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Lake Sidney Lanier
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.
RecAreaDirections
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.
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Permits info
Direction
From Onion Valley, travel 1/2 mile up the Kearsarge Pass Trail to its junction with the Golden Trout Lakes Trail.
Important Information
DOWNLOAD AREA MAP FOR THIS TRAIL:Click Here.
Golden Trout Lakes Area:Special approval is required for commercial use. The trail is not recommended for stock.
- Campfires are prohibited.
- Food and refuse must be stored so that animals cannot get into the food or trash.
- Check the area map for the correct trail name. Trips going toward Kearsarge Pass are a different reservation.
- This area is near Bighorn Sheep habitat. Use of pack goats is not advised in order to protect the health of the wild sheep.
- John Muir Wilderness Regulations Apply
- Deadline: Reservation will be canceled unless the permit pick up instructions are completed before the deadline. Instructions are in the confirmation letter.
- Only the group leader or alternate leader may pick up the permit; the person picking up the permit must be going on the wilderness trip.
- BE SURE YOUR DATES AND TRAIL ARE CORRECT - The entire group must start on the trail on the entry date listed. Reservations cannot be changed or transferred
USFS Webpage for: Golden Trout.
Long Description
Starting from Onion Valley, the Golden Trout Lakes Trail is a rough trail leading to high alpine basinscontainingthe Golden Trout Lakes. This trail does not cross the Sierra Crest. Separate quotas apply for Kearsarge Pass and other area trails. Please refer to the area map for trail names.
Facilities
BALD RIDGE CREEK Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Bald Ridge Creek Campground is on Lake Sidney Lanier, popular for its aqua-blue waters and spectacular scenery. Each year, over 11 million visitors travel to Lake Sidney Lanier for fantastic fishing and boating on the beautiful reservoir in northern Georgia.Recreation
Bald Ridge Creek Campground offers many outdoor recreation opportunities including fishing, swimming, and bike riding. On the lake there are opportunities for wake boarding, kayaking, boating and much more. There's also a swimming beach and boat ramp available for campers.Facilities
The 82 campsites come with electric and water hookups (no sewer hookups). Additional conveniences in the well-maintained park include a dump station, laundry facilities, and restrooms/bathouses.Natural Features
Lake Sidney Lanier is nestled in the foothills of the Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains. The lake features 692 miles of shoreline and spans 38,000 surface water acres and 17,000 acres of lush terrain. The reservoir was created in 1956 with the completion of Buford Dam on the Chattahoochee River.Nearby Attractions
By boat, there's plenty of coves and islands to explore on the lake. For land activities, head to the Sawnee Mountain Preserve for hiking, rock climbing and an interactive visitors center for kids. 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.BOLDING MILL Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Bolding Mill Campground is an excellent choice for camping on Lake Sidney Lanier, offering plenty of comfortable amenities in addition to a well-kept facility.Visitors will enjoy fishing and boating on the lake as well as the lush picnic area and large swimming beach, perfect for families.
Recreation
The large swimming beach is concrete, which provides a gentle slope and ADA access for visitors. An on-site boat ramp and fishing pier provide access to many water activities. Land-based recreation features picnic shelters and playground area near the front of the park.Facilities
The campground offers 88 sites with electric and water hookups (no sewer). There's also nine tent-only primitive sites. Campground conveniences include a laundry facility, fishing pier, and restroom/showerhouses. Facilities outside of the campground but within Bolding Mill park include the playground, swim beach and boat ramp. There's also two dump stations, inside and outside the campground which rotate use per year.Natural Features
Lake Lanier spans 38,000 surface water acres and 17,000 land acres across five counties in northern Georgia. The reservoir is known for its aqua-blue coloring and spectacular scenery in the forested foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Bolding Mill campground is on the northwest side of the lake, which has plenty of grass and shade for comfortable camping.Nearby Attractions
Head to the Don Carter State Park for birding and hiking opportunities. Another idea is the Sawnee Mountain Preserve, with breathtaking scenic overlooks, hiking opportunities and rock climbing. Nearby Gainesville, Dawsonville and Dalonega provide many different experiences and opportunities.Charges & Cancellations
Cancellations must be made via the online/phone reservation system.DUCKETT MILL Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Duckett Mill Campground is located on Lake Sidney Lanier. With over 692 miles of shoreline, the lake is well known for its aqua-blue water, spectacular scenery and variety of recreational activities. The lake has over 11 million visitors annually. Constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the 1950s, Lake Lanier is a multi-purpose lake that provides for flood protection, power production, water supply, navigation, recreation and fish and wildlife management.Recreation
