Lake Lanier shapes Gainesville's camping landscape with 38,000 acres of water surface and 692 miles of shoreline. Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains at approximately 1,200 feet elevation, the region experiences mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures and humid summers with averages reaching 90°F. Campgrounds in this area typically remain open March through November, with some facilities offering year-round camping opportunities.
What to do
Hiking trails with lake views: River Forks Park & Campground offers multiple hiking opportunities with scenic viewpoints overlooking Lake Lanier. "Great for lake fun and relaxing days. Plenty of access and views of Lake Lanier. We've camped here multiple times and it's never let us down," shares Josh D.
Waterfall exploration: Amicalola Falls State Park Camping features Georgia's tallest waterfall at 730 feet. A reviewer noted, "This 730ft cascading waterfall is accessible by stairs and bridge from top to bottom. Besides camping this park also accesses Len Foote Hike Inn one of Georgia's only backcountry lodges."
Fishing access: Multiple piers and shoreline access points allow for fishing without a boat at Bald Ridge Creek. "We had a site right on the lake. Did fishing, kids went swimming! Beautiful opening your door and seeing water," reports Lauren W. Shore fishing permits are required and can be purchased at ranger stations.
Beach swimming: Several campgrounds maintain designated swimming areas with sand beaches during summer months. "There is a nice sandy beach, outdoor showers, large restrooms and swings ideal for sitting and enjoying a meal by the lake," mentions Crystal C. about their experience at Don Carter State Park.
What campers like
Private tent sites: Walk-in tent camping areas provide more seclusion than RV sites. At Fort Yargo State Park Campground, "If you're like me and appreciate a bit of privacy when camping, the walk-in campsites 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," recommends Amalia K.
Waterfront access: Many campsites offer direct lake frontage, allowing campers to park boats at their sites. At Shady Grove Campground, "Great state/county campground. Majority of the sites offer direct water access with many sites offering water front views and beach areas," reports Carey H.
Wildlife viewing: Deer frequently visit campgrounds in the evening hours. One camper at River Forks Park noted, "We tent camped here... it was beautiful!! Deer were roaming thru the campsite... so many! I loved the fresh Georgia air and the atmosphere was just so relaxing!"
Yurt camping options: Multiple parks near Gainesville, Georgia provide yurt accommodations as alternatives to traditional tent or RV camping. One camper at Fort Yargo State Park mentioned, "Overnight accommodations include fully equipped cottages, adventure cabins, yurts, and campsites."
What you should know
Alcohol policies vary: Enforcement of alcohol rules differs significantly between campgrounds. At Shady Grove Campground, one camper warned: "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."
Campsite surfaces: Some campgrounds have paved pads that may not be ideal for tent camping. One visitor to Don Carter State Park noted: "Who ever decided that every campsite needed to be asphalt should be hung! This is a newer State Park in Georgia and it could be nice, but it's been paved over. They classify them as RV sites, but they are parking lots."
Site selection matters: Many campgrounds have significant variation in site quality and access. "Extra careful site selection is warranted" at River Forks, and at Bald Ridge Creek "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)."
Reservation timing: Popular yurt camping near Gainesville, Georgia often books months in advance, especially at Margaritaville. Weekday reservations typically offer better availability and a quieter experience, as one camper noted: "We were here on Monday and Tuesday, extremely quiet. Empty beach/restaurant area and beach bar."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain multiple play areas for different age groups. "There are two separate children's playgrounds... One near a small kids ball field...the other near a very nice volleyball court, permanent corn hole pit and state of the art outdoor exercise machine area," reports a camper at Vogel State Park.
Beach safety: Lake beaches have variable water clarity and bottom conditions. "The water is rocky by shore but clear as you get further out. There are lots of boats zipping around the Lake so beware if you are kayaking or canoeing," advises a visitor to Bald Ridge Creek.
Organized activities: Some parks offer ranger-led programs during peak season. "We went to a ranger program on raptors on Saturday which was interesting," mentioned a camper at Don Carter State Park.
Cart transportation: For walk-in tent sites with families, wheeled carts are essential. A camper at Don Carter State Park advised: "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
Size limitations: Many older campgrounds have limited turning radius and site depth. At Amicalola Falls State Park, one RVer noted: "We have a 27' airstream and there are a couple campsites that are hard to get into. The bend halfway into the campground would be extremely difficult with much bigger than 27' camper."
Hookup placement: Some sites have inconveniently placed connections. "Some have hookups on the opposite side of camper," reports a visitor to Sawnee Campground, and at River Forks Park the "pedestal placement: Center of site length."
Gray water disposal: Some parks offer more convenient options than traditional dump stations. At Fort Yargo State Park, "No FHU, but they do have grey water dumps in numerous places in campground" which eliminates the need to break camp for partial dumping.
Site leveling requirements: Many lakeside sites require significant leveling. "Door side Tire Blocks needed" at River Forks Park, while at Fort Yargo, one camper mentioned, "Our site was very level, and pull through."
