River Forks Park: Great Camping Destination on Lake Lanier

Planning a camping trip on Lake Lanier and looking for a spot that can handle your group while keeping things fun and affordable?

River Forks Park in Gainesville, Georgia could be exactly what you need. Bonus? It is one of the few campgrounds on Lake Lanier that is open year-round!

And no, we’re not just tossing out campground names we found online. We both grew up around Lake Lanier and have spent years camping across Georgia and the Southeast. That means we know what matters most… everything from site layouts to how easy it is to actually enjoy the park once you’re set up.

In this post, we’ll break down the real pros and cons of camping at River Forks Park. You’ll get the details on site sizes, glamping options, boat access, pricing, and what to know if you’re planning an event while camping.

We’ll also cover the quirks and limitations so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your next trip.

Why We Chose River Forks Park

When we are looking for a spot that can handle a mix of camping styles, like RVs, glamping tents, and even a few day visitors, River Forks Park stands out as a versatile, family-friendly option on Lake Lanier.

Operated by Hall County Parks & Leisure, this campground offers a little bit of everything: waterfront access, picnic shelters, a public swim beach, a boat ramp, and several types of campsites. That variety makes it a great pick if you are traveling with friends or family who may not all have their own rigs.

The affordable pricing is consistent with other Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds on Lake Lanier, but the setup here feels geared toward group fun and flexibility. We were especially curious how it would work for a larger rig like ours and whether it could be a good base for both relaxing and recreating.

Site sizes are hit or miss, and finding a fit for our 44-foot fifth wheel required some research. But overall, the park has a laid-back vibe and enough on-site amenities to make it an appealing stop for campers who want easy access to the lake without needing to leave the campground.

Things You Will Love about River Forks Park

River Forks Park has a few standout features that made our stay enjoyable, especially for travelers who want simple lake access and group-friendly amenities. While not everything was perfect (we will get into that soon), there are definitely some highlights worth knowing about before you book.

Lakefront Access and a Beautiful Sandy Beach (But Plan to Drive)

River Forks Park has one of the better swim beaches we have seen on Lake Lanier. The sand is soft, there is plenty of space to spread out, and it is a fun place to cool off or let the kids splash around for a few hours.

That said, the beach is located in the day-use area of the park, which is separated from the campground by an additional gate. While it is technically walkable, the distance makes it inconvenient if you are hauling chairs, towels, coolers, or beach gear.

Most campers will want to drive over and park near the beach instead.

Boat Launch Ramp & Trailer Parking

If you do have a boat or jetski, River Forks makes it easy to get on the water. There is a boat ramp on site with a ton of trailer parking. This makes launching and loading much less stressful than at some of the more congested access points around Lake Lanier.

Pro tip: Try launching early in the morning to avoid the weekend rush.

Event Space at River Forks Park

Picnic Shelters

If you are meeting up with friends or family, the covered pavilions throughout the park are a great bonus. We saw several groups using them for birthday parties and casual cookouts. You can reserve them ahead of time or take your chances with walk-up use if they are not already booked.

Having these gathering spots set apart from the campsites was nice. It allowed people to spread out a bit while still having a central place to come together.

This is one of the advantages of being located adjacent to the day use park…. but the downside is you share these with other campers and non-campers alike.

On-Site Event Venue: The Retreat at River Forks

If you are planning a larger celebration such as a milestone birthday, anniversary party, wedding, or family reunion, River Forks offers a reservable indoor event venue called The Retreat that is located inside the gated campground section.

It provides access to a climate-controlled building with restrooms, tables, and a patio.

One of the best features is that guests can stay on-site in the campground, glamping tents, or nearby hotels. This setup makes it much easier to host a multi-day gathering or accommodate out-of-town visitors without needing to drive between venues.

It is a great option if you want a laid-back event space with the added bonus of camping and lake access in the same location. Just be sure to reserve early, especially during holidays or peak seasons.

Glamping Options for Non-RVers

Not everyone in our friend-group has an RV, so we were glad to see River Forks offers glamping tents that can be booked just like a campsite. They have 6 tents with 3 different floorplan options.

These are simple but comfortable setups that are furnished and pet-friendly! Perfect for someone who wants to join the fun without fully roughing it.

• Individual split units (heat and A/C) + ceiling fan
• Beds – yes, real mattresses!
• Mini Fridge & Coffee maker
• Hammocks, Camp Chairs, & String Lights

If you are planning a group trip, this gives you more flexibility and fewer people asking if they can sleep on your dinette, couch, or bunk.

