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Old Federal Campground Review: Scenic RV Stay on Lake Lanier

ByMorgan Middleton

We both grew up around Lake Lanier, so returning here in our RV felt like coming full circle. Old Federal Campground gave us a new way to experience the lake we know so well, and it quickly became one of our favorite places to stay in Georgia.

If you’re an RV traveler looking for peaceful lakefront campsites, easy access to the outdoors, and a quiet place to relax, this post will help you decide if Old Federal is right for you. We’re sharing what we loved, what could be better, our favorite sites, and a few tips to help you make the most of your visit.

Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a full-time RVer, this review is written with you in mind.

What We Loved About Old Federal Campground

Old Federal Campground offers some of the most scenic lakefront camping we’ve experienced in Georgia.

One of the favorite parts of staying here was watching the Wednesday night regatta. The Lake Lanier Sailing Club is just down the shoreline, and from some campsites you can see a full lineup of sailboats gliding across the water.

A row of sailboats with colorful sails glides across Lake Lanier under a soft evening sky, viewed from the grassy shoreline at Old Federal Campground. Trees frame the right side of the image, adding to the peaceful, scenic setting.

With Morgan’s background in sailing and racing, it was a real treat to watch the action from shore.

Sunsets were another standout.

Our site faced west across the water, which gave us a front-row view as the sky lit up in shades of orange and pink each evening. We made it a nightly routine to pause, sit outside, and soak it in.

A vibrant sunset over Lake Lanier casts warm orange and pink reflections on the water, viewed from a grassy shoreline at Old Federal Campground. A pop-up canopy is partially visible on the right, suggesting a relaxed evening setup by the lake.

This is definitely one of the better locations on the to catch a sunset. If you want another beautiful view, check out site 78 at Shady Grove Campground.

The campground also offers the kind of water access that makes it easy to enjoy the lake. You can launch a kayak or paddleboard from many of the waterfront sites. For RVers who like to blend lake days with quiet nights, this spot delivers.

What RVers Should Know Before Booking a Site at Old Federal Campground

Old Federal might look like a dream (and for us, it was), but there are a few important things to know before you show up with your rig.

Old Federal does not offer full hookups. Every site includes water and electric, but there is no sewer at individual sites. There is a dump station on-site, and it is easy to use, but if you are checking out on a Sunday morning in the summer, prepare to wait in line or plan your departure time accordingly to beat the crowd.

Generators are not allowed, which makes sense given that every RV site has electric hookups. It does help keep things quiet, but it’s something to note if you’re used to boondocking-style flexibility.

Old Federal also follows Army Corps of Engineers campground rules, which means no alcohol is permitted anywhere on the grounds. This is a federal regulation, not a campground-specific rule. We did not see it actively enforced, but it is still the official policy.

Some sites offer great shade and privacy, but others are more exposed. If you are visiting during the hotter months, it helps to book a spot with tree cover.

Ready to book? Use this link to book a site at Old Federal Campground.

Campground Layout and Navigation

A detailed map of Old Federal Campground at Lake Sidney Lanier is pinned to a corkboard, showing campsite numbers, roads, swim areas, boat ramps, and amenities like bathrooms and playgrounds. The map includes QR codes for the park's website and reservation page, along with a legend explaining symbols for different campsite types and park features.
Map of Old Federal Campground

Old Federal Campground is spread out over several loops on a wooded peninsula along Lake Lanier. The setting is scenic and spacious with many sites backing directly up to the water.

The roads inside the campground are paved and in decent shape. We had no issues navigating with our 44-foot fifth wheel, though turning into some of the tighter loops might be a challenge if you have a longer setup and arrive during peak hours.

Amenities and Facilities at Old Federal

Old Federal offers a solid range of amenities that make it comfortable for both short weekend trips and longer stays.

A wooden picnic pavilion at Old Federal Campground sits near the edge of Lake Lanier, surrounded by green grass and shaded by trees. Calm water and anchored boats can be seen in the distance under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.
  • Playground and Pavilions: a nice spot for people to congregate and kids to release energy
  • Swimming and Beach Area: there is a designated swimming area with a small sandy beac
  • Boat Ramp: If you are bringing a boat or kayak, there is a boat launch ramp in the campground. From there, it is a quick ride across the lake to some of our favorite spots like Pig Tales, Fish Tales, and Twisted Oar if you want to grab a bite on the water.
  • Restrooms and Showers: there are multiple bath houses that are pretty basic but are typically clean and well-maintained
  • Cell Service: We had reliable Verizon signal throughout the campground. We did not test AT&T, T-Mobile, or other carriers.
  • Pet Friendly: Pets are allowed and must be kept on a leash. As always, we traveled with Coco, and the campground was a great fit for walking and relaxing with a dog.
A roped-off sandy swim area at Old Federal Campground curves along the edge of Lake Lanier, bordered by grassy banks and stone retaining walls. Trees and picnic shelters are visible in the background on a sunny afternoon.

