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Shady Grove Campground Review (Lake Lanier)

ByMorgan Middleton

Thinking of camping at Shady Grove Campground on Lake Lanier but not sure if it’s worth it?

We’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a full-time RVer, a weekend warrior, or just looking for a scenic tent site close to Atlanta, this honest Shady Grove Campground review will help you decide if it’s the right fit.

And we’re not random reviewers.

We grew up around Lake Lanier and have camped here more times than we can count. Morgan even lived just five minutes from the campground for nearly a decade, and her parents still live down the road.

Add in our years of camping and RV experience across Georgia (and the US), and we’ve got a pretty solid perspective on what makes a great campground (and what doesn’t). If you’re looking for Lake Lanier camping with wooded privacy, water access, and a range of RV-friendly and tent-ready sites, keep reading.

Below, we break down the real pros and cons of staying at Shady Grove. Everything from the lakeside views that wowed us to the not-so-fun parts you should know before booking.

Positives of Shady Grove Campground

Coco, a large tan dog with a red collar, sits alertly on a blue blanket at a lakeside campsite in Shady Grove Campground. Behind her, Lake Lanier stretches out under a sky filled with dramatic clouds and soft afternoon light.

Gorgeous Views from Select Sites

If you land the right site at Shady Grove Campground, you’re in for a treat.

We scored site 78 during one of our trips, and wow. Watching the sunset reflect off the water through the trees made it one of the most peaceful evenings we’ve had at a Lake Lanier campground. It reminded us of why we keep coming back.

Sunrise over Lake Lanier viewed from Site 78 at Shady Grove Campground, with golden and pink reflections on the calm water. The foreground shows a lakeside campsite with camping chairs, a picnic table, grill, and water spigot, framed by tall trees and silhouetted branches.
Sunrise over Lake Lanier from Site 78 at Shady Grove Campground

Hilly Terrain Means Great Walks (and a Leg Workout)

While most of Shady Grove’s campsites don’t offer direct lake access because of the hilly terrain, the views are still incredible if you’re in the right spot.

If you’re chasing lakefront serenity, be sure to look carefully when reserving; not all sites have a lake view either. And if you love a good walk, the hills here make your afternoon stroll feel like a mini workout… in the best way.

A More Natural & Wooded Feel

This is also one of the more spacious and wooded Lake Lanier campgrounds. Compared to other nearby spots like Bald Ridge or Sawnee Camground, Shady Grove feels more like being in the woods. That extra privacy makes it a great option for anyone craving some peace and quiet.

Back-in RV site at Shady Grove Campground with a large Alliance Valor fifth-wheel trailer hitched to a silver RAM dually truck. The gravel pad is surrounded by trees and set beside a paved loop.

Seasonal Touches Show They Care

The campground gets into the seasonal spirit. On one of our fall visits, they even had light decorations up for Halloween. Nothing fancy, but a fun touch that shows someone is putting in the effort.

Open Year-Round (Unlike Most Lake Lanier Campgrounds)

One of the biggest perks? Shady Grove Campground is open year-round; it is the only campground on the lake in Forsyth County that is.

Most Lake Lanier campgrounds shut down in the off-season, so if you’re looking for winter camping or a quiet off-peak getaway, this is one of your only options. That alone makes it a go-to for us during the cooler months.

Dog Friendly Vibes

Coco, a large tan dog wearing a red collar and leash, walks along a paved road lined with pine needles and trees at Shady Grove Campground. The forested path curves gently ahead under a canopy of green and golden leaves.

This is a dog friendly campground, and we have always seen plenty of pups on site.

Just be prepared for the hills if you are walking older dogs.

Many of the roads and loops offer shade, so it is a nice spot for morning or evening walks with your furry travel buddy.

Negatives of Shady Grove Campground

Ants Can Be a Nuisance (But the Staff Was Great)

On one of our visits, our site was covered in ants… and not just a few!

Thankfully, the man working the guard shack gave us a bottle of ant killer we could use until we could get to the store. We made it work for a couple nights, but ended up cutting our stay short and moving over to Bald Ridge Campground.

The silver lining? They refunded the remaining nights and assured us they would treat the site again immediately after our departure. We have stayed at Shady Grove numerous other times without any issue, but we always pack ant spray now… just in case.

This experience may be a deterrent for many; however, the staff’s quick and kind responses are exactly what made us return there. We are camping in nature. There will be bugs and other issues. But how they responded was perfect.

Maneuvering Larger Rigs Takes Caution

If you’re in a large RV like we are (44′ fifth wheel, triple axle trailer), you will want to ask for navigation tips at check-in. They will tell you the ideal route and which sections to avoid. There are some sharp turns, especially around the cul-de-sac near site 78.

It was a tight squeeze, but we made it through with some slow and steady maneuvering. We highly recommend arriving during daylight hours if you are driving anything over 40′.

Terrain Is Hilly and Uneven in Places

Shady Grove is one of the hillier Lake Lanier campgrounds, which means elevation changes throughout the park. While that adds to the views, it also means some campsites are on a slope or have stairs to the picnic area and fire pit.

Terraced lakeside campsite at Shady Grove Campground featuring a gravel pad with picnic table, grill, and fire ring, overlooking Lake Lanier. Wooden stairs lead down from a higher elevation, showing the campground’s sloped, wooded terrain and elevated shoreline above the water.

If mobility is a concern, or if you have a large, heavy rig to level, be sure to double-check the description and photos when booking.

