Camp Observer1 of 2 photos
Sawnee
Notice
The Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds in Forsyth County are being co-managed between Lake Sidney Lanier and Forsyth County Parks and Rec. The County has taken over day to day operations including reservations and operating dates. Please check their website here https://parks.forsythco.com/Facilities-Amenities/Campgrounds. The county will honor all America the Beautiful passes for discounts. Any questions please feel free to reach out at (770) 945-9531.
Jan 23, 2026 – Jan 23, 2027
Overview
Sawnee Campground lies just north of the Buford Dam on Lake Sidney Lanier. The campground features beautiful views of the lake as well as excellent access to boating and swimming. The lake, named for the poet, Sidney Lanier, is well known for its aqua-blue colored water, spectacular scenery and variety of recreational activities. Each year, over 11 million people come to visit.Recreation
Sawnee Campground offers many outdoor recreation opportunities including fishing and swimming. On the lake there are opportunities for wake boarding, kayaking, boating and much more. There's also a swimming beach, playground and boat ramp available for campers.Facilities
Sawnee Campground offers 43 campsites with electric and water hookups (no sewer), 5 tent walk-in campsites with water and electric hookups, and 11 walk-in campsites without hookups. Additional amenities include restrooms/bathouses, laundry facilities, a playground and sandy swimming beach.Natural Features
Lake Lanier boasts 38,000 surface water acres, 690 miles of shoreline and over 100 small islands. Its location in the forested foothills of the Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains, makes for a beautiful backdrop to any activity. The reservior was created in 1956 with the completion of Buford Dam on the Chattahoochee River.Nearby Attractions
Take in views of the dam at the nearby Westbank Overlook, or head northwest of the campground for scenic drives and wildlife spotting opportunities at the Sawnee Mountain Preserve. The city of Cumming is nearby and has shopping, restuarants, a fairground and much more.Charges & Cancellations
Cancellations must be made via the online/phone reservation system or in person at the gatehouse. Cancellation calls to the gatehouse will not be honored.Camp site features
Across 60 camp sites:
- Electric hookups: 48 of 60 sites
- Water hookups: 48 of 60 sites
- Fire pit: 1 of 60 sites
- Picnic table: all 60 sites
- Pets allowed: all 60 sites
- ADA accessible: 3 of 60 sites
- Longest rig: 85 ft
- Largest party: 16 people
- Power up to 50 amps
- Equipment: RV, Tent, Trailer
Fees
Reservations can be made online at recreation.gov or by calling
1-877-444-6777.
Directions
Take US 400 north exit 14, turn right on Highway 20 east, turn left onto
Sanders Rd, at first stop sign turn right on Buford Dam Rd. Campground is on
the left.
Stay Limit
Check in from 3 PM, check out by 1 PM.
Reviews
Ratings (148)
5 stars
78
4 stars
32
3 stars
13
2 stars
12
1 stars
13
Jeffrey H
Loop:Sawn
Site:05
Reviewed 4 years ago
Site was clean and had plenty of space, however there is a negative to this and other COE campgrounds in the area. The gate is locked from 10:30 pm till 7 am. This means if you like being locked in at night then this may be the place for you, but if you like to have freedom to come and go and visit the local area late in the evening or get out early then you will need to find somewhere else to stay. According to the rangers from the COE of this area, the gates are locked because of high crime in the area. We were told about the high crime rate when we arrived at the gate house for our stay.
Brad F
Loop:Sawn
Site:04
Reviewed 4 years ago
This campground was very nice. The sites were very roomy and our campsite #4 was easily accessible to the lake so we were able to fish from our site. The only issue we had was at this particular site we didn't have room for our
F-250 to fit were our popup was set up so we had to park at the overflow parking which is a bit of a distance if you have things to carry. The site is actually next to the end at a cul de sac which is a big area but they said incase of an emergency a firetruck would need to be able to turn around there. The bath house closes to us didn’t have hot water so that was a bummer. The park attendants were extremely nice though. And there was also police patrolling and sitting at the front gate all day long. We would definitely stay here again though.
melissa l
Loop:Sawn
Site:45-46
Reviewed 4 years ago
It was absolutely stunning!! It was very clean staff was exceptional. Wish I could have stayed longer. One of the best family vacations so far. Thank you guys for such a wonderful experience.