Duckett Mill Campground offers many outdoor recreation opportunities including fishing, swimming and bike riding. On the lake there are opportunities for wake boarding, kayaking, boating and much more. There's also a swimming beach and a boat ramp (located just outside the campground) avaliable for campers.Facilities
The campground boasts 97 sites with water and electric hookup plus 14 tent-only sites. Restrooms/showerhouses, laundry facilities and a playground are among the amenities here.Natural Features
Lake Lanier's expansive 38,000 surface water acres touches five counties in northern Georgia. The lake, surrounded by rolling farmland, is just 1 hour from Atlanta.Nearby Attractions
Head to Don Carter State Park for birding and hiking opportunities, or climb Sawnee Mountain at the Sawnee Mountain Preserve for breathtaking views of the area. The nearby cities of Dawsonville, Dalonega and Gainesville provide a wide variety of leisure activities.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.OLD FEDERAL Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Old Federal Campground lies on the eastern banks of Lake Sidney Lanier in Northern Georgia. Popular for its aqua-blue waters and spectacular scenery, Lake Sidney Lanier hosts over 11 million visitors annually for fantastic fishing and boating opportunities.Recreation
Old Federal Campground offers many outdoor recreation opportunities including fishing, swimming, picnicking and bike riding. On the lake there are opportunities for wake boarding, kayaking, boating and much more. There's also a swimming beach and boat ramp available for campers.Facilities
There are 65 campsites that have electric and water hookups (no sewer) and 12 primitive tent-only campsites. There are also 7 walk-in sites for those who don't mind leaving their vehicles behind. Campers will have access to restrooms/bathouses, laundry facilities, two picnic shelters and a dump station.Natural Features
Lake Sidney Lanier is nestled in the foothills of the Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains. The lake features 692 miles of shoreline and spans 38,000 surface water acres and 17,000 acres of lush terrain. The reservoir was created in 1956 with teh completion of Buford Dam on the Chattahoochee River.Nearby Attractions
Lake Lanier Islands as well as other nearby Army Corps and county parks provide may different recreation opportunities at the lake. The nearby city of Gainesville provides many opportunities for those looking to explore the local area.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.SAWNEE Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
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.VAN PUGH SOUTH CAMPGROUND Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Van Pugh South Campground lies on the banks of Lake Sidney Lanier in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Northern Georgia. The popular lake boasts nearly 700 miles of shoreline and over 100 small islands, providing over 11 million annual visitors with limitless recreation opportunities.Recreation
Lake Lanier offers excellent boating, fishing and swimming. The lake offers additional opportunities for kayaking, wake boarding and much more.Facilities
The campground contains 37 sites with water and electric hookups and 18 primitive tent-only sites. Amenities include accessible flush toilets and showers, drinking water, laundry facilities and a dump station. An accessible boat ramp is on-site.Natural Features
The reservoir was created in 1956 with the completion of Buford Dam on the Chattahoochee River, and today spans 38,000 acres of water in the lush foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Dense forests of oak, hickory and pine cover the region, providing shade in the campground and abundant wildlife habitat.Nearby Attractions
Lake Lanier Islands is within driving distance and along with other parks provides many opportunities for outdoor recreation. There are several towns within driving distance that provide opportinuties to explore.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.Van Pugh South Facility
This recreation area is part of Lake Sidney Lanier
River Forks Facility
This recreation area is part of Lake Sidney Lanier
Lake Lanier Islands Facility
This recreation area is part of Lake Sidney Lanier
Lanier Sailing Club Facility
This recreation area is part of Lake Sidney Lanier
Lockheed Facility
This recreation area is part of Lake Sidney Lanier
Shoal Creek Facility
This recreation area is part of Lake Sidney Lanier
War Hill Facility
This recreation area is part of Lake Sidney Lanier
Shady Grove Facility
This recreation area is part of Lake Sidney Lanier
Don Carter State Park Facility
This recreation area is part of Lake Sidney Lanier
WEST BANK PARK SHELTERS (GA) Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
West Bank Park lies just north of Buford Dam on Lake Sidney Lanier. The site features beautiful views of the lake as well as excellent access to swimming, picnicking and boating. 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, approximately 11.8 million people come to visit.Recreation
Visitors can access the Laurel Ridge Hiking Trail from multiple locations and parks. The trail is a 3.5 mile loop that offers great views of the lake and Chattahoochee River. Fisherman can expect to catch a variety of species including bass, catfish and panfish. Activities include fishing, swimming, wake boarding, kayaking and hiking.
Facilities
West Bank Park offers access to a designated swim beach, basketball court, playground, picnic areas and restrooms.
Natural Features
Lake Lanier boasts 38,000 surface 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.
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include boat ramps, other USACE parks and Lake Lanier Islands.
