The Overflow Lot at Old 41 is an official parking facility serving Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. It provides much-needed relief to the park's main visitor parking area, which frequently fills to capacity during peak hours and weekends.
Overview & Suitability
This open-air surface parking facility is owned and operated by the National Park Service (NPS). It is designed to accommodate standard passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks. Unlike specialized RV parks or campgrounds, this lot is dedicated to daily park visitors, hikers, and commuters. While the lot is spacious, there are no hookups or overnight camping facilities, as this is strictly a day-use parking area. It features paved, clearly marked spaces, including designated wheelchair-accessible parking stalls with accessible pathways.
Access, Dimensions & Clearance
Located at 1200 Old 41 Hwy NW, Kennesaw, GA, the lot is easily accessible from major routes like I-75 or I-575 via Barrett Parkway. Drivers turn onto Old Hwy 41, cross the railroad bridge, and turn right into the lot. Because it is an open-air, grade-level parking lot, there are no overhead clearance restrictions (maximum height limits), making it highly maneuverable for taller consumer vehicles, SUVs with roof racks, and utility vehicles. Navigating the lot is straightforward, with wide two-way driving lanes and clear sightlines.
Parking Rates, Tariffs & Booking
Parking rates are governed by National Park Service regulations, requiring all vehicles to display a valid pass. The standard vehicle parking tariff is a flat rate daily pass of $5.00, which is valid for a single day across all KEMO park lots. Visitors can also use the annual KEMO pass ($40.00) or any America the Beautiful National Park pass. Payment is 100% cashless. Visitors must pay on arrival using the automated fee machines located directly in the lot, which accept major credit and debit cards, or they can purchase a digital site pass in advance online via Recreation.gov.
Security & Amenities
The facility is managed as a day-use-only gated area. The parking lot is locked promptly at closing time, and vehicles left after hours are subject to $55 citations and towing at the owner's expense. National Park Rangers routinely patrol and perform compliance checks throughout the day. Accessible parking spaces are available. While there are no restrooms in this overflow lot, fully equipped restrooms and drinking water are located a brief walk away at the Visitor Center.
Strategic Alternative
This lot is a highly recommended strategic alternative to the heavily congested Visitor Center parking lot. Situated just 0.2 miles north of the Visitor Center, visitors can park here and enjoy a safe, flat walk along a paved sidewalk directly to the trailheads and museum. It also serves as the official meeting and registration point for community events, local cross-country meets, and monthly Kennesaw Mountain Trail Club volunteer workdays.
