Duckett Mill

4.55

372 reviews

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

Summer Destination

Featured in:Beach Camping Georgia Best Campgrounds Georgia Boating Camping Georgia +8 more

Quick Facts

1,135 ft

Price

$8 - $9/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

111 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

1,135 ft

Price

$8 - $9/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

111 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Duckett Mill

$8.00 - $9.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Reservation fees range from $8 for online/app bookings to $9 for contact center reservations. Additional fees may apply for reservation changes or...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

770-532-9802

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What Campers Say

4.55

Top-Rated

Based on 372 reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietpeacefullake

"Duckett Mill Campground is praised for its scenic lake views, spacious campsites, and friendly hosts. Complaints often focus on bathroom cleanliness and the condition of the beach area."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Duckett Mill

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

Driving directionsTo reach Duckett Mill Campground, take State Route 400 north to exit 17, turn right on Georgia Highway 306, turn right on Georgia Highway 53, and then turn right on Duckett Mill Road. Follow Duckett Mill Road into the campground.

Road access is paved and suitable for most vehicles; roads are in good condition. However, the terrain near some campsites may be steep or narrow, which can challenge larger RVs or trailers.

Nearby places

Dawsonville (approx. 20 miles, 30 minutes), Dahlonega (approx. 25 miles, 35 minutes), Gainesville (approx. 10 miles, 20 minutes)

Nearby supplies

The closest locations for groceries and camping supplies are Gainesville, GA, approximately 10 miles away, which offers various supermarkets, gas stations, and camping retailers.

Best Time to Camp at Duckett Mill

Experience four distinct seasons at Duckett Mill, each painting the landscape in its own spectacular palette. Spring arrives with gentle breezes and wildflower blooms, creating ideal conditions for hiking and fishing. Summer transforms the campground into a water lover's paradise, though afternoon thunderstorms often roll across the lake, bringing dramatic skies and refreshing relief from the Georgia heat. Fall wraps the surrounding hills in warm amber and crimson hues, offering crisp mornings perfect for lakeside coffee. Winter brings peaceful solitude and cool temperatures that invite cozy campfires and quiet reflection by the water's edge.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Top 2% in GA

Highly praised during warmer months for swimming, boating, fishing and water sports.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Four distinct seasons and scenic lake views make fall attractive; water access still valuable.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring wildflower blooms and gentle breezes make it ideal; reviewers note excellent spring conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground operates seasonally and closes during off-peak/winter months per overview.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Duckett Mill operates seasonally and is not open year-round; specific dates vary.
Current Alerts: COVID-19 restrictions may apply for check-in procedures. Gates lock overnight.

About Duckett Mill

Nestled along the pristine shores of Lake Sidney Lanier, Duckett Mill Campground beckons water enthusiasts and nature lovers to experience Georgia's aquatic playground. Wake to the gentle lapping of waves against the shoreline, then spend your days casting lines for bass, gliding across crystal-clear waters on kayaks, or perfecting your wakeboarding skills. Each generously sized campsite offers breathtaking lake vistas, while modern conveniences like hot showers, clean restrooms, and laundry facilities ensure your outdoor adventure doesn't mean roughing it. Whether you're seeking heart-pumping water sports or peaceful sunset swims, this lakeside haven delivers the perfect blend of natural beauty and creature comforts.

Duckett Mill accommodates a variety of camping styles, including RV sites with hookups, tent-only sites, and family-friendly group settings.

Historical SignificanceMore than just a recreational paradise, Lake Sidney Lanier stands as a testament to 1950s American engineering ambition. Created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this massive reservoir transformed North Georgia's landscape, flooding valleys and creating a multi-purpose waterway that now powers homes, supplies drinking water, and provides endless recreation opportunities. Today, the lake serves as a vital resource for wildlife management and navigation while offering visitors a chance to play where history and nature converge. Every sunrise over these waters tells the story of human ingenuity working in harmony with the natural world.

Weather and SeasonsExperience four distinct seasons at Duckett Mill, each painting the landscape in its own spectacular palette. Spring arrives with gentle breezes and wildflower blooms, creating ideal conditions for hiking and fishing. Summer transforms the campground into a water lover's paradise, though afternoon thunderstorms often roll across the lake, bringing dramatic skies and refreshing relief from the Georgia heat. Fall wraps the surrounding hills in warm amber and crimson hues, offering crisp mornings perfect for lakeside coffee. Winter brings peaceful solitude and cool temperatures that invite cozy campfires and quiet reflection by the water's edge.

ElevationThe campground's gentle slopes lead down to the water's edge, creating an intimate connection between your campsite and the vast expanse of Lake Lanier below.

Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to be mesmerized by Lake Sidney Lanier's famous aqua-blue waters that stretch across 692 miles of undulating shoreline. From your campsite at Duckett Mill, watch as morning mist dances across the lake's surface, revealing hidden coves and secluded beaches. The surrounding landscape unfolds in gentle waves of green farmland, creating a patchwork quilt of pastoral beauty that frames the shimmering water. Ancient hardwoods provide natural shade canopies, while the ever-changing play of light on water creates a living canvas that shifts from dawn's golden glow to sunset's fiery farewell.

Geological RegionDuckett Mill Campground rests in the heart of North Georgia's piedmont region, where ancient rolling hills meet modern engineering marvel. Lake Sidney Lanier's impressive 38,000 acres of water surface sprawl across five counties, creating a massive inland sea carved into the red clay hills. This unique geological setting, where farmland meets forest and water, showcases the diverse beauty of Georgia's northern landscape. The campground itself sits perfectly positioned to take advantage of this natural amphitheater, offering visitors front-row seats to one of the Southeast's most stunning water and land formations.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in time is 3:00 PM.

Check-out

Check-out time is 1:00 PM.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 nights during a rolling 30-day period.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground is laid out with loops and sections, offering a mix of hookup and tent-only sites.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is limited, and specific sites may be reserved in advance online or via phone.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations must be made online, through the app, or via the contact center. A $10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations will forfeit the first night's fee.

AccessibilitySeveral complaints about steep driveways and inaccessible trails but no explicit mentions of ADA accessibility.

Site SizeCampsites described as spacious and accommodating for RVs and families. Some complaints about steep and narrow driveways for larger vehicles.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site. Some users appreciated the spacing and natural barriers, while others found certain areas cramped, especially around tent-only sites.

Total Campsites111 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose waterfront sites for direct lake access and privacy. Avoid sites with steep terrain if traveling with large RVs.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Duckett Mill offers diverse recreational activities. Popular options include fishing, boating, kayaking, wakeboarding, swimming at the beach, and biking. The campground's proximity to Lake Lanier provides direct water access.

FishingFishing is a popular activity, and the lake offers diverse fish species. Multiple reviews praised the fishing experience.

SwimmingDesignated swimming beach available. Some reviewers highlighted maintenance issues like unclean sand but appreciated the opportunity to swim.

BikingCampground roads are suitable for biking with family-friendly flat terrain.

BoatingBoating is highly encouraged with access to Lake Lanier, but the boat ramp is outside the campground, opening at 7 AM.

Wildlife viewingWildlife such as deer and ospreys frequently spotted, adding to the natural experience.

Beach activitiesBeach area available for sunbathing and swimming, though some complaints about cleanliness and lack of raking to remove debris.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include steep terrain at some sites, fire ants in certain areas, and downed trees or debris near the water.

Active AlertsCOVID-19 restrictions may apply for check-in procedures. Gates lock overnight.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted in designated fire rings. Firewood is available for purchase; regulations may apply regarding collection of wood.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced and typically begin at 10:00 PM.

Emergency ServicesThe nearest emergency services include Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, GA, approximately 10 miles away. Police services are also located in Gainesville.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is centralized at the dump station. Recycling facilities not mentioned.

Water FeaturesSites are located on or near Lake Sidney Lanier, offering access to fishing, swimming, and boating.

Camp HostHosts are available on-site and are described as helpful and friendly.

Weather at Duckett Mill

Reviews

4.6

372 reviews

Top-Rated

Duckett Mill is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Duckett Mill Campground is praised for its scenic lake views, spacious campsites, and friendly hosts. Complaints often focus on bathroom cleanliness and the condition of the beach area.

Review Summaries

Based on 372 reviews

What Campers Love

Large, well-spaced sites. Friendly and helpful staff. Beautiful lake views and quiet, peaceful environment.

Based on 372 reviews

Common Concerns

Bathrooms need updating and better maintenance. Issues with steep driveways and site accessibility. Some complaints about ants and other wildlife.

Based on 372 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring ant spray to deal with fire ants. Choose sites closer to the lake for better views and easier water access. Check the proximity of your site to bathhouses.

Based on 372 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Campground is highly praised during warmer months for water activities but closes during off-peak seasons, which some users find disappointing.

Based on 372 reviews

Camper Quotes

'This is one of the nicest campgrounds in the whole Southeast!' 'Bathrooms are always clean, the park is kept neat and tidy.' 'The site was clean with a great view.'

Based on 372 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Highly rated sites include #79 for its bluff overlooking the lake, #81 for stunning views, and #30 for water access. Avoid site #40 due to lack of privacy.

Based on 372 reviews

Accessibility Features

Several reviews mentioned steep driveways and trails, possibly challenging for individuals with mobility issues.

Based on 372 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Mixed reviews. Several mentions of pet-friendly policies, but compliance with leash rules and restrictions on beach access for dogs were noted issues.

Based on 372 reviews

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