Tammy H
Loop:Sawn
Site:43
Reviewed 4 years ago
I did my reservations online at my favorite campsite. I had no idea that I’d have to backpack in to the campsite. After driving 8 hours and getting there all excited about it just to find out I can’t drive up to camp because road had been closed for some time. No warning of that online for site #43. I tried to redo my reservation without success. So I took it upon myself to check the reservations close to my site. Chose 39 for the convenience. Seeing it was not reserved until after my check out. That was my mistake. The park attendant Trish would not work with me, much less Park Ranger. So I had to pack up camp from 39 and move to 43. I only took the tent and bedding. We had planned a birthday getaway for us girls. Trish made it very hard on us saying only two vehicles allowed in park by campers. There are visitors tags for your car, visitors check out time, etc. but they cannot park in community area and visit you. So she really threw an axe to our plans. She was extremely rude to my camper friend whom is hard of hearing and deaf. She wouldn’t let her come in to the park until my other friends left. 2 cars per campsite apparently. Typically I wouldn’t mind hiking in with my gear. But I was just recovering from Covid/Bronchitis, had traveled 8 hours to my surprise! My friends are older than myself and it made it really hard in them. The initial park attendant that checked me in that evening was extremely nice and very professional. Maybe Trish could learn something from her coworker.
Matthew C
Loop:Sawn
Site:06
Reviewed 4 years ago
Enjoyed our time but was very short handed to the point they were shutting down the facility early for the season.
Wayne T
Loop:Sawn
Site:54
Reviewed 4 years ago
It is a very clean quiet place, It is best if you can camp away from the busy highway so you don't hear that sound. We would stay there again, very nice.
Victor H
Loop:Sawn
Site:24
Reviewed 4 years ago
Very nice campground and very pleasant and helpful attendants!
Chris N
Loop:Sawn
Site:31
Reviewed 4 years ago
Too much traffic. Area is too congested. Gates lock from10-7 with no gate code. I won’t be back.
robert r
Loop:Sawn
Site:01
Reviewed 4 years ago
No Hot Water in Men's shower....bathroom door latches Broken.
Denise B
Loop:Sawn
Site:53
Reviewed 4 years ago
The hosts at the entrance were so sweet! we enjoyed our stay!
Trannon T
Loop:Sawn
Site:20
Reviewed 4 years ago
We stayed at site 20. The site offers a beautiful view of the lake however that's pretty much it for this site.
The pad was barely big enough to accommodate our camper width wise.
Where the camper stairs came down the ground fell off about a foot and a half. So you had to be extremely cautious when exiting the camper.
We couldn't use our awning because of the slope. The picnicking area became its own lake when it rained.
Also the electrical went down, due to the 30amp outlet burning out.
I reported the issue to the camp host and they were extremely helpful.
They contacted their electrician, but he couldn't come out until the next day.
Luckily we live close enough that we were able to spend the night at home.
By the time we got back to our campsite the next day the electrical had been fixed.
I don't like their gate hours. The gate is locked by 10:30. There's no gate code and the gate is just locked.
If you have an emergency and need to leave we were told to call 911 and the police would unlock the gate for you. Then you wouldn't be able to get back into the campground until after 7:00am the next morning.
On a positive note the camphost were extremely nice and helpful.
Diane B
Loop:Sawn
Site:35C
Reviewed 4 years ago
I've been camping at Sawnee for over twenty years. Even though I have moved to S. Georgia, I will still make the trip at least twice a year. Its a peaceful and scenic spot, but still close enough to "civilization" that you can easily run to the store, or to a restaurant. My only real complaint this particular trip was that we found the beach area in pretty bad shape. Debris and trash washed up on shore. Could have used a raking for sure. We had a grandchild with us this trip, so it was kind of disappointing.
