Army Corps announces an updated plan for Lake Lanier facilities

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced on Tuesday that all campgrounds at Lake Lanier, Lake Allatoona, and Carter’s Lake will remain closed through Sunday, May 31 due to concerns over the “ongoing presence of COVID-19 in North Georgia.”

“We understand that as the summer recreation season approaches, this latest update on the ongoing COVID-19 emergency comes as a disappointment to many. However, the Corps’ highest priority — as we demonstrate each year with our aggressive water safety campaign and training programs — is the health and safety of the visiting public, and the safety of our staff and volunteers. The ongoing impacts of COVID-19 are no less of a public safety concern to USACE, and we appreciate the public’s understanding as we move, with caution, back to eventual normal operations,” states the Army Corps in their Tuesday press release.

People who placed reservations for dates falling before June 1 will automatically be sent a refund.  The Army Corps will not charge a cancellation fee so people can expect a full refund.   

As the situation changes in North Georgia due to the coronavirus pandemic, further changes may be necessary to extend the closure of Lake Lanier’s campgrounds.  Potential campers are encouraged to visit Lake Lanier’s Facebook page for the latest news on the lake’s facilities. 

While many recreational areas on Lake Lanier such as beaches and event areas remain closed indefinitely, the Army Corps will keep open boat launches, walking trails, and viewing areas to the public. Those areas are subject to change if the situation with COVID-19 warrants.

If you have additional questions regarding the campground and facilities addressed in this article, full details are available here.  

As of May 13, the Lake Lanier facilities availability list below is current.  Please check  Lake Lanier’s Facebook page for the most current list.

ATHENS PARK, Closed

BALD RIDGE CREEK, Closed

BALUS CREEK, Currently Accessible, Restroom Closed

BELTON BRIDGE, Currently Accessible

BOLDING MILL CAMPGROUND, Closed

BOLDING MILL DAY USE, Closed

BOLDING MILL BOAT RAMP, Currently Accessible

BUFORD DAM PARK, Closed

BURTON MILL DAY USE, Closed

BURTON MILL BOAT RAMP, Currently Accessible, Restroom Closed

DUCKETT MILL CAMPGROUND, Closed

DUCKETT MILL BOAT RAMP, Currently Accessible

EAST BANK, Currently Accessible, Restroom Closed

KEITHS BRIDGE DAY USE, Closed

KEITHS BRIDGE BOAT RAMP, Currently Accessible, Restroom Closed

LANIER PARK, Closed

LITTLE HALL DAY USE, Closed

LITTLE HALL BOAT RAMP, Currently Accessible, Restroom Closed

LITTLE RIDGE, Currently Accessible

LITTLE RIVER, Currently Accessible, Restroom Closed

LONG HOLLOW DAY USE, Closed

LONG HOLLOW BOAT RAMP, Currently Accessible, Restroom Closed

LOWER OVERLOOK, Closed

LOWER POOL EAST, Closed

LOWER POOL WEST, Closed

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Currently Accessible

NIX BRIDGE, Currently Accessible, Restroom Closed

**OLD FEDERAL CAMPGROUND, Closed

OLD FEDERAL DAY USE, Currently Accessible, Restroom Closed

ROBINSON DAY USE, Closed

ROBINSON BOAT RAMP, Currently Accessible, Restroom Closed

SARDIS CREEK DAY USE, Currently Accessible, Restroom Closed

SARDIS CREEK BOAT RAMP, Currently Accessible, Restroom Closed

SAWNEE CAMPGROUND, Closed

SIMPSON, Currently Accessible

THOMPSON BRIDGE, Currently Accessible, Restroom Closed

THOMPSON CREEK, Currently Accessible, Restroom Closed

TIDWELL, Currently Accessible, Restroom Closed

TOTO CREEK CAMPGROUND, Closed

TOTO CREEK BOAT RAMP, Currently Accessible, Restroom Closed

TOTO CREEK DAY USE, Closed

TWO MILE, Currently Accessible, Restroom Closed

VAN PUGH NORTH, Currently Accessible, Restroom Closed

VAN PUGH MIDDLE, Currently Accessible

VAN PUGH SOUTH, Closed

VANNS TAVERN, Currently Accessible, Restroom Closed

WEST BANK, Closed

WEST BANK OVERLOOK, Closed

**Old Federal Campground has been temporarily closed due to public safety concerns over shoreline erosion that has been caused by high water levels in recent years.  The campground will reopen once repairs have been completed.  The Army Corps does not have an estimated reopening date.

— Staff Reports