Lake Sidney Lanier is well known for its recreational opportunities.  The Corps operates 46 park areas around the lake providing, picnicking, campgrounds, boat launching ramps, swimming areas, group picnic shelters and hiking trails.   Additional areas have been leased from the Corps and are operated as city and county parks as well as marinas. With over 690 miles of shoreline and over 100 small islands Lake Lanier is the perfect place to pursue your recreational adventure.  Whether it is fishing, camping, boating, picnicking, swimming or a variety of other recreation activities, Lake Lanier has it all.

Directions & Factoid
 Black Dot Image 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.

 Black Dot Image Factoid: 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.


 Recreation Area Column Header Image  Campsite Column Header Image  Lodging Column Header Image  Showers Column Header Image  Ramps Column Header Image  Marina Column Header Image  Gas Column Header Image  Picnic Area Column Header Image  Playground Column Header Image  Swimming Column Header Image  Fishing Column Header Image  Trails Column Header Image  Golf Course Column Header Image  Ampitheater Column Header Image  Grocery Column Header Image
Aqualand Marina     X X X   A                
 Indicates Corps Managed Rec Area Auraria                            
 Indicates Corps Managed Rec Area Bald Ridge Creek   $ E   X X       X B          
Bald Ridge Marina       X X   GS              
 Indicates Corps Managed Rec Area Balus Creek   $       X                    
 Indicates Corps Managed Rec Area Belton Bridge                            
 Indicates Corps Managed Rec Area Bethel       X             H      
 Indicates Corps Managed Rec Area Big Creek   $       X                    
 Indicates Corps Managed Rec Area Bolding Mill   $ E N   X X     A GS X B C        
 Indicates Corps Managed Rec Area Buford Dam Park   $             GS X B C H      
 Indicates Corps Managed Rec Area Burton Mill   $       X     A     B   H      
Charleston       X     A                
 Indicates Corps Managed Rec Area Chestnut Ridge   $ E N   X X       X B          
Clarks Bridge       X     A   X            
Don Carter State Park                            
 Indicates Corps Managed Rec Area Duckett Mill   $ E N   X X       X B          
 Indicates Corps Managed Rec Area East Bank   $       X                    
Flowery Branch                            
Gainesville Marina       X X                  
Habersham Marina       X X                  
Holiday On Lanier       X X   A G               G
Holly       X     A GS       H      
 Indicates Corps Managed Rec Area Keiths Bridge       X     A     B   H      
Lake Lanier Islands X X X     A GS X B P     X X S
Lan Mar Marina       X X                  
Lanier Harbor       X X   GS              
 Indicates Corps Managed Rec Area Lanier Park   $       X     A GS   B   H      
Lanier Point       X     A GS X     H      
Laurel             A              
Lazy Days       X X                  
 Indicates Corps Managed Rec Area Little Hall   $       X     A GS X B   H      
 Indicates Corps Managed Rec Area Little Ridge       X                    
 Indicates Corps Managed Rec Area Little River       X     A                
 Indicates Corps Managed Rec Area Little Shoal   $       X                    
 Indicates Corps Managed Rec Area Long Hollow       X     A     B          
Longwood             A GS              
 Indicates Corps Managed Rec Area Lower Overlook             A         H      
 Indicates Corps Managed Rec Area Lower Pool       X     A                
 Indicates Corps Managed Rec Area Lula       X                    
Lumpkin       X                    
Mary Alice       X     GS X B          
 Indicates Corps Managed Rec Area Mountain View       X     A                
 Indicates Corps Managed Rec Area Nix Bridge       X     A                
 Indicates Corps Managed Rec Area Old Federal   $ E N   X X     GS X B          
 Indicates Corps Managed Rec Area Old Federal Day Use       X         B   H      
 Indicates Corps Managed Rec Area Powerhouse                            
River Forks E   X       GS X B C        
 Indicates Corps Managed Rec Area Robinson       X     A                
 Indicates Corps Managed Rec Area Sardis Creek       X     A                
 Indicates Corps Managed Rec Area Sawnee   $ E N   X X       X B          
 Indicates Corps Managed Rec Area Shady Grove   $ E N   X X     GS X B          
 Indicates Corps Managed Rec Area Shoal Creek   $ E N   X X       X B   H      
 Indicates Corps Managed Rec Area Simpson       X     A                
 Indicates Corps Managed Rec Area Six Mile   $       X                    
Starboard Marina       X X                  
Sunrise Cove         X   A                
 Indicates Corps Managed Rec Area Thompson Bridge       X                    
 Indicates Corps Managed Rec Area Thompson Creek   $       X     GS       H      
 Indicates Corps Managed Rec Area Tidwell   $       X                    
 Indicates Corps Managed Rec Area Toto Creek   $       X     A     B   H      
 Indicates Corps Managed Rec Area Two Mile       X     A                
 Indicates Corps Managed Rec Area Upper Overlook   $             A GS X            
 Indicates Corps Managed Rec Area Van Pugh North   $       X     A GS X B          
 Indicates Corps Managed Rec Area Van Pugh South   $     X X     A   X            
 Indicates Corps Managed Rec Area Vanns Tavern   $       X             H      
 Indicates Corps Managed Rec Area Wahoo Creek       X     A                
 Indicates Corps Managed Rec Area War Hill   $ N     X     A     B D        
 Indicates Corps Managed Rec Area West Bank   $             A GS X B        
 Indicates Corps Managed Rec Area West Bank Overlook                            
YMCA                            
Young Deer       X     A GS X B          
Corps Managed $ Corps Fees Collected Managed by Others in Italics

