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Camping near Lake Sidney Lanier

1,461 Reviews

Lake Sidney Lanier offers multiple developed campgrounds operated by Forsyth County Parks and Recreation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Shady Grove Campground provides lakefront camping with water and electric hookups, while Bald Ridge Creek, Old Federal, and Bolding Mill campgrounds feature boat-in access and RV accommodations. The region includes both tent-only areas and full-service RV sites with 50-amp electrical connections. Don Carter State Park Campground adds cabin and yurt options to the camping landscape, creating diverse overnight possibilities around this 38,000-acre reservoir located approximately 45 miles northeast of Atlanta.

Campground reservations are essential during the peak season from March through November when most facilities operate at capacity. Many lakeside campgrounds close during winter months, though Bolding Mill and Don Carter State Park remain open year-round. Most camping areas provide water and electric hookups with dump stations available, but limited sewer connections exist throughout the lake system. Cell phone coverage is generally reliable, with supermarkets and supplies available within 10-15 minutes of most campgrounds. Several campsites feature uneven terrain requiring leveling equipment. According to one visitor, "Living in the North Atlanta area, this became one of our easy, go-to camp sites. Over the past couple of years, the county has been upgrading the sites and they have done a wonderful job."

Waterfront sites throughout the lake system consistently receive five-star ratings, offering direct lake access and scenic views. Campers frequently mention abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, with multiple reviews noting deer sightings throughout campgrounds. The lake itself provides excellent fishing for striped bass along with various water recreation activities. Several campgrounds enforce strict alcohol prohibitions with substantial fines for violations. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, campers appreciate the well-maintained facilities and clean bathhouses at Forsyth County-operated sites compared to other options around the lake. Shady Grove specifically receives praise for its wooded, private sites and ongoing facility improvements, though visitors note that lakefront sites book quickly up to a year in advance.

Map showing campgrounds near Lake Sidney Lanier, GeorgiaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Lake Sidney Lanier (355)

    1. Shady Grove Campground

    24 Reviews
    Cumming, GA
    2 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

    23 Reviews
    Cumming, GA
    4 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. Old Federal

    19 Reviews
    Oakwood, GA
    4 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."

    4. 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."

    5. Bolding Mill

    21 Reviews
    Murrayville, GA
    9 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"

    6. Duckett Mill

    18 Reviews
    Oakwood, GA
    8 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."

    7. Don Carter State Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    Lula, GA
    19 miles
    +1 (678) 450-7726

    $25 - $225 / night

    "Situated at the far north end of Lake Lanier, this Georgia state park is awesome! One of the best things about it for RV/trailer camping is the huge distance between camp sites!"

    "This Georgia State Park is in Gainesville on the Chattahoochee where it meets up with Lake Lanier.  It was very easy to get to from the Atlanta area. "

    8. River Forks Park & Campground

    11 Reviews
    Oakwood, GA
    8 miles
    Website

    "The bathrooms were close to the site. We had a great family time here!! Deer were roaming thru the campsite.. so many!! I loved the fresh Georgia air and the atmosphere was just so relaxing!!"

    "Overall a nice and quite campground on Lake Lanier that’s not a COE campground. Easy to navigate and locate the sites. All have water views, picnic tables, fire pits, and grills."

    9. Margaritaville

    6 Reviews
    Lake Sidney Lanier, GA
    4 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."

    10. Sawnee

    7 Reviews
    Cumming, GA
    5 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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Lake Sidney Lanier

563 Photos of 355 Lake Sidney Lanier Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Lake Sidney Lanier

1461 Reviews of 355 Lake Sidney Lanier Campgrounds

  • Jennifer M.
    Nov. 1, 2025

    Dicks Creek Falls Campsites off Main Road

    perfectly scenic

    The winding road to the few campgrounds along the way was beautiful but narrow. We didn't see any potties and it ends with a sandy area at the water where about 6 cars were parked (perhaps they were all kayaking or hiking but we only saw two people. We backtracked a bit to a site along the stream with ample space for at least two or three tents. It was along the road and there were a few cars driving past during the night but not enough to bother us or make us feel unsafe at all. There was a trail at this site as well just on the other side of the water which went a few miles around to the road and looped back but it hadn't been maintained in a bit so there was a decent amount of climbing and exploration on our part to stay on it. Wouldn't advise without good trail maps on your phone.

  • tonya O.
    Oct. 29, 2025

    Lake Russell Recreation Area

    This campground has went down

    Weve always came here but our last experience wasn't great... since Rhonda has been gone this campground has gone down so bad. I was so disappointed in this... the bathrooms was so nasty and the camp host i went to wouldn't come to the door... I had to call police on a unruly camper and still didnt help..... we went to relax and had a weekend from hell.

