Photo: Thomson200, public domain (CC0), via Wikimedia Commons
Located on the shores of Lake Sidney Lanier, this scenic 1,316-acre park has a wide lake beach, RV and tent camping, cottages, boat launches and miles of paved and natural-surface trails.
- Address5000 N. Browning Bridge Rd., Gainesville, GA 30506
- Park Hours7 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily
- Office Hours8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Parking Fee$10 per vehicle (ParkPass)
- Park Phone678-450-7726
- GPS CoordinatesN 34.387622, W -83.746462
Park Amenities
Enjoy fishing, boating, lake swimming, hiking, biking and picnicking on the 38,000-acre Lake Lanier.
- 1,316 acres
- 44 tent, trailer & RV campsites
- 16 primitive tent sites
- 8 cottages
- 4 group picnic shelters
- Lake beach with changing area & showers
- 2 boat launches (public & cottage area)
- Handicap-accessible dock & fishing pier
- Fish-cleaning station
- 1.5-mile paved multi-use trail
- 2-mile hiking trail
- Multiple playgrounds & play areas
- Plenty of parking throughout
Camping & Cottages
RV Campsites
44 tent, trailer & RV sites ($25–$29) with full hookups: water and 30-amp electric. Fire rings, tables and lantern poles at every site; many have lake views. The campground sits on a hill, so DTV antenna systems can typically pick up Atlanta TV stations – this reception is not provided by the park.
Primitive Tent Sites
16 sites ($15) with fish-cleaning stations, restrooms with showers, and hiking access to the rest of the park. Reserve online at ReserveAmerica or by calling the park; unreserved sites are first-come, first-served.
Cottages
8 cottages ($110–$160). Cottage #1 is dog friendly ($45 fee per dog, 2-dog max). Cottage #3 is ADA accessible.
Photos
Lake BeachSwimming area with changing rooms & showers
Group Picnic Shelters4 covered shelters available to reserve
Accessible DockWheelchair-friendly fishing & boat access
General Park Info
Lake Lanier Access
Two boat launch facilities: one public, one for cottage residents in the gated cottage area (with trailer parking, dock, play area and picnic facilities with grills). Boat ramps include docks for loading, play areas and restrooms.
ADA Accessibility
Most areas are wheelchair enabled. A fishing pier into Lake Sidney Lanier provides comfortable access to everyone, and paved surfaces allow everyone to enjoy the park.
Horseback Riding
Riders can use 14.5 miles of park trails, weather permitting. The trail fee is $15 per rider plus a parking pass, and riders must show proof of a negative Coggins test at the park office.
Video: Don Carter State Park
Take a look at the facilities and scenery at Don Carter State Park, which opened July 15, 2013. This first-look video, filmed during final construction, gives an idea of the park’s features.
Plan the rest of your trip with our guide to things to do at Lake Lanier.