Lakeside camping options abound within a 40-mile radius of Flowery Branch, Georgia. Located on the shores of Lake Lanier at an elevation of 1,240 feet, the area experiences mild temperatures ranging from 51°F in winter to 89°F in summer. Most campgrounds remain open from March through November, with limited year-round options available during the winter months.
What to do
Fishing from your campsite: Many sites at Bald Ridge Creek provide direct lake access. "Two times had nice lake proximity/view. Beach is nice for the kids. Single dump station tends to line up on Sunday but I suppose that's part of the deal," notes one visitor who enjoyed multiple stays from August through October.
Paddle to islands: Lake Lanier features numerous small islands accessible by kayak or canoe from Shady Grove Campground. "We like to kayak to islands, collect rocks and take lots of pictures. Water is warm, a little muddy by shore but clear as you get further out," explains one camper.
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk offer prime deer-watching opportunities, especially in the wooded areas. "A lot of deer just walking around. Bathrooms are in good shape. We have Verizon and showing 2 bar LTE," reports one Shady Grove camper who spotted numerous deer from their campsite.
Hiking trails: Both paved and natural surface trails wind through the area's parks. One camper at Fort Yargo State Park shared, "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."
What campers like
Spacious waterfront sites: Campers consistently mention the generous spacing between sites with lake views. "Very shaded sites with many being waterfront. We were in site 15, 14, and my parents used the Georgia glamping company in site 16," explains one visitor to Shady Grove Campground.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathhouses. A River Forks camper noted, "The restroom and shower facilities were clean. Plenty of hot water. Gave it 4 stars only because I thought the swim beach could have been more clear of stuff that washed up."
Walk-in camping options: For those seeking more seclusion than standard campsites provide, walk-in options offer increased privacy. "The 12 walk-in sites are waterfront to the lake - perfect for kayaking or paddle boarding. If you want privacy, but don't want to 'hike-in' all your camping gear, I highly recommend these sites!" shares a Fort Yargo camper.
Variety of accommodation types: Beyond traditional tent and RV camping, luxury glamping near Flowery Branch offers upscale options. A visitor to Margaritaville reports, "We had a pave site full hookup pull thru with lake view. Very easy to get in and out, private and quiet, we had a picnic table, fire ring and bbq grill. I was most excited about drink cart every evening!"
What you should know
Alcohol policies vary: Rules regarding alcohol consumption differ significantly between campgrounds. One Shady Grove visitor cautioned, "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."
Site selection matters: Not all sites accommodate larger RVs or provide level parking. A visitor to Amicalola Falls State Park advised, "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."
Reservation timing: Weekends fill quickly, especially during summer months. "We visited in late April and could only find a campsite during the week. Despite Covid-19, the park was open for day-use and overnight guests," noted a Fort Yargo visitor.
Weather considerations: Summer heat can be intense, particularly at newer campgrounds with limited shade. One Don Carter State Park camper explained, "Now, the ASPHALT is part of the reason for the review's title, coupled with the fact that this is a new park and tree coverage is a bit sparse for the time being. Once the canopy fills out, it will be shady."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Lake swimming areas provide kid-friendly recreation. A River Forks camper shared, "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."
Playground proximity: Select sites near play areas to minimize walking distance for children. "There is a nice playground that is walking distance from our favorite camp sites that the kids really love," mentioned one Shady Grove visitor.
Safety near water: Choose campsites appropriate for your children's ages, particularly with lakefront locations. One camper noted, "We went for one night, arrived later than expected and it was cold out. Our daughter was only 1.5 years old and we had a hard time keeping her away from the rock that lead in to the lake. It was not a great site for little kids but had an amazing view."
Nature discovery opportunities: The region's diverse ecosystem offers educational experiences. A camper at Don Carter State Park shared, "I went to Don Carter mid week after a holiday and the place was pretty empty. I pulled in late afternoon, deer were grazing in the primitive camp zones."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many sites require blocks or leveling equipment. "The only reason for the 4 stars is our site was not level, took some work to level our rig. Also our site needed a little TLC," reported one Bald Ridge Creek visitor.
Hookup locations: Some sites have utilities positioned inconveniently. A River Forks camper advised, "Some have hookups on the opposite side of camper. No sewer connection but park does have a dump station."
Access limitations: Steep roads and tight turns can challenge larger rigs. "I read a lot before my trip, so I knew to except the 25% grade incline going up to the campground. I wasn't however expecting the challenging parking in the campsite," noted an Amicalola Falls visitor.
Glamping alternatives: For those seeking RV comforts without owning an RV, luxury glamping options near Flowery Branch provide similar amenities. "This place is beautiful! Well maintained, and had plenty to do for everyone," shared a Margaritaville visitor about their glamping experience.