  • j
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Unicoi State Park & Lodge

    Great central location.

    I camp at Unicoi State Park several times a year for a number of different reasons. First, it is right in the middle of what I call waterfall country. There are more beautiful waterfalls within an hour than I can count. Second, there are spectacularly beautiful trails everywhere. You’re only about 20 minutes from the Appalachian Trail at Hog Pen Gap and 30 minutes from Blood Mountain and the Blood Mountain wilderness. Third, there are numerous picturesque and friendly little towns nearby. The park is about 3 miles from the town of Helen, which is a pseudo Bavarian village. A little touristy but still fun. There are some great German restaurants there. As to the park itself, I tent camp, and the campsites are excellent. Nice bathroom and shower facilities close by and regardless of the time of year it has never been crowded. Definitely worth $25 a night and I get a discount because I’m a senior (Remember you have to ask for the discount. They won’t tell you). If you are camping in the tent area, I can almost guarantee you’ll see a bear because they come out almost every night. Keep all of your food in the bear boxes. Since it is somewhat of a resort park, there are cabins, RV hook ups and even a motel/conference center. There are lots of activities like swimming, boating, archery, zip lining, etc. The Smith Creek pub is a nice little restaurant for a quick meal or a drink.

  • pThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Amicalola Falls State Park Camping

    Quick fall foliage trip

    The park is absolutely beautiful, great scenery and hiking trails. The visitors center is nice, but the helpfulness of the staff was hit or miss. The campsite is nice, quiet, clean bathrooms and warm showers. We camped in a tent and the ground was hard, almost like cement which made staking the tent down difficult. Other than this, we loved it and would come back again.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 22, 2025

    Red Top Mountain State Park Campground

    Red top mountain state park

    Plenty of campsites, some on the lake. RV, tents, yurts. Spaces 1-12 are especially nice since they are spacious and can handle class A and 5th wheelers. All 12 have water electric and sewer. We have a class C and prefer 1-12 because there is plenty of space between sites.

  • Kayla D.
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Bald Ridge Creek

    It’s a NO from us

    I wanted to wait a few days before writing this review — truthfully, I wanted to wait until after we checked out. I dreaded the retribution of Mrs. Cynthia “Cindy” Farmer, the campground manager, which I was sure would follow.

    Our church group had been looking forward to this camping trip for nearly a year. I’ve personally camped at Bald Ridge Creek Campground many times and never had a single issue — until now. Our church typically takes two group trips a year at another Forsyth County campground, but this year, we decided to rent nine sites at Bald Ridge. Even Cindy seemed excited that we were coming!

    We’re a Baptist group — not exactly known for our wild nights. We sing, we fellowship, and we’re back in our campers by 10 p.m. But according to “Queen Cindy,” you’d think we were a pack of college kids throwing keg parties.

    Our crime? An evening of worship and fellowship — a small keyboard, a guitar, and around 50 people spread over three campsites for a couple of hours each night. Cindy declared it an “event” (apparently forbidden) and told us we couldn’t do it again and threatened to make us all leave. She also banned us from eating together — saying we could gather while serving food but had to disperse to our own campsites immediately once we got our plates.

    The only actual rule violation came from one site where a tent wasn’t put up right away. Cindy seized on that excuse to call dispatch and have three sheriff’s deputies sent to “deal with” our peaceful group of families, children, and worshipers.

    To their credit, the deputies couldn’t have been kinder, yet embarrassed that they even had to be there. They laughed at the situation, noting they’re called out to the campground frequently because of Cindy’s pettiness and made-up rules. They said our little keyboard — which Cindy had described like it was a baby grand piano — was no problem at all. They simply advised us to set up the tent and let her stomp it out.

    Cindy even claimed that someone had called the Corps of Engineers to report us — at 7:00 p.m., during the government shutdown, when the office wasn’t even open. 🙄

    For context, Cindy lives at the campground for free as part of her role as host. It’s time for someone new to take over. She also wears a body camera and records campers (which is legal, I know), but as a county employee, those recordings are public record.

    We’ll continue to pray without ceasing for her — that the Lord softens her heart. But until then, I can’t recommend Bald Ridge Creek Campground to anyone who values fair treatment, hospitality, or simple human kindness.

  • George M.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Mulky Campground

    Great location for fishing

    A lot of the campsites are right on the water, so it's super easy to fish. But if you want something more private, there are also some secluded spots up the road.

