222 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Lake Lanier serves as the centerpiece for camping near Buford, Georgia, with campgrounds ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV parks along its shoreline. Shoal Creek Campground and Margaritaville RV Resort provide waterfront camping with direct lake access for swimming and boating. Most campgrounds in the area accommodate both tent and RV campers, with sites ranging from primitive to full-hookup. Shady Grove Campground, located in neighboring Cumming, offers additional options with electric and sewer hookups. The region includes both Corps of Engineers and privately managed facilities, with several campgrounds providing boat ramps and docks for water recreation.
Camping seasons at Lake Lanier generally run from March through October or November, with some facilities like Bolding Mill and Fort Yargo State Park remaining open year-round. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for waterfront sites and during summer months when lakeside camping is in high demand. A visitor noted, "If you want a really good view I recommend camp sites 07/08/09" at Shoal Creek Campground. Facilities vary widely across campgrounds, with older Corps of Engineer parks showing signs of aging infrastructure while newer private developments offer more modern amenities. Many waterfront sites feature small beach areas ideal for swimming and boat access.
Most campgrounds provide electric hookups suitable for RVs, with water available at central locations or individual sites. According to reviews, site conditions can vary significantly within the same campground, with some visitors reporting crumbling concrete pads and poorly maintained facilities while others praise the lake views and spacious sites. Several reviewers mentioned abundant wildlife, particularly deer sightings at Shoal Creek. Bath facilities range from basic to well-maintained, with most campgrounds offering restrooms and some providing shower facilities. Tent campers will find the best options at waterfront sites with beach access, while RV campers should verify site dimensions before booking as many older sites were not designed for larger modern rigs.
"This site was a nice distance away from the RV focused campsites at the same location."
"If you love large wooded spots with great lake views and lots of deer to watch....this is your park. Located in a very nice part of Georgia with so many places to go and see."
from $20 - $240 / night
Check Availability"Site 10 (on water) and 38 (next to playground."
"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!)"
from $26 - $36 / night
Check Availability"There was a nice flat area to set up food, bonfire, chairs, games and to lounge around with family and the dogs. Bathrooms were nice and close to campground, within walking distance."
"Communication with the main number for the campground went through the Margaritaville Campground nearby. Separate direct lines to the camp office and security were provided after arrival."
"Lived in Georgia my whole life and yet my first time to Stone Mountain was literally three years ago. Now we have an annual pass and go all the time."
"One of the best camping areas in Georgia."
from $44 - $65 / night
Check Availability"Our site was walking distance to the bathhouse, playground and swimming."
"Grounds were great with easy access to the lake."
from $20 - $36 / night
Check Availability"Fort Yargo is in the Winder Ga area and is close to Helen, Jefferson, Athens and Atlanta. Entering the campground is a nice paved road and leads to tent camping, cabins, yurts and RV sites."
"This is one of the few state parks in Georgia with yurts and also has a great flat biking trail. The lake allows for kayaking and boating and some yurts are actually right on the lake."
from $27 - $275 / night
Check Availability"It was a little longer walk to the water and when a camper was next to us we couldn’t see the lake. We already have our reservations for 2025 in the site we wanted."
"Our site was near access to walk-in camping (which did not turn out to be a problem since we set up facing the water) and a long walk to the bathroom, which was reasonably clean with hot shower but no"
from $20 - $36 / night
Check Availability"Almost all the sites have view of lake and many have access to the lake for swimming or paddle boarding or boating. Nice breeze off the lake. Will be back many times."
"Great location on Lake Lanier. The sites are very large and trees between most sites. Lots of water view sites, some have easier lake access from your site than others for our kayaks."
from $26 - $36 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $63 - $100 / night
Check Availability"As for us we are avid hikers so we stuck to the trails. There are a few trails that interconnect so we hike for hours(which we loved). Although we did not camp we are definitely coming back to do so."
"On a peninsula this little gem on Lake Lanier, with wooded lots, is the perfect relaxation spot for RV & Tent campers."
from $20 - $46 / night
Check Availability
ScoutWe have been here twice. Site 10 (on water) and 38 (next to playground. The sites are huge, everything is clean, hot steady flow water can be tricky but as a mom of 7, I love that it feels secluded but is close to target and Publix! Love this place and it is our go to when we visit the North Georgia Revival. Highly recommend!
