Best Campgrounds near Suwanee, GA

Northeastern Georgia's camping landscape around Suwanee includes several lakeside options within a 30-minute drive. Lake Lanier serves as the centerpiece for many campgrounds, with Stone Mountain Park Campground to the south and Fort Yargo State Park to the east offering year-round camping. Shady Grove Campground in Cumming and Bald Ridge Creek provide seasonal options from March through November. These established campgrounds accommodate various camping styles from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV spots, with many also offering cabins, yurts, and glamping options. Most campgrounds feature boat-in access, making them popular with water recreation enthusiasts, while still maintaining proximity to Atlanta's northeastern suburbs.

Reservations are essential during summer months when Lake Lanier's shoreline campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. Many campers report that waterfront sites at Shady Grove and Old Federal campgrounds are booked months in advance. Georgia's humid subtropical climate makes spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons, with summer bringing high humidity and occasional thunderstorms. As one visitor to Don Carter State Park noted, "One of the best things about RV/trailer camping is the huge distance between camp sites! Had a spot about 35 yards from the shore next to a wooded area." Cell service varies significantly between campgrounds, with stronger signals at Stone Mountain and more limited coverage at campgrounds farther north along Lake Lanier.

Lakeside camping dominates the region's offerings, with water access consistently mentioned as a highlight in camper reviews. Sites with water views command premium prices and earlier reservations. Campers frequently mention the peaceful sounds of creeks and lake waters as sleep aids. While most campgrounds maintain quiet hours after 9:00 PM, some visitors report occasional noise issues, particularly at campgrounds closer to main roads. The region's wooded settings provide natural shade during hot Georgia summers, with many campers appreciating the mature tree canopy. Wildlife sightings are common, with several reviews mentioning encounters with deer, various birds, and occasionally ducks wandering through campsites. Fishing opportunities abound, with Lake Lanier known for bass, catfish, and crappie.

Best Camping Sites Near Suwanee, Georgia (182)

    1. Stone Mountain Park Campground

    92 Reviews
    Stone Mountain, GA
    18 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."

    "Very clean camp grounds, if you don't mind a familes close by. Can set up next to the lake. Pet friendly and several children and families around. Ton of activities around stone mountain park."

    2. Shady Grove Campground

    24 Reviews
    Cumming, GA
    11 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."

    3. Bald Ridge Creek

    23 Reviews
    Cumming, GA
    11 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."

    4. Shoal Creek Campground

    19 Reviews
    Buford, GA
    8 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. Old Federal

    19 Reviews
    Oakwood, GA
    13 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."

    6. Fort Yargo State Park Campground

    41 Reviews
    Winder, GA
    20 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. Margaritaville

    6 Reviews
    Lake Sidney Lanier, GA
    9 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."

    8. Sawnee

    7 Reviews
    Cumming, GA
    9 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."

    9. Duckett Mill

    18 Reviews
    Oakwood, GA
    19 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."

    10. Twin Lakes RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Cumming, GA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (770) 887-4400

    "The offices closes at 6:30, but if you don’t get there on time like we did they leave your reservation info outside the door."

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Recent Reviews near Suwanee, GA

1115 Reviews of 182 Suwanee Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Sarah H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Clark Creek South Campground

    Rules not enforced

    The sites are very small and very close together. The lake does have beautiful views. I give 1 star because no rules are enforced. There was no quiet time for us. People were partying, loud music, yelling, being loud up to 3/4am. Both Friday and Saturday nights. It was so bad Friday night that we went to the local Dollar Tree for EAR PLUGS so we could sleep Saturday night. The gate is locked at 10pm however the gate will let you out. A camper below us went to the gate about 11pm and let 2 other cars in. 1 vehicle went out, 3 come in. No rules are enforced. We do not recommend it. The host site is an eye sore. It needs to be cleaned up. It's such a mess! The lake is so beautiful, though.

  • A
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Margaritaville

    Best Campground Ever

    My wife and I went here for a week back in June 2025. I’ve been to many campgrounds in my day and I can say this one by far is the best. Clean campsites, fun amenities and great golf.

    We went to a Braves game one night since it is only an hour away and made may fond memories. I have already scheduled my week to go back again in 2026!

  • G F.
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Amicalola Falls State Park Camping

    Overpriced

    Like some of the other privately managed Georgia state parks, our visit here was disappointing.

    The issues started at the welcome center. The RV parking area was full of cars, even though plenty of regular parking spots were open. When we mentioned it to staff, the response was dismissive — one employee told us, “that’s above my paygrade.”

    The restroom at the welcome center was also a low point. The toilets are stainless steel with no seats — the kind you’d expect to see in a jail — and designed so shallow that whether you sit or hover, you end up getting splashed. It’s an unpleasant and unsanitary setup.

    The campground itself felt neglected, with rotting picnic tables and a general lack of upkeep. It’s also isolated from the rest of the park — there isn’t even a connector trail from the camping area to a single hiking trail, which makes it feel cut off from the very amenities most people come for. At $60 a night, you’d expect at least a basic map of the trails and amenities, but instead you’re told to snap a photo of a cardboard display. That felt like corner-cutting.