Camping
E Electric Campsites
N Non-electric Campsites
T Pull Through Campsites
G Group Camping
D Dump Station
Picnic
A Picnic Area
G Group Picnic
GS Group Picnic Shelter
Swimming
B Beach
P Swimming Pool
Fishing
C Fish Cleaning Stations
D Fishing Docks
Trails
B Bike Trails
Q Equestrian Trails
H Hiking Trails
I Hiking Trails - Interpretive
R Off Road Vehicle Trails
M Miscellaneous Trails

Boating on Lake Lanier

Whether you are on a houseboat, fishing boat, personal watercraft, sailboat or canoe, there is plenty of room for everyone on this 39,000-acre lake.  Boaters can launch from any of 76 boat ramps around Lanier's shoreline.  User fees are charged for launching at most boat ramps.

The lake also has 10 marinas that offer fuel, boat storage, repair services, snacks and supplies for your last minute needs.  If you don't have a boat check with the marinas for rentals.

Events such as tournaments, sailing regattas and water carnivals may require a permit from the Corps of Engineers and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

Camping on Lake Lanier's serene shoreline

Lake Lanier offers some of the finest camping opportunities in the South.  Whether it's a primitive campsite hugging the shoreline of the lake or a site for your recreational vehicle, Lanier has it all.

The Corps of Engineers operates 9 campgrounds with 741 campsites.  This includes 565 sites with water and electric hookups.  Most sites are waterfront and all have a picnic table fire ring, grill and lantern pole.  All campgrounds have beach areas, boat ramps and restrooms.  Most of our campgrounds also have showers, playgrounds, accessible sites and manned entry stations.

Large groups may be interested in our group camping areas available at Shoal Creek and Shady Grove Parks.  Both feature sites with water and electric hookups as well as an assembly shelter that will seat up to 60 persons.

Fishing on The Wonderfull Lake Lanier Paradise

Lake Lanier is well known as a productive fishing lake.  Many species of fish thrive in the lake.  The lake has approximately 39,000 surface acres of water at its full level.  Although there is little natural cover in the top 1/3 of the lake due to tree clearing during construction, there are trees left standing in the lower portions of the lake as well as brush piles, drop-offs, submerged humps, and rock outcroppings in shallower areas.  A navigation map will be helpful for finding these spots and is available in the map room.

The Corps of Engineers, in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources actively manages fish habitat on Lake Lanier.  Each year volunteers help build and maintain fish attractors around the lake.  Information about fish attractor structures may be obtained the map room.

Trout fishing below Buford Dam is also popular.  The cold waters released from the bottom of the lake support rainbow, brown and brook trout that are stocked in the river by the GA DNR.  Fishing is permitted year-round.  However, fishermen must use extreme caution when fishing below the dam and abide by special safety regulations.

Picnicking on Lake Lanier

Lake Lanier has hundreds of picnic sites with beautiful views of the lake and surrounding woodlands.  Most sites have boat ramps and convenient access to restrooms.   Group picnic shelters are available at several parks.  These are a perfect setting for a family reunion, birthday party or company picnic.  Most shelters will accommodate up to 100 people and all have tables, a large grill as well as electric outlets and lights. 

Swimming in Lake lanier

Wade the shoreline, float on a raft or make a big splash in the cool, clear waters of Lake Lanier.  The Corps of Engineers operates 23 swimming areas around the lake.  All Corps of Engineers operated swimming areas are "swim at your own risk'.  No lifeguards are on duty.  The Corps recommends swimming at designated swim areas only.  View the complete list of all Corps swim areas.

