Shoal Creek Campground on Lake Lanier
If you’re looking for the best camping spot on Lake Lanier, you might want to check out some of the other campgrounds on Lake Lanier. Shoal Creek has some benefits but is not high on our list of places to stay.
Why should you take our word for whether you should visit Shoal Creek Campground or not? Well, we both grew up around Lake Lanier so we are very familiar with the area.
Plus we have a ton of RV and camping experience on Lake Lanier and just in general.
Follow along below as we go through what we consider the positives and negatives of camping at Shoal Creek Campground.
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Positives of Shoal Creek Campground
Beautiful Location on Lake Lanier
Most of the campsites have a view of the water; some do not have much of a water view but offer more privacy and a wooded feel.
If you do not select a waterfront site, you can still enjoy the view from the campground beach.
Boat Launch & Courtesy Dock
If you have a boat, bring it with you!
There are several great places to go on the lake including several restaurants like Pig Tales, Twisted Oar, Fish Tales, and Pelican Pete’s.
If you do not have a boat, you can access Lanier Islands, Margaritaville, and Twisted Oar (inside Holiday Marina) by car.
24/7 Gated Access
Shoal Creek Campground has an automatic gate with keypad access for guests. You will be provided with the gate code upon check in.
Year Round Camping
Shoal Creek Campground is open all year round. If you like to camp during the winter months, this might be the perfect location for you!
Negatives of Shoal Creek Campground
General Condition / Upkeep
Unfortunately, the campground has not been kept in the best shape. There are multiple areas of disrepair (damaged stairs and ramps) and trash scattered throughout the campground.
This is shocking considering the nightly prices at Shoal Creek are higher than many of the other campgrounds on Lake Lanier.
Stairs to Access Campsite Amenities
Many of the sites at Shoal Creek have stairs between your parking area and your campsite amenities (grill, picnic table, firepit, etc.). We typically prefer flat campsites.
No Sewer Connection
The sites do not have an individual sewer connection but there is a dump station in the campground.
During the summer, the line to use the dump station often gets backed up on Sunday mornings so plan accordingly.
Site Sizes
Unfortunately, our current rig (44′ Fifth Wheel Toyhauler) doesn’t fit at Shoal Creek Campground. They have 2 sites that they say MIGHT work. However, since we upgraded to our current camper, we have chosen to not stay at Shoal Creek.
If you have a larger RV like us, this might not be the campground for you. Many sites max out at 38′ but you are best off if you are 35′ or under.
Limits on Length of Stay
Your stay is limited to 14 days of camping in any rolling 30 day period.
No Adult Beverages
Depending on your personal preferences, this may be considered a positive or a negative. Like all other Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds, no alcoholic beverages are allowed on site.
Shoal Creek Campground Amenities
- 5 Bath Houses
- Laundry Facilities
- Boat Ramp with Courtesy Dock (10 minute limit)
- Boat Trailer Parking
- Playground and Basketball Court
- 56 tent sites – each site has a fire ring, charcoal grill, and picnic table
- 63 RV sites – each site has power and water as well as a fire ring, charcoal grill, and picnic table
- Dump Station
- Automatic Gates with 24/7 Access
- Walking Trails
Picking Your Campsite
Trying to figure out the layout of the campground? You can use this map of Shoal Creek Campground to decide which campsite you would prefer.
Unfortunately the Shoal Creek Campground’s booking website is not as user friendly as some of the others. They do specify between RV and tent sites.
They also notate the maximum length of the campsites.
Individual Campsite Amenities
Each RV campsite is equipped with power and water. All sites have their own fire ring, charcoal grill, and picnic table.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Shoal Creek Campground located?
The easiest way to locate the campground is using its address: 6300 Shadburn Ferry Rd – Buford, GA 30518.
The campground is located at the end of Shadburn Ferry Road which intersects with Buford Dam Road. There is a Shell Station at the intersection.
How do I make a reservation at Shoal Creek Campground?
To book a campsite, use this booking link for Shoal Creek Campground.
Does Shoal Creek Campground have full hookups?
Tent sites are primitive. Every RV site includes power (50 Amp) 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 Shoal Creek Campground?
The guard house is staffed daily from 2-7pm.
Outside of staffed hours, the campground has 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! Each site allows up to 2 pets.
They 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. There is a $10 cancellation fee.
Check in is at 2pm and checkout is at 1pm.
How much does it cost to camp at Shoal Creek Campground?
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 $35-60 per night.
However, they do offer some discounts (senior, military, non-profit).
Final Thoughts on Visiting Shoal Creek Campground
This would not be the first (or second or third) campground we would recommend on Lake Lanier. In fact, we personally would not recommend staying at Shoal Creek Campground in its current state of disrepair.
However, if you are looking for a campsite and this is the only campground that has availability, give it a shot. They do have waterfront sites and beach access.
Our recommendation – if you do decide to camp here, realize you may have to clean up your site some when you arrive.
Looking for Other Campsites on Lake Lanier?
Want to consider other campgrounds on Lake Lanier? Here are some of our favorites:
- Bald Ridge Creek Campground
- Shady Grove Campground
- Old Federal Campground
- Sawnee Campground
- River Forks Campground
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