Plan your adventure at Bald Ridge Creek Campground on Lake Sidney Lanier. Learn how to get there (near Atlanta, GA), fees, facilities, dog policy, hotels.
Bald Ridge Creek Campground: Lake Lanier Camping Guide
ald Ridge Creek Campground lies on Lake Sidney Lanier in Georgia, a popular reservoir in the Blue Ridge foothills. It’s famous for its “aqua-blue” water and scenic views. The lake has about 38,000 surface acres of water and 692 miles of shoreline. Every year over 11 million visitors come to Lake Lanier for fishing, boating and swimming. Bald Ridge Creek offers 82 spacious campsites by the lakeshore. It’s great for tents, RVs (up to 50‑amp hookups), and even big rigs (up to 109 ft of vehicle length). This guide covers location and directions, fees, facilities, nearby hotels, restaurants, dog rules, and tips for your stay.
Tip: Book your campsite early, especially for summer weekends. Bald Ridge Creek is very popular and often fills up months in advance.
Location & Directions
Bald Ridge Creek Campground is in Cumming, GA (Forsyth County), at 4100 Bald Ridge Park Road. The nearest big airport is Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta (ATL), about 45 miles (≈50 minutes) south. From Atlanta or the airport, take I-75 N to GA‑400 N, then Exit 16 (Pilgrim Mill Road). Follow Pilgrim Mill Road → Sinclair Shoals Road → Bald Ridge Road – signage leads you into the campground. The park entrance has a gatehouse (open daily) where you check in. There is free parking for campers.
Tip: Arrive during daylight if you can. The park gates lock at 10:30 PM each night, and the road into the campground is easier to navigate in daylight.
Campground Facilities & Amenities
Bald Ridge Creek Campground is well-equipped for campers. Each campsite includes:
- 50‑amp electric & water hookups. Every site has electric power (up to 50 amps) and its own water tap. (There are no sewer hookups at the sites – a dump station is provided for RVs.)
- Picnic table, fire ring & grill. Every campsite comes with a wood picnic table, metal fire ring, and cooking grill. The grass is mowed, and many sites have shady trees.
- Bathhouses & showers. The campground has several bathhouse buildings with flush toilets and hot showers. (Campers rave that “yes, they have showers with hot water!”.)
- Laundry machines. There are coin laundry facilities on-site, so you can wash clothes or towels during longer stays.
Other Facilities
- Dump station. A full-service dump station is available on-site for RV waste tanks.
- Boat ramp & courtesy dock. Bald Ridge has its own lake access. A concrete boat ramp (with limited parking) lets you launch boats, kayaks, or paddleboards. There’s also a small dock where you can tie up (30-minute limit).
- Swimming beach. A sandy beach area is open to campers for swimming and wading. (Note: this is for registered campers only, not day visitors.)
- Playground. Kids will love the playground tucked in the woods – swings and slides for ages ~2–12.
- Camp store? This campground does not have a store or cafe. Bring all your food and supplies (firewood is sold at the gate). The nearest store is a few miles away in Cumming.
- Group/picnic pavilion. (No large reservable shelters here; it’s mostly a family campground.)
Bald Ridge Creek is co-managed by Forsyth County and the US Army Corps of Engineers. The Corps welcomes you to Lake Lanier and notes the park’s popularity. Alcohol is not allowed anywhere in the park (the rules say “sober fun is encouraged”). Check-in is 3 PM; check-out by 1 PM.
Recreation & Nearby Attractions
Bald Ridge Creek is a paradise for water lovers. Virtually all campsites are on or near the waterfront. Fishing, boating, kayaking and swimming are easy to enjoy from here. The campground even has a warm sandy beach for swimming, and many campers launch paddleboards and kayaks at dawn. If you like fishing, Lake Lanier has bass, catfish, crappie and more – bring your fishing license!
The park is also near Sawnee Mountain Preserve (about 8 miles west), which has several easy hiking trails and a kid-friendly nature center. In town, the City of Cumming (5 min away) offers shops, groceries, a visitor center, and even a fairground that hosts events. For more adventure, explore other parts of Lake Lanier: there are marinas, picnic areas and trails around the lake.
Tip: Pack a cooler of snacks for the day. A sunset picnic on the Bald Ridge beach is special – you might catch a sky full of stars (Lake Lanier has dark skies away from city lights).
Camping Fees & Passes
There is no day-use fee because only overnight campers are allowed. You pay only for the night’s you camp. Typical nightly rates range roughly $26–$36 per night (depending on site type and season). If you have an America the Beautiful pass (Senior Pass, Access Pass, Military Pass, etc.), it’s honored here for a discount. (Forsyth County issues the passes for corps parks now.) Book your stay online via the Forsyth County reservation site or Recreation.gov. Be sure to have your pass or ID ready at check-in. Reminder: the gate closes to vehicles at 10:30 PM every night.
