Camping sites near Dawsonville, Georgia include forest service campgrounds and county-run facilities along Lake Lanier. Dawsonville sits at 1,200 feet elevation in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains, with summer temperatures averaging 85-90°F and winter lows around 30°F. Most area campgrounds remain open from March through October with limited winter availability at select locations.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: At Amicalola Falls State Park Camping, access Georgia's tallest waterfall. "This 730ft cascading waterfall is accessible by stairs and bridge from top to bottom. Its proximity to Atlanta can cause the area around the falls to fill up quick so the earlier or colder the better," notes Fain H. The main waterfall trail includes over 400 steps from base to summit.
Kayaking on Lake Lanier: Paddle directly from your campsite at Bolding Mill. "We have stayed here several times now and love it. 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 (Shh!)," shares Christy C. Kayak rentals available at multiple locations for $25-35 per half day.
Trout fishing: Three Forks Campground offers creek access for anglers. "Three trout streams, waterfalls, the AT. Only accessible by hiking or the unpaved forest service road," reports Kayla S. A Georgia fishing license required, available online for $15/day or $45/annual for residents.
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Duckett Mill offers direct lake access. "Very relaxing Campground with spacious sites right on the water. Clean bathrooms and bathhouse. Pet friendly," writes Brett D. Most waterfront sites include private paths to the shoreline.
Wildlife viewing: Bald Ridge Creek supports diverse wildlife. "Trees block heavy winds from north and west. We tested out our first pop-up camper here. Close by and clean amenities. Very friendly staff," notes Nick C. Multiple campers report deer sightings at dawn and dusk near campsite edges.
Privacy between sites: Sites at several campgrounds offer natural screening. "The sites are very well maintained. We come here often, as it's only a 35 minute drive from home!" comments Pam about Bald Ridge Creek. Campsites numbered in the 60-75 range typically offer the most separation between neighbors.
What you should know
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds have steep entrance roads. "Nice state park with good amenities. Loved the hike and waterfalls. Roads are extremely steep getting to the campground," Kevin B. warns about Amicalola Falls. RVs longer than 30 feet may struggle with access roads at several area campgrounds.
Alcohol restrictions: Rules vary significantly between facilities. "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. Ranger pulls up and gave us both tickets," reports Rick B. about Shady Grove Campground. Fines can exceed $250 per violation.
Limited facilities at primitive sites: Three Forks offers minimal amenities. "If you like primitive camping versus all that campground nonsense this is a great area. Bring everything as there's nothing around to purchase stuff, you're literally out in the forest," advises R C. No potable water or toilets available at these remote sites.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Don Carter State Park Campground offers family-friendly facilities. "We love that it's on the lake because family members have boats and its just easy to jump on at the campsite dock. There is also a beach for the kids to play at as well, very well kept," reports Cameron G. The playground area includes swings and climbing equipment for ages 4-12.
Insect preparation: Pack appropriate protection for warm weather camping. "They found all kinds of insects they had never seen even a Luna moth," mentions Traci C. about her teens' experience at Amicalola Falls. Higher elevation sites typically have fewer mosquitoes than lakeside locations.
Swimming options: Lake Lanier provides swimming areas at multiple campgrounds. "Almost all the campsites are on lake lanier some are heavily wooded beautiful views and nice lake breezes," Peter N. notes about Bolding Mill. Designated swimming beaches include shallow areas marked off for younger children at Don Carter and Bald Ridge Creek.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for large rigs: Choose carefully based on vehicle length. "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," advises Soren B. about Amicalola Falls. Sites at Duckett Mill require extra care: "This site was twice the cost as most of the other campsites on lake lanier. With worse amenities," warns Tiffany B.
Dump station access: Plan for potentially busy times. "Single dump station tends to line up on Sunday but I suppose that's part of the deal," AR M. mentions about Bald Ridge Creek. Most campgrounds have only one dump station, creating morning delays during peak checkout periods.
Temperature considerations: Lake sites provide cooling effects during summer. "It was January and basically had the place to ourselves," notes Soren B. about winter camping at Amicalola Falls. RVs parked on asphalt at Don Carter State Park experience significantly higher interior temperatures during summer months due to limited shade.
