Best Campgrounds near Buford, GA

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Buford. Buford is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Camping Sites Near Buford, Georgia (218)

    1. Shady Grove Campground

    24 Reviews
    Cumming, GA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (770) 205-6850

    $20 - $240 / night

    "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."

    2. Bald Ridge Creek

    22 Reviews
    Cumming, GA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (770) 889-1591

    $26 - $36 / night

    "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!)"

    "It was right on the lake with a beautiful view. It has a path that goes down to the lake. A lot of the sites are on the lake and most sites offer ample shade."

    3. Shoal Creek Campground

    19 Reviews
    Buford, GA
    4 miles
    Website

    "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."

    4. Old Federal

    19 Reviews
    Oakwood, GA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (770) 967-6757

    $20 - $36 / night

    "Our site was walking distance to the bathhouse, playground and swimming."

    "Grounds were great with easy access to the lake."

    5. Stone Mountain Park Campground

    91 Reviews
    Stone Mountain, GA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (770) 498-5710

    $44 - $65 / night

    "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."

    6. Fort Yargo State Park Campground

    41 Reviews
    Winder, GA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (770) 867-3489

    $27 - $275 / night

    "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."

    7. Duckett Mill

    18 Reviews
    Oakwood, GA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (770) 532-9802

    $26 - $36 / night

    "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."

    8. Bolding Mill

    21 Reviews
    Murrayville, GA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (770) 534-6960

    $20 - $36 / night

    "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"

    9. Sawnee

    7 Reviews
    Cumming, GA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (770) 887-0592

    $20 - $46 / night

    "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."

    10. Margaritaville

    5 Reviews
    Lake Sidney Lanier, GA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (470) 323-3486

    $63 - $100 / night

    "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."

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Recent Reviews near Buford, GA

1272 Reviews of 218 Buford Campgrounds


  • Brittany B.
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Clark Creek South Campground

    Great view of the Lake

    The campsite was right next to the swimming beach so little to no privacy and very loud. Although I slept very well in my tent because Quiet hours were observed. It was nice waking up to view of Lake Allatoona. Lady at the gate was rude when checking in so make sure to “READ the sign!” Other than that bathrooms were clean and they have laundry and hot water showers. Will most likely be back!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Winding Waters RV Resort

    Labor Day Weekend Glamping

    We booked Friday through Sunday of Labor Day weekend. We arrived after hours on Friday, and our check-in packet was prepared and ready for us when we arrived. No problems checking in and getting hooked up.

    The RV park is enormous, new and extremely well-kept. Our spot was next to the Etowah River and was one of the few that is on gravel and not concrete. The few gravel lots are among the quietest of this very busy place.

    There are plenty of things to do for a family...lazy river pool, pickle ball, etc. There are kids, electric scooters, electric everything flying around the park morning to evening. It's not necessarily a problem so long as you know what to expect. This is a less quiet place than many others that we have stayed at.

    Lots of investment in 5G WiFi towers, but WiFi is not terribly good. I opted to pull out my StarLink for a better, high bandwidth connection.

    My wife and I travel with e-bikes, so we were glad that it was easy to get to southern Cartersville in about 3 miles and to the Cooper's Furnace Day Area also in about 3 miles.

    Overall, and great place as long as you know you're signing up for a pretty active RV resort geared toward lots of family activity. Not particularly quiet. I'll come back... really enjoyed the cleanliness, order and adherence to strict rules.

  • SnakeEyes C.
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Under The Hemlock Campground and Cabins

    Not what you think

    Great place for a one night visit DONT stay any longer than that! Your pets will go missing, the showers don’t work and are nasty! The owner Mike is only nice if you are there for one night. He has multiple people living there. There is a bear family that will destroy all of your belongings. There is NOTHING to do there no pools, no hiking, no visitors are allowed, nowhere to fish, LOUD chickens and a very LOUD annoying barking dog that is never on a leash, if you rent a cabin there is NO RUNNING WATER, it’s overpriced, there is ONLY a microwave. Your best bet is to go to Amicalola State Park

  • Aaron S.
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Bald Ridge Creek

    Lake Lanier

    Want a beautiful place to camp for cheap? Try Lake Lanier! Gorgeous campground, concrete pads, water and electric at site. We paid 30 a night! Nice and quiet too.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2025

    COE Allatoona Lake Old Highway 41 No 3 Campground

    Lovely little COE campground

    Loved this little campground. Roads are narrow and asphalt sites are narrow. But beautiful views of the lake. Could hear a train but no highway/interstate noise at our waterfront site #47. I thought #48 was a great site as well. We were the only ones back there on that loop (which is at the back of the campground. Was fun watching the boaters and skiers. Biting Bugs were minimal which surprised me. Cicadas and katydids were in full chorus!

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Don Carter State Park Campground

    Great weekend

    Nice bath and shower facilities. Water pressure is low. There are two dump stations and dumpsters. The campground sits above Lake Lanier. Finding sites are a little confusing.

  • Carey H.
    Jul. 19, 2025

    Shady Grove Campground

    Water Front Views

    Great state / county campground. Majority of the sites offer direct water access with many sites offering water front views and beach areas.


Guide to Buford

Camping near Buford, Georgia, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly campground or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Many campgrounds, like Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground, have stunning trails. One visitor mentioned, "The hike to the base of the Gorge is strenuous with LOTS of stair steps back up but if you can do it, certainly worth it."
  • Water Activities: At Tugaloo State Park Campground, you can enjoy swimming, fishing, and kayaking. A camper shared, "The lake is right across the way from us for some beautiful views, nice beach swimming and parking the boat."
  • Family Events: Many parks host seasonal activities. For instance, Stone Mountain Park Campground offers events like a Halloween parade, making it a hit for families. One reviewer noted, "In October, there are different activities for the kids."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Red Top Mountain State Park Campground said, "The best shower of my camping experience so far! Hot water and great water pressure—what a treat!"
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have welcoming hosts. A reviewer at Fort Yargo State Park Campground mentioned, "The staff were able to get me added and discounted my staff which was nice."
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the picturesque settings. One visitor at Vogel State Park Campground remarked, "Absolutely a perfect campground, in a mature forest, with a lake, streams, hiking trails."

What you should know:

  • Site Proximity: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground noted, "The sites are a little closer to each other than what I'm used to."
  • Access Fees: Be prepared for additional fees. For example, at Stone Mountain Park Campground, there's a $20 parking fee on top of the campsite rate.
  • Payment Methods: Some campgrounds only accept cash for certain transactions. A visitor at Vogel State Park Campground mentioned, "You need to do it by cash only."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Sites: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. Stone Mountain Park Campground is known for its fun pool and train rides.
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or check if the campground has a market. A camper at Red Top Mountain State Park Campground mentioned, "The park has a very nice and well-stocked visitor center."
  • Pack for Activities: Bring gear for swimming, hiking, or fishing. A visitor at Tugaloo State Park Campground said, "The campground has awesome activities through the summer for the kids and for families."

Tips from RVers:

Camping near Buford, Georgia, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure.

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.