How much does camping cost at Don Carter State Park?

Camping fees at Don Carter State Park range from $20-$200/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Don Carter State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Don Carter State Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Don Carter State Park before I book?

Yes! Don Carter State Park has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Don Carter State Park?

Don Carter State Park is open Summer months are peak season, per user reviews.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Don Carter State Park?

Yes, Don Carter State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Don Carter State Park?

Fire policies at Don Carter State Park: Fire rings provided; park rules on firewood sales.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Is there cell service at Don Carter State Park?

Cell phone service at Don Carter State Park is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

Are dogs allowed at Don Carter State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Don Carter State Park. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Don Carter State Park?

Don Carter State Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Sewer Hookups, Pets Allowed, Camp Store, Laundry. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Don Carter State Park?

Popular activities at Don Carter State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Don Carter State Park

4.54

171 reviews

5000 North Browning Bridge Road, Gainesville, Georgia, 30506, United States

Top 12% in GASummer

Family FriendlySwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Georgia

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,211 ft

Price

$20 - $200/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

Book on Georgia State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,211 ft

Price

$20 - $200/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

Book on Georgia State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Don Carter State Park

$20.00 - $200.00 / night

Campsite Fees

A ParkPass is required for all vehicles, with daily fees of $5 per car, $30 for 13-30 passenger vehicles, and $70 for 31+ passenger vehicles, or an...

Hookup Site Fee$30.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$20.00

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Reserve America

Provider

6784507726

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

5000 North Browning Bridge Road, Gainesville, Georgia, 30506, United States

Don Carter State Park

5000 North Browning Bridge Road, Gainesville, Georgia, 30506, United States

Nearby supplies

User reviews mention that supplies like firewood, ice, drinks, and snacks can be purchased at the visitor center within the park.

Weather at Don Carter State Park

Current alert: Playground construction is noted in some reviews; invasive Joro spiders mentioned but no official alerts.

Best Time to Camp at Don Carter State Park

Summer delivers the best lake access, with highs around 85-90°F and lows in the mid-60s. Boat ramps, swim areas, and rentals operate at full capacity, though afternoon thunderstorms roll through regularly. The beach gets crowded on weekends and holidays. Weekdays offer quieter visits. Winter brings temperatures around 40°F and fewer visitors, better for hiking than swimming.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 12% in GA

Best lake access, full services and rentals in summer though beaches can be crowded.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Summer months are peak season, per user reviews.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round.

About Don Carter State Park

Don Carter State Park sits on Lake Lanier's shores in North Georgia's Piedmont region, offering waterfront camping at 1,211 feet elevation. The park has two camping areas: a developed RV section with full hookups and a primitive area for tent camping. Sites range from $20 to $200 per night, with reservations recommended during peak season.

Don Carter State Park offers a mix of camping experiences, including RV sites with full hookups, tent camping, and primitive sites. Cabin lodging is also available.

Historical Significance

Don Carter is Georgia's newest state park, designed with family recreation and conservation in mind. The park reflects the state's recent efforts to expand public access to Lake Lanier's shoreline.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the best lake access, with highs around 85-90°F and lows in the mid-60s. Boat ramps, swim areas, and rentals operate at full capacity, though afternoon thunderstorms roll through regularly. The beach gets crowded on weekends and holidays. Weekdays offer quieter visits. Winter brings temperatures around 40°F and fewer visitors, better for hiking than swimming.

ElevationThe park's gentle topography creates an accessible landscape where rolling hills meet the water's edge, offering varied vantage points throughout your stay.

Natural Features and ScenerySituated on the northern edge of the 38,000-acre Lake Lanier where the Chattahoochee River flows in, the 1,316-acre park features 10.5 miles of shoreline, hardwood forests, wooded hillsides, and aqua-blue colored water with picture-perfect scenery.[1][2][3][4][6]

Geological RegionDon Carter State Park graces the shores of Lake Lanier, one of Georgia's most magnificent reservoirs, where ancient hardwood forests meet modern engineering marvel. Located within Georgia's Region 2, the park showcases the characteristic rolling terrain and rich biodiversity of North Georgia's Piedmont region, where centuries-old trees stand sentinel over waters that have become a recreational paradise.

Scenic ViewsViews of Lake Lanier are a highlight, especially from select campsites and trails. "Sunsets are gorgeous," according to user reviews.

Lodging & AccommodationsIn addition to camping, the park offers two-bedroom cottages perched on wooded hillsides with lake views. Cottages include amenities such as clean facilities and all necessary supplies (e.g., towels). These rentals are priced at $200 per night, which some users considered expensive but justified by their quality and size.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

1:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Check-in is at 1 PM on the day of reservation
check-out is at 12 PM on departure day. Maximum stay limit not mentioned.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Tent sites can accommodate one tent
RV sites are larger but no specific limit on guests per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe RV section is separate from the primitive area. Most RV sites are paved, level pull-throughs with full hookups. Primitive sites require a short walk from the parking lot and vary in size, with some tight or uneven. Tent campers should note there are no dedicated shower facilities in the primitive area.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at gastateparks.org, hosted by Reserve America.

