Entrance sign for Sawnee Campground at Lake Sidney Lanier, mounted on a wooden frame above a stone base and surrounded by trimmed hedges and tall pine trees in the background. The sign features logos for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Army, indicating federal management of the camping area.

Review of Sawnee Campground on Lake Lanier

Bymorganmiddleton Posted on Updated on

It’s time to go camping and you want a spot on Lake Lanier. Well Sawnee Campground might be the right place for you.

Let’s get real. Why should you take our word for whether you should camp Sawnee Campground or not? Because we both grew up around Lake Lanier and are very familiar with the area.

Plus we have a ton of RV and camping experience in general and on Lake Lanier.

So let’s talk through the positives and negatives of camping at Sawnee Campground.

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Positives of Sawnee Campground

Beautiful Location on Lake Lanier

A shaded lakeside picnic area with a concrete pad, picnic table, grill, and tall shower pole overlooks calm blue water. In the distance, tree-covered islands dot the horizon beneath a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

Many of the campsites at Sawnee Campground have an amazing view of Lake Lanier. Even if you choose a site that isn’t waterfront, you can still enjoy the water from the beach area or by walking down to the point.

Shaded lakeside view from a walking path at Sawnee Campground, looking out over the calm waters of Lake Lanier with small forested islands in the distance. Tall trees frame the scene, casting dappled shadows on the ground.

Boat Launch Ramp

If you have a boat, bring it with you!

There are several great restaurants on the lake including Pig Tales, Twisted Oar, Fish Tales, and Pelican Pete’s. Sunday brunch at Skogies is amazing too!

You can also check out the local beach hangouts or Lanier Islands and Margaritaville.

Boat ramp at Sawnee Campground on Lake Lanier, surrounded by trees with a calm shoreline in the background. A sign lists rules including no swimming or wading, and a yellow inflatable kayak labeled "Explorer" sits nearby on the ground.

Convenient Location and Access to Essentials

The campground is located directly off Buford Dam Road and has easy access to grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, and shopping options in Cumming.

You are also located approximately 15 minutes away from the Cumming City Center which is a cool local hangout. They host outdoor events including live bands and zumba classes, boutiques, restaurants, and more. They also have a pop-in workspace if needed while traveling.

Great Price and Discounts Available

All campsites are $25-30 per night. Yes, you read that correctly. Only $25-30 per night!

24/7 Gated Access

This used to be a negative for a lot of people because the gates would close overnight and no one could enter or exit. But not anymore!! Wahoo!

Sawnee Campground now has an automatic gate with keypad access for guests. You will be provided with the gate code upon check in.

Negatives of Sawnee Campground

Site Availability

Sawnee Campground is a popular place and the sites often get booked way in advance. Since they have a great cancelation policy, we recommend booking your site sooner rather than later.

No Sewer Connection

The campsites do not have an individual sewer connection but there is a dump station in the campground.

Unfortunately, the location of the dump station is not ideal; in fact, we have chosen not to dump at Sawnee Campground as it is not really feasible for a rig of our size.

If you do want to dump at Sawnee, plan ahead. There are often lines for the dump station on Sunday mornings during the summer.

Campground Maneuverability

Some of the corners are extremely tight if you have a larger rig and there are sections of the park where you may not be able to turn around.

Pay attention when you are booking your site (they do list lengths) and ask the gate attendant if you have concerns about your length when you check-in.

This is not a park that I would recommend visiting if you are uncomfortable maneuvering a large rig. *We have a 44′ fifth wheel and have very limited options within this campground.*

Limits on Length of Stay

At Sawnee Campground, you are limited to 14 days of camping in any rolling 30 day period. It will be a wonderful 14 days though!

This is the same policy for all campgrounds on Lake Lanier that are maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers.

No Adult Beverages Allowed

Depending on your preferences, this may be considered a positive or a negative. No alcoholic beverages are allowed within the campground.

This is the same policy for all campgrounds on Lake Lanier that are maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers.

Seasonal Campground

Sawnee Campground does close for the winter. They are open from mid-late March through mid-late October.