GuideWe have now been to this campground three times - twice in the fall and now this last time in the spring. The fall foliage is beautiful and it's fun to get apples and such in Ellijay.
This time, there was definitely more boat and Jet Ski traffic, but did not take away from the beauty of the campground. The bathroom is older, but clean, and a bit of a hike down a hill and then back up the hill from the loop we were in, but not bad. We were glad to have a clean place to shower, nevertheless. There are lots of trees and the sites are rather spacious and nice, having water and electric hookups. Our site was lovely with a concrete pad and nice deck.
We have Verizon and had service at the site. We enjoyed our little mountain getaway very much!
TravelerI stayed at the walk- in campsites with waterfront view and access to walk down to the water. There is no electric at site and water didn’t work. The bathroom facilities are well maintained and whole place is really clean. This site was right next to parking other 3 are close but wagon recommended to haul items to other walk on sites.
ScoutGorgeous campground on the lake with excellent facilities. Priority along the lake front is given to tent sites, which is nice. There's a mix of sizes for small campers and big RVs so it never feels crowded. Not a huge amount to do in the area except chill on the lake or at your site in the woods... which is fine by me. The one shortcoming was difficult lake access from the campground. There are plenty of beach areas when the lake is low but getting to them can be challenging. There's a public beach in another part of the park but we didn't go there.
GuideVery crowded campground, tight sites, and dated facilities. Stayed one night on a through trip, so they let me stay with my custom built RV but they have a rule against it if you’re staying more than one night. I am not sure why because this isn’t an RV resort, it reminds me of an over crowded KOA. Good for business stay or a quick overnight but if you have a family and want room for your kids to play, I’d look elsewhere.
TravelerVogel has always been one of our favorites. We have camped here for more than 50 years. Vogel has been around for over 95 years and the state has done a really good job maintaining and improving the park. They have redone most of the sites within the last several years. Because the campground is so old, the roads can be narrow and the sites a challenge for the giant rigs that have become popular today. There is a new visitor center with great views of the lake. During our April 2026 visit, the lake was completely drained for maintenance on the dam.
Vogel is one of the few campgrounds where you can actually camp under a dense canopy of old trees. If you want to escape the campgrounds that feel like you are parked in a Walmart parking lot, give Vogel a try.
ScoutDecent spots, only thing is the Grill is part of the campfire ring and not separate
TravelerMultiple creekside spots for large groups. We have over 12 adults and 8-9 cars. No cell service. Dog friendly.
GuideWe got a site with full hook ups and it was unusually expensive for a State Park. It was fairly level and gravel. It had a picnic table and small deck area that was in rough shape and needs replacement. It was just OK. At least it was quiet at night and the bathhouse was clean, though our daughter never did get hot water in the shower. There is a train ride that runs in a circle around the stone mountain area. The horn blasts all day long, but luckily not late at night. The biggest disappointment was that they say it's dog friendly on the web site, but dogs aren't allowed on most of the trails we tried to walk on, so we didn't get to see much of the park except by car. There are many activities, but they are not free. It's an expensive park for families. Bring your wallet!
Campgrounds around Lake Lanier offer diverse camping experiences near Buford, Georgia. Elevations around the lake range from 1,070 to 1,085 feet, with summer temperatures typically reaching 85-95°F during peak camping months. Winter camping is available at select locations where temperatures can drop to the 30s overnight, requiring proper cold-weather gear and equipment.
Kayaking and paddling access: At Duckett Mill, campers can launch kayaks from multiple points along the shoreline. "Easy to get too. Great location on Lake Lanier. The sites are very large and trees between most sites. Lots of water view sites, some have easier lake access from your site than others for our kayaks," notes a visitor who stayed at site 19.
Hiking trails: Fort Yargo State Park Campground has an extensive trail system with mixed-use paths. "We loved the hiking. Most of the trails are mixed mountain biking and hiking but when we were there, we only saw two mountain bikes. We took a picnic lunch with us and found one of the many picnic areas to have lunch and enjoy the lake views."
Night sky viewing: The open areas at Bald Ridge Creek provide excellent opportunities for stargazing during clear nights. "Even tested out our new field telescope," mentions one visitor who tested their first pop-up camper at this location.