Glamping at River Forks is booked with this reservation link which is different than the main campground.

Timberline Glamping is also offered at Shady Grove Campground in Cumming, GA.

The only downside to glamping at River Forks is that you are located in the tent camping section which is in the day use portion of the park, not in the RV campground area.

Great Price Per Night

All campsites are $24-30 per night. Yes, you read that correctly… only $24-30 per night!

What to Consider Before You Book at River Forks Park

River Forks Park has a lot going for it, but it is not without its quirks. Here are the key things we think you should know before hitting that reservation button.

Not All Sites Can Fit Larger Rigs

While the campground has a decent number of sites, many of them are not designed for big RVs. We travel full-time in a 44-foot fifth wheel, and finding a site that could handle our rig required some extra digging.

Even among the longer sites, the angle and layout can make backing in tricky. Many of their sites max out at 35′ or 40′.

If you have a larger rig like us, we strongly recommend reviewing the site dimensions carefully before booking. There are a few options where you should be able to fit, but you typically have to book pretty far in advance.

No Sewer Hookups at Campsites

Each RV site at River Forks Park comes with water and electric, but there are no individual sewer hookups. There is a dump station on-site at the main entrance/exit, but like most Lake Lanier campgrounds, it can get very backed up especially on Sundays when everyone is checking out.

Limits on Length of Stay

At any Army Corps of Engineers campground, you are limited to 14 days within any rolling 30 day period. Chances are good you will love those 14 days though.

No Adult Beverages Allowed

No alcoholic beverages are allowed within the day use park or campground. This is standard for all campgrounds on Lake Lanier that are co-maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers. If you want to enjoy an adult-beverage around the campfire, you should consider camping at Margaritaville Lake Lanier.

Shared Access with Day-Use Visitors

Because the campground is part of a larger county park, campers share access to the beach, boat ramp, and some of the common areas with day-use guests. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it does mean that certain areas can get crowded, especially on weekends and holidays.

If you are hoping for a quiet, secluded vibe, you may want to plan your visit during a slower season or mid-week.

Practical Details & Campground Amenities

River Forks Park keeps things fairly simple, but most of what you need is available. Here’s what you can expect in terms of campground layout, site features, and what to pack for a smooth stay.

River Forks Park Map

Trying to figure out the layout of the campground? Use this map of River Forks Park to help decide which site you prefer.

The layout is looped and easy to navigate, though turning radius can be tight for longer rigs. Be sure to check site photos on the booking website as some driveways are sloped or awkwardly positioned.

Here is the River Forks Park campsite booking website. I prefer to use the “list view” setting because it is easier to see the length and style (RV vs tent and back in vs pull through) for each site.

Site Features and Layout

There are 47 RV campsites, 10 tent sites, and 6 glamping sites.

Most RV campsites includes a picnic table, fire ring, and charcoal grill for $30 per night. However, there are some exceptions that are noted on the campground map above.

RV sites come with water and electric hookups, but no sewer. Most are shaded or partially shaded, which helps during the warmer months.

Tent sites are primitive and include 120v power and water for $24 per night. These sites close for the winter and are available from March 1 through the Monday after Thanksgiving.

Bathhouses and Facilities

The campground has 3 bath houses located and there are 3 more scattered throughout the rest of the park. They are very basic but clean, and they were stocked and well-maintained during our visit. Each includes multiple shower stalls, sinks, and flushing toilets.

There are also trash dumpsters located near the entrance and a dump station on-site.

Other Perks of Camping at River Forks Park

• Laundry Facilities
• Boat Ramp and Courtesy Docks (10 minute limit)
• Boat Trailer Parking (in Day Use Park)
• Multiple Playgrounds

• 40,000 square feet of Beach Access
• 84 total campsites (some RV and some tent)
• Dump Station
• Access to Day Use Park with pavilions, picnic tables, and more

Gated Entry and Quiet Hours

River Forks has a gated entrance to the campground, separate from the day-use area. You will receive an access code at check-in. This helps keep traffic down and adds an extra layer of privacy for campers.

Quiet hours are posted and enforced, which helps keep the atmosphere relaxed in the evenings.

Our Favorite Sites & When to Go

If you’re looking to get the most out of your stay at River Forks Park, choosing the right site can make all the difference. Here are a few insights from our experience, along with tips on the best times to visit.

Site Recommendations

Not all sites at River Forks are created equal, especially if you are in a larger rig or prefer a bit more privacy. During our stay, we scouted out the campground and made note of which sites stood out.

