Shady Grove Campground Review (Lake Lanier)
Why should you take our word for whether you should visit Shady Grove Campground or not? Because we both grew up around Lake Lanier and are very familiar with the area.
In fact, Morgan lived approximately 5 minutes away from the campground for almost 10 years and her parents still live right down the road.
Plus we have a ton of camping and RV experience in general and on Lake Lanier. So it is safe to say we are kind of experts…
Follow along below as we go through the positives and negatives of camping at Shady Grove Campground.
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Positives of Shady Grove Campground
Beautiful Location on Lake Lanier
Some of the campsites have an amazing view of the water some are nestled in the woods. With almost 100 acres, this campground offers something for almost anyone.
Even if you pick a site without a water view, there are places where you can still enjoy the lake – the main beach / swimming area and the beach by the boat ramp are the most common locations.
If you have a boat, you can bring it with you! There is a boat ramp and courtesy dock within the campground. They also have a large parking lot for trailer parking.
There are several great places to visit on the lake including our favorite restaurants like Pig Tales, Twisted Oar, Fish Tales, and Pelican Pete’s.
Convenient Location and Access to Essentials
The campground is located at the end of Shady Grove Rd which can be easily accessed from Hwy 369 or from Exits 16 (Pilgrim Mill Rd) or 17 (Keith Bridge Rd/Hwy 306) on GA-400.
There are multiple gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants off Exit 17 and/or Hwy 369.
You are also located approximately 20-25 minutes away from the Cumming City Center which is a great destination for outdoor events, shopping, and fun restaurants/bars.
24/7 Gated Access
Shady Grove Campground has an automatic gate with keypad access for campers. You will be provided with the gate code upon check in.
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 10 tents and 3 RVs that are already setup for you to rent.
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 is booked with this reservation link which is different than the main campground.
Year Round Camping
Shady Grove Campground is open all year. If you like to camp during the winter months, this might be the perfect location for you!
Negatives of Shady Grove Campground
Site Availability
Shady Grove Campground is very popular and the sites, especially the ones with the best views, book up quickly. Once you decide you want to visit, we highly recommend booking your site sooner rather than later.
No Sewer Connection
The sites do not have an individual sewer connection but there is a dump station in the campground.
Stairs to Access Campsite Amenities
Many of the sites at Shady Grove have stairs between your parking area and your campsite amenities (grill, picnic table, firepit, etc.). We typically prefer flat campsites.
Terrain: Your Parking Pad may not be Flat
Similar to the comment above, this campground is located in an area with some decent hills. This means your parking pad may not be flat and might make leveling your RV more difficult than usual.
Campground Maneuverability
Some of the corners are tight if you have a larger rig. When you check-in, talk to the gate attendant and ask for the best route to your site.
HINT: Use the map above and follow their directions!
Limits on Length of Stay
At Shady Grove Campground, like any other Army Corps of Engineers Campground on Lake Lanier, you are limited to 14 days of camping in any rolling 30 day period.
No Adult Beverages Allowed
Depending on your preferences, this may be considered a positive or a negative. Again, this is standard for any Army Corps of Engineers campground; no alcoholic beverages are allowed on site.
Shady Grove Campground Amenities
- 3 Bath Houses
- Laundry Facilities
- Boat Ramp with Courtesy Dock
- Boat Trailer Parking
- Playground (it was closed during our most recent visit) + Volleyball Court
- Beach and Swimming Area
- Paddle Board & Kayak Rentals
- 100+ total campsites including 3 ADA campsites. Most sites have power and water as well as a fire ring, charcoal grill, and picnic table. There are approximately 10 primitive sites with no power or water.
- Dump Station
- Automatic Gates with 24/7 Access
Picking Your Campsite
Trying to figure out the layout of the campground? Use the map of Shady Grove Campground to help you pick.
Pro Tip: on the Shady Grove Campground booking website, they have photos and dimensions for each site.
Keep in mind, we have a 44′ Fifth Wheel so we are more limited on which sites we fit in. If you have a smaller rig, you will have a lot more choices available than we do.
Individual Campsite Amenities
Most campsites are equipped with power and water; there are approximately 10 primitive sites.
They also have their own fire ring, charcoal grill, and picnic table.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Shady Grove Campground located?
The easiest way to locate the campground is using its address: 7800 Allyn Lane Memorial Way – Cumming, GA 30041.
How do I make a reservation at Shady Grove Campground?
The campground is being jointly managed by the Army Corps of Engineers and Forsyth County Parks & Recreation. To book, visit the new booking link for Shady Grove Campground here.
What hours are the gates open at Shady Grove Campground?
The guard house is staffed daily from 2-7pm year round. However, the campground is accessible 24/7 with automatic gates.
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.
Does Shady Grove Campground have full hookups?
No. Most sites include power (30 and 50 Amp) and water but there are approximately 10 primitive sites (no power or water).
Sewer is not available on each site but there is a dump station close to the campground exit.
Can I bring my dog camping?
Yes! Coco thoroughly enjoyed her time at Shady Grove Campground.
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 at Shady Grove?
Nightly costs vary based on the specific site you select and the date. Based on our experience, the cost for a site with power and water is typically $30-40 per night.
However, they do offer some discounts (senior, military, non-profit).
Final Thoughts on Camping at Shady Grove
Do it! This campground is a wonderful way to enjoy Lake Lanier and the outdoors.
Plus, if you have friends who do not have an RV or tent, they don’t have to stay with you. They can book their own glamping site.
Want to stay at a different campground on Lake Lanier? Here are a few other options to consider:
- Bald Ridge Creek Campground
- Old Federal Campground
- River Forks Campground
- Shoal Creek Campground
- Sawnee Campground
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