Cara H
Loop:Sawn
Site:07
Reviewed 4 years ago
We only camped one night but had a great time. The check in hosts (Trish and Will, I believe?) we extremely kind and helpful. The waterside sites are gorgeous but I would avoid the sites that back up to Buford Dam Road due to noise and lack of scenery. We were in site 7, which is quite small for a trailer. Ours is 16 feet and I would not try with something larger. Ideal for tents though. The bathrooms were clean but very minimal. No trash cans in the bathrooms, so please pack your garbage out. There are bins outside the bathroom. I did notice the dumpster was overflowing and needed to be picked up. The campground was very quiet at night, but be aware, there are houses across the lake from some of the sites. It could get noisy especially around summer holidays. We live locally and are familiar with Lake Lanier. There is lots of do here for recreation, as well as stores and restaurants (Target, Walmart, Taco Mac, etc). There is a beautiful trail along the Chattahoochee nearby called Bowman's Island. Sawnee mountain is also nearby. If you want to drive further, lots of hiking and cute mountain towns about an hour away (Dahlonega, etc).
Dave P
Loop:Sawn
Site:50
Reviewed 4 years ago
Been to this campsite over 5 times and it has been a great experience in the past. Problem is the campsite 50 had so many ants it was a health hazard. When I got there the grass looked to be recently cut and it aggravated hundreds of ants all over the campground. I tried to setup a tent but they are all over the camp ground so it was impossible to keep them out. I had to eventually leave.
All other campsites that I have been on this ground have been great. Be sure to bring ant spray or ask for another site. I could not since it was getting late and this was the only campsite available.
ki l
Loop:Sawn
Site:24
Reviewed 4 years ago
It was quiet and the facilities were clean and well maintained.
Bill T
Loop:Sawn
Site:17
Reviewed 4 years ago
COE campgrounds are the best. Large site with concrete pad great view and in top shape. Will stay again when in the aea.
Grace D
Loop:Sawn
Site:51
Reviewed 4 years ago
Do not ever stay here in a tent, lot 53. I could not sleep at all. The cars on the busy road were right next to us. Basically felt like we broke down on the road and had a tent and slept on the highway. Also, across the street is a house where their kids were up till 2am playing basketball. So you could hear the dribbling. Just if you stay here do not stay anywhere close to the major street in a tent. Other than that it’s a fine park.
Heather F
Loop:Sawn
Site:53
Reviewed 4 years ago
Campground is older and on the small side. It's not laid out well and hard to navigate. It's also right beside the interstate and there's a fair amount of road noise. The bathhouse is very sketchy, felt dirty, and no matter what I did I could not keep my things dry.
Sandra P
Loop:Sawn
Site:07
Reviewed 4 years ago
It is so peaceful here. But the sites and facilities are excellent and clean.
Diane B
Loop:Sawn
Site:22
Reviewed 4 years ago
As always, we love it here. Sites 21 and 22 are great lakeside sites. The site was clean and ready for set up when we arrived. One set of hosts were really great! But always a great place to be!
salvatore g
Loop:Sawn
Site:50
Reviewed 4 years ago
The staff is incredibly welcoming. The bathrooms have really good showers. The sites are very clean and there is no garbage problems.
Jessica G
Loop:Sawn
Site:36
Reviewed 4 years ago
We unfortunately stayed in a campsite right next to the road. Loud cars honking, whistling, and racing by all night made it sound as if we were camping under an interstate bridge. Additionally, the water pump at our campsite barely worked on our first day. The second day it didn't work at all. The campground was overrun by ants. Thousands of them. The beach had lots of debris and trash on it. The bathroom closest to our campsite was nice with the exception that the bathroom doors didn't lock and the shower water was freezing. I don't think we will be back.
