Swimming, fishing, and hiking trails draw visitors to Sawnee, an Army Corps of Engineers campground positioned on a peninsula within Lake Lanier. The campground operates from mid-March through late August with sites accommodating RVs up to 85 feet and offering both electric and water hookups.
Campers can access their sites by driving in, walking in from parking areas, hiking to designated spots, or arriving by boat. The forested peninsula location puts most sites within view of the lake, with some offering direct water access. DeWayne H. notes the campground "literally has everything you could ask for" including "swimming, fishing, and camping." Interconnected trails allow for extended hiking sessions, while a beach and boat launch provide water recreation options.
Sites include picnic tables and fire rings, with restrooms and shower facilities available though some campers report longer walks to bathhouses from certain sites. The campground maintains a no-alcohol policy. Reviews consistently mention the spacious, level sites and clean facilities, though noise control can be inconsistent during busy periods.
For those exploring the broader region, sites around Cumming provide additional camping options. Reservations are available and recommended, particularly for lakefront sites that tend to fill quickly on weekends.
Description
Overview
Sawnee Campground lies just north of the Buford Dam on Lake Sidney Lanier. The campground features beautiful views of the lake as well as excellent access to boating and swimming. The lake, named for the poet, Sidney Lanier, is well known for its aqua-blue colored water, spectacular scenery and variety of recreational activities. Each year, over 11 million people come to visit.
Recreation
Sawnee Campground offers many outdoor recreation opportunities including fishing and swimming. On the lake there are opportunities for wake boarding, kayaking, boating and much more. There's also a swimming beach, playground and boat ramp available for campers.
Facilities
Sawnee Campground offers 43 campsites with electric and water hookups (no sewer), 5 tent walk-in campsites with water and electric hookups, and 11 walk-in campsites without hookups. Additional amenities include restrooms/bathouses, laundry facilities, a playground and sandy swimming beach.
Natural Features
Lake Lanier boasts 38,000 surface water acres, 690 miles of shoreline and over 100 small islands. Its location in the forested foothills of the Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains, makes for a beautiful backdrop to any activity. The reservior was created in 1956 with the completion of Buford Dam on the Chattahoochee River.
Nearby Attractions
Take in views of the dam at the nearby Westbank Overlook, or head northwest of the campground for scenic drives and wildlife spotting opportunities at the Sawnee Mountain Preserve. The city of Cumming is nearby and has shopping, restuarants, a fairground and much more.
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 Forsyth County are being co-managed between Lake Sidney Lanier and Forsyth County Parks and Rec. The County has taken over day to day operations including reservations and operating dates. Please check their website here https://parks.forsythco.com/Facilities-Amenities/Campgrounds. The county will honor all America the Beautiful passes for discounts. Any questions please feel free to reach out at (770) 945-9531.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsSawnee is located in Georgia near Cumming
Directions
Take US 400 north exit 14, turn right on Highway 20 east, turn left onto Sanders Rd, at first stop sign turn right on Buford Dam Rd. Campground is on the left.
Address
3200 BUFORD DAM ROAD
Cumming, GA 30041-0567
Coordinates
34.17626 N
84.078754 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 users
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 users
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 28 min from Gainesville, GA
- 42 min from Atlanta, GA
- 1 hr 2 min from Athens, GA
