About Van Pugh South Day Use Facility
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Boating
Fishing
Kayaking
Swimming
Year-round
Fishing
Spring
Boating
Kayaking
Summer
Boating
Kayaking
Swimming
Fall
Boating
Kayaking
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
- Showers
Water Access
- Lake Access
Pets and Policies
- Pet friendly
Reviews (631)
What Guests Are Saying
Van Pugh South Day Use Facility is highly praised for its friendly and accommodating staff, well-maintained sites, and cleanliness, making it a perfect spot for a day at the lake. Many visitors express a desire for the campground to reopen for overnight camping, highlighting its appeal for extended stays. Overall, guests enjoy the privacy and experience offered, especially in comparison to public beaches.
What Guests Are Saying
Van Pugh South Day Use Facility is highly praised for its friendly and accommodating staff, well-maintained sites, and cleanliness, making it a perfect spot for a day at the lake. Many visitors express a desire for the campground to reopen for overnight camping, highlighting its appeal for extended stays. Overall, guests enjoy the privacy and experience offered, especially in comparison to public beaches.
Review Summary
Chris R
April 8, 2021
First, the campground is amazing. Very clean, and a lot of really nice sites along the lake.
I'm giving it one star because it's definitely worth mentioning that our experience with the campground host was less than desirable.
This is a "Federal" park, managed by the Army Corp of Engineers, so there are very strict rules in place. And probably for good reason. In fact, we intentionally picked this campground to be away from the party atmosphere as I had my 3 kids and the grandparents with me. I am a scoutmaster, and well aware of Leave No Trace, campground etiquette, etc.
I had a couple minor issues where the grandparents had to cancel the overnight stay, and wished to just visit for the afternoon. The host was really awful to us about it, and accused us of trying to use the campground as a day use only spot. I also moved my car for 5 minutes to an empty campsite so that I could fill up an heavy water container at a water spigot and drop off lunch to my children at a beachy area. The same ranger happened to drive by and gave me a massive earful. I tried to explain I understood the rule and had no intention of taking someone else's campsite for more than a few minutes, and he refused to listen.
Regardless... if you're going to camp here... Be aware the hosts are militant, cranky, short tempered, and need customer service training. Don't do anything that might get them upset, and you'll have a good trip.
Scott G
April 5, 2021
Great views of Lake Lanier
Scott G
April 5, 2021
Great views of Lake Lanier
Scott G
April 5, 2021
Great views of Lake Lanier
Julie T
April 4, 2021
Campground host was unfair and not very nice. She made us move a vehicle that was parked in the grass and told us we could only have 3 vehicles on our site. Later she drove by and our neighbors had 4 vehicles and 1 parked in the grass and she didnt stop and make them move any. Also our campsite was dirty with cans, trash and bottles on and around the site. Considering 2 hours between check out and check in time I expected that to be used to clean up these types of things so it was very disappointing.
Marla K
April 4, 2021
Excellent Park. Nice Host Staff too. We will go back.
Julie T
April 4, 2021
Campground host was unfair and not very nice. She made us move a vehicle that was parked in the grass and told us we could only have 3 vehicles on our site. Later she drove by and our neighbors had 4 vehicles and 1 parked in the grass and she didnt stop and make them move any. Also our campsite was dirty with cans, trash and bottles on and around the site. Considering 2 hours between check out and check in time I expected that to be used to clean up these types of things so it was very disappointing.
Marla K
April 4, 2021
Excellent Park. Nice Host Staff too. We will go back.
Julie T
April 4, 2021
Campground host was unfair and not very nice. She made us move a vehicle that was parked in the grass and told us we could only have 3 vehicles on our site. Later she drove by and our neighbors had 4 vehicles and 1 parked in the grass and she didnt stop and make them move any. Also our campsite was dirty with cans, trash and bottles on and around the site. Considering 2 hours between check out and check in time I expected that to be used to clean up these types of things so it was very disappointing.
Marla K
April 4, 2021
Excellent Park. Nice Host Staff too. We will go back.
Location & Directions for Van Pugh South Day Use Facility
6749 Gaines Ferry Road, Flowery Branch, GA 30542 United States
Elevation: 344 ft
Getting There
Take I-85 north to I-985, take Exit 8, turn left on Highway 347/Friendship Road. Turn right on McEver Road, then left on Gaines Ferry Road and follow signs to the campground.
Highway access
The campground is accessible via I-85 and I-985, with Exit 8 leading to Highway 347/Friendship Road. McEver Road and Gaines Ferry Road provide further access to the facility.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: October 7, 2026