Walk-in AvailabilityThe park has first-come-first-serve availability but typically fills up, especially for RV sites.

Cancellation PolicyRefund policies vary based on Georgia State Park policies.

AccessibilityThe park provides ADA-accessible facilities, including boat ramps and picnic areas. Paved trails also accommodate strollers and wheelchairs, making the park inclusive for visitors with mobility challenges.

Site SizeCampsites include spacious pull-through options for large RVs, with specific mentions of accommodating a 43-foot 5th wheel. Tent sites vary in size, with some described as tight or unlevel.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary depending on the campsite. Some primitive sites are 'spaced far and others almost hidden,' while RV sites are closer together. A few premium spots offer greater seclusion.

Recommended SitesFor privacy, site #1 is recommended. For lake views, consider site #10.

Best CampsitesRV sites with water and electric hookups (30/50-amp), accommodating up to 90 feet with 20 pull-throughs; primitive tent and hammock sites for rustic experience; no specific site numbers recommended in reviews, but gated areas praised for privacy.[1][3]

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Amenities available

Don Carter State Park offers a wide range of amenities, making it suitable for both leisure and adventure seekers. The facilities include ADA-accessible accommodations, accessible boat ramps and picnic areas, bathhouses, boat launch ramps, comfort stations, dock access, a dump station, firewood for sale, a fish cleaning station, grills, paved sites, and a visitor center. The campground also offers cabin rentals and primitive camping areas. Other amenities include picnic shelters, a playground, swimming beach, and a tent area. Laundry facilities are available within 10 miles.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Sewer hookups

Flush toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The park caters to a variety of outdoor enthusiasts with activities such as hiking, biking, boating, fishing, swimming, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. The recreational options make it suitable for solo adventurers and family getaways alike.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews mention copperhead snakes and train noise at night.

Fire PolicyFire rings provided; park rules on firewood sales.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not explicitly stated.

Emergency ServicesThe park contact information lists the ranger station phone number as 678-450-7726. Hospitals and police stations are not explicitly mentioned.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities, including dumpsters, are available on-site, but recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned. One reviewer expressed disappointment at the lack of recycling options.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to Lake Lanier with a sandy beach and boat ramp access.

Camp Host"Campground hosts are friendly and helpful," according to multiple user reviews.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.5

171 reviews

Top-Rated

Don Carter State Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, Don Carter State Park is highly praised for its cleanliness, well-maintained facilities, and variety of activities. It is described as a family-friendly destination with something to offer for everyone, including hikers, bikers, and water sports enthusiasts.

Review Summaries

Based on 171 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 171 reviews.

Site #21Loved
Site #21 is praised as a 'HUGE pull-through.'
Site #1Mentioned
Site #1 is noted for its seclusion, being located alone and near a bathroom.
Site #26Mentioned
Site #26 is described as unlevel but accommodating for a 40 ft camper.

What Campers Love

Premier water recreation destination near metro-Atlanta; newest facilities in good condition; exceptional lake access; gated campgrounds for privacy; surrounded by recreational areas.[1][4]

Based on 171 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users noted that certain tent sites are unlevel and lack lake views. Others mentioned that the park can get crowded during peak season, particularly the swimming beach. A few reviewers expressed...

Based on 171 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Make reservations well in advance as the park books solid, especially weekends; call ahead if arriving late for gate access by host or ranger; newest park so facilities in good condition.[4][7]

Based on 171 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are the busiest, with crowded beach areas but optimal conditions for water-based activities. Fall and spring are highlighted as quieter times with pleasant weather for hiking and biking.

Based on 171 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Bathrooms are super clean, and the staff is friendly and helpful.' 2. 'The campground is very nice, large enough for us with a 37' 5th wheel.' 3. 'Primitive sites are spaced far and almost...

Based on 171 reviews

Accessibility Features

ADA-accessible features such as paved trails and accessible boat ramps are appreciated by users. One reviewer highlighted how the park is stroller-friendly.

Based on 171 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed in most areas of the park but are not permitted on the beach or swimming areas. This policy is considered fair by reviewers, and the park is described as generally pet-friendly.

Based on 171 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Families after a summer lake weekend do well here. The swim beach, kayak rentals, and accessible Woodland Loop (gnome village included) keep kids busy, and Site #1 offers unusual seclusion near a restroom. Book months ahead; summer weekends fill fast.

Skip if

Tent campers expecting lake views will likely be disappointed. Primitive sites require a walk-in, some are unlevel, none have dedicated shower access, and train noise reaches the campground after dark. Winter scoring drops sharply if swimming is the point.

Nearby Campgrounds

3720 DUCKETT MILL ROAD, GAINESVILLE, GA, 30506-0567, USA

Duckett Mill sits on Lake Sidney Lanier in the Georgia foothills, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in partnership with a county parks department. The large campground offers electric and water hookups, showers, and a dump station, with spacious sites that draw praise for their lake views and quiet atmosphere. Campers fish, swim, bike, and boat on the reservoir, though the terrain can be steep and privacy between sites is limited.