Shady Grove Campground Amenities

Shady Grove offers a solid mix of amenities whether you are RV camping, tent camping, or just looking for a weekend outdoors near Lake Lanier. Here is what you can expect:

🚿 Showers and Bathhouses

There are several bathhouses throughout the campground. They are generally clean and functional, but a little dated. We use our RV bathrooms but it is good to know they are there if you need them.

Clean but dated restroom at Shady Grove Campground featuring three toilet stalls with light gray doors, tan tiled walls, and red tile flooring. A soap dispenser and wall-mounted fans are visible, along with natural light coming from high windows.
Accessible shower stall at Shady Grove Campground with tiled walls, grab bars, a bench, wall hooks, and a showerhead above a drain in the red tile floor. A curtain rod is installed overhead for privacy.

🚰 Water and Power Hookups

All RV sites include water and electric hookups with a mix of 30 and 50 amp service. There are no full sewer hookups, but there is a dump station near the entrance/exit.

One thing we really appreciate? The dump station is positioned in a way that keeps traffic flowing. Even if there’s a line, it does not block the main road or prevent anyone from entering or exiting the campground.

That is a major plus compared to some other Lake Lanier RV campgrounds, where a backed-up dump station can clog everything up on checkout day.

If you are staying more than a few days, plan accordingly and try to dump during off-peak times (early morning or mid-afternoon usually works best).

🛶 Boat Ramp and Trailer Parking

One of the best features here is the boat ramp with a large adjacent parking area. If you are camping with a boat or jet ski, this is a convenient launch spot.

Boat ramp and dock area at Shady Grove Campground leading into a calm inlet on Lake Lanier, with a green sign displaying boat ramp rules. A small boat is seen on the water, surrounded by trees under a cloudy sky, with parking spaces and a trash bin in the foreground.

The best part about bringing a boat? Easy access to lakefront dining options like Pig Tales (BBQ), Fish Tales Lake Lanier, the Twisted Oar, or Pelican Pete’s.

🏖️ Beach & Swimming Area

There is a roped-off swim area with a small sandy beach located within the campground. It’s not open to the public — only registered campers or visitors can use the amenities here.

This isn’t a full-blown day use area like you’ll find at some parks like River Forks, but it’s a nice perk for anyone already staying at Shady Grove.

Sandy beach area at Shady Grove Campground on Lake Lanier with calm, shallow water bordered by forested shoreline. A sign with swimming guidelines is posted near the water, and swim shoes and flip-flops are scattered on the sand under a partly cloudy sky.

Many campers use this beach access to launch paddle boards or kayaks, especially if they are renting them during their stay.

🏡 Glamping Options On-Site

Shady Grove Campground also offers glamping accommodations for those who want to enjoy the outdoors without bringing their own gear. These setups include basic furnishings and climate control, making them a great option for friends or family who are joining you but do not own an RV or tent.

Canvas glamping tent at Site 16 in Shady Grove Campground set among tall trees with Adirondack chairs, a hammock, and picnic table nearby. A sign reading “Welcome to Lake Lanier – Timberline Glamping” marks the wooded site, which is covered in fallen leaves.
Lakeside glamping site at Shady Grove Campground featuring a wooden deck beside a canvas tent, a weathered picnic table, grill, fire ring, and string lights hung between trees. The view overlooks green water and docked boats, with Adirondack chairs set up beneath the trees for relaxing by the lake.

It’s a nice touch that gives the campground more flexibility, especially for mixed groups or first-time campers. Availability is limited, so we recommend checking ahead if you’re interested.

Interested in glamping? Here is the booking link.

Shady Grove Campground Map

Illustrated campground map of Shady Grove Campground showing numbered campsites with 30 or 50 amp power and water, restrooms with showers, beach access, a playground, and boat launch. Icons mark key amenities including dump stations, parking areas, and the visitor center, with camp loops winding through a forested peninsula on Lake Lanier.

Here’s a full layout of the campground to help you get a sense of the loops, site numbers, and proximity to the lake.

We always recommend double-checking your site on the reservation system and reading recent reviews before you book.

Getting There and Nearby Essentials

Shady Grove Campground is tucked at the end of Shady Grove Road, with easy access from several major routes. Whether you’re arriving from Atlanta or just around the corner, it’s a convenient North Georgia camping location.

You can reach the campground via:

  • GA-400 Exit 16 (Pilgrim Mill Road)
  • GA-400 Exit 17 (Keith Bridge Road / Hwy 306)
  • Or directly from Hwy 369

Nearby, you’ll find gas stations, grocery stores, and fast food options just off Hwy 369 or Exit 17. For a day trip or evening out, the Cumming City Center is about 20–25 minutes away and offers outdoor events, shopping, and great local restaurants and bars.

Shady Grove Campground: The Bottom Line

We’ve camped all around Lake Lanier, and Shady Grove continues to be one of our go-to spots when we want a peaceful, woodsy escape near the water.

It’s not perfect. The terrain can be a bit tricky depending on your site, and we learned to always pack ant spray. But the views, the spacious loops, and the off-season access keep bringing us back.

👍 Best for:

  • RVers up to 40′ who are comfortable leveling on a slope
  • Tent campers looking for wooded, private sites
  • Campers with boats, jet skis, or paddle boards
  • Locals who want a year-round camping option

👎 Might not be ideal for:

  • Those with rigs over 45′ or needing perfectly level pads
  • Campers who want a party vibe (try Margaritaville on Lake Lanier)
  • Anyone relying on full hookups for longer stays

Ready to check availability or pick your site? You can find the official Shady Grove Campground booking page here. Please note: this reservation link changed in summer 2025.

Campgrounds on Lake Lanier

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

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:

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.