Aerial view of a lakeside RV park (Camp Margaritaville at Lake Lanier) with neatly arranged campsites and winding paved roads, bordered by pine and autumn-colored trees. The deep blue water curves around the peninsula, creating a scenic backdrop for the campground.

Margaritaville Lake Lanier RV Resort Review: When to Visit

Bymorganmiddleton Posted on Updated on

Planning an RV trip to Lake Lanier and wondering if Camp Margaritaville lives up to the hype? We’ve stayed here multiple times (including both summer and winter stays) and let me tell you… this resort isn’t your average campground.

Think lakeside views, waterslides, snow tubing, gourmet bites, and even a bar cart that brings drinks straight to your site. Yep, you heard me. Drinks delivered to you!

A golf cart decorated with holiday ornaments, garland, and a thatched roof serves as a mobile bar. A woman stands beside it ordering drinks from the driver, with autumn trees in the background.

But here’s the real question: is it worth the premium price tag? And even more importantly, when should you go to get the most out of the experience?

In this post, I’ll walk you through our full review of Camp Margaritaville Lake Lanier RV Resort. We cover everything from the type of sites available to what we loved (and didn’t), seasonal events like Snow Island and the water park, and insider tips you’ll definitely want before booking.

Whether you’re planning a cozy winter getaway or a splash-filled summer escape, this post will help you decide the best time to roll in.

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About the RV Resort

Site Types & Layout

Camp Margaritaville Lanier Islands offers a wide range of site types that can fit everything from small travel trailers to our 44-foot fifth wheel and Ram 3500 dually without sweating it.

ChatGPT said: A large white and gray Valor fifth-wheel RV is parked at a paved campsite with a white off-road vehicle hitched behind. Autumn trees with sparse leaves stand in the background under a bright blue sky.

During our stays, we’ve had pull-through sites that were easy to navigate, even for a big rig. The park is divided into older and newer sections, with noticeable differences: the newer areas feature concrete pads, while the older section has gravel sites and more narrow roads.

Colorful illustrated campground map showing waterfront, lakeview, pull-through, back-in, and buddy RV sites, along with cottages and cabins. Roads, parking areas, restrooms, and amenities are marked, with sections divided by inlets of blue water and green wooded areas.

You’ll find pull-through, back-in, and pull-in sites, and pricing reflects their quality, convenience, and view (or lack thereof). If you want level concrete and more space, expect to pay a bit more, especially in peak season.

Pricing & Value

Let’s be real… this isn’t a budget campground. Prices can climb quickly during summer weekends or major events.

But the good news? Many stays come with built-in perks. During one winter visit, we received free passes to Snow Island (a $280 value), $20 in Game Changers credit, and discounts on food and activities around the resort. Those extras softened the blow of the nightly rate.

Mobile checkout screen for Margaritaville at Lanier Islands showing four complimentary all-access admissions to Snow Island, which includes snow tubing, snow play area, ice skating, amusement rides, and a lakeside lights show. The subtotal is listed as $279.96 with options to add to cart or proceed to checkout.
Order summary screen for Margaritaville at Lanier Islands showing four complimentary all-access admissions valued at $69.99 each. The $279.96 subtotal is offset by a promo code, bringing the total to $0.00 with checkout and homepage options.

The RV Resort is located inside Lanier Islands gated area, which means outside visitors have to pay a separate entry fee unless you coordinate ahead of time. Each campsite includes two vehicle passes so re-entry is not an issue.

Resort Amenities

This is where Margaritaville shines. Lanier Islands isn’t just RV sites, it’s a full-blown lakeside playground.

  • Clean bathrooms and bathhouses
  • Private firepits at many sites
  • Pet-friendly policies (your furry co-pilot will love it here)
  • A dock and boat ramp for easy lake access
  • Tiny houses and cabins for non-RV guests
  • A roaming “bar cart” that delivers drinks right to your site
  • Family-friendly activities at check-in like scavenger hunts and word searches
A collection of printed family activity sheets from Camp Margaritaville, including a scavenger hunt list, a “Crazy Stories” fill-in-the-blank game, a camping-themed word search, and a family fun photo challenge checklist. Bright colors and playful designs invite participation in camping and resort activities.

We especially love how it caters to a range of guests. Whether you come as a family with kids or if you are a couple looking for a relaxing weekend with good food, a view, and maybe a margarita (or two), Margaritaville Lanier Islands RV Resort has you covered.

Dining Options at Lanier Islands

There are multiple places to eat once you enter the gates, but you’ll need wheels. It is usually nice that the campground is tucked into a quiet corner of Lanier Islands, but if you don’t have a golf cart, ebike, or side-by-side, you might feel a little isolated.

