About Van Pugh South Day Use Facility
Overview Van Pugh South Day Use Facility lies on the banks of Lake Sidney Lanier in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Northern Georgia. The popular lake boasts nearly 700 miles of shoreline and over 100 small islands, providing over 11 million annual visitors with limitless recreation opportunities. Recreation Lake Lanier offers excellent boating, fishing and swimming. The lake offers additional opportunities for kayaking, wake boarding and much more.Facilities Van Pugh South Day Use Facility ofers 54 small group picnic sites. Some of these sites come with water and electricity. Amenities include picnic tables, grills, a fire ring, a dedicated site, dedicated parking, and drinking water. A reservation guarantees entry and in and out privileges. Flush toilets, showers, an accessible boat ramp, and a playground are also in the park. Natural Features The reservoir was created in 1956 with the completion of Buford Dam on the Chattahoochee River, and today spans 38,000 acres of water in the lush foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Dense forests of oak, hickory and pine cover the region, providing shade in the day use facility and abundant wildlife habitat. Nearby Attractions Lake Lanier Islands is within driving distance and along with other parks provides many opportunities for outdoor recreation. There are several towns within driving distance that provide opportinuties to explore. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (770) 945-9531.Charges & Cancellations Cancellations must be made via the online/phone reservation system or by calling the Lanier Project Management Office at 770-945-9531. Cancellation calls to the gatehouse will not be honored.
How to Get There
Take I-85 north to I-985, take Exit 8, turn left on Highway 347/Friendship Road. Turn right on McEver Road, then left on Gaines Ferry Road and follow signs to the campground.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- 🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 8)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Van Pugh South Day Use Facility
Heading to Van Pugh South Day Use Facility? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Van Pugh South Day Use Facility?
No central reservation system listed for Van Pugh South Day Use Facility. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234670) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Van Pugh South Day Use Facility?
Take I-85 north to I-985, take Exit 8, turn left on Highway 347/Friendship Road. Turn right on McEver Road, then left on Gaines Ferry Road and follow signs to the campground.
How do I contact Van Pugh South Day Use Facility?
You can reach the park at phone: 770-967-6315 or email: Andrea.R.Wagner@usace.army.mil.
References & Official Resources