Here are a few we think are worth considering if you are big like us:

• Site 11 – This was our site and it worked (aka we fit!)
• Site 30 – Another option for big rigs. We haven’t stayed in this site because it is often booked.

Pro tip: If you are camping with friends or family, try to book adjacent sites ahead of time. The park does not offer group sites, but adjacent spots can work well if you reserve early.

Best Times to Visit

River Forks Park tends to be busiest during the summer months and on holiday weekends. The beach and boat ramp attract a large number of day-use visitors when the weather is warm, which can make the park feel crowded.

If you prefer a more relaxed experience, try visiting in the spring or fall. The temperatures are still comfortable, and the campground is usually much quieter. This is also a good time to have more site options when booking.

Mid-week stays are another great choice. You will find fewer people, less traffic, and an overall calmer atmosphere.

If possible, avoid arriving late on a Friday or Saturday. While check-in is straightforward, navigating the campground in the dark can be tricky, especially if you are in a larger rig.

Nearby Dining & Extras

While River Forks Park has enough to keep you busy for a weekend, there are a few local spots nearby that are worth checking out, especially if you want to take a break from cooking or pick up supplies.

Local Restaurants We Recommend

If you are up for dining out, these nearby restaurants are solid picks for casual meals with a view:

• Pig Tales on Lake Lanier – A laid-back barbecue spot right on the water. The outdoor patio is great, and you can pull up by boat if you are out on the lake. It gets busy on weekends, so go early if you want a table with a view.
• Twisted Oar – Another waterfront option that serves American classics like burgers, sandwiches, and wings. It is a bit more energetic than Pig Tales and has live music on some nights.
• Fish Tales – Sister restaurant of Pig Tales with some of the same items on the menu. This one is more seafood focused though and does not offer BBQ.
• Skogies at Gainesville Marina – If you are out on a Sunday morning, you have to try their brunch!

Groceries and Supplies

The park and campground is located in Gainesville at 3500 Keith Bridge Road. There is easy access to Gainesville and Oakwood.

There is a Walmart just a short drive from the campground, which makes it easy to stock up on essentials, snacks, or anything you may have forgotten. You will also find convenience stores and a few bait shops nearby if you are planning to fish.

One thing to note – when you are leaving River Forks Park & Campground, if you have to turn left on Hwy 369 (aka Browns Bridge Road), there is not a red light at the intersection. And that intersection can be quite busy…

Things to Do Beyond the Campground

If you are looking for things to do within a few hours of the campground, check out our favorite things to do in North Georgia. If you feel like exploring a bit, here are some nearby options:

• Don Carter State Park – Located on the north end of Lake Lanier, this state park offers hiking trails, additional beach access, and kayak rentals.
• Downtown Gainesville – A charming small-town area with shops, coffee spots, and seasonal events. It is not a tourist trap, but it is a good place to stretch your legs or grab lunch.
• North Georgia Wineries – If you are willing to drive a bit further, several wineries and tasting rooms are within an hour of the campground. Great for a rainy-day outing or adult-only adventure.

Who This Campground Is Best For

River Forks Park is not the most luxurious campground on Lake Lanier (that would be Margaritaville Lake Lanier by far!), but it offers solid value, a variety of accommodations, and access to one of the better public beaches in the area. It is a great choice for campers who want a simple, family-friendly experience with room to spread out and space to play.

While we typically like more privacy when we camp (only other campers and their visitors), this is a fantastic option if you want to have a larger event while camping.

Think… birthday party, engagement party, family reunion.

This park would be PERFECT for that.

So if it suits your needs or you are ok with sharing the community spaces with day users, give it a try!

Frequently Asked Questions

Campgrounds on Lake Lanier

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

• Bald Ridge Creek Campground
• Margaritaville Lake Lanier RV Resort
• Old Federal Campground
• River Forks Park
• Sawnee Campground
• Shady Grove Campground
• Shoal Creek Campground

New to RV Life? Here’s What to Read Next

If you’re just starting your RV journey, we’ve got more resources to help you hit the road with confidence:

• 👉 RV Essentials for Beginners – Gear you actually need (and what you can skip)
• 👉 How to Plan Your First RV Trip – A step-by-step trip planning guide
• 👉 Helpful RV Apps – Navigation, campgrounds, weather, and more
• 👉 Unwritten Rules of RV Etiquette – Don’t be that neighbor
• 👉 RV Travel Is the Best Way to Explore the US – In case you need a reminder of how awesome this life is

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.