Van Pugh North Park Shelter

About

Van Pugh North Park is a day-use recreation area managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers on Lake Sidney Lanier, approximately 15 miles north of Buford Dam. The park features beautiful views of the aqua-blue waters that Lake Lanier is known for, set against the forested foothills of the Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains. Facilities include a large picnic pavilion with a sheltered grill area, a designated swim beach, boat ramp, playground, public restrooms, scattered picnic tables, and grills throughout the grounds. Visitors can access the Laurel Ridge Hiking Trail, a 3.5-mile loop offering views of the lake and Chattahoochee River. Fishing opportunities include bass, catfish, and panfish. Important: This is a day-use facility only. Overnight camping is not permitted. The shelter operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations. A $4 per vehicle entry fee applies, or visitors may use an annual Lake Lanier Corps of Engineers pass.

Directions

From Georgia Highway 400, take exit 14 for Hwy 20 east, follow Hwy 20 east for approximately 10 miles and turn left on Peachtree Industrial Rd., turn left on Gaines Ferry Rd., road forks at end, turn right and road dead ends into park. From Interstate 985, take exit 8 and turn left on Friendship Rd. (Hwy 347), at third traffic light turn right at McEver Rd., turn left on Gaines Ferry Rd., turn right at the fork, and the road dead ends into park.