Still, the options are worth the effort:

  • Bullfrogs (located on the lower level of the hotel by the pool): more sit-down dining vibe
  • Landshark Bar & Grill (close to the water): casual lakeside meals (indoor and outdoor dining options) with great views
ChatGPT said: A tray of loaded nachos topped with melted cheese, seasoned ground beef, and shredded lettuce sits on branded paper. The meal rests on a yellow table with a small cup of salsa nearby.
Two colorful souvenir cups from Landshark Bar & Grill and Margaritaville sit on a bar counter, each with a matching lid and base reading “Booze in the Blender.” One cup holds a clear drink with ice, and the other contains an orange beverage.
  • Game Changers Arcade Bar: more on this below, but trust us, the pretzel bites are worth the trip

Dining Beyond the Resort

While Margaritaville offers some solid on-site dining options, you might want to explore beyond the resort during your stay. One of our favorite spots just off the lake is Pig Tales Lake Lanier.

Three flour tortillas filled with crispy fried chicken, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, bacon pieces, and drizzled ranch dressing are served on branded paper. A generous side of golden tater tots fills the other half of the tray.

Located a short drive (or boat ride!) away, Pig Tales is a laid-back waterfront restaurant with great food and an easygoing vibe. If you’re looking for a change of scenery without straying too far, it’s absolutely worth checking out.

Game Changers Arcade Bar

This is one of our favorite spots at the resort. It’s part arcade, part sports bar, and part hangout zone.

Indoor arcade and entertainment space featuring colorful game machines, claw machines, and a row of four mini-bowling lanes with glowing lanes. Wooden tables and chairs are arranged in the foreground, with festive holiday decorations and string lights along the balcony.

We’ve eaten, played games, and even tried axe throwing here. The food is better than you’d expect (do not skip the garlic parmesan fries), and the atmosphere is super laid back.

Two enclosed axe-throwing lanes with wooden targets labeled “Lane 1” and “Lane 2” sit inside a black metal cage structure. Overhead screens display a welcome message for axe throwing at LASERTRON.
A tray of golden French fries topped with shredded Parmesan cheese is served with a side of creamy dipping sauce. Next to it, a basket of crispy fried pickle chips comes with a cup of ranch dressing.

Pro tip: check ahead for private events. One night, they closed early for a corporate holiday party, which was a bit of a bummer. Lanier Islands is a common group event location so this can happen year-round.

Summer Experience at Margaritaville

Summer is when Camp Margaritaville really comes to life. If you’re looking for high-energy fun, water attractions, and long days by the lake, this place delivers.

The Water Park

The Lanier Islands Water Park is the crown jewel of summer activities here. And yes, we’ve tried just about everything it has to offer. From twisting water slides to the splash zones, it’s great for both adults and kids.

One standout feature is the zipline that flies across the park. It is not a long ride, but it is a fun way to cut across the cove.

There’s also a floating inflatable obstacle course that Alan tackled (and I cheered from the sidelines). It’s like a Wipeout course on water… be prepared to get dunked.

Access to Lake Lanier

There is a smaller dock and boat ramp located near the RV park, which is convenient if you’re launching a kayak, paddleboard, or boat. However, if you’re hoping to hang out at the sandy beach-style areas or lakeside tiki bar or restaurants like Landshark, be prepared… those are located much farther from the campground.

ChatGPT said: View from the water of a sandy beach at Margaritaville, with people lounging near the shore and a floating inflatable barrier in the lake. Behind the beach, colorful water slides, buildings, and lush green trees create a lively resort atmosphere.

This is where having an ebike, golf cart, or side-by-side really comes in handy. While there’s a shuttle available, it wasn’t running frequently during our visits. If you’re planning to move around a lot, having your own wheels makes the experience much smoother.

Still, once you’re there, the lakefront areas are a blast with beach chairs, lakeside cocktails, and the kind of “Margaritaville” atmosphere the brand is known for.

Winter Experience at Margaritaville Lanier Islands

If you think RV camping is just for summer, Camp Margaritaville in the winter might surprise you. We spent five days here in December and had a blast!

Snow Island & Night of Lights

One of the biggest winter draws is Snow Island, Margaritaville’s holiday-themed attraction packed with rides, snow tubing, a Ferris wheel, and more.

A brightly lit Ferris wheel named “Giant Wheel” glows with blue and white lights against the night sky. Its colorful gondolas in yellow, green, and purple stand out, while the ride’s green frame and bold signage add to the festive atmosphere.
A man and woman smile while riding an amusement park ride at night, illuminated by bright red lighting. The colorful lights of the park blur in the background, capturing the motion and excitement of the moment.
A woman throws her hands up in excitement while riding a small green race car ride at night. The background is a blur of amusement park lights, emphasizing the motion and energy of the moment.

