Review of Sawnee Campground on Lake Lanier
It’s time to go camping and you want a spot on Lake Lanier. Well Sawnee Campground might be the right place for you.
Let’s get real. Why should you take our word for whether you should camp Sawnee Campground or not? Because 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 and on Lake Lanier.
So let’s talk through the positives and negatives of camping at Sawnee Campground.
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Positives of Sawnee Campground
Beautiful Location on Lake Lanier
Many of the campsites at Sawnee Campground have an amazing view of Lake Lanier. Even if you choose a site that isn’t waterfront, you can still enjoy the water from the beach area.
Boat Launch Ramp
If you have a boat, bring it with you!
There are several great restaurants on the lake including Pig Tales, Twisted Oar, Fish Tales, and Pelican Pete’s. Sunday brunch at Skogies is amazing too!
You can also check out the local beach hangouts or Lanier Islands and Margaritaville.
Convenient Location and Access to Essentials
The campground is located directly off Buford Dam Road and has easy access to grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, and shopping options in Cumming.
You are also located approximately 15 minutes away from the Cumming City Center which is a cool local hangout. They host outdoor events including live bands and zumba classes, boutiques, restaurants, and more. They also have a pop-in workspace if needed while traveling.
Great Price and Discounts Available
All campsites are $25-30 per night. Yes, you read that correctly. Only $25-30 per night!
24/7 Gated Access
This used to be a negative for a lot of people because the gates would close overnight and no one could enter or exit. But not anymore!! Wahoo!
Sawnee Campground now has an automatic gate with keypad access for guests. You will be provided with the gate code upon check in.
Negatives of Sawnee Campground
Site Availability
Sawnee Campground is a popular place and the sites often get booked way in advance. Since they have a great cancelation policy, we recommend booking your site sooner rather than later.
No Sewer Connection
The campsites do not have an individual sewer connection but there is a dump station in the campground.
Unfortunately, the location of the dump station is not ideal. There are often lines for the dump station on Sunday mornings during the summer.
Campground Maneuverability
Some of the corners are tight if you have a larger rig. You should be able to make it through the entire park but may want to have a spotter in certain sections.
Limits on Length of Stay
At Sawnee Campground, you are limited to 14 days of camping in any rolling 30 day period. It will be a wonderful 14 days though!
This is the same policy for all campgrounds on Lake Lanier that are maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers.
No Adult Beverages Allowed
Depending on your preferences, this may be considered a positive or a negative. No alcoholic beverages are allowed within the campground.
This is the same policy for all campgrounds on Lake Lanier that are maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers.
Seasonal Campground
Sawnee Campground does close for the winter. They are open from mid-late March through mid-late October.
Sawnee Campground Amenities
- 2 Bath Houses
- Laundry Facilities
- Boat Ramp with Courtesy Dock (10 minute limit)
- Boat Trailer Parking
- Playground
- Beach Access – there are stairs to access this area
- 62 total campsites (some RV and some tent) including 3 ADA campsites. All campsites have a fire ring, charcoal grill, and picnic table.
- Dump Station
- NEW in 2024: Automatic Gates with 24/7 Access
Picking Your Campsite
Trying to figure out the layout of the campground? Use the map of Sawnee Campground below to help you pick.
On the booking website, they specify the length of each site and what power service they include.
Individual Campsite Amenities
Each RV campsite is equipped with power and water. Some have only 20/30 amp while others also offer 50 amp service.
The tent sites are primitive and do not include power or water.
All sites have their own fire ring, charcoal grill, and picnic table.
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.
Does Sawnee Campground have full hookups?
Every RV site includes power (some are only 20/30 amp while others have 50 amp service) and water. Sewer is not available on each site but there is a dump station in the campground.
What hours are the gates open at Sawnee Campground?
The guard house is staffed daily from 2-7pm during the season (mid-March to late October).
However, a wonderful new improvement to the campground are the automatic gates that are accessible 24/7. Upon check in, the camp hosts will provide you with your parking pass and the gate code so you can enter and exit as needed during your stay.
Can I bring my dog camping?
Yes, but there are some restrictions.
Pets are required to be kept on a leash not exceeding 6′ in length. Additionally, pets are not allowed in the bath houses, at the playground, or in the swim areas.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can receive a refund as long as you cancel 48 hours prior to the time of check in. Check in is at 3pm and checkout is at 1pm.
How much does it cost to camp here?
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.
Final Thoughts on Staying at Sawnee Campground
Do it! This campground is a wonderful way to enjoy Lake Lanier and the outdoors. And for only $25-30 per night, we think you are in for a treat.
Want to consider other campgrounds on Lake Lanier? Here are some other options:
- Shady Grove Campground
- Bald Ridge Creek Campground
- Old Federal Campground
- River Forks Campground
- Shoal Creek Campground
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