We came out this way for day camping, which I didn't know was a thing. The South Park is for day use and North is for camping. It was July 3rd and 4th, so busy weekend. We had an issue with my son getting in due to the park rangers and police closing entry. It was full and they turned my son around by accident. However, I don't think he let them know he had a reservation. That's the reason for my star bump but both the police officer and ranger were apologetic, so much appreciated. Day camping is a new thing for me. For $15/day, you can rent a site from 8AM to 8PM. They have running water and electricity. There are also two bathroom facilities with showers. The day use spots are good for two vehicles and have a picnic table and trash bag hanger. Easy access to the water in most spots. They have two grills to cook at the sites. It's very much worth the money. They don't allow alcohol, pets or really loud music. The beaches are nice and water is pretty clear. The coves make it easy for swimming. I do recommend! read more

What a great place for a day outing or a week long stay on the clear waters of Lake Lanier. Facilities are what you expect from a Georgia State Park ..... excellent! Proximity to some of the islands makes it a great place to kayak from without to much worry from boats and jet skis. Although our time spent here is during the week I imagine the lake can be somewhat hazardous on weekends with boats everywhere. Regardless it is a great spot to spend time in the warm waters and just relax. One of our favorite Georgia spots. read more

Van Pugh Park - Lakes Near Me - Flowery Branch, Georgia

As a desperation to get out, we decided to learn a new hobby - fishing. We specifically went to Van Pugh North Park. Park is nearby a couple of bait shops if needed and had plenty of boat ramps for use. No fees till October due to COVID. We've been fishing at various spots prior to Van Pugh. Finally lucked out when we were able to catch a couple of catfish and bass as big as my forearms. Tables and grill placements were spaced far away from each other as well. There is a beach area that's closed off, but the right side is open. Groups were respectful and kept their distance. Restroom were clean and park overall was well-kept. Great spot for fishing, camping, and playing in the water. read more

An absolute delight to camp here. A lot of lakefront sites to choose from. Staff at the gate was very welcoming and nice. I would recommend this to any family to enjoy a weekend getaway! read more

See all

Absolute morons that run the gatehouse to Van Pugh North. There were parking spots but they would not let us in. We were camping at Van Pugh South too. My husband had the car in neutral and the engine revved, so the lady kicked us out and said we shouldn't be in the park if he was going to act like that. Get it together and stop letting vans full of people in and putting the park at capacity. Also, it was her second day, perhaps proper training on park capacity. read more

We stayed at the South Campground over Memorial Day and had a great time. Lots of shade, sites were right on the water with a beautiful view of the sunset. Will be back read more

I really like this park. Seems like all state parks are $5 to park but the view is amazing. There is plenty of parking and a left and right side beach areas. You can picnic and bbq as well. No pets which sucks but its a fun area. I wish they would get rid of that long yellow piping a long the beach. I know its a man made beach but it has potential. Littering can be an issue. We need more people to clean after themselves. This place deserves to be used by all and left clean. Be warmed there are ants and mosquitoes. read more

Van Pugh Park - Pan of the beach - Lakes Near Me - Flowery Branch, Georgia

See all

I came here with my family on a gloomy sort of day. I thought it was going to be a rainy day, but it didn't! Whoo hoo!!! Just watch out when you're on the grass, though. I found a lot of huge fire ant colonies all over the park! Wouldn't want to get bitten by one of those!!! They HURT!!! Another thing is that in one of the bathroom stalls in the women's bathroom, the second stall is malfunctioned. I flushed it once and it would not stop flushing meaning the water in the toilet bowl kept on swirling round and round. So annoying! Then in the first stall, when I tried to bush the flush button there were water coming out from it! Icky!! Ew!!! Gross!!! They should really fix their toilets! The third stall was also broken, because there were poop water in the toilet and couldn't flush either! YUUUUCK!!! Other than that, the bathroom had mirrors, two sinks with one hand soap. Thankfully, there was SOAP!!! Oh and the toiletries had toilet tissue which was great, too! The lake was a lovely sight to see. The park included a playground and a place where you can grill your food on! The griller was still new and hasn't been used! Lucky us! I took lots of pictures of this park! Yes, yes.. I also took pictures of the men's bathroom, because there weren't any OTHER people at this park. I'm SO ADVENTUROUS!? Is going inside the men's bathroom a crime?? I hope not. What I noticed with the men's room was that they had no mirrors. What if they had tissue stuck on their butt? Ha ha ha! Not very likely, but you never know! I went to the lake side.. it was low tide and saw that there were a lot of empty clam shells everywhere! The birds must've been starving or something! Later in the day, we saw two people with shovels. I was guessing that they were going "clam hunting". But I don't think that's allowed here. -gasps- Oh! They were breaking the law?! Maybe?? Oooo bad bad!! Overall, they also had a shelter for reservations only (large group of people for parties and such). The shelter also had a fire place! Cooooool!!!! We kept hearing crows cawing every few minutes!! They were so LOUD! I copied them and for a while they stopped their cawing! Ha ha ha!! It was funny! read more

See all

One of the very best parks on Lake Lanier. Camp sites are arranged at waters edge while still affording privacy . The whole area is meticulously regularly. Bath houses are easily accessible and well maintained. Park is well managed and routinely patrolled but not micro managed. Staff is pleasant and well informed. It's a jewel of a camping spot. read more

Beautiful park. Great spot for the kids to play in the water. Clean restrooms. Spots to grill and camp.

Good, but insanely hard to get reservations. The tent area is tiny, so we changed to Duckett Mill, and theirs are much bigger. Van Pugh has better water access, but the north day park area is rarely open. read more

Nice peaceful park to enjoy the lake and have a picnic.

Great place to camp. Would highly recommend to anyone who loves the outdoors. We camped here last year and had a blast! The only thing that concerns me is the times you are aloud to enter and leave the park. Other than that it was a great experience. read more

Person above is Bonkers. There is NO TIDE at lake Lanier the water level was simply low. OMG I must bring my surf board for when the tide comes in LOL. read more