We spent hours here taking multiple turns down the tubing hill (yes, adults too) and acting like kids. It’s festive, family-friendly, and genuinely fun.

The walking Night of Lights path was a nice touch — not overly crowded and full of charming displays that made for great photo ops. It’s an easy walk from the RV sites, especially after dinner.

Colorful holiday light display featuring a glowing “Landshark” sign, illuminated palm trees, and a lit airplane design. The lights reflect vibrantly on the surface of the water in the foreground.
A festive pathway lined with colorful holiday light displays shaped like the “12 Days of Christmas” characters and numbers. Blue string lights hang overhead, while illuminated trees and decorations create a cheerful nighttime scene.

A quick heads-up: we had a hiccup using the promo code the RV Resort provided for Snow Island access. The system said the code had already been used even though we hadn’t received our tickets.

Fortunately, the campground staff was friendly and helpful, giving us a new code right away that worked perfectly. Total value of those complimentary passes? Around $280 which a HUGE perk included in our stay.

Off-Season Perks

Traveling in the off-season meant fewer crowds in the campground, lower noise levels, and a slower pace around the resort which we loved. The shuttle was running, but less frequently, so having your own transportation (golf cart, ebike, etc.) is a big plus if you want to move between the campground and main resort areas comfortably.

And yes, the bar cart still makes rounds in the winter. Priorities, right?

Pros & Cons of Margaritaville Lake Lanier RV Resort

No campground is perfect but Margaritaville comes pretty close in terms of amenities and seasonal fun. Here’s our honest breakdown of what we loved and what we think could be better.

✅ Pros

  • Tons of activities year-round: From water slides and tubing hills to axe throwing and arcade games
  • Pet-friendly: Coco gives it two paws up 🐾
  • Clean, modern bathhouses: Always a plus if you prefer to not use your own rig’s shower (or if you have a ton of guests staying with you!)
Clean and brightly lit bathhouse with turquoise walls, light wood-look tile flooring, and multiple toilet stalls. A granite countertop with two sinks and wall-mounted soap dispensers sits beneath large mirrors.
  • Lanier Islands dining options: Bullfrogs, Landshark, and Game Changers are all great spots
  • “Bar cart” delivery service: Yes, they really will bring a drink right to your site
  • RV sites for all sizes and budgets: Including big rig-friendly pull-throughs
  • Perks with your stay: Free passes, food credits, and more depending on the season
  • Private ownership = flexible rules: Alcohol is allowed here (unlike all of the Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds around Lake Lanier)

⛔ Cons

  • Pricey during peak times: High-season rates can be steep, especially for premium sites
  • Limited transportation within the resort: The campground is tucked into a corner so having a golf cart or ebike makes a big difference
  • Visitors pay to enter: The RV park is inside the gated Lanier Islands area, so your guests will need to pay a separate entry fee unless you drive them through the gates
  • Shuttle service is infrequent during the winter months: Don’t rely on it as your primary mode of getting around
  • Some older site areas: Gravel sites in the original section are not as nice as the newer concrete pads
  • Lake access isn’t exactly convenient: Some sites have views, but they’re elevated on a hill and don’t offer direct access to the water. The main lakeside activities are a trek away from the campground

How Margaritaville Compares to Other Lake Lanier Campgrounds

We’ve stayed at just about every major campground on Lake Lanier including Shady Grove, Bald Ridge Creek, Sawnee, Old Federal, and River Forks. So we’ve got a pretty good sense of how Camp Margaritaville stacks up to the others.

Private vs. Public Campgrounds

The biggest difference? Margaritaville is privately owned, while the others are run by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE). That changes a few key things:

  • You’re allowed to have alcohol at your campsite at Margaritaville. The COE parks and campgrounds prohibit alcohol.
  • The vibe is a bit more resort-like than rustic – drinks at your site, live music, and activities.
  • Pricing is much higher at Margaritaville (sometimes 4-6 times more per night!) but you’re also paying for a long list of amenities and entertainment options you won’t find at other Lake Lanier campgrounds.

Amenities

Margaritaville is in a league of its own when it comes to features. You won’t find an arcade bar, water park, tubing hill, or restaurant access at the COE campgrounds and that’s totally fine if you’re just looking for peace and quiet by the lake.

A lakeside pavilion with a blue metal roof and turquoise bar stools sits among tall pine trees. The open-air structure overlooks calm blue water under a clear sky, creating a peaceful outdoor gathering spot.

