about the parks
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.
PICNICKING
Lake Lanier has hundreds of picnic sites with beautiful views of the lake and surrounding woodlands. Most sites have boat ramps and convenient access to restrooms. Group picnic shelters are available at several parks. These are a perfect setting for a family reunion, birthday party or company picnic. Most shelters will accommodate up to 100 people and all have tables, a large grill as well as electric outlets and lights.
Reservations for USACE operated shelters may be made by calling our office. Fees range from $50.00 to $90.00 per day. See shelter section at the bottom of the page for detailed information.
Reservations for USACE operated shelters may be made by calling our office. Fees range from $50.00 to $90.00 per day. See shelter section at the bottom of the page for detailed information.
SWIMMING
Wade the shoreline, float on a raft or make a big splash in the cool, clear waters of Lake Lanier. USACE operates 16 swimming areas around the lake and “swim at your own risk." No lifeguards are on duty. USACE recommends swimming at designated swim areas only.
For more excitement, visit the Lake Lanier Islands Beach and Water Park. There you will find water slides, wave pools and a variety of other water attractions.
For more excitement, visit the Lake Lanier Islands Beach and Water Park. There you will find water slides, wave pools and a variety of other water attractions.
HIKING
Hikers may want to visit the Laurel Ridge Trail located at Buford Dam Park. Along the 3.8-mile trail you can glimpse beautiful views of the lake, woodland and river scenery, as well as rare wildflowers and a variety of wildlife. The trail winds through several park areas, along the lake’s shoreline and the banks of the Chattahoochee River. View a map of the trail from the map room or see a video.
You may also want to visit the Little Ridge Trail. The trail is 1.05 miles long and features a number of different wildlife viewing opportunities.
You may also want to visit the Little Ridge Trail. The trail is 1.05 miles long and features a number of different wildlife viewing opportunities.
Pavilion Reservations and Rules
PICNIC SHELTERS are available at several USACE parks at Lake Sidney Lanier. These shelters are ideal for family reunions, birthday parties or company gatherings.
RESERVATIONS for shelters can be made by going online to www.recreation.gov or calling 1 (877)-444-6777. Reservations will be accepted beginning in March through September. Picnic shelters are can be reserved from April 1st through September 30 of each year. Please contact the Lake Lanier Management Office for more information. RESERVATION FEES are charged to offset the cost of operating the shelters. Payment may be made by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express). Payment of the reservation fee does not include day use fees at selected parks*.
SHELTER CAPACITY is limited to the maximum number of people established for the shelter (see facility chart). The setup of carnival type equipment is not allowed.
DIRECTIONAL SIGNS placed along park roadways are prohibited.
PARKING cannot be guaranteed. Because of Lake Lanier’s high visitation, your group should plan to arrive before 11 a.m. When parking areas are full, entry to the park may be closed.
PARK OPEN HOURS are from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES are prohibited in all parks. Possession of alcohol by anyone in attendance can result in immediate termination of rental, eviction of entire party from park and forfeit of any monies.
AMPLIFIED LIVE MUSIC AND P.A. SYSTEMS ARE NOT ALLOWED.
PETS are prohibited at the following parks: West Bank, Buford Dam Park, Lanier Park and Van Pugh North.
FEDERAL PARK REGULATIONS: For an enjoyable visit, persons entering USACE operated parks should be familiar with the rules and regulations. Copies are available at the entry station. For additional information contact the Lake Lanier Management Office at 770-945-9531.
RESERVATIONS for shelters can be made by going online to www.recreation.gov or calling 1 (877)-444-6777. Reservations will be accepted beginning in March through September. Picnic shelters are can be reserved from April 1st through September 30 of each year. Please contact the Lake Lanier Management Office for more information. RESERVATION FEES are charged to offset the cost of operating the shelters. Payment may be made by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express). Payment of the reservation fee does not include day use fees at selected parks*.
SHELTER CAPACITY is limited to the maximum number of people established for the shelter (see facility chart). The setup of carnival type equipment is not allowed.
DIRECTIONAL SIGNS placed along park roadways are prohibited.
PARKING cannot be guaranteed. Because of Lake Lanier’s high visitation, your group should plan to arrive before 11 a.m. When parking areas are full, entry to the park may be closed.
PARK OPEN HOURS are from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES are prohibited in all parks. Possession of alcohol by anyone in attendance can result in immediate termination of rental, eviction of entire party from park and forfeit of any monies.
AMPLIFIED LIVE MUSIC AND P.A. SYSTEMS ARE NOT ALLOWED.
PETS are prohibited at the following parks: West Bank, Buford Dam Park, Lanier Park and Van Pugh North.
FEDERAL PARK REGULATIONS: For an enjoyable visit, persons entering USACE operated parks should be familiar with the rules and regulations. Copies are available at the entry station. For additional information contact the Lake Lanier Management Office at 770-945-9531.