At just under an hour from Atlanta, camping near Braselton, Georgia offers direct access to Lake Lanier's 38,000 acres of water with 692 miles of shoreline. Winter temperatures typically range from 30-55°F while summer brings 70-90°F heat with high humidity that intensifies the feeling of lakeside camping.
What to do
Lakeside hiking trails: At Fort Yargo State Park Campground, the extensive trail system attracts both hikers and mountain bikers. A visitor notes, "Great swimming and hiking," with trails that accommodate various skill levels.
Fishing from your campsite: Sawnee Campground provides direct lake access from numerous sites. "You are able to reserve your specific campsite ahead of time. Lots of great lake views," shares one camper who appreciates the strategic waterfront positioning.
Beach activities: Stone Mountain Park Campground offers a designated swimming area just minutes from camping areas. "We had a campsite right by the lake with a great view. Did fishing, kids went swimming," reports a visitor who maximized their waterfront location.
What campers like
Privacy in walk-in sites: The walk-in sites at Fort Yargo provide seclusion while remaining accessible. "If you're like me and appreciate a bit of privacy when camping, the walk-in campsites at Fort Yargo are the place to go. Just a short 1-2 minutes walk from your car and bathrooms, but you feel much more secluded," explains a camper who valued the balance of convenience and isolation.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Don Carter State Park Campground delivers frequent wildlife encounters. "Do some animal watching or photography. From 6 in the evening and beyond you will find deer grazing in late summer and early fall, also raccoons and other small animals can be spotted roaming in some of the open areas," advises a regular visitor.
Spacious sites: Bald Ridge Creek offers generously sized camping spots. "Our sites have all been lake-side and very large with a paved drive. There is hiking around the shore line and lots of ducks in the lake to feed," reports a camper who appreciated the room to spread out.
What you should know
No-alcohol policies: Several campgrounds around Lake Lanier strictly enforce their no-alcohol policies. At Shady Grove Campground, a camper warns, "If you enjoy having a beer while camping don't come here. Beautiful day, beer in a solo cup playing cards with my wife at a picnic table. We were not making noise, nobody complained about us. Ranger pulls up and gave us both tickets."
Reservation timelines: Popular lakeside spots fill quickly during summer months, particularly holiday weekends. "We spent a weekend here in section O. It was a nice, spacious campsite with a nice picnic table and partial view of the lake even though we didn't have 'lake view' site," notes a visitor who found value even in non-premium locations.
Accessibility considerations: Some campgrounds offer specifically designed features for users with mobility challenges. At Bald Ridge Creek, a visitor shared, "We were able to hike and boat and explore with no issues for me. The showers and restrooms were easy to navigate around. This was a quiet gem."
Tips for camping with families
Beach selection: Stone Mountain Park includes multiple beach areas with varying amenities. "There is a main beach area in the campgrounds down the street but we wanted privacy for our group. The water is rocky so be careful," advises a camper who found a less crowded swimming spot.
Playground access: River Forks Park & Campground maintains playground facilities within the camping area. "With access to both the lake and some playgrounds, this place was really nice," reports a family who appreciated the built-in entertainment options.
Learning opportunities: Don Carter offers ranger programs that engage younger visitors. "We went to a ranger program on raptors on Saturday which was interesting," mentions a camper who incorporated educational experiences into their stay.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Many campgrounds in the area require additional equipment for leveling. At River Forks, an experienced RVer reports, "RV PAD: Concrete, ESTIMATED RV PAD LENGTH: 40 Feet, Tow Vehicle Could NOT Stay Connected and parking was away from site. SITE SLOPE: Door side Tire Blocks needed."
Grey water management: Don Carter State Park offers a feature not common at all area campgrounds. "Nice having grey tank connection at the sites," notes an RVer appreciating the convenience of not having to visit a dump station for minor waste disposal.
Off-season camping: Winter glamping near Braselton provides unique experiences with fewer crowds. At Margaritaville, a winter visitor shared, "Nice to find a RV winter themed vacation spot," highlighting seasonal programming that continues throughout cooler months.