Guide to Lake Sidney Lanier

Camping near Lake Sidney Lanier, Georgia, offers a fantastic escape into nature with plenty of activities and beautiful scenery. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Exploring: Check out the trails around Raven Cliff Falls. One camper mentioned, "The hike itself was beautiful. I received mild complaints from my kids, but they made the approximate 2.5mi hike each way!" This area is perfect for families who enjoy a little adventure.
  • Water Activities: At Bald Ridge Creek, you can swim or float right off your campsite. A reviewer said, "Most sites have lake access so you can swim or float right there, plus have some wooded privacy from neighbors."
  • Fishing and Boating: Shoal Creek Campground is great for fishing enthusiasts. One visitor noted, "Beautiful views at nearly every site! You can tell they are working on updating things and taking better care of the park this year."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Don Carter State Park. A reviewer mentioned, "Clean and well-maintained including the facilities." This is a big plus for families and those who value hygiene.
  • Friendly Staff: Many visitors rave about the helpful staff at Fort Yargo State Park. One camper shared, "The staff were able to get me added and discounted my staff which was nice." Friendly service can make a camping trip much more enjoyable.
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings at Bolding Mill. A review stated, "The site was clean and the pad was very level," highlighting the well-kept nature of the campground.

What you should know:

  • Reservation Requirements: Many campgrounds, like Sweetwater Campground, require reservations, especially during peak seasons. A camper advised, "The campground is gated, and the gates are shut between 10:30pm and 8am, so if you are arriving late, make sure you get in before 10:30!"
  • Limited Amenities: Some sites, such as those at Bald Ridge Creek, may lack certain amenities like showers. A visitor noted, "The restrooms/showers cleaned and relatively maintained," so be prepared for basic facilities.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Campers at Raven Cliff Falls have reported wildlife sightings. One camper warned, "We were visited by a bear two of the nights," so keep food secured and be cautious.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Stone Mountain Park Campground is packed with activities. A reviewer said, "Tons of things to do train rides, gondola ride to the top, hiking and fireworks." This makes it a hit for families with kids.
  • Plan for Activities: At Amicalola Falls State Park, families can enjoy hiking and exploring waterfalls. One visitor mentioned, "It was well kept, very quiet, perfect place to camp."
  • Pack Snacks and Games: Keeping kids entertained is key. A camper at Fort Yargo State Park suggested, "There are plenty of hiking and 4 mins from the lodge," so plan for downtime with games or snacks.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: RVers at Don Carter State Park recommend checking site sizes before booking. One camper noted, "Plenty large enough. Has grey tank hookup which is nice."
  • Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: At Bolding Mill, some sites can be tight. A reviewer cautioned, "The loop at the back is pretty tight," so plan accordingly.
  • Utilize Amenities: Many campgrounds, like Shady Grove Campground, offer amenities like electric hookups. A visitor shared, "Bathrooms are all well kept and clean," making it easier for RVers to enjoy their stay.

Camping near Lake Sidney Lanier, Georgia, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of options for families and RVers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make camping reservations at Lake Lanier?

Most Lake Lanier campgrounds require reservations through Recreation.gov, where you can check availability and book sites up to six months in advance. Don Carter State Park Campground, located at the north end of Lake Lanier, can be reserved through the Georgia State Parks reservation system. For Buford Dam Park Shelters, you'll need to make arrangements directly with the park office. It's advisable to book early, especially for summer weekends and holidays when these popular campgrounds fill quickly.

Are there camping cabins available at Lake Lanier?

Yes, cabin accommodations are available at Lake Lanier. Duckett Mill offers cabin options for those who prefer more comfort while enjoying the lake. For a nearby alternative with cabin facilities, consider Nacoochee Adventures, which provides cabin camping in a remote setting not far from Helen, GA. Most cabins around Lake Lanier feature basic amenities like beds, electricity, and sometimes kitchenettes, with some offering lake views. Reservations for cabins should be made well in advance, especially during peak season.

What camping sites are available at Lake Lanier?

Lake Lanier offers several excellent campgrounds around its shoreline. Bolding Mill provides waterfront sites with lake views and good access to the water. Old Federal features boat-in, drive-in, and walk-in access with water and toilet facilities. Other options include Shady Grove Campground, Bald Ridge Creek, Shoal Creek, River Forks Park, Sawnee, and Duckett Mill. Most Lake Lanier campgrounds offer amenities like restrooms with showers, boat ramps, swimming areas, and picnic facilities, making them suitable for various camping styles from tent camping to RVs.

What amenities are available at Duckett Mill Park on Lake Lanier?

Duckett Mill Park offers comprehensive amenities for a comfortable camping experience. The campground features water hookups, clean toilet facilities, and shower houses. It's big-rig friendly with spacious sites that can accommodate larger RVs. The park provides boat-in, drive-in, hike-in, and walk-in access options, making it versatile for different camping styles. Many sites offer direct lake access with swimming areas nearby. The campground is well-maintained with picnic tables, fire rings, and some sites featuring beautiful views of Lake Lanier. Reservations are recommended as this is a popular destination, especially during summer months.

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