Trish K
Loop:Sawn
Site:49
Reviewed 4 years ago
Site 43 was narrow, but we fit in and enjoyed the park vey much
Shannon B
Loop:Sawn
Site:51
Reviewed 4 years ago
Trish and Will are awesome. They are kind and caring. The campground needs some upgrades but overall is decent. The other host (the old angry woman) is horrible!! She enjoys being mean to people and goes out of her way to ruin your day, as she smiles about it. She slammed her fist on the desk and shook the window seal because I asked her for a new tag!! I could not believe a grown woman could act so childish. She grit her teeth at me and talked to me as if I was an idiot. She should not be in the position!! She has made our stay completely uncomfortable and unpleasant.
Gloria T
Loop:Sawn
Site:20
Reviewed 4 years ago
First, all staff we encountered were excellent. We stayed in site 20. Lovely location. We caught large mouth bass right in front of our campsite. The only reason I didn’t give the highest rating is that the pad was just barely wide enough for the camper steps and one step on concrete before a 6-7 inch dropoff to the ground, and then downhill to the sitting area. The path from the back of the pad to the table/seating area is concrete and in good condition, but ill-placed.
Michael L
Loop:Sawn
Site:21
Reviewed 4 years ago
The campground was beautiful. Our site was on a peninsula with great views of Lake Lanier. The camp hosts were awesome. Hope to camp here again soon.
julie A
Loop:Sawn
Site:04
Reviewed 4 years ago
Could barely fit our popup camper on the site. I feel like this should be a tent site based on space provided. Once our camper was set up there was no place to park and additional parking is not close to the site. Huge fire ant issue as well and no privacy from neighbors. The restrooms are kept clean and stocked and the park hosts are friendly and helpful. Not sure if I'll return.
Sally S
Loop:Sawn
Site:17
Reviewed 4 years ago
This is my 4th or 5th time staying at Sawnee . This was the best ! Started with Site 17 for a week , then had Site 16 the last 2nts . It is The Best ! Surrounded by the water , beautiful sunrises , peaceful and perfect weather in April . Will be back !
Brayan G
Loop:Sawn
Site:40
Reviewed 4 years ago
We were at lot 40. Best view in my opinion. It super fun and clean with super friendly people. The only problem we had was that we had to pack up and leave. We will definitely be back here. Great place for first time campers!!
Kim A
Loop:Sawn
Site:05
Reviewed 4 years ago
Loved, loved site #5 …it was our first trip to Sawnee. The bath houses were clean and good running hot showers!
Lonnie B
Loop:Sawn
Site:22
Reviewed 4 years ago
Beautiful sites , restrooms and showers great. Clean park, friendly and courteous gate attendants.
SCOTT O
Loop:Sawn
Site:15
Reviewed 4 years ago
Great site, right next to water with semi private beach. Mostly shaded, sun during midday. No electricity or water.
Todd E
Loop:Sawn
Site:11
Reviewed 4 years ago
Michelle & Bill best hosts! Wish the dump station went two way (small/short) but loved it! Great stay.
James S
Loop:Sawn
Site:15
Reviewed 4 years ago
Besides having to Cancel my Reservation and be charged a $30 fee to switch sites......There is no reason to charge anyone for switching sites. The site I picked online showed a parking pad in the picture. When I got to Sawnee, the road to the site was now closed and it was a walk in site. Like 150+ meters. I'm not set up for that type of camping, besides the fact that I need a knee. The Hosts were great, as usual. Love that $1.50 a load for laundry..
Gilberto c
Loop:Sawn
Site:50
Reviewed 4 years ago
Site 50 , is full of fire ant and too much road noise, I had to spend 40 out of my pocket to treat the fire ant, you have to park on the street and is a curved so RV goes really close to you car ,they never never NEVER PICK THE PHONE ,I left some valuables in the shower and I was hoping to get it but they never pick the phone, the host is nice and cell reception is great, the place is very quiet and showers are ok
james s
Loop:Sawn
Site:34
Reviewed 4 years ago
Another good COE experience. Several of the sites (back in) are up a hill to back into but not too diffivult just a little different
Popularity
Busy · 65%
Busiest in July, when about 65% of sites are booked. Based on 9 years of reservations.
