Campsites arranged along small peninsulas jutting into Lake Lanier give Van Pugh South Campground its defining layout. The sites sit on forested points within the Sidney Lanier Recreation Area, managed by the Army Corps of Engineers, and the result is that most sites face open water on multiple sides. Bryan P. notes that "you will get clear views of the lake in early spring and late fall," when the tree canopy thins enough to open the sightlines considerably. Boat traffic on this section of the lake tends to stay light, and sites are spread far enough apart that neighboring campers rarely feel close.
Water access varies noticeably from site to site, which is worth researching before booking. Some sites sit elevated above the shoreline with a steep drop to the water, while others allow campers to wade directly in. Site 35 has drawn consistent praise for its lakefront position, and paddlers and swimmers have found the shallower sections of shoreline well-suited to getting in the water without a formal boat launch. The concrete pads are paved, which helps with RV leveling and wet-weather access, though some pads carry a slight tilt toward the water's edge.
The campground provides electric and water hookups, with a dump station on site. RVs are limited to 26 feet, and shorter rigs are a practical advantage given the compact pad sizes at several sites. Bathrooms, showers, and coin laundry are available, and reviewers consistently describe the facilities as clean. Fires are permitted, and each site includes a grill and picnic table.
The season runs March 29 through September 15, and reservations are required through recreation.gov. Nightly rates are $22 with hookups. Anglers and paddlers make up a good share of the visitors, and Shoal Creek Campground and Lake Lanier Islands Resort & Legacy Lodge & Conference Ctr are nearby alternatives for campers comparing options on the lake. Campers who want a lakeside site with hookups and a forested setting will find Van Pugh South worth the advance planning it takes to secure a spot.
Description
Overview
Van Pugh South Day Use Facility lies on the banks of Lake Sidney Lanier in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Northern Georgia. The popular lake boasts nearly 700 miles of shoreline and over 100 small islands, providing over 11 million annual visitors with limitless recreation opportunities.
Recreation
Lake Lanier offers excellent boating, fishing and swimming. The lake offers additional opportunities for kayaking, wake boarding and much more.
Facilities
The day use facility contains 37 sites with water and electric hookups and 18 primitive tent-only sites. Amenities include accessible flush toilets and showers, drinking water, and a dump station. An accessible boat ramp is on-site.
Natural Features
The reservoir was created in 1956 with the completion of Buford Dam on the Chattahoochee River, and today spans 38,000 acres of water in the lush foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Dense forests of oak, hickory and pine cover the region, providing shade in the day use facility and abundant wildlife habitat.
Nearby Attractions
Lake Lanier Islands is within driving distance and along with other parks provides many opportunities for outdoor recreation. There are several towns within driving distance that provide opportinuties to explore.
Charges & Cancellations
Cancellations must be made via the online/phone reservation system or by calling the Lanier Project Management Office at 770-945-9531. Cancellation calls to the gatehouse will not be honored.
Fee Info
Map & DirectionsVan Pugh South Campground is located in Georgia near Flowery Branch
Directions
Take I-85 north to I-985, take Exit 8, turn left on Highway 347/Friendship Road. Turn right on McEver Road, then left on Gaines Ferry Road and follow signs to the campground.
Address
6749 Gaines Ferry Road
Flowery branch, GA 30542
Coordinates
34.1844444 N
83.9905556 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 users
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/7/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 users
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/7/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
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
- Market
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups



