Hiking around Lake Lanier

Hikers may want to visit the Laurel Ridge Trail located near Buford Dam.  Along the 4-mile trail you can glimpse beautiful views of the lake, woodland and river scenery, as well as rare wildflowers and a variety of wildlife.  The trail winds through several park areas, along the lake's shoreline and the banks of the Chattahoochee River.  View a map of the trail from the map room or see a video.

You may also want to visit the newly constructed Little Ridge Trail.  The trail is 1.05 miles long and features a number of different wildlife viewing opportunities.  Trail Brochure

Park User Fees-2006

PARK*

Pedestrians

Vehicles

Boat Launching

Buford Park

$1.00

$4.00

no ramp

East Bank

$1.00

$3.00

$3.00

Lanier Park

$1.00

$4.00

$4.00

Shoal Creek Day Use

$3.00

Big Creek

$1.00

$3.00

$3.00

Burton Mill

$1.00

$4.00

$4.00

Van Pugh North

$1.00

$4.00

$4.00

Balus Creek

$3.00

Little Hall

$1.00

$4.00

$4.00

Vann's Tavern

$3.00

Six Mile

$3.00

Tidwell

$3.00

West Bank $1.00 $4.00

no ramp

Park Operation Schedule, updated as of

Friday May 12, 2006

 

Facilities Chart Key: 

o = open 

m = marginal

X = closed

See the current lake level

Press Release on Park Closings

Corps Campgrounds

Boat Ramp

Swim Area

2006 Schedule

  Shoal Creek

X

X

4/26 - 9/10

  Chestnut Ridge

X

X

CLOSED

  Old Federal

o

o

3/29 - 10/29

  Duckett Mill

o

o

4/26 - 9/10

  Bolding Mill

X

X

CLOSED

  Shady Grove

X

X

CLOSED

  Bald Ridge

o

o

3/29 - 10/29

  Sawnee

o

o

4/26 - 9/10

Corps Day Use Parks

Boat Ramp

Swim Area

2006 Schedule

  Powerhouse

none

none

CLOSED

  Upper Overlook

none

none

CLOSED

  Lower Overlook

none

none

Year-round

  East Bank

o

none

Year-round

  Buford Dam Park

none

o

4/28 - 9/10

Thursday-Sunday

  Shoal Creek Day Use

o

none

Year-round

  Big Creek

o

none

Year-round

  Burton Mill

o

o

Ramp: year-round

Beach: 4/28 - 9/10

  Van Pugh North

o

o

Year-round

  Van Pugh South

o

none

4/29 - 9/10

weekends & holidays only

  Old Federal Day Use

o

o

Year-round

  Balus Creek

o

none

Year-round

  Mountain View

o

none

Ramp: year-round

  Belton Bridge

none

none

Year-round

  Lula Park

o

none

Year-round

  Little River

o

none

Year-round

  Thompson Bridge

o

none

Year-round

  Sardis Creek

o

none

Year-round

  Simpson Park

o

none

Year-round

  Robinson

o

none

Ramp: Year-round

  Duckett Mill Day Use

o

none

Year-round

  Little Hall

o

o

Ramp: year-round

Beach: 4/1 - 9/10

  Bolding Mill Day Use

o

X

Ramp: year-round

  Toto Creek

o

o

Ramp: year-round

Beach: 4/28 - 9/10

  Nix Bridge

o

none

Year-round

  Thompson Creek

o

none

Year-round

  Keith's Bridge

o

o

Ramp: year-round

Beach: 4/1 - 10/22

  Long Hollow

o

o

Ramp: year-round

Beach: 4/1 - 10/22

  Vann's Tavern

o

none

Year-round

  Bethel

o

none

Ramp: year-round

Beach: 4/28 - 9/10

  Two Mile

o

none

Year-round

  Six Mile Creek

o

none

Year-round

  Tidwell

o

none

Year-round

  Lanier Park

o

o

Ramp: 4/1 - 10/22

Beach: 4/28 - 9/10

  Little Ridge

o

none

Year-round

  West Bank

none

o

Year-round

  Wahoo o none Ramp: Year-round

  Lower Pool

o

none

Year-round

State, County and City Parks

with website links if available

Phone Number

Clark's Bridge

770-535-8280

Mary Alice Park

770-781-2010

Flowery Branch Park

770-967-6371

Lumpkin County Park

706-864-3622

Lanier Point

770-535-8280

Longwood Park

770-531-2680

Holly Park

770-531-2680

Laurel Park

770-535-8280

River Forks

770-531-3952

Lake Lanier Islands

770-932-7200

War Hill Campground & Day Use

706-344-3600

Don Carter State Park

404-656-3530

Charleston

770-781-2215

Young Deer

770-781-2215