Sawnee
4.06207 reviews3200 Buford Dam Road
Quick Facts
Price
$8 - $9/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
59 campsites
Season
The campground close...
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Allowed
RV FriendlyElectricShowers
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$8 - $9/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
59 campsites
Season
The campground close...
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Allowed
RV FriendlyElectricShowers
Get DirectionsSawnee
$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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider770-887-0592brent.j.cossette@usace.army.mil
What Campers Say
4.06
Satisfactory
Based on 207 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."
Fees & Passes at Sawnee
$8 - $9/night
Campsite fees
Stay Limit: You may stay up to 14 nights during any visit at this campground within any rolling 30-day period.
Cancellation: Cancellations are subject to a $10 fee, and late cancellations may forfeit the first night's recreat...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website.
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.
Best
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.
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.
Historical SignificanceBorn from the waters of the Chattahoochee River in 1956, Lake Lanier emerged with the completion of Buford Dam, transforming the North Georgia landscape into a recreational paradise. Today, Sawnee Campground serves as your gateway to this storied reservoir and the surrounding region's rich heritage. Venture beyond camp to explore the nearby Sawnee Mountain Preserve, where hiking trails reveal panoramic vistas, or visit Westbank Overlook for breathtaking sunset views over the lake that has become the heartbeat of North Georgia recreation.
Weather and SeasonsSpring 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.
ElevationNestled in the gently rolling terrain where Georgia's piedmont meets the foothills, the campground offers varied topography that enhances both lake views and camping comfort.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to mist rising off aqua-blue waters as the Georgia Blue Ridge foothills frame your morning view. Sawnee Campground showcases Lake Lanier's stunning beauty, where emerald forests tumble down to meet the shoreline and over 100 small islands dot the horizon like scattered jewels. The surrounding hardwood and pine forests provide natural shade and habitat for local wildlife, while the lake's clear waters invite endless exploration and reflection.
Geological RegionSawnee Campground rests in the enchanting transition zone where Georgia's rolling piedmont gives way to the Blue Ridge Mountains' forested foothills. Here, ancient geological forces have carved a landscape perfect for containing Lake Sidney Lanier's impressive 38,000 surface acres. With 690 miles of shoreline weaving through valleys and coves, this massive reservoir showcases the region's unique topography—where weathered granite outcroppings meet dense Southern forests, creating countless scenic vistas and secluded camping spots.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible campsites are available. However, some reviews noted that certain sites had steep inclines or narrow pads that may present challenges.
Sites SizeSites vary in size, ranging from small tent sites to larger RV spaces. Some sites, such as Site 7, are described as too small for certain trailers.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies significantly by site. Some sites, like 16 and 17, offer lakeside seclusion, while others are described as cramped and close together.
Total Campsites59 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid sites near Buford Dam Road due to noise (e.g., site 53). Site 18 offers exceptional water views and spacious layout. Site 40 is ideal for a lakefront camping experience.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
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.
Guests Allowed Per Site
The maximum number of guests per site is not explicitly stated.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is laid out in loops, with some sites offering waterfront access and others closer to Buford Dam Road.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground closes around September 13 annually, reopening dates are not specified.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not explicitly addressed, though reservations are recommended due to popularity.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations are subject to a $10 fee, and late cancellations may forfeit the first night's recreation use fee. Calls to the gatehouse for cancellation are not honored.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Laundry Facilities
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.
Hiking
Nearby hiking options include the Sawnee Mountain Preserve and Bowman's Island Trail, offering a mix of scenic and challenging routes.Fishing
Fishing is popular at the campground, with Lake Lanier known for its excellent fishing opportunities, including bass and other freshwater species.Swimming
The campground features a sandy swimming beach with easy lake access. Users have noted that the area is clean and family-friendly.Boating
Boating is a major attraction with a boat ramp available. Kayaking and wakeboarding are also popular activities.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife spotting opportunities are available both on-site and at nearby attractions like Sawnee Mountain Preserve.Beach activities
The sandy swimming beach is suitable for sunbathing and family activities. Cleanliness is generally well-maintained.Water Sports
Water sports like kayaking and wakeboarding are popular thanks to the lake's expansive size and clear waters.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted, and many sites have fire rings or grills.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM
Hazards
General hazardsFire ants are a recurring issue mentioned in user reviews. Poison ivy has been reported near some campsites.
Weather at Sawnee
41
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 91%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 5.6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
Weather History
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Emergency Services
Emergency services include a hospital and police station in Cumming, approximately 5 miles away. A sheriff patrols the campground periodically.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo specific peak season dates are provided.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities include dumpsters, although occasionally described as overflowing. Campers are encouraged to pack out garbage from bathrooms due to a lack of trash cans inside.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is situated on Lake Lanier, offering direct access to the lake, a sandy swimming beach, and a boat ramp.
Common complaintsFrequent complaints include gate closure times, strict enforcement of rules, small campsites, and issues with fire ants. Some users also mentioned rude staff and poor maintenance.
HostThe campground has gate hosts who are sometimes praised for their helpfulness and sometimes criticized for strict enforcement of rules.
Campground Map
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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.1
207 reviews
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 207 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews emphasize clean facilities, friendly staff, scenic lake views, and the wide range of recreational activities available.
Based on 207 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include strict rules enforced by staff, limited gate access hours, ant infestations at campsites, and site size issues.
Based on 207 reviewsPro 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 207 reviewsSeasonal 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...
Based on 207 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 207 reviewsShow more
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 207 reviewsAccessibility 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 207 reviewsPet-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 207 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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