Within Sidney Lanier Recreation Area, Old Federal provides lake-focused camping on the shores of Lake Lanier. This Army Corps of Engineers campground operates seasonally from late March through October, with sites ranging from $20-36 per night and accommodating RVs up to 160 feet.
Most campsites sit directly on the water, allowing campers to pull boats up onto small beaches at their sites. Mike K. notes the campground is "VERY clean" with "nicely mowed grass and some trees." The layout includes loops with varying exposure levels - some sites offer shade while others remain in full sun. Sites 70, 71, and 72 consistently receive praise from reviewers as premium waterfront locations.
Lake Lanier provides the primary recreation focus here, with swimming and fishing directly accessible from most sites. A designated swimming beach serves campers, though many prefer swimming in the coves near their sites. Kayaking works well in the protected coves. Timothy B. warns to "expect the sound of boats going full tilt nearby around spring break" due to the campground's location on this popular boating lake.
The campground offers electric and water hookups but no sewer connections, with a dump station available for RV waste disposal. Restrooms include hot showers and stay well-maintained according to multiple reviews. However, RV maneuvering requires attention - the turnarounds prove tight for larger rigs, with one reviewer struggling significantly with a 40-foot fifth wheel. Cell service remains strong throughout the property.
For different camping experiences, Van Pugh South Campground offers another Corps-managed option nearby with similar lake access.
Description
Overview
Old Federal Campground lies on the eastern banks of Lake Sidney Lanier in Northern Georgia. Popular for its aqua-blue waters and spectacular scenery, Lake Sidney Lanier hosts over 11 million visitors annually for fantastic fishing and boating opportunities.
Recreation
Old Federal Campground offers many outdoor recreation opportunities including fishing, swimming, picnicking and bike riding. On the lake there are opportunities for wake boarding, kayaking, boating and much more. There's also a swimming beach and boat ramp available for campers.
Facilities
There are 65 campsites that have electric and water hookups (no sewer) and 12 primitive tent-only campsites. There are also 7 walk-in sites for those who don't mind leaving their vehicles behind. Campers will have access to restrooms/bathouses, laundry facilities, two picnic shelters and a dump station.
Natural Features
Lake Sidney Lanier is nestled in the foothills of the Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains. The lake features 692 miles of shoreline and spans 38,000 surface water acres and 17,000 acres of lush terrain. The reservoir was created in 1956 with teh completion of Buford Dam on the Chattahoochee River.
Contact Info
This location is staffed. Please call (770) 533-7225 to speak with local staff.
Nearby Attractions
Lake Lanier Islands as well as other nearby Army Corps and county parks provide may different recreation opportunities at the lake. The nearby city of Gainesville provides many opportunities for those looking to explore the local area.
Charges & Cancellations
Cancellations must be made via the online/phone reservation system or in person at the gatehouse. Cancellation calls to the gatehouse will not be honored.
Fee Info
Reservations can be made online at recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
The Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds in Hall County are being co-managed between the USACE at Lake Sidney Lanier and Hall County Parks and Rec. The County has taken over day to day operations including reservations and operating dates. Please check their website here https://www.hallcounty.org/1182/Camping-in-Hall-County. The county will honor all America the Beautiful passes for discounts. Any questions please feel to reach out at (770) 945-9531.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsOld Federal is located in Georgia near Oakwood
Directions
Take I-85 north to I-985, take Exit 8, turn left on Hwy 347/Friendship Rd., turn right on McEver Rd., turn left on Jim Crow Rd. and follow signs to the campground.
Address
6219 OLD FEDERAL ROAD
Flowery branch, GA 30542
Coordinates
34.222222 N
83.949444 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 5/11/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 5/11/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 5/11/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 5/11/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 13 min from Gainesville, GA
- 47 min from Atlanta, GA
- 56 min from Athens, GA







