Nightly rates are $20-35 per site per night as of our last visit. If you have an America the Beautiful pass, you can get a discount, which makes this campground an excellent value for the location.

The Best Sites at Old Federal (And Which Ones to Avoid)

We have camped at Old Federal in two different RVs, and every time we return, we are reminded just how good the views can be.

Our current setup is a 44′ fifth wheel, which limits our site options quite a bit. Not every spot here can accommodate a rig our size… in fact, only a few can. But if you can land one, the lakefront view is totally worth it.

Site 69 has been one of our favorites. It handled our big rig with no issues and gave us a beautiful view across the lake. Site 35 looked just as spacious and we believe it would work well for us too.

We also stayed in Site 53 years ago when we had a smaller RV. While that one would not work for us now, it offered great access to the water and a peaceful spot to relax.

A lakeside campsite at Old Federal Campground features a fire ring, grill, and two ducks walking across an outdoor mat, with two people relaxing in chairs. The view overlooks calm waters and a forested shoreline under a clear blue sky.

There are certainly sites we would avoid for our setup, but we do not want to generalize since every RV has different needs. What we can say is that site availability for longer rigs like ours is limited. If you want to visit on a weekend or holiday, booking early (REALLY EARLY) is essential.

While Old Federal Campground is open year-round, but tent-only sites are closed from December 1 through late March.

Tips for Getting a Great Spot at Old Federal

If you are hoping to grab one of the better sites at Old Federal, especially with a larger RV, booking strategy matters. This campground stays popular through the warmer months, and the sites with lake views or extra space go quickly. This is especially true on weekends or holidays.

We recommend booking as early as possible through Recreation.gov. Reservations open on a rolling 6-month window, so if you have a specific date or site in mind, set a reminder. Sites 35, 69, and others along the water tend to get reserved fast, particularly if they can accommodate big rigs.

When searching for sites, use the “list view” filter as it shows more details about site length to avoid frustration. The site descriptions on the reservation platform are usually accurate but are not perfect.

If your first choice is booked, check back regularly for cancellations. People change plans all the time, and we have snagged great spots at the last minute by watching the calendar closely.

Who This Campground Is Best (and Worst) For

Old Federal is a great fit for RVers who want quiet but scenic camping on Lake Lanier with direct water access. It is especially ideal for couples, solo travelers, and families who enjoy being outside and do not need a long list of amenities.

A woman relaxes in a reclining camp chair at Old Federal Campground, smiling while looking at her phone with a drink by her side. Behind her, Lake Lanier stretches out under an overcast sky, creating a calm, peaceful atmosphere.

This is also a great family-friendly campground for those who prefer quiet evenings over a party vibe. The result is a calm, low-key environment where most guests are there to relax, fish, paddle, or just watch the sunset. If you want a more lively option, consider Margaritaville at Lake Lanier instead.

It may not be the best pick for RVers who require full hookups or want a resort-style campground. While it is pet-friendly and has a few family-friendly features, the atmosphere leans peaceful, not social.

Would We Stay at Old Federal Again?

Absolutely! Old Federal has become one of our favorite campgrounds on Lake Lanier… actually, in all of Georgia… and it is easy to see why. Between the waterfront views, the quiet setting, and the fact that we can actually fit our 44′ fifth wheel year-round, it checks a lot of boxes for us.

It is a great place to unwind, reconnect with the outdoors, and experience a different side of Lake Lanier.

We will definitely be back… but Bald Ridge Campground will always be our #1.

View of a quiet sandy beach shaded by trees at Old Federal Campground, with calm waters of Lake Lanier stretching into the distance under a clear blue sky. A peaceful spot for lakeside relaxation or nature walks.

Campgrounds on Lake Lanier

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

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Whether you’re setting up for the first time or the fiftieth, we’re glad you’re here—and we’re always just a blog post away.

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Morgan is the author behind Middletons on the Move, where she shares practical RV travel tips, campground reviews, and real-world advice for life on the road. She and her husband travel full-time in a 44' fifth wheel with their dog, Coco, and have camped in everything from pop-up to a 31' Class C. With a planner’s mindset and a love for exploring, Morgan helps fellow RVers hit the road with confidence and curiosity.