Lake Lanier is the property of the federal government and is managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Our friends at Lanier Islands lease Shoal Creek Campground from the USACE and operate it for us all.
That’s why Lanier Islands uses its own reservation system, not Recreation.gov, which is used by all other USACE campgrounds. All the maintenance, promotion and reservations at this exceptional camping area are managed by The Islands.
Shoal Creek is about seven miles from Lanier Islands on Shadburn Ferry Road, just off Buford Dam Road.
Campers will love the large wooded sites with tables, fire rings and grills. They are all suitable for RVs or tents.
The views from the rustic walking trails are spectacular.
There are primitive lakeside campsites. In this case, primitive means there isn’t a snooty bait shop or Prada outlet mall next to your tent. There’s no need to worry about lions, tigers or bears.
Take your pick of wooded and lakefront sites with and without hookups. Use the handy boat ramps, showers, dump station, restrooms, picnic tables & pavilion, and a swimming area to make your visit complete.
Shoal Creek Campground Amenities
- Boat ramps
- Campsites with and without hookups
- Showers
- Dump station
- Restrooms
- Laundry
- Picnic tables
- Picnic pavilion
- Swimming area
- Playground
Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on all USACE property.
Shoal Creek Campground Information
- Address: 6300 Shadburn Ferry Road, Buford, GA
- Directions: Located less than a mile east of Buford Dam. Take Buford Dam Road to Shadburn Ferry Road and you’re there!
- Telephone: 470-323-3440
John Wyatt
Nice campgrounds, clean restrooms, friendly staff. Accept passport america discount. Lovely views. Will return again.
Hi,
Click on the link within that story to make reservations. We cannot do that for you.
Thanks!
RJS
Hi,
You are right. Their link is broken. I will try to notify them.
Perhaps you may reach them at this number: 770-945-8787
Thanks,
RJS
Does this campground have a playground?
Hi, Ashley.
Thank you for your comment.
Yes, there is a playground at Shoal Creek Campground. If you hit the link in the story to the map of the campground, you will see exactly where it is.
Thanks again,
RJS
Hi,
I looked at Google maps for you.
The Shoal Creek Campground is fewer than 15 miles for the hospital complex in Braselton. Driving times should be 20-30 minutes.
Hope that helps.
RJS
Hello, if it says “minimum 2 nights”, would there be a fine of some sort if I left a day early? I only wanted to stay for one night.
Hi,
Hit the links or call the number in the article for the best answer.
Thanks,
RJS
Hi,
We post this information on behalf of the campgrounds but we are not affiliated with them.
Please use the contact information in the story to get an official answer.
Thanks,
RJS
Do they allow golf carts?
Hi,
We post this information on behalf of the campgrounds but we are not affiliated with them.
Please use the contact information in the story to get an official answer.
Thanks,
RJS
Just stayed at Shoal Creek (site #1) with 26 foot travel trailer. It was beautiful, but just know that Site #1 has the parking pad for trailer/RV up on a hill (it’s level but above the tent/fire pit/table area). When you come out your camper steps, you’re immediately walking downhill…no level area to sit under your awning. BUT – it was beautiful and there was a trail through the woods straight to the playground/beach area (which was wonderful!). Just about a 1 min walk!
How far of a boat ride is it from Shoal Creek campground to Margaritaville?
I would guess the distance is less than one beautiful mile.
RJS
What does it cost to park a truck and boat trailer at shoal creek while out on the lake?
Hi,
We post this information on behalf of Lanier Islands but we are not affiliated with them.
Please use the contact information in the story to get an official answer.
Thanks,
RJS
does this campground cost money?
Hi,
Yes, camping costs money at Lanier Islands.
If this link doesn’t work, try calling them at 678-482-0332.
https://secure.rzda.net/azbook/map.cfm
Is there sewage hookups and how long are you able to stay?
Are there any of the sites that would be accommodating for hammock camp set up?
Robert, hello. I see that you are familiar with the Shoal Creek Campground. After 4 days, I have to stop by, but my circumstances have changed and I need to cancel the reservation. I call on the phones all day, but no one answers. If I do not cancel today, then tomorrow I must pay the amount for all 4 nights. Is there another way out?
Thank you,
Edward
Hi,
Sorry for your trouble with Shoal Creek Campground.
I’ve forwarded your message to our friends at Lanier Islands, with the hope they’ll be able to help you.
Thanks,
RJS
Hi,
Their reservations link worked for me:
https://secure.rzda.net/azbook/map.cfm
Hope that helps.
RJS
Is alcohol allowed at this campground?
Hi,
Thanks for your question. I’ve updated the information on Shoal Creek Campground.
Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on all US Army Corps of Engineers property.
Thanks,
RJS
It alcoholic beverages are not allowed in the campground, then the rules given to guest at check in should specifically state that.
Thanks
Hi Robert,
Did you work at CFC?
Rusty
Hey, Rusty!
Yup. That’s me.
Hope you are well, my friend.
Robert
This campground is just OK, not worth the price.
The first issues started when we couldn’t figure out when check in was. When I did get a hold of someone, they said you could check in starting at 2, but did not mention an end time. We showed up at 6pm, and the office was already closed.
For close to $40 a night for a primitive site, you are not getting much for your money. The campsite itself was beautiful, the views amazing, though the sites are fairly close together, where you are able to see your neighbors. The fire rings need to be cleaned out badly, as the ash was only a couple inches from the top of the ring.
The rest rooms were not good. The drinking fountains at the bathrooms did not work, two out of the three toilets did not work, you can’t even see yourself in the mirrors, and they were pretty dirty.
There is also quiet times, but no one there to monitor this. A campsite across the inlet from us was very loud until about midnight on Saturday, it caused a lot of trouble for everyone around.
Can I bring my own generator
Why does the reservation area state in one place that the sites are Pet Friendly and another is says they are not?
Can’t find a check in time and does the office close at 6.00pm as suggested on another comment?
Just found online that check in time is 2.00pm!
I have a group of 7 (plus a dog!) looking to tent – camp. Are the tent sites generally large enough for two 4-man tents or any known restriction on tents or total persons?
Hi,
You’ll find USACE’s camping rules and regulations here:
https://www.sam.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Recreation/Lake-Sidney-Lanier/Camping/
Thanks,
RJS
I wish Lake Lanier Park would open the Blue Ridge Campground again. Our family enjoyed the campground every years. It was a nice place to go and relax with the family. I don’t understand why the park decide to close it is rebuilding it.