Site Layouts and Size

Most COE sites are more natural and wooded, often spaced further apart and offering a bit more privacy. However, some COE parks have size limitations, and our 44′ fifth wheel doesn’t fit in many of the sites.

At Margaritaville, there are plenty of large, level concrete sites designed with big rigs in mind.

Lake Access

Ironically, some of the COE parks offer better direct lake access from your campsite. While Margaritaville has lake views from some sites, they’re elevated and don’t lead directly down to the water. You’ll need to trek or ride to reach the actual sandy beach or dock areas.

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.
View from a campsite at Sawnee Campground

Want Something Simpler (and Less Expensive)? Here Are Other Campgrounds We’ve Reviewed on Lake Lanier:

Tips for Booking & Making the Most of Your Stay

Whether you’re planning a summer splash fest or a cozy winter retreat, a little strategy goes a long way when staying at Camp Margaritaville.

1. Book Early — Especially for Peak Seasons

This place fills up fast. Summer weekends, holiday events, and school breaks can book out months in advance. If you want a specific site (like one of the newer concrete pads or a pull-through with a view), plan ahead and lock it in early.

2. Keep an Eye Out for Deals

They frequently run seasonal discount codes, bundle offers, and stay-two-get-one-free type promotions. Booking directly through the resort and checking for specials can save you a decent chunk, especially if you’re staying several nights.

Pro tip: Check the resort’s website for current specials and discount codes before you book as they often run limited-time deals.

3. Pay Attention to Inclusions

Depending on the season or special, your stay might come with free or discounted perks like Snow Island passes, food credits, or activity discounts.

Always check your confirmation email closely, and don’t hesitate to contact the front desk if something seems off. They were super helpful when we had trouble redeeming our passes.

4. Choose Your Site Carefully

ChatGPT said: This aerial view shows a scenic lakeside RV campground with paved parking pads, picnic tables, and utility hookups arranged in a semi-circular layout. A small pavilion with a blue roof sits near the shoreline, and the area is surrounded by autumn-colored trees. The sparkling lake in the background adds to the peaceful and inviting atmosphere.

Not all sites are created equal. If you’re traveling with a big rig like we are, you may prefer the newer section. Many of those sites are more spacious and easier to access. The older section is fine, but gravel pads and tighter turns may not be ideal for everyone.

5. Bring Your Own Transportation

This is a biggie. The RV park is separated from the rest of the resort by a bit of a hike. If you want to easily access restaurants, the water park, Snow Island, or the beach areas, bring an ebike or golf cart. The shuttle exists, but we found it unreliable.

6. Take Advantage of the Bar Cart

Yes, it’s real. Yes, it’s awesome.

The roaming “bar cart” makes rounds through the RV park offering drinks delivered right to your site. You don’t even have to leave your firepit. You’re welcome.

Final Verdict: Is Camp Margaritaville Lake Lanier RV Resort Worth It?

This photo shows two people posing together in front of the LandShark Bar & Grill at Lanier Islands entrance. The backdrop features surfboards spelling out "FINS UP," a large holiday wreath with ornaments and a big red bow, and two large gift boxes on either side. Above them is a digital screen with festive graphics and the slogan "Food, Fun & Fins." The scene has a cheerful holiday vibe with a beachy twist.

If you’re looking for a high-energy RV getaway with more to do than just sit by the fire, Camp Margaritaville Lake Lanier delivers.

We’ve stayed here multiple times across different seasons and keep coming back which says a lot.

It’s not cheap and it’s not without its quirks. But between the seasonal events, resort-style amenities, fun touches like the roaming bar cart, and the flexibility to bring your pets and your favorite drink, it offers a camping experience that’s hard to beat.

Is it worth it? If you value comfort, convenience, and a little bit of chaos with your camping then absolutely.

Ready to book your stay? Check availability and rates at Camp Margaritaville Lake Lanier RV Resort here.

Dive Deeper Into the Margaritaville Experience

We’ve packed this review with our honest take on Camp Margaritaville Lake Lanier RV Resort but if you want to dig deeper, check out these options.

  • What to Expect at Snow Island – Full breakdown of rides, ticket tips, and how to make the most of your visit
  • Best Eats & Drinks at Margaritaville – We’ll rank the restaurants, dishes, and snacks worth your money
  • Margaritaville vs. Corps Campgrounds on Lake Lanier – A head-to-head comparison to help you choose your perfect spot
  • Water Park Guide for RVers – What’s included, what costs extra, and what’s worth the splurge

Bookmark this page or follow us so you don’t miss when these go live!

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.