THOMPSON CREEK PARK SHELTER (GA) Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Thompson Creek Park lies approximately 30 miles north of Buford Dam on Lake Sidney Lanier. The site features beautiful views of the lake as well as excellent access to swimming, picnicking and boating. The lake, name of the poet, Sidney Lanier, is well known for its aqua-blue colored water, spectacular scenery and variety of recreational activities. Each year, approximately 11.8 million people come to visit.Recreation
Visitors can access the Laurel Ridge Hiking Trail from multiple locations and parks. The trail is a 3.5 mile loop that offers great views of the lake and Chattahoochee River. Fisherman can expect to catch a variety of species including bass, catfish and panfish. Activities include fishing, swimming, wake boarding, kayaking and hiking.
Facilities
Thompson Creek Park offers access to picnic areas and restrooms.
Natural Features
Lake Lanier boasts 38,000 surface 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.
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include boat ramps, other USACE parks, and Lake Lanier Islands.
BOLDING MILL SHELTERS (GA) Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Bolding Mill Park lies approximately 30 miles north of Buford Dam on Lake Sidney Lanier. The site features beautiful views of the lake as well as excellent access to swimming, picnicking and boating. 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, approximately 11.8 million people come to visit.Recreation
Visitors can access the Laurel Ridge Hiking Trail from multiple locations and parks. The trail is a 3.5 mile loop that offers great views of the lake and Chattahoochee River. Fisherman can expect to catch a variety of species including bass, catfish and panfish. Activities include fishing, swimming, wake boarding, kayaking and hiking.
Facilities
Bolding Mill Park offers access to a designated swim beach, picnic areas and restrooms.
Natural Features
Lake Lanier boasts 38,000 surface 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.
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include boat ramps, other USACE parks and Lake Lanier Islands.
BUFORD DAM PARK SHELTERS (GA) Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Buford Dam Park lies just north of Buford Dam on Lake Sidney Lanier. The site features beautiful views of the lake as well as excellent access to swimming, picnicking and boating. 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, approximately 11.8 million people come to visit.Recreation
Visitors can access the Laurel Ridge Hiking Trail from multiple locations and parks. The trail is a 3.5 mile loop that offers great views of the lake and Chattahoochee River. Fisherman can expect to catch a variety of species including bass, catfish and panfish. Activities include fishing, swimming, wake boarding, kayaking and hiking.
Facilities
Buford Dam Park offers access to a designated swim beach and the Laurel Ridge Hiking Trail. The park also offers a basketball court, soccer field, playground, picnic areas and restrooms.Natural Features
Lake Lanier boasts 38,000 surface 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.
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include boat ramps, other USACE parks, and Lake Lanier Islands.
VAN PUGH NORTH PARK SHELTER (GA) Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Van Pugh North Park lies approximately 15 miles north of Buford Dam on Lake Sidney Lanier. The site features beautiful views of the lake as well as excellent access to swimming, picnicking and boating. 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, approximately 11.8 million people come to visit.Recreation
Visitors can access the Laurel Ridge Hiking Trail from multiple locations and parks. The trail is a 3.5 mile loop that offers great views of the lake and Chattahoochee River. Fisherman can expect to catch a variety of species including bass, catfish and panfish. Activities include fishing, swimming, wake boarding, kayaking and hiking.
Facilities
Van Pugh North Park offers access to picnic areas and restrooms.
Natural Features
Lake Lanier boasts 38,000 surface 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.
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include boat ramps, other USACE parks and Lake Lanier Islands.
LITTLE HALL SHELTER (GA) Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Little Hall Park lies approximately 30 miles north of Buford Dam on Lake Sidney Lanier. The site features beautiful views of the lake as well as excellent access to swimming, picnicking, and boating. 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, approximately 11.8 million people come to visit.Recreation
Visitors can access the Laurel Ridge Hiking Trail from multiple locations and parks. The trail is a 3.5 mile loop that offers great views of the lake and Chattahoochee River. Fisherman can expect to catch a variety of species including bass, catfish and panfish. Activities include fishing, swimming, wake boarding, kayaking and hiking.
Facilities
Lanier Park offers access to a designated swim beach, picnic areas and restrooms.
Natural Features
Lake Lanier boasts 38,000 surface 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.
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include boat ramps, other USACE parks, and Lake Lanier Islands.
LANIER PARK SHELTER (GA) Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Lanier Park lies just north of Buford Dam on Lake Sidney Lanier. The site features beautiful views of the lake as well as excellent access to swimming, picnicking and boating. 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, approximately 11.8 million people come to visit.Recreation
Visitors can access the Laurel Ridge Hiking Trail from multiple locations and parks. The trail is a 3.5 mile loop that offers great views of the lake and Chattahoochee River. Fisherman can expect to catch a variety of species including bass, catfish and panfish. Activities include fishing, swimming, wake boarding, kayaking and hiking.
Facilities
Lanier Park offers access to a designated swim beach, picnic areas and restrooms.
Natural Features
Lake Lanier boasts 38,000 surface 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.
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include boat ramps, other USACE parks, and Lake Lanier Islands.
