Don Carter State Park RV & Campground Guide
Georgia
Don Carter State Park
is located on the north end of Lake Lanier, about 11 miles north of Gainesville, Georgia. With several boat ramps that provide easy access to the 38,000-acre lake, this recreation area is ideal for watersports. The park also has a swimming beach that's popular in summer. In addition to Lake Lanier and the Chattahoochee River, this recreation area features outdoor fitness equipment, a playground, and a gift shop. Don Carter State Park is located 53 miles northwest of Athens, 67 miles northeast of Atlanta, and 74 miles northeast of Marietta, Georgia.
Spring 48-70 F
Summer 66-85 F
Fall 55-76 F
Winter 33-53 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Don Carter State Park
Don Carter State Park and the nearby locations offer a lot to outdoor adventurers as well as those who like to relax. To soak in all the recreation opportunities and enjoy the on-site Hammock Campground, you'll want to bring your RV. If you do not have one, get a rental via RVshare.com.
River Forks Park & Campground
There are plenty of camping options at Lake Lanier in the region. At River Forks Park & Campground, a boat ramp with plenty of parking is available. You can also play on the 40,000-foot beach at this facility, where rates start at about $20 per night.
- Water hookup: Yes
- Electrical hookup: Yes
- Sewer hookup: No
- Wi-Fi: No
- Pet-friendly: Yes
- Other amenities: Boat ramp, beach, biking, and hiking trails
Duckett Mill Campground
Duckett Mill Campground is located near the middle of Lake Lanier by Springdale. Here, you can go biking, hiking, swimming, and fishing. Rates start at about $18 per night.
- Water hookup: Yes
- Electrical hookup: Yes
- Sewer hookup: No
- Wi-Fi: No
- Pet-friendly: Yes
- Other amenities: Lake, shower house, playground, laundry
What to Do at
Don Carter State Park
Inside Don Carter State Park
About 11 million visitors head to Lake Lanier annually, and many of them stop at Don Carter State Park to go swimming on the sandy beach. Many also use the boat ramp to launch their vessel onto the reservoir, which connects to the Chattahoochee River. Visitors can also hike along many miles of trails to see stunning views of the water while staying cool under the large shade trees.
Outside Don Carter State Park
Gainesville, Georgia, is nicknamed the "Queen City of the Mountains" for the gorgeous scenery surrounding it. You can find a lot to do in this area. Additionally, there are lovely restaurants to eat and places to shop in this community, which is located a short distance off Interstate 985.
Restaurants
Atlanta Highway and Seafood Market
Born in Biloxi, Mississippi, owner Phoung Le opened this combination seafood restaurant and market to bring a bit of the Gulf Coast to Georgia. You can get fresh-caught Atlanta seafood platters at Atlanta Highway and Seafood Market along with gumbo, red beans, po’ boys sandwiches, and more.
Type: Cajun
Location: 227 Atlanta Hwy #900, Gainesville, GA 30501
Atlas Pizza
Atlas Pizza has been delighting customers since 2009 with their gourmet pizza, wraps, and fresh salads. You will also want to try their cheesecake, cinnamon sticks, and brownies.
Type: Italian
Location: 104 Washington St, Gainesville, GA 30501
Collegiate Grill
If you are looking for a classic-style American diner, then Collegiate Grill is perfect for you. Get burgers, hot dogs, and other meals at this mom-and-pop restaurant. Since the owners are usually on-site, you can tell them how much you enjoyed your meal.
Type: American
Location: 220 Main St SW, Gainesville, GA 30501
Luna’s Restaurant
Since 1997, patrons have been coming to Luna’s Restaurant, which offers fine dining in a casual atmosphere on Gainesville’s square. You can also enjoy hearing live music in their piano bar while sipping on a craft cocktail.
Type: American
Location: 220 Main St SW, Gainesville, GA 30501
2Dog
Dine on house-smoked meats and artisan sausages at 2Dog. This restaurant also makes its own bread. Do not leave without trying one of their freshly baked desserts.
Type: American
Location: 317 Spring St, Gainesville, GA 30501
Shopping
Rahab’s Rope
Select jewelry, home décor, health and beauty products, and more at Rahab’s Rope. A portion of each sale supports the fight against sex trafficking by supplying jobs, after treatment care, and other services.
Location: 118 Washington St NW, Gainesville, GA 30501
Gypsy Threads
Let your inner flower child show forth with women’s clothing from Gypsy Threads. This store carries all your favorite brands, including Show Me Your Mumu, Free People, and For Love and Lemons.
Location: 210 Bradford St, Gainesville, GA 30501
Moe's Record Shop
If you love to listen to tunes spun on records, head to this shop. You never know what kinds of music classics you may find on their racks.
Location: 105 Bradford St, Gainesville, GA 30501
Purchase Effect
Here, you can find a wide assortment of handmade merchandise, including wallets, bags, pet supplies, office supplies, and jewelry. Each purchase made at Purchase Effect supports a cause working to alleviate poverty around the world.
Location: 101 Bradford St. SE, Gainesville, GA 30501
Thrasherville
If you are a skater, you need to visit Thrasherville for your boards, accessories, and clothing.
Location: 119 Bradford St, Gainesville, GA 30501
Sightseeing
Dahlonega Gold Museum State Historic Site
Located inside the oldest courthouse in Georgia, the Dahlonega Gold Museum State Historic Site pays tribute to America’s first gold rush.
Location: 1 Public Square, Dahlonega, GA 30533
Elachee Nature Center
Nature-themed lifelong learning events occur at Elachee Nature Center. This facility, located within the 1,440-acre Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve, is also a great place to go hiking.
Location: 2125 Elachee Dr, Gainesville, GA 30501
Hardman Farm State Historic Site
When you visit this destination, you can see the Sautee Nacoochee Indian Mound, tour the home constructed in 1870, and learn about life on a dairy farm that belonged to the same family for generations. Numerous seasonal events happen at Hardman Farm State Historic Site.
Location: 143 Hwy 17, Sautee Nacoochee, GA 30571
Moccasin Creek State Park
Moccasin Creek State Park on Lake Burton’s shores offers many boating options. You can rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard. Visitors also go fishing, hiking, and camping at this location.
Location: 3655 Hwy 197, Clarkesville, GA 30523
Northwest Georgia History Center
At Northwest Georgia History Center, you can view an 18th-century Native American cabin and a blacksmith shop. Then, wander through the gallery to learn about different people who lived in Georgia before seeing the folk-art gallery and the sports hall of fame.
Location: 322 Academy St NE, Gainesville, GA 30523
How to Get to
Don Carter State Park
If you start in Gainesville, Georgia, head northwest on Green Street. