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Sawnee Campground Review: What to Know Before You Book

ByMorgan Middleton

Looking for the best place to camp on Lake Lanier?

If you want a quiet spot with lake views, nearby boat ramps, and quick access to restaurants and supplies, then Sawnee Campground might be your perfect base.

We both grew up around Lake Lanier and have spent years exploring its campgrounds in everything from tents to a 44’ fifth wheel.

Trust us: we’ve stayed at Sawnee more than once, and we’ve got strong opinions about what makes (and breaks) this joint Army Corps of Engineers and Forsyth County run campground.

Below we’re going to give you the real story on staying at Sawnee Campground… everything from the stunning views, budget-friendly prices, and the frustrating limitations (like the dump station we refuse to use).

Whether you’re camping in a tent or a bigger rig like us, planning a weekend getaway or a 14-day stay, here’s everything you need to know before booking a site at Sawnee Campground on Lake Lanier.

Lakeside campsite at Sawnee Campground on Lake Lanier featuring a picnic table, grill, and tall metal water spigot on a concrete pad. The site overlooks calm blue water with tree-covered islands in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.

Quick Verdict: Is Sawnee Campground Worth It?

If you have a smaller camper, love boating, and want a quiet spot on Lake Lanier without breaking the bank, Sawnee Campground could be a great fit.

But if you are in a big rig or want full hookups (try Margaritaville Lake Lanier instead!), it comes with challenges like tricky campground access and a nearly unusable dump station.

We still camp here occasionally, but it’s not our top pick when other options like Bald Ridge are available.

Shaded lakeside path at Sawnee Campground on Lake Lanier with tree branches framing the view of calm blue water and distant forested islands. Pine needles cover parts of the ground near the water's edge, adding to the peaceful, natural setting.

Who Will Like Sawnee Campground?

Sawnee is best suited for:

  • Campers in tents, vans, or smaller trailers
  • Local families looking for a weekend getaway
  • Boaters who want easy lake access from a quiet base
  • Campers who don’t mind a more rustic setup with minimal amenities

It’s less ideal for:

  • Big rig RVs over 40 feet
  • Anyone needing sewer hookups
  • Campers who want direct water views and easy access in one package

Sawnee Campground Layout: What to Expect Inside the Park

Sawnee is a smaller campground with a fairly straightforward layout, but there are a few things you should know especially if you’re in a larger RV.

Brown and gray entrance sign for Sawnee Campground on Lake Lanier, maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, surrounded by trimmed hedges and tall pine trees on a sunny day. A white car is partially visible behind the sign along the curved campground road.

Getting Around the Campground

The internal roads are paved but narrow in spots, with several tight turns that can make maneuvering a challenge. Most sites are back-in and have a slight slope, so leveling blocks may be helpful depending on where you park.

Many of the larger sites are located away from the water and are easier to access but do not offer lake views.

If you are towing or driving something long, we highly recommended using a spotter. There is enough space to fit… but barely. You’ll want to double-check your site length and angles before you commit.

Best Sites to Consider

If you want that lakefront feeling, the stretch from Sites 16 through 24 has the best views. These are ideal for smaller setups like tents, vans, or compact trailers. They’re tight but scenic, right along the shore.

Illustrated campground map of Sawnee Campground on Lake Lanier showing numbered campsites, parking areas, restroom locations, and beach access. Campsites are color-coded for different utilities including 30 or 50 amp power and water, and some are marked as closed. The map highlights the Visitors Center, boat trailer parking, and restrooms with showers throughout the grounds.
Sawnee Campground Map

We stayed in Site 31 with our 44′-foot’ fifth wheel and were able to get level without any major issues. The site had enough length and was fairly flat, but it did not have a lake view.

A few other sites like 38, 48, and 50 are located closer to Buford Dam Road. We haven’t stayed in these ourselves, but the road noise was noticeable from that section of the campground.

We recommend checking the campground map before booking to find a site that fits your rig and your preferences. We’ll include a photo of the map below for quick reference.

Amenities & Activities: What You’ll Find at Sawnee Campground (and What’s Missing)

On-Site Perks That Make the Stay Easier

For a basic campground on Lake Lanier, Sawnee still checks a few key boxes:

Floating metal dock with a handrail at Sawnee Campground on Lake Lanier, leading into calm water with a tree-covered island in the background. A Forsyth County Parks & Recreation sign with boat dock rules is posted to the left, surrounded by pine needles and leafy trees.
  • Boat ramp in the campground for easy water access
  • Playground area for families with kids
  • Picnic tables and grills
  • Clean bathhouses that are dated but maintained
  • Electric and water hookups at every RV site
Playground at Sawnee Campground on Lake Lanier featuring green-roofed structures, climbing walls, and a tan spiral slide, surrounded by tall pine trees. The play area sits on a mulch base and is slightly elevated on a grassy hill under partial shade.

One of our favorite memories here was during the 2025 Easter Egg Hunt. We brought two of our nieces and nephews, and the campground pulled out all the stops. There was an Easter bunny, separate egg hunt areas for different age groups, and prize giveaways. It was a well-run event that we all enjoyed.

We also loved walking down to the peninsula at the far end of the campground. It’s a peaceful spot surrounded by water on three sides. It is perfect for stretching your legs, soaking in the views, or walking your pup. We took Coco out there every day to enjoy the quiet and let her sniff around the shoreline.

What’s Missing or Needs Work

There are a few things you should know before you book:

  • No sewer hookups (common for the COE campgrounds on Lake Lanier) — plan to conserve tanks or leave to dump
  • Dump station design is poor — tight placement makes it hard for big rigs to use
  • No upgraded amenities — don’t expect a camp store, laundry room, or Wi-Fi
Shaded dump station area at Sawnee Campground on Lake Lanier with a curved paved road surrounded by tall trees and scattered autumn leaves. A blue hose hookup and black waste bin are visible near the center, marking the RV waste disposal point.
Sawnee Campground Dump Station

We avoid using the dump station entirely. It is in such a frustrating spot for larger rigs that we would rather pay to dump elsewhere than deal with it.

Location & Access: Built for the Lake, but Tough to Reach

Sawnee Campground sits right on the shores of Lake Lanier, and that is its biggest selling point. If you are coming for lake access, it delivers. Boaters can launch directly from the on-site ramp and be on the water in minutes.

Shaded boat ramp at Sawnee Campground on Lake Lanier leading into calm water, with a posted sign listing rules and a yellow inflatable kayak labeled “Explorer” resting nearby. The ramp is surrounded by trees and opens to a wide view of the lake and distant shoreline.

One of the highlights for us is being able to boat over to Pig Tales for a meal without ever touching the truck.

But getting to and from the campground by RV is where the headaches begin.

  • The campground sign is planted in the center of the entrance and exit drive, forcing wide turns
  • Buford Dam Road sees steady traffic and has no stoplight or stop sign at the campground entrance
  • Because of the traffic, turning left out of the campground in a large rig is difficult and often feels unsafe
  • Even turning right can be a challenge because you need both lanes to swing out fully

If you are arriving in a longer RV, plan to take your time. These access issues don’t ruin the experience, but they can add a layer of stress to arrival and departure.

Considering Other Campgrounds on Lake Lanier Instead?

If you’re still weighing your options, Bald Ridge Creek Campground should also be on your list. It’s another seasonal campground on Lake Lanier that’s jointly maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers and Forsyth County.

We’ve stayed at both, and truthfully, we prefer Bald Ridge for several reasons, especially if you’re in a larger rig.

Want to know how they stack up?

👉 Read our full comparison of Sawnee vs Bald Ridge Campground to decide which is the better fit for your next Lake Lanier camping trip.

Final Take: Should You Camp at Sawnee Campground on Lake Lanier?

Sawnee Campground delivers peaceful lakeside vibes and easy water access, especially for those with a smaller setup or a love of boating. For local weekenders and tent campers, it checks a lot of boxes.

Shaded lakeside picnic area at Sawnee Campground on Lake Lanier featuring a concrete table and bench set beneath tall pine trees. The view looks out over the calm water toward small forested islands under an overcast sky.

But for big rig travelers like us, there are tradeoffs you need to know ahead of time: tight turns, a frustrating dump station, and limited water views from the larger sites.

If you’re still exploring Lake Lanier camping options, we’ve reviewed several other campgrounds around the lake to help you find the right fit.

We’ve camped here multiple times and know how to make it work, but it’s not our first pick when we want a relaxing stay on Lake Lanier. For that, we usually head to Bald Ridge or Shady Grove Campground if we want to stay in Forsyth County.

Still, if you know what to expect and choose your site carefully, you can have a great experience at Sawnee. Just go in with the right expectations and a backup dump plan if you’re in a larger RV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Sawnee Campground located?

The campground is located on the east side of Buford Dam.

The easiest way to locate the campground is using its address: 3200 Buford Dam Rd – Cumming, GA 30041.

How do I make a reservation at Sawnee Campground?

The campground is being jointly managed by the Army Corps of Engineers and Forsyth County Parks & Recreation in 2024. To book, visit the new booking link for Sawnee Campground here.

How much does it cost to stay at Sawnee Campground on Lake Lanier?

Sites cost $25-30 per night and RV sites include power and water. A dump station is available in the campground but sewer is not included on each site.

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.