    One memorable (and concerning) part of the stay was the bear activity. In September, several bears came through the campground, startling tent campers who had to retreat inside their cars for safety.

    All in all, while the natural setting of Amicalola Falls is beautiful, the way the park is managed left the overall experience underwhelming and, at times, frustrating.


Guide to Suwanee

Camping near Suwanee, Georgia offers varied terrain with elevations ranging from 950 to 1,100 feet above sea level. The region experiences four distinct seasons with average summer highs around 88°F and winter lows near 32°F. Annual rainfall averages 53 inches, with May typically being the wettest month, creating lush vegetation throughout camping areas around Lake Lanier.

What to do

Hiking and biking trails: Fort Yargo State Park has miles of paths for outdoor enthusiasts. "Great swimming and hiking," notes Barbara C., while another visitor mentions, "Most of the trails are mixed mountain biking and hiking but when we were there, we only saw two mountain bikes."

Water activities: Stone Mountain Park Campground provides diverse recreation options beyond lakeside camping. "My husband and son enjoyed fishing and paddle boarding right behind our site. There was a lot to see and do at Stone Mountain," shares Susan K. The park offers multiple water access points ideal for launching personal watercraft.

Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings provide optimal wildlife spotting opportunities at several campgrounds. At Shady Grove Campground, visitors report, "A lot of deer just walking around," according to darrel W., making it an excellent location for nature photography and animal observation.

What campers like

Lake access and views: Old Federal campground's waterfront positioning ranks among campers' favorite features. "Gorgeous campground on Lake Lanier. Most campsites on the water. Everything manicured and groomed to perfection," writes Angie A., highlighting the pristine shoreline access.

Spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the ample room between campsites. At Bald Ridge Creek, one visitor notes, "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." This spacing creates a more private camping experience.

Natural features: The region's mature forests provide shade and natural beauty. "Very shaded sites with many being waterfront. We were in site 15, 14, and my parents used the Georgia glamping company in site 16," reports a visitor to Shady Grove Campground, emphasizing the combination of tree cover and water proximity.

What you should know

Alcohol policies vary: Several campgrounds enforce strict alcohol prohibitions. At Shady Grove, Rick B. reports, "Nice campground. If you enjoy having a beer while camping don't come here... Ranger pulls up and gave us both tickets. We had a mandatory court appearance, turns out each ticket is $280.00."

Reservation timing matters: Many waterfront sites book months in advance, especially during summer weekends. "We stayed on Site 12. Probably one of the better tent sites with awesome lake views. Reserved online, which was easy," notes a visitor to Shoal Creek Campground.

Site-specific challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain. At Duckett Mill, a camper mentions, "We usually stay in Site 70 and have for 3 years... the site we usually get has a long slope down to the water." Research specific site conditions before booking, especially when bringing boats or kayaks.

Facility conditions vary: Maintenance quality differs between campgrounds. "The bathrooms and showers were not great but there if you need them," notes Jennifer S. about one location, while another camper reports about a different area, "The showers were straight out of a horror film."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Fort Yargo State Park Campground offers excellent recreational facilities for children. "There is disc golf, nature programs, gift shop, putt-putt golf, playgrounds, hiking, mountain biking, and a 260-acre lake offers swimming, boating, paddling, and fishing," shares one comprehensive review.

Swimming beaches: Many campgrounds feature designated swimming areas ideal for families with children. "The beach area was lovely though and great fishing spots!" notes Erika R., making it easier to entertain kids throughout the day without leaving the campground.

Biking opportunities: Several campgrounds have paved roads suitable for children learning to ride. "They loved riding their bikes around in this great family friendly campground," shares Rick B. about his experience at Bald Ridge Creek.

Safety considerations: Waterfront sites require extra vigilance with young children. One camper at Shoal Creek cautions, "We had a hard time keeping her away from the rock that lead in to the lake. It was not a great site for little kids but had an amazing view."

Tips from RVers

Site leveling requirements: At Duckett Mill, RVers report varying leveling challenges. "Only reason for the 4 stars is our site was not level, took some work to level our rig," notes one RVer, recommending bringing additional leveling blocks.

Turnaround space: Some campgrounds have tight turning areas. "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," cautions Pam H., suggesting RVers request information about turn radii before booking.

Hookup locations: RVers should confirm hookup placement before arrival. "We were not informed which side the hookups were on, so our front door opened to the water spigot and up a hill," notes one RVer, highlighting the importance of site-specific research for larger rigs.

Dump station access: Several campgrounds have limited dump station facilities. "Single dump station tends to line up on Sunday but I suppose that's part of the deal," mentions AR M. about Bald Ridge Creek, suggesting scheduling departures for non-peak times.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Suwanee, GA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Suwanee, GA offers a wide range of camping options, with 182 campgrounds and RV parks near Suwanee, GA and 7 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Suwanee, GA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Suwanee, GA is Stone Mountain Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 92 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Suwanee, GA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Suwanee, GA.

What parks are near Suwanee, GA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Suwanee, GA that allow camping, notably Lake Sidney Lanier and Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest.