view of Lake Lanier from Campsite 78 at Shady Grove Campground

Lake Lanier Campgrounds: The Good and Bad

You might be asking yourself why should you take our word about the campgrounds on Lake Lanier.

The answer is simple!

We both grew up around this lake and have spent countless nights camping (and living) here so we’re kind of experts…

Whether you’re fishing from the shore, kayaking through serene coves, or simply unwinding by the campfire, Lake Lanier offers something for everyone. So check out the list below and pick which campground you want to visit first.

Then pack your bags, grab your camping gear, and let’s dive into the wonders of camping at Lake Lanier!

Camping in our Alliance Valor at Bald Ridge Creek Campground on Lake Lanier


Bald Ridge Creek Campground

We absolutely LOVE camping at Bald Ridge and highly recommend it to our friends. Whether you have a larger rig like us or if you prefer to tent camp, this is a great destination.

View of Lake Lanier from Bald Ridge Creek Campground

Address:
4100 Bald Ridge Park Rd
Cumming, GA 30041

Open: Seasonally
(March 21-October 26)

Click Here to Make Reservations for Bald Ridge Creek Campground


Bolding Mill Campground

Address: 4055 Chestatee Rd / Gainesville, GA 30506
Open: Year Round (closes for Christmas week)
Click Here to Make Reservations for Bolding Mill Campground


Camp Margaritaville RV Resort Lanier Islands

Address: 7650 Lanier Islands Pkwy / Buford, GA 30518
Open: Year Round
Click Here to Make Reservations for Camp Margaritaville RV Resort Lanier Islands


Don Carter State Park Campground

Address: 5000 North Browning Bridge Rd / Gainesville, GA 30506
Open: Year Round
Click Here to Make Reservations for Don Carter State Park


Duckett Mill Campground

Address: 3720 Duckett Mill Rd / Gainesville, GA 30506
Open: Seasonally (March 28-November 18)
Click Here to Make Reservations for Duckett Mill Campground


Old Federal Campground

You should camp at Old Federal if you can get a reservation. They have amazing views and great community space – pavilions, beach and swimming area, playground with a view, etc.

Read our full review of Old Federal Campground here.

Old Federal Campground beach and view of Lake Lanier

Address:
6219 Old Federal Rd
Flowery Branch, GA 30542

Open: Seasonally
(closing dates are pending)

Click Here to Make Reservations for Old Federal Campground


River Forks Park

Check out our detailed review of River Forks Park and why you may want to plan a camping trip there.

River Forks Campground site setup

Address: 3500 Keith Bridge Rd / Gainesville, GA 30504
Open: RV Sites – Year Round (closes for Christmas week)
Tent Sites – Seasonally (March 1-Monday after Thanksgiving)
Click Here to Make Reservations for River Forks Campground


Sawnee Campground

This is another great option at a great price. Check out our thoughts on Sawnee Campground here.

view of courtesy dock and Lake Lanier at Sawnee Campground

Address:
3200 Buford Dam Rd
Cumming, GA 30041

Open: Seasonally
(March 21-October 26)

Click Here to Make Reservations for Sawnee Campground


Shady Grove Campground

Shady Grove is one of our favorite places to camp on Lake Lanier. How could you blame us with that view?

sunrise over Lake Lanier from site 78 at Shady Grove Campground
Sunrise over Laker Lanier from Site 78 – Shady Grove Campground

Address: 7800 Allyn Lane Memorial Way / Cumming, GA 30041
Open: Year Round
Click Here to Make Reservations for Shady Grove Campground


Shoal Creek Campground

This campground might be a good option for some but isn’t our favorite personally. Learn more about our opinion of Shoal Creek Campground here.

campsite overlooking lake Lanier at Shoal Creek Campground

Address:
6300 Shadburn Ferry Rd
Buford, GA 30518

Open: Year Round

Click Here to Make Reservations for Shoal Creek Campground


Toto Creek Campground – Primitive Sites Only

Address: 154 Toto Creek Park Rd / Dawsonville, GA 30534
Open: Seasonally (March 1-October 31)
Click Here to Make Reservations for Toto Creek Campground


Van Pugh South Campground

Address:
6749 Gaines Ferry Rd
Flowery Branch, GA 30542

Open: Currently closed with no indication of when it will reopen


War Hill Campground – Primitive Sites Only

Address: 4081 War Hill Park Rd / Dawsonville, GA 30534
Open: Seasonally (March 1-October 31)
Click Here to Make Reservations for War Hill Campground


Don’t have an RV? Then check out the day use parks on Lake Lanier. They are a great way to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

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