Lake Lanier’s Van Pugh South Now A Reservation-Only Day-Use Park

Lake Lanier’s Van Pugh South Park has transitioned to a reservation-only day-use park that is open only on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Van Pugh South Park on Lake Lanier has transitioned from offering overnight camping options to a reservation-only day-use park that is open on Saturdays and Sundays. According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this change is designed with your convenience in mind and aims to enhance visitor experiences at the Lake Lanier recreation site. A campsite can be reserved for the day—including bringing an RV or tent—but there is no overnight camping allowed and the park will close at 8 p.m. The park is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

According to the corps, Van Pugh South will now offer 54 sites for day use, including some with full hook-up capabilities, providing access to water and electricity. These sites for day use will be accessible only through reservations made on Recreation.gov for a daily fee of $15. Each site will accommodate up to 15 people or three cars, whichever limit is reached first. Reservations will also grant access to the boat launch area, but users must comply with park hours.

Van Pugh South will enforce a strict no-alcohol and no-amplified sound policy, and parking will be allowed only in designated spaces. Visitors are reminded that overnight stays are not permitted.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers encourages visitors to book their reservations early to secure their spot for a day at the lake.

If you have questions about Van Pugh South or other recreational opportunities at Lake Lanier, contact the Lake Lanier Project Management Office at 770.945.9531.

Van Pugh Park is located on the main lake just up the lake from Lake Lanier Islands on the Buford/Flowery Branch side of the reservoir.