** Picnicking

A picnic at Lake Sidney Lanier features literally hundreds of picnic sites with boat ramps, restrooms, and scenic views of the lake and the different woodlands surroundings. There are also group picnic shelters in several parks that can accommodate up to 100 people, providing amenities for birthday parties, weddings, company picnic day or family reunion. 

** Hiking

Although there are different trails and shorelines to hike and bike, the Laurel Ridge Trail, located near Buford Dam, is one of the most popular on Lake Sidney Lanier because of the scenic views featuring a variety of wildlife and wildflowers, in addition to four miles of woodland. Laurel Ridge Trail runs along the Lake Lanier's shoreline, several park areas, and the banks of the Chattahoochee River.

** Camping

The US Army Corps of Engineers operates 9 campgrounds with 741 campsites, from which 565 campsites has water and electric hookups. The best camping facilities are located in the southern part of the lake and most can accommodate RV and small trailers. Most campgrounds are waterfront, offering picnic tables, grills, fire rings, and lantern pole. 

All campgrounds operated by the US Corps of Engineers have beach areas with restrooms and boat ramps, and a large number of them have playgrounds, showers, and accessible sites with manned entry stations.

** Day Camping

Combining picnic and camping, spend a day at Van Pugh South Park, a passive recreation area situated on the southeast of Lake Sidney Lanier, with playground, boat launch, and picnic area featuring 57 individual sites.

All sites on Van Pugh South Park have picnic tables, grills, shower wash houses, playground and boat ramp, all in a natural setting where people can take their tents, recreational vehicles or camping trailers. However, being a day use area, staying overnight is not allowed.

** Swimming

Lake Sidney Lanier's shoreline offers numerous opportunities for sunbathing and swimming, either floating or rafting in cool, clear, blue waters The US Corps of Engineers operates 23 swimming areas around the lake, although there are many others privately owned. 

In all cases, swimming at designated swim areas is highly recommended since there are no lifeguards on duty assigned in the public areas, although commercial facilities may have them. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers can provide a list of swimming areas calling at (770) 945-9531.

** Boating

A 39,000-acre lake like Lake Sidney Lanier offers diverse boating opportunities, ranging from fishing boats and houseboats, to canoes, sailboats and personal watercrafts to be launched from any of the 76 boat ramps around the lake's shoreline, keeping in mind that most of them apply user fees for launching at such boat ramps.

Lake Lanier has 10 marinas offering boat storage, fuel, repair services, snacks and refreshments, as well as last minute supplies and boat rentals. Depending on the season of the year, there are sailing regattas, water carnivals, and tournaments, that generally requires a permit from the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.  

** Fishing

Lake Lanier is well known for the many species of fish thriving in its waters. Fishing below Buford Dam is popular and permitted all year round, however, anglers must use extreme caution in this area where cold waters are released, abiding special safety regulations.

Considered as a productive fishing lake, the waters of Lake Sidney Lanier are a habitat for brook trout, rainbow trout, and brown trout, among many other species. You can get information about fish attractor structures on the lake by visiting the Corps of Engineers' map room on site.

** Hunting

Georgia state hunting regulations permits waterfowl hunting on the lake. However, no other hunting is allowed on Lake Sidney Lanier, because of its limited public land surrounding the lake, and the area's intensive residential development.

If you are planning a big event at the lake, Lake Lanier Islands Park has a group picnic shelter facility, able to accommodate groups up to 3,000 people, offering tables, grills, lights and electric outlets. Other camping areas available at Shady Grove Park and Shoal Creek Park support a shelter to seat up to 60 persons.

There are also available the following commercial campgrounds and picnic facilities close to Lake Lanier and Atlanta's metro area:

Atlanta South RV Resort in McDonough;

Brookwood RV Resort Park in Marietta;

Fort Yargo State Park in Winder;

Holiday Harbor in Acworth;

Jones RV Park in Norcross;

Pine Lake Campground in Bishop;

River Forks Park and Campground in Gainesville;

Stone Mountain Heights RV & MH Park in Stone Mountain;

Stone Mountain Park in Stone Mountain;

Sweetwater Creek State Park in Lithia Springs;