OutReserve

Buford Dam Park Shelters (GA)

BUFORD DAM PARK SHELTERS (GA)
BUFORD DAM PARK SHELTERS (GA)
BUFORD DAM PARK SHELTERS (GA)
BUFORD DAM PARK SHELTERS (GA)

About Buford Dam Park Shelters (GA)

Buford Dam Park lies just north of Buford Dam on Lake Sidney Lanier. The site features beautiful views of the lake as well as excellent access to swimming, picnicking and boating. The lake, named for the poet, Sidney Lanier, is well known for its aqua-blue colored water, spectacular scenery and variety of recreational activities. Each year, approximately 11.8 million people come to visit.

Nearby Activities & Attractions

Boating

Swimming

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - Apr 1 to Sep 23

Campground Amenities

Water Access

Water Access

  • Beach Access
Missing information?

Reviews (23)

What Guests Are Saying

Buford Dam Park offers a scenic and well-maintained environment for visitors, featuring stunning views of the dam and Lake Lanier, along with ample picnic areas and a sandy beach for relaxation. It's an excellent location for recreational activities, including hiking and fishing, with opportunities for trout fishing nearby. While some trails may need maintenance, the overall experience is enjoyable and family-friendly, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Review Summary

3.7
23 reviews
5
52.2%
12
4
13.0%
3
3
8.7%
2
2
8.7%
2
1
17.4%
4

Raktim S

September 16, 2023

3

This is the 3rd year in a row that we booked a picnic shelter. This time we booked that same shelter as last year. It will be great if there was a phone number to reach out for service. (The phone number provided was of no use when we need some help.)
Thanks

Raktim S

September 19, 2022

5

We booked the picnic shelter for our Annual Alumni Picnic. We loved it. Somehow our shelter didn't have electricity when we reached in the morning. Mr. Chuck Carlos attended to it immediately and rectified the problem! (A tripped circuit breaker!) He even left his phone number, should we need any further assistance! The venue and its friendly staff will make us comeback again soon! Just to think of it... this beautiful lake and venue is just in our backyard!

Raktim S

September 19, 2022

5

We booked the picnic shelter for our Annual Alumni Picnic. We loved it. Somehow our shelter didn't have electricity when we reached in the morning. Mr. Chuck Carlos attended to it immediately and rectified the problem! (A tripped circuit breaker!) He even left his phone number, should we need any further assistance! The venue and its friendly staff will make us comeback again soon! Just to think of it... this beautiful lake and venue is just in our backyard!

Michelle R

May 16, 2022

1

Buford Dam Park- I called several places including park ranger and was told they don’t allow pets. I was told that they are very strict with their pet policy that if it’s not followed, guest would have to pay fine & had to leave to park ASAP. However, when I arrived at the park, I saw many dogs. If they’re not actually enforcing the rule, they shouldn’t lie about it and it shouldn’t be one in the first place.

Michelle R

May 16, 2022

1

Buford Dam Park- I called several places including park ranger and was told they don’t allow pets. I was told that they are very strict with their pet policy that if it’s not followed, guest would have to pay fine & had to leave to park ASAP. However, when I arrived at the park, I saw many dogs. If they’re not actually enforcing the rule, they shouldn’t lie about it and it shouldn’t be one in the first place.

Bipin P

May 15, 2022

5

No issues

Bipin P

May 15, 2022

5

No issues

Katheryn B

December 16, 2021

2

This pavilion was far from the beach area and confusing to find

Katheryn B

December 16, 2021

2

This pavilion was far from the beach area and confusing to find

Bhaveshkumar P

August 28, 2021

1

I registered shelter 406 for my daughter Birthday party but lots spider waves in shelter and electric out late also not working so it will be really destruct us because we had lots of thing are mastered up without electric supply.

Location Buford Dam Park Shelters (GA)

Address:
1200 Buford Dam Road
Buford, GA, 30518
United States

Highway access

Buford Dam Park Shelters is accessible via GA-20, approximately 5 miles to the north, and I-985, which is about 10 miles to the east.

Latitude & Longitude: 34.1525 / -84.0615

Elevation: 342 feet

Policies & Rules

Arrival & departure

  • Reservations must be made in advance through Recreation.gov.
  • Reservations must be made online; in-person reservations are not allowed.

Cancellation policy

  • Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
  • Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
  • Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
    • Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
    • Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
    • One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
  • Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
  • Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
  • Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.

Site capacity

  • Shelters are designated for small group gatherings only.
  • Only one shelter reservation is allowed per event.
  • During Federal holidays, shelters operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Fees & deposits

  • Day-use fees are additional and not included in shelter reservations.

Pets

  • Alcohol, pets, and fireworks are not allowed in the park.

Safety & rules

  • No directional signs are allowed along park roadways.
  • Amplified music and public address systems are not allowed.

Vehicles & parking

  • Trailers and tow-behind vehicles are not permitted.
  • Parking is first-come, first-served; plan to arrive early.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: June 3, 2026

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