About Buford Dam Park Shelters (GA)
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Boating
Swimming
Spring
Boating
Summer
Boating
Swimming
Fall
Boating
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Water Access
- Beach Access
Reviews (28)
What Guests Are Saying
Buford Dam Park Shelters offers great amenities, including well-maintained facilities, electric hookups, and opportunities for fishing and hiking. The park is safe, with regular ranger patrols, and provides stunning views of the dam and surrounding nature. However, some guests noted that the shelters are not close to swimming areas and the water spigot drain needs attention.
What Guests Are Saying
Buford Dam Park Shelters offers great amenities, including well-maintained facilities, electric hookups, and opportunities for fishing and hiking. The park is safe, with regular ranger patrols, and provides stunning views of the dam and surrounding nature. However, some guests noted that the shelters are not close to swimming areas and the water spigot drain needs attention.
Review Summary
Raktim S
September 19, 2022
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
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 16, 2023
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 16, 2023
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
AHMED ISLAM
August 8, 2024
Buford Dam Park is an excellent spot for a day out with family or friends. Located on the southern end of Lake Lanier, this park offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and recreational activities. The scenic views of the lake and the dam are breathtaking, especially at sunset.
The park is well-maintained, with clean facilities and plenty of picnic areas equipped with tables and grills. There are numerous shaded spots, making it comfortable even on hot days. The swimming area is great for cooling off, and there's a sandy beach for relaxing and building sandcastles.
For those who enjoy hiking, Buford Dam Park has some great trails that offer beautiful views of the lake and surrounding nature. The park is also a fantastic spot for fishing
D-Ray
November 3, 2024
10/27/2024; I went here specifically to hike, the Laurel Ridge Trail, but I cannot find the site on here to review just it. Overcast day, light cool breeze. Very nice for hiking. AllTrails advertises this as a 3.3 mi long trail, but it appears closer to four, but wasn’t bad. The roots and rocks will test your sure footedness. Several of the man made structures & bridges are in disrepair, so watch your step. Likewise, there is a great number of trees down, probably from storms in late spring/early summer. You may get to practice your limbo. I saw some large parking lots, but they were closed. Parking is limited to one small area, but with bathrooms handy. There are nice views of Lake Lanier, as well as the Chattahoochee River. Some sites listed has an easy trail, but I believe it is closer to moderate. Would certainly like to go back again. Although I saw a couple of signs that said NO DOGS, I did see a couple. Frankly, I’m not sure why you couldn’t have a dog on this trail.
jae ho s
September 21, 2025
Quiet, good place.
jae ho s
September 21, 2025
Quiet, good place.
Ali H
September 30, 2025
It was good
Ali H
September 30, 2025
It was good
Location & Directions for Buford Dam Park Shelters (GA)
1200 Buford Dam Road, Buford, GA 30518 United States
Elevation: 342 ft
Getting There
<p>From Georgia Highway 400, take exit 14 to Highway 20 east, turn left onto Sanders Road, at first stop sign turn right on Buford Dam Road. After crossing the dam, turn left when you see Lanier Project Management Office sign.</p>
<p>From Interst...
From Georgia Highway 400, take exit 14 to Highway 20 east, turn left onto Sanders Road, at first stop sign turn right on Buford Dam Road. After crossing the dam, turn left when you see Lanier Project Management Office sign.
From Interstate 85, take exit 111 and head north on Lawrencville-Suwanee Road. Continue approximately 10 mi to Buford Dam Road. Turn left on Buford Dam Road, turn right at the Lanier Project Management Officesign.
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.
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
Last updated: October 7, 2026
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Explore Buford, GA
Population: 17,997
Elevation: 1,184 ft
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