Lake Sidney Lanier

P.O. Box 567, 1050 Buford Dam Road
Buford, GA 30515-0567

Nestled in the foothills of the Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains lies Lake Sidney Lanier, one of America?s favorite lakes. Over 7.5 million people a year choose to visit Lanier. Seventy-six recreational areas have been developed around the lake under the direction of the Corps of Engineers. These include 46 parks operated directly by the Corps, 10 marinas, and Lake Lanier Islands. The remaining areas are leased to county and city governments or other organizations such as the Boy Scouts. With over 692 miles of shoreline, the lake is well known for its aqua-blue colored water, spectacular scenery and variety of recreational activities. Constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the 1950?s, Lake Lanier is a multi-purpose lake that provides for flood protection, power production, water supply, navigation, recreation and fish and wildlife management. Lake Lanier is one of 464 lakes in 43 states constructed and operated by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. It has won the best operated lake of the year award in 1990, 1997 and 2002.

Directions

From I-985/Buford Take GA Hwy 20 West, from GA 400/Cumming, take Ga Hwy 20 East, to North on Suwanee Dam Road. Go three miles and go left on Buford Dam Road. The Visitor Center is one mile down on the right.

Reviews

Lake Sidney Lanier campgrounds are widely appreciated for their beautiful lake views, spacious and clean sites, and friendly, helpful staff. Visitors enjoy the peaceful and family-friendly atmosphere with good access to water activities like fishing, boating, and kayaking. Facilities are generally well-maintained, though some bathhouses and restrooms are dated and occasionally unclean. Recurring maintenance concerns include overgrown grass, inconsistent grounds upkeep, insect issues, and limited trash management. Some guests note noise disturbances, limited privacy, restrictive gate hours, and occasional unfriendly staff interactions as drawbacks. Overall, the park offers a scenic and enjoyable camping experience but has areas that could benefit from improved maintenance and management.

Beautiful lake views and waterfront access

Spacious, clean, and well-maintained campsites

Friendly and helpful staff and hosts

Peaceful and family-friendly atmosphere

Good access to water activities and outdoor recreation

Overgrown grass and inconsistent grounds maintenance

Outdated or occasionally unclean bathhouse and restroom facilities

Insect issues such as ants and flies in some areas

Noise disturbances and limited privacy at some sites

Restricted gate access hours and parking challenges for large vehicles

2,270 reviews

5 stars

1,505

4 stars

440

3 stars

173

2 stars

1 stars

Darrell D

Campground:Buford Dam Park Shelters (Ga)

Loop:Buford Dam Park Shelters (Ga)

Site:

Reviewed 5 days ago

The shelters are not at all near the water area for wading or swimming. Before booking I saw that it was within a couple minutes walking of the water. Yeah, but not beach area at all which is a drive. We spent 15 seconds at the shelter that we paid $100 for because I thought our family could hang out there while the kids played in the water and watched them. Not even close.

Mohammad U

Campground:Lanier Park Shelter (Ga)

Loop:Lanier Park Shelter (Ga)

Site:

Reviewed 12 days ago

We hardly got a chance to enjoy the space. The shelter was not clean and there were bee hives on the ceiling of the shelter. Bees kept attacking as we opened food. We had to cut short leave the place

Stephanie C

Campground:Bolding Mill Shelters (Ga)

Loop:Bolding Mill Shelters (Ga)

Site:

Reviewed 20 days ago

Grass was over grown, no one came to cut it before my reservation so we didn't even use it. Looked awful, a waste of $80

Lisa B

Campground:Buford Dam Park Shelters (Ga)

Loop:Buford Dam Park Shelters (Ga)

Site:

Reviewed 24 days ago

the drain at the water spigot needs attention, it did not drain. Otherwise the shelter was in great condition, loved having the horseshoe area and walk-in to the lake.

Dan W

Campground:Van Pugh South Day Use Facility

Loop:Van Pugh South Day Use Facility

Site:

Reviewed 25 days ago

Great camp site

Shuhaw L

Campground:Buford Dam Park Shelters (Ga)

Loop:Buford Dam Park Shelters (Ga)

Site:

Reviewed 25 days ago

We felt very safe during our stay thanks to the frequent ranger patrols. The water and electric hookups worked perfectly. We highly recommend this spot and look forward to returning!

Popularity: Quiet

Busiest in August, when about 30% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 10 years of reservations.