Corps of Engineers, Mobile District logoBusy sandy beach and swimming area.Day Use

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Day Use
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Links:

Lake Lanier Map

Annual Pass

 

Picnicking

    Lake Lanier has hundreds of picnic sites with beautiful views of the lake and surrounding woodlands.  Family campsite at picnic table. Photo by Adrien Lamarre, Mobile District, USACE.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. 

Group picnic at Buford Dam Park

 

Reservations for Corps of Engineers operated shelters may be made by calling our office.  Fees range from $50.00 to $90.00 per day.  

See more pictures and a complete list of fees for all of our shelters.

    Whether planning a company picnic, a family reunion, theme party, or other special event, Lake Lanier Islands Resort can tailor a one-of-a-kind experience for groups ranging from 35 to over 5,000.  Private pavilions provide a home base for meals and friendly competitions of horseshoes and volleyball.  Don't forget Chattahoochee Rapids Beach and WaterPark offers summer fun for the entire family.  Please call 678-318-2026 to book your next special event or see the  Lake Lanier Islands Park website.

SwimmingFamily at Buford Dam Park beach with umbrellas.

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 20 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.

Aerial photo of Lake Lanier Islands

 

For more excitement, visit the Lake Lanier Islands Beach and Water Park.  There you will find water slides, wave pools and a variety of other water attractions.

 

 

 

Hiking

Hikers may want to visit the Laurel Ridge Trail located near Buford Dam.  Along the 3.8-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

 

Day CampingCouple on private picnic site in Van Pugh South.

Van Pugh South Park is located on the southeast of Lake Sidney Lanier and features: 57 individual sites with picnic tables, grills, shower washhouses, playground and boat ramp, all in a natural setting. The park is unique in that it is a “day camp” area.  Visitors to the park may bring their tents, camping trailers or recreational vehicles for the day but may not stay overnight.

 

 

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Day camp user fees are $10.00 per site per day.

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Site occupancy is limited to a maximum of 8 people and 2 motorized vehicles (includes motor home).

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Sites are available on a first come first serves basis. All tents must be set up on the designated impact area.

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The park is open on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 8 AM to 10 PM.  See the park operating schedule for open/closed dates.

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Equipment left in the park after closing may be impounded.

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No alcoholic beverages are allowed in the park.

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Pets must be kept on a leash not exceeding 6 feet in length and are not permitted in the restrooms.

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Please deposit all garbage at the dumpsters located near the park’s entry station.

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Park all vehicles at your site.  Do not park along the roadways.

 

Park User Fees-2007

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

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

*Annual Passes are available to purchase at these parks during gatehouse hours or at our office.  These passes may be used at any park in the list above or any Corps of Engineers park in the country.

Shelter rental fees are listed on the Shelter Info Page.

 

Park Operating Schedule

Day use parks are open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Boat launching only is allowed after park closed times.  Some parks are totally or partially closed during the winter months. View the complete park schedule here.

 

Visitor Hit Counter since April 4, 2004

US Army Corps of Engineers

Lake Sidney Lanier

Last updated: 07/01/2009