River Forks Park: Great Camping Destination on Lake Lanier
Are you planning a camping trip on Lake Lanier? Want to host a larger group gathering while camping? Then River Forks Park in Gainesville, Georgia might be the perfect destination for you.
Ok, so really though. Why should you take our word about this destination?
Well, 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.
So let’s talk through the pros and cons of camping at River Forks Park.
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Positives of River Forks Park
Located with a Day Use Park on Lake Lanier
This may be seen as a pro or a con depending on what you want out of your camping trip.
To access the RV campsites, you must drive through part of the River Forks Day Use Park. The park does have a gate attendant and requires an entry fee for users.
There is a secondary gate with keypad access to access the RV sites.
The advantages of being located adjacent to the day use park – there are a ton of pavilions you can rent and a massive beach.
The downside is you share those features with other campers and non-campers alike.
There is also a meeting and event space within the gated RV section – The Retreat at River Forks.
Boat Launch Ramp
If you have a boat, bring it with you! There is a launch ramp with plenty of trailer parking in the day use park and there are multiple loading docks in both the day use park and the RV campground area.
There are a ton of fun things to do – hang out at the local beaches, visit Lanier Islands (Margaritaville), or try one of the restaurants on the lake.
Pig Tales, Twisted Oar, Fish Tales, and Pelican Pete’s are a few of our favorites. If you are out on a Sunday morning, brunch at Skogies is amazing too!
Convenient Location and Access to Essentials
The park and campground is located in Gainesville at 3500 Keith Bridge Road. There is easy access to Gainesville and Oakwood.
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.
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.
Great Price Per Night
All campsites are $24-30 per night. Yes, you read that correctly… only $24-30 per night!
Timberline Glamping
Don’t have an RV and don’t want to setup a tent? Then this is the perfect solution for you! They have 6 tents with 3 different floorplan options.
The best part the tents come furnished and are pet friendly!
- Individual split units (heat and A/C) + ceiling fan
- Beds – yes, real mattresses!
- Mini Fridge & Coffee maker
- Hammocks, Camp Chairs, & String Lights
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 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.
Negatives of River Forks Park
Site Sizes
If you have a larger rig like us, you may have a hard time camping at River Forks. Many of their sites max out at 35′ and 40′.
There are a few options for something larger, but you typically have to book pretty far in advance.
No Sewer Connection
The individual campsites do not have sewer connection; however, there is a dump station in the campground.
Limits on Length of Stay
At any Army Corps of Engineers campground, you are limited to 14 days within any rolling 30 day period. You will love those 14 days though.
No Adult Beverages Allowed
No alcoholic beverages are allowed within the campground. Depending on your personal preferences, you may consider this a positive or a negative.
This is the same policy for all campgrounds on Lake Lanier that are maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers.
River Forks Park Amenities
- 5 Bath Houses
- 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
Picking Your Campsite
Trying to figure out the layout of the campground? Use this map of River Forks Park to help decide which site you prefer.
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.
Individual Campsites Amenities
Every RV site includes power and water and is $30 per night. Sewer connections are not available on each site but there is a dump station at the exit of the campground.
Tent sites are primitive and include 120v power and water for $24 per night.
Most sites include picnic tables, fire ring, and charcoal grill.
Note: several campsites do not have fire rings. Please refer to the map above for more details.
Number of Available Campsites
There are 47 RV campsites, 10 tent sites, and 6 glamping sites.
The tent sites close for the winter. They are available from March 1 through the Monday after Thanksgiving.
The RV sites are closed the week of Christmas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is River Forks Park located?
River Forks Park is located at 3500 Keith Bridge Road in Gainesville, GA.
How do I make a reservation at River Forks Park?
The campground is being jointly managed by the Army Corps of Engineers and Hall County Parks & Recreation in 2024.
To book, visit the new booking link for River Forks Park here. If you want to reserve one of the day-use facilities, there is a separate link on the website.
Does River Forks have full hookups?
No. Every RV site includes power and water. Sewer connections are not available on each site but there is a dump station at the exit of the campground.
What hours are the gates open at River Forks Park?
The guard house is staffed daily from 10am-7pm. There is security on site 24/7.
Can I bring my dog camping?
Of course! But there are some major restrictions.
Pets are required to be kept on a leash not exceeding 6′ in length. Additionally, pets are only allowed in the camping area, not in the day use park.
Pets are not allowed on the beach or in the swim areas, at the playground, or in the bath houses, or at the playground..
What is the cancellation policy?
48 hours prior to check-in, you can receive a refund less a $5 reservation fee. Between 24-48 hours prior to check-in, you can receive a refund less a $10 reservation fee.
What time is check-in and check-out?
Monday-Saturday:
- Check-in: 1-6pm
- Check-out: before 12pm
Sunday:
- Check-in: 4-pm
- Check-out: before 3pm
How much does it cost to camp here?
Tent sites cost $24 per night and RV sites are $30 per night.
Final Thoughts on Camping at River Forks
The prices are great and you may seem see wild life.
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!
Want to consider other campgrounds on Lake Lanier? Here are some other options:
- Shady Grove Campground
- Bald Ridge Creek Campground
- Sawnee Campground
- Old Federal Campground
- Shoal Creek Campground
Are you looking for tips and tricks for your next RV trip? Check out these helpful articles:
