Georgia / Hall County

Van Pugh North Park Shelter

Closed — Currently closed. The shelter operates seasonally and is available first-come, first-served when open, typically April through September.

About

Van Pugh North Park lies on the southeastern shore of Lake Sidney Lanier, approximately 15 miles north of Buford Dam. This U.S. Army Corps of Engineers day-use facility features beautiful views of the lake's aqua-blue water and provides excellent access to swimming, picnicking, and boating. The park includes a large picnic pavilion with a sheltered grill area, numerous picnic tables and grills scattered throughout, a designated swim area and beach, a boat ramp, and a playground. The pavilion shelter is available on a first-come, first-served basis only and is not available for advance reservations. Visitors can access the 3.5-mile Laurel Ridge Hiking Trail from multiple locations around the lake, offering great views of Lake Lanier and the Chattahoochee River. The lake boasts 38,000 surface acres, 690 miles of shoreline, and over 100 small islands, set against the forested foothills of the Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains. Fishing is popular, with species including bass, catfish, and panfish. Public restrooms are available near the beach area. Note that pets and alcoholic beverages are prohibited at Van Pugh North Park.

Directions

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

Nearby Campgrounds