fitness and yoga gear
About: REI’s Perimeter location in Atlanta’s northern corridor serves Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, and the surrounding suburbs with the same full product range and cooperative membership benefits as the main Atlanta store. The Perimeter store is convenient for north Atlanta residents who want to avoid the Northeast Expressway traffic corridor while accessing the full REI inventory. Like all REI locations, the Perimeter store employs staff who are active outdoor enthusiasts, ensuring product recommendations come from practical experience rather than catalog familiarity. The store frequently coordinates with local outdoor clubs and trail organizations on community events and gear drives.
3. High Country Outfitters Atlanta
Address: 3906 Roswell Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30342
Phone: (404) 814-0999
Website: https://www.highcountryoutfitters.com
Services:
- Backpacking and camping gear
- Specialty outdoor apparel
- Trail running and hiking footwear
- Paddleboarding and kayak accessories
- Trip planning consultation
About: High Country Outfitters has served Atlanta’s outdoor community for decades as an independent specialty retailer, distinguishing itself from larger chains through deep product knowledge and personalized service. The Sandy Springs area store carries a curated selection of premium camping and backpacking gear from brands favored by serious outdoor enthusiasts. Staff are known for their ability to match gear to specific Georgia trail conditions, from the humid summer heat of lower elevation Georgia trails to the cold, wet conditions on Blue Ridge ridgelines in winter. High Country’s independence allows it to stock specialty items that chain stores may not carry and to build relationships with Atlanta’s core outdoor community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What gear do I need for camping in the Georgia mountains near Atlanta?
A: The Southern Appalachians present unique conditions including high humidity, afternoon thunderstorms in summer, and genuine cold at elevation in fall and winter. A quality three-season tent with a full rainfly, a sleeping bag rated to at least 30 degrees Fahrenheit, and a waterproof pack cover are essential starting points. Atlanta camping retailers can fit you with a backpack appropriate to your torso length and planned load, which is one of the most important purchases to get right with in-store help rather than online. Layered moisture-wicking apparel performs better than cotton in Georgia’s variable mountain conditions.
Q: What does camping gear typically cost at Atlanta outdoor stores?
A: A functional three-season camping setup including a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad runs $300 to $600 at Atlanta retailers for mid-range quality. Premium backpacking gear from brands like Big Agnes, Therm-a-Rest, and Western Mountaineering pushes that figure to $1,000 or more. REI members receive annual dividends of roughly 10 percent of qualifying purchases, which meaningfully reduces the effective cost for regular buyers. Entry-level day hiking gear including boots, pack, and rain jacket can be assembled for $200 to $400.
Q: Do Atlanta camping stores offer gear rentals?
A: Some Atlanta outdoor retailers and gear libraries offer rental programs for tents, sleeping bags, pads, and backpacks, which are ideal for beginners evaluating outdoor camping before committing to a full purchase. Calling ahead to confirm current rental availability and pricing is recommended. REI locations periodically run gear rental programs and used gear sales that provide access to quality equipment at reduced prices.
Conclusion
Atlanta’s camping retail market gives outdoor enthusiasts strong options whether they want the cooperative model and comprehensive selection of REI, the community expertise of High Country Outfitters, or convenient suburban access through REI Perimeter. All three operations have earned trust from Atlanta’s active outdoor community. Contact them directly to discuss gear needs, current inventory, and upcoming events before your next Georgia mountain or state park adventure.