Lake Lanier's northern reaches offer yurt camping options around Oakwood, Georgia, where the elevation ranges from 1,050 to 1,250 feet above sea level. Winter temperatures typically average 35-55°F while summer brings 70-90°F days with humidity levels often exceeding 80%. Most yurt facilities remain open year-round despite seasonal weather variations, with shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) providing mild temperatures and reduced crowds.
What to do
Fishing access: 30-minute rental boats available at River Forks Park & Campground with multiple docks providing lake entry points. "Great campground. Very secluded but with great views of lake Lanier. Sites are pretty small with not a lot of room but they do ok. Could be bigger but the land doesn't really allow it," notes Jordan L.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early morning deer sightings at Shady Grove Campground where campers regularly spot wildlife. "We brought 2 dogs which they enjoyed the scenery. A lot of deer just walking around. Bathrooms are in good shape," reports Darrel W., highlighting the natural setting.
Mountain biking trails: Interconnected path system available at Fort Yargo State Park with varying difficulty levels. "Set back in the woods on a beautiful pond. Deer roaming everywhere. Mountain bike trails and hiking trails inside park," shares Todd L., describing the trail network that connects to camping areas.
What campers like
Level concrete pads: Easy setup at Bald Ridge Creek makes arrival straightforward. "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," Aaron S. mentions about the affordability and ease.
Dedicated swimming areas: Maintained beaches with outdoor shower facilities enhance water access. "There's a playground and bathroom facilities with laundry. Sites have water and electric hookups. There is a dump station near entrance. Water is warm, a little muddy by shore but clear as you get further out," Christy C. describes about Bald Ridge Creek.
Privacy options: Walk-in tent sites provide separation from RV areas at Don Carter State Park Campground. "The test sights are amazing, bring a cart because it's a 1/4 mile walk, the sights are super clean and easy access," reports Chad S., highlighting the extra effort required for greater seclusion.
What you should know
No alcohol policies: Strict enforcement at several campgrounds, particularly Shady Grove. "Bring the tent, leave the beer. The ranger was telling us full grown adults that we had to throw away all of our alcohol. He demanded that we empty our wine bottle and growlers," Jill R. warns about policy enforcement.
Limited Wi-Fi connectivity: Plan accordingly when staying at more remote sites. "We have Verizon and showing 2 bar LTE," notes Darrel W. about Shady Grove Campground, indicating cellular dependence rather than campground Wi-Fi availability.
Seasonal availability variations: Different opening dates for facilities around Lake Lanier. "The campground has a boat ramp and reasonably large parking area. Extra careful site selection is warranted," mentions Michael C. about Stone Mountain Park Campground, which operates year-round unlike some seasonal options.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple play areas scattered throughout recreational areas. "Very nice wooded campground on Lake Lanier, very spacious sites, many on the lake. Nice playground for the kids, Over the air TV worked great," shares the 5Dudes reviewer about their Shady Grove experience.
Beach facilities: Sandy swimming areas with designated boundaries for safety. "The park is well maintained and bath houses are clean. There is also a beach for the kids to play at as well, very well kept," Cameron G. explains about Margaritaville, noting family-friendly water access.
Educational programs: Ranger-led activities available seasonally at select parks. "We went to a ranger program on raptors on Saturday which was interesting," Joel R. mentions about Don Carter State Park, highlighting structured learning opportunities despite other criticisms.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Bring blocks for uneven terrain at many campgrounds. "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. I did notice them updating sites," explains 5Dudes about their Shady Grove stay.
Grey water connections: Available at some sites unlike full hookup options. "Very quite and easy to utilize all amenities. Nice having grey tank connection at the sites," Brett D. points out about Don Carter State Park, noting this practical feature.
Weather considerations: Asphalt retention affects comfort during summer stays. "HOT, HOT, HOT!!! 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," warns George & Patty C. about summer conditions at Don Carter.