Private waterfront sites: Many campers appreciate the lake access at Sawnee Campground. "On a peninsula this little gem on Lake Lanier, with wooded lots, is the perfect relaxation spot for RV & Tent campers. With a lake view at almost every turn, the campsites are roomy and comfortable. Each site has a picnic area and fire ring for cool evenings or roasting marshmallows."
Quiet atmosphere: Old Federal receives praise for its peaceful setting. "Quiet with a nice view," reports one camper who stayed at a site within walking distance of amenities. Another mentions that the campground is "beautifully maintained, large sites and breathtaking views. Close to area attractions, shopping and restaurants."
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds report regular deer sightings, particularly at Bolding Mill. "Deer and egrets and bluebirds" can be observed according to one reviewer. This campground also offers "fabulous" views with most sites situated on the water.
Alcohol policies vary: Rules regarding alcohol consumption differ between campgrounds in the region. At Shady Grove Campground, "There is a strict no alcohol policy in the campground and it is made very clear by signage in the park." However, alcohol is permitted at other campgrounds like Margaritaville and Duckett Mill.
Site conditions can vary drastically: Some campsites may have accessibility challenges. At Shoal Creek Campground, "I would not recommend a few of these sites if you have trouble walking around without assistance. There are some inclines without adequate steps or hand holds."
Limited connectivity: Cell service quality varies by location and carrier. Some sites offer good connectivity: "We have Verizon and showing 2 bar LTE," while others have limited or no Wi-Fi access. Margaritaville is one of the few campgrounds offering Wi-Fi access.
Playground access: When camping with children, consider proximity to play areas. Stone Mountain Park Campground offers "all kinds of activities for the kids. They have free transportation within the park/campground area. Helpful staff too."
Beach areas for swimming: Several campgrounds feature dedicated swimming areas. "We had a site right on the lake. Did fishing, kids went swimming! Beautiful opening your door and seeing water," shares one family about their experience at Sawnee Campground.
Pet-friendly options: Most campgrounds allow pets but have specific leash rules. "They are firm on making sure pet owners have their leash on and do not free roam," notes one camper about policy enforcement at a campsite near Buford, Georgia.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven sites requiring careful preparation. "The only reason for the 4 stars is our site was not level, took some work to level our rig," mentions an RV camper at Shady Grove Campground who otherwise found the campground very nice.
Turning radius concerns: Some campgrounds have tight turns that may be difficult for larger rigs. "After parking our 40ft 5th wheel, we realized where we needed to turn around was going to be tight. We practiced and discussed the best way to get out. When the time came we had a heck of a time getting the RV turned."
Hookup locations: At several campgrounds, the placement of hookups may require additional equipment. "Bring an extension cord or 2" advises one camper about the water and electric hookups at their tent site, indicating RVers should plan accordingly for potentially distant utility connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds near Buford, GA?
Bolding Mill on Lake Lanier is highly rated for its beautiful water views, clean facilities, and well-maintained sites. Reserve early, especially for lakeside spots. Another excellent option is Stone Mountain Park Campground, which offers diverse camping experiences with access to hiking trails, attractions, and seasonal events like fireworks and laser shows. Both campgrounds provide a mix of tent and RV sites with varying levels of hookups. For the best experience, book weekday stays when possible to avoid crowds, particularly during summer and holiday periods.
Are there tent camping options near Buford, GA?
Yes, several tent camping options exist near Buford. Don Carter State Park Campground on Lake Lanier offers spacious tent sites with lake access, clean facilities, and beautiful wooded surroundings. For those willing to drive a bit further, Shoal Creek Campground provides tent sites with water access and basic amenities. Both campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak summer months. Most tent sites include picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restroom facilities. Always check seasonal availability as some campgrounds have limited winter operations.
What camping sites in Buford, GA offer the best amenities?
Margaritaville stands out for premium amenities, including full hookups, a resort-style pool, modern bathhouses, and waterfront access to Lake Lanier. For those seeking excellent public facilities, Buford Dam Park offers well-maintained grounds with lakeside paths, picnic areas, and clean restrooms. While parking can be limited for oversized vehicles, the scenic lake views and convenient location make it a popular choice. When planning your stay, consider that the most amenity-rich campgrounds typically require reservations several months in advance, especially for premium waterfront sites during summer.
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