Sawnee Campground Amenities

Restroom and shower facility at Sawnee Campground, a tan building with a stone base set among tall trees and landscaped greenery. The structure includes multiple entrances and signage, offering amenities for campers on Lake Lanier.
  • 2 Bath Houses
  • Laundry Facilities
  • Boat Ramp with Courtesy Dock (10 minute limit)
  • Boat Trailer Parking
  • Playground
Children’s playground at Sawnee Campground surrounded by tall pine trees, featuring climbing structures, tunnels, and a spiral slide with green and tan accents. The play area sits on a rubber safety surface within a shaded grassy clearing.
  • Beach Access – there are stairs to access this area
  • 62 total campsites (some RV and some tent) including 3 ADA campsites. All campsites have a fire ring, charcoal grill, and picnic table.
  • Dump Station
  • NEW in 2024: Automatic Gates with 24/7 Access
Wooden staircase leading down through a wooded area to the sandy swimming beach at Sawnee Campground on Lake Lanier. The beach is visible beyond the trees, along with a sign listing swimming area rules and a trash bin near the base of the steps.
Sawnee Campground Beach Access – Stairs from Parking Area

Picking Your Campsite

Trying to figure out the layout of the campground? Use the map of Sawnee Campground below to help you pick.

Map of Sawnee Campground at Lake Lanier showing campsite loops, restrooms with showers, parking areas, and beach access. Campsites are color-coded to indicate amenities including 30 or 50 amp power, water hookups, and sites with no power or water, with designated areas for boat trailer parking and a visitors center.

On the booking website, they specify the length of each site and what power service they include.

Individual Campsite Amenities

Each RV campsite is equipped with power and water. Some have only 20/30 amp while others also offer 50 amp service.

The tent sites are primitive and do not include power or water.

All sites have their own fire ring, charcoal grill, and picnic table.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Sawnee Campground located?

The campground is located on the east side of Buford Dam.

The easiest way to locate the campground is using its address: 3200 Buford Dam Rd – Cumming, GA 30041.

How do I make a reservation at Sawnee Campground?

The campground is being jointly managed by the Army Corps of Engineers and Forsyth County Parks & Recreation in 2024. To book, visit the new booking link for Sawnee Campground here.

Does Sawnee Campground have full hookups?

Every RV site includes power (some are only 20/30 amp while others have 50 amp service) and water. Sewer is not available on each site but there is a dump station in the campground.

Shaded campsite at Sawnee Campground with a paved pad surrounded by tall trees and scattered autumn leaves. A water hookup and electrical box are visible, set against a peaceful forested backdrop near Lake Lanier.

What hours are the gates open at Sawnee Campground?

The guard house is staffed daily from 2-7pm during the season (mid-March to late October).

However, a wonderful new improvement to the campground are the automatic gates that are accessible 24/7. Upon check in, the camp hosts will provide you with your parking pass and the gate code so you can enter and exit as needed during your stay.

Can I bring my dog camping?

Yes, but there are some restrictions.

Pets are required to be kept on a leash not exceeding 6′ in length. Additionally, pets are not allowed in the bath houses, at the playground, or in the swim areas.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can receive a refund as long as you cancel 48 hours prior to the time of check in. Check in is at 3pm and checkout is at 1pm.

How much does it cost to camp here?

Sites cost $25-30 per night and RV sites include power and water. A dump station is available in the campground but sewer is not included on each site.

Final Thoughts on Staying at Sawnee Campground

Do it! This campground is a wonderful way to enjoy Lake Lanier and the outdoors. And for only $25-30 per night, we think you are in for a treat.

Floating dock at Sawnee Campground extending into Lake Lanier, with a metal ramp and handrails leading down to the platform. A sign from Forsyth County Parks & Recreation lists boat dock rules, and tree-covered islands are visible across the calm water under a partly cloudy sky.
Sawnee Campground Courtesy Dock

Want to consider other campgrounds on Lake Lanier? Here are some other options:

Are you looking for tips and tricks for your next RV trip? Check out these helpful articles:

Morgan Middleton is the owner and author of Middletons on the Move, a blog about RV travel and off-roading. Morgan, Alan (her husband), and Coco (their 95 lb pup) are traveling the country full-time in their RV.