Nearby Hotels & Motels
If you prefer a motel or hotel instead of camping, there are several in Cumming (just a few miles away):
- Hampton Inn & Suites, Cumming/Atlanta North – A modern hotel near GA-400. Has free hot breakfast, pool, and comfortable rooms.
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Atlanta–Cumming – Indoor pool and free breakfast bar.
- Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Cumming GA – Family-friendly hotel off Highway 20 with free breakfast and pool.
- Belamere Suites Hotel – A small boutique motel with kitchenette suites, near exit of GA-400.
- Quality Inn & Suites Cumming – Budget hotel with basic rooms and continental breakfast.
All of these book up on busy weekends, so reserve early. Cumming also has some lakeside resorts (Lake Lanier Islands) if you want fancy amenities, but those are a 15–20 min drive south.
More outdoorsy lodging tips: For ideas on camping gear or travel supplies, see our camping gear guide on GreenGolfingGenius.
Restaurants & Dining
In nearby Cumming (GPS “GA-20/Keith Bridge Road”), you’ll find plenty of eateries for any meal. Popular picks include:
- Lake Burrito Co. – Casual Mexican-style breakfast and burritos.
- Bagel Boys Cafe – Bagels, sandwiches, and coffee (local breakfast favorite).
- Tam’s Backstage Pub & Eatery – A family-friendly brewery & restaurant, serving pizza, burgers and pub fare.
- Smokey Q BBQ – Barbecue ribs and pulled pork.
- Rice Restaurant & Sushi Bar – Asian fusion (sushi, Thai, sushi burritos).
- Heart & Soul Diner – Old-fashioned diner with Southern comfort food (breakfast all day).
- Una Mas Spanish Grille – Casual spot for sandwiches, burgers, and small plates.
- Lake Lanier Islands (The Twisted Oar) – A 15-minute drive south, this lakeside grill has seafood and lake views.
Most chains (pizza, Mexican, burger joints) also have locations in Cumming. Food delivery is limited; plan ahead. Many restaurants close by 8–9 PM, so eat early if you’re out late.
Tip: Pack a picnic dinner and eat at the campground beach for the sunset! The Bald Ridge beach has picnic tables where you can relax by the water after dark.
Pet (Dog) Policy
Dogs are welcome at Bald Ridge Creek Campground, but please follow the rules. All pets must be on a leash (6 feet max) at all times. Clean up after your pet to keep the park clean. Note that pets cannot enter the bathhouses, playground, or designated swim beach. Pets also are not allowed in any park buildings (like the gatehouse or restrooms). The forested grounds mean ticks and insects are out – check your dog for ticks each evening. Overall, the campground is very pet-friendly, and your dog will enjoy sniffing the pine trees and splashing in the shallows.
Tip: Bring your dog’s favorite bed or crate. Even though sites are somewhat isolated, it’s nice to have a familiar spot for pets. You might also bring extra towels to dry off wet dogs after lake swims.
Recommended Camping Gear (Amazon Picks)
For your trip to Bald Ridge Creek, consider these popular camping essentials (links go to Amazon):
- Polyester
- Made in the USA or Imported
- Rainfly accessory offers added protection from bad weather.
- Coleman Sundome 2-Person Tent – Easy pop-up tent, great for beginners.
- LifeStraw Personal Water Filter – Filter Lake water for safe drinking (always useful outdoors).
- Award-winning LifeStraw Family is used by over 13,200,000 people worldwide
- Surpasses EPA standards for water purifiers: removes 99.99% viruses, 99.9999% bacteria and 99.9% protozoan cysts to 0.02…
- Purifies 18,000 liters/4755 gallons WITHOUT iodine, chlorine, or other chemicals; Clean drinking water for a family of f…
- Coleman Mummy Camping Sleeping Bag – Warm and compact sleep bag for cool nights.
- Stay warm in temperatures as low as 40°F
- Thermolock draft tube along the zipper keeps body heat from escaping
- Fiberlock construction keeps insulation from shifting
- Etekcity LED Camping Lantern – Battery-powered lantern for lighting up camp after dark.
- YETI Tundra 35 Hard Cooler – Heavy-duty cooler to keep food/drinks cold on weekends.
These affiliate camping gear picks will help make your stay more comfortable. And for even more gear advice, see Touring Diary Adventure camping equipment shop.
Bald Ridge Creek Campground is a top choice for families, couples, and pet owners looking for lake fun near Atlanta. With easy access, great facilities, and stunning lake views, it’s a wonderful place to pitch a tent or park your RV. Safe travels and happy camping at Bald Ridge Creek!
