Sawnee

Star4.12
322 reviews
3200 Buford Dam Road
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,165 ft

Price

$8 - $9/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

59 campsites

Season

The campground close...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Sawnee
$8.00 - $9.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Recreation Use fees vary depending on location and activity. Reservation fees are $8 if made online or through the app, $9 if made through the...
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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
770-887-0592brent.j.cossette@usace.army.mil
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What Campers Say

4.12

Satisfactory

Based on 322 reviews

288 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanlakestaff

Some mention

small

"User reviews highlight the campground's beautiful lake views, family-friendly amenities, and recreational opportunities. However, reviewers frequently criticize strict rules, issues with gate access, and insect problems."

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Campground Map

3200 Buford Dam Road

Sawnee

3200 Buford Dam Road

Driving directionsTake US 400 north exit 14, turn right on Highway 20 east, turn left onto Sanders Rd, at first stop sign turn right on Buford Dam Rd. Campground is on the left.
The campground is located near Buford Dam Road and accessible from Highway 20. Roads leading to the campground are paved, but reviews mention potential difficulty navigating steep inclines or curves within the campground.
Nearby places
Cumming (approximately 5 miles, 10-minute drive).
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be found in Cumming, which has grocery stores, restaurants, and retail stores like Walmart, Target, and Home Depot, about 5 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Sawnee

Spring arrives at Sawnee with comfortable temperatures that beckon outdoor enthusiasts to the water's edge. Late May typically brings pleasant days averaging 78°F and mild nights around 63°F, with nearly half the days bathed in sunshine under clear Georgia skies. The warm, humid air carries the scent of pine and lake water, creating that quintessential Southern camping atmosphere. Note that the campground winds down its season in mid-September, making spring through early fall your window to experience this lakeside gem.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Scenic and activity-rich in summer but often crowded and reviewers note insect and gate issues.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Spring/fall described as peaceful and ideal, but campground closes around Sept 13 limiting full fall use.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring temps pleasant; described as ideal for camping with mild weather and fewer visitors.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed in the off-season; winter stays/activities not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: No specific peak season dates are provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The campground closes around September 13 annually, reopening dates are not specified.

About Sawnee

Perched on the pristine shores of Lake Sidney Lanier just north of Buford Dam, Sawnee Campground offers an idyllic escape where wooded hillsides meet crystal-clear waters. This waterfront haven features 43 spacious campsites with electric and water hookups, plus 16 walk-in sites for those seeking a more intimate connection with nature. Whether you're launching your boat at dawn, building sandcastles on the sandy beach, or watching children play at the lakeside playground, Sawnee delivers the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and family-friendly amenities.
Sawnee Campground accommodates a variety of camping preferences, from RV setups with electric and water hookups to primitive tent sites without utilities.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
3:00 PM
Check-out
1:00 PM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during any visit at this campground within any rolling 30-day period.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Sawnee Campground offers a range of activities, including fishing, swimming, boating, kayaking, and wakeboarding. A playground and a sandy swimming beach are available, making it suitable for families. Scenic views and nearby hiking trails add to recreational options.
HikingNearby hiking options include the Sawnee Mountain Preserve and Bowman's Island Trail, offering a mix of scenic and challenging routes.
FishingFishing is popular at the campground, with Lake Lanier known for its excellent fishing opportunities, including bass and other freshwater species.
SwimmingThe campground features a sandy swimming beach with easy lake access. Users have noted that the area is clean and family-friendly.
BoatingBoating is a major attraction with a boat ramp available. Kayaking and wakeboarding are also popular activities.
Wildlife viewingWildlife spotting opportunities are available both on-site and at nearby attractions like Sawnee Mountain Preserve.
Beach activitiesThe sandy swimming beach is suitable for sunbathing and family activities. Cleanliness is generally well-maintained.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFire ants are a recurring issue mentioned in user reviews. Poison ivy has been reported near some campsites.

Weather at Sawnee

Reviews

4.1
322 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Sawnee is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's beautiful lake views, family-friendly amenities, and recreational opportunities. However, reviewers frequently criticize strict rules, issues with gate access, and insect problems.
Review Summaries
Based on 322 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews emphasize clean facilities, friendly staff, scenic lake views, and the wide range of recreational activities available.
Based on 322 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include strict rules enforced by staff, limited gate access hours, ant infestations at campsites, and site size issues.
Based on 322 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend planning around gate hours, bringing ant spray, selecting lakeside sites for better views, and avoiding sites close to Buford Dam Road due to noise.
Based on 322 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews often highlight the campground's scenic beauty but note that it can become crowded. Spring and fall are described as peaceful and ideal for camping due to fewer visitors and mild...
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Based on 322 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "The camp sites and scenery are majestic but we had to camp elsewhere the first night of our reservation because we weren’t going to make it in time." - Brett Mitchell 2. "The bathrooms/showers...
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Based on 322 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 16 and 17 are highly praised for their lakeside views and privacy. Site 7 is noted as being too small for trailers. Site 50 has been criticized for ant infestations.
Based on 322 reviews

Accessibility Features

Certain sites, like 43, are described as challenging to access due to steep inclines. Site 56 is noted as unsuitable for handicapped access due to a narrow pad with a drop-off.
Based on 322 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet-related reviews are generally positive, with no significant restrictions reported. However, some comments suggest that the campground's strict rules could be off-putting for pet owners.
Based on 322 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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