Buford Dam Park Shelters

About

Buford Dam Park lies just north of Buford Dam on Lake Sidney Lanier in the forested foothills of the Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains. The shelters here are designed for day-use group gatherings only, with reservations available through Recreation.gov. The lake, named for poet Sidney Lanier, features 38,000 surface acres, 690 miles of shoreline, and over 100 small islands. The park offers a designated swim beach, restrooms, picnic areas, basketball court, soccer field, and playground. Visitors can access the Laurel Ridge Hiking Trail from the park, a 3.5-mile loop with scenic views of the lake and Chattahoochee River. Fishing opportunities include bass, catfish, and panfish. Note that this facility provides day-use shelters only with check-in at 8:00 AM and check-out at 10:00 PM. There is no overnight camping. Pets, alcohol, and fireworks are prohibited. The park operates under a Pack In, Pack Out policy for trash. An $8 per vehicle day-use fee applies in addition to shelter reservation fees.

Directions

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 at the Lanier Project Management Office sign. From Interstate 85, take exit 111 and head north on Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, continue approximately 10 miles to Buford Dam Road, turn left on Buford Dam Road, then turn right at the Lanier Project Management Office sign.