Lake Lanier campgrounds near Buford, Georgia offer year-round access with seasonal variability. Water levels fluctuate throughout the year, with summer highs reaching 90°F and winter lows dropping to the 30s. Camping options range from primitive tent sites to full hookup RV spots, with most campgrounds operating from March through November when water conditions are most favorable.
What to do
Hiking at Fort Yargo State Park: The park features extensive trail networks accessible from the yurt village. "We camped with my parents in the RV section of the campground, it was beautifully wooded and offered plenty of space/privacy from other campsites and was still a short walk from the bathhouse. Also had a little view of a lake down below," notes one visitor to Fort Yargo State Park Campground.
Fishing from your campsite: Many lakefront sites allow direct water access. A camper at Bald Ridge Creek explains, "This is the best campground on Lake Lanier. Nearly every site is on the Lake, with access to the water. The sites are very well maintained. We come here often, as it's only a 35 minute drive from home!"
Beach access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated swimming areas. At Don Carter State Park Campground, one visitor shares, "I pulled in late afternoon, deer were grazing in the primitive camp zones. I walked one of the trails and then headed over to explore the lake area. I was so pleased by the facility which had a nice sandy beach, outdoor showers, large restrooms and swings ideal for sitting and enjoying a meal by the lake."
What campers like
Lakefront privacy: Many campsites offer direct water views and access. "Very shaded sites with many being waterfront. We were in site 15, 14, and my parents used the Georgia glamping company in site 16," reports a camper at Shady Grove Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Deer and other animals frequently visit campgrounds. A visitor at River Forks Park notes, "We tent camped here..we were up on a steep hill, but it was beautiful!! The bathrooms were close to the site. We had a great family time here!! Deer were roaming thru the campsite.. so many!!"
Winter camping options: While many campgrounds close seasonally, some remain open year-round. A Stone Mountain Park visitor shares, "We camped here in January and basically had the place to ourselves," making it a good option for off-season yurt camping near Buford, Georgia.
What you should know
Alcohol policies vary: Some campgrounds strictly prohibit alcohol. "Nice campground. 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," warns a Shady Grove visitor.
Campsite leveling challenges: Many lakeside sites require equipment for leveling. At River Forks Park & Campground, one camper reports, "Many sites are back-in and set sideways to a hillside and lakefront leaving very little level space for chairs. Fire rings are frequently located 12-20 feet away from picnic table and 3 to 9 feet below site level on a slope."
Reservation timing: Popular sites book quickly, especially during summer months. "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. Would absolutely camp here again," notes a Stone Mountain visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Check playground locations: Some campgrounds offer multiple play areas. At Stone Mountain Park Campground, families appreciate that "The campground offers everything you would ever need. There are tons of things to do from Golf, hiking, zoo, laser show, food and you can hike the mountain or take a ride to the top. There are bike trails and plenty of entertainment for all."
Consider walk-in campsites: These offer more privacy while still being accessible. A Fort Yargo camper recommends, "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 than the campsites in the regular campground."
Look for yurt options: Yurts provide a comfortable glamping experience for families. Don Carter State Park has options that one visitor describes as "Tent camping at it's finest. The tent sights are amazing, bring a cart because it's a 1/4 mile walk, the sights are super clean and easy access."
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions carefully: Many lakefront sites have challenging access. At Amicalola Falls State Park Camping, an RVer warns, "We have a 27' airstream and there are a couple campsites that are hard to get into. Number 18 does not look hard, but the layout is very difficult to get into. The bend halfway into the campground would be extremely difficult with much bigger than 27' camper."
Consider seasonal demand: Off-season camping offers more availability. "Check in staff very friendly. Site 32 - Nice level site. Plenty of room for us. Back in is not straight so it takes a little bit of maneuvering (that maybe why it was one of the last few sites available a week out). Very close to the lakeshore," reports a Bald Ridge Creek visitor.
Look for lake proximity: Sites with water access command premium prices but offer convenience. A River Forks camper notes, "Great for lake fun and relaxing days. Plenty of access and views of Lake Lanier. We've camped here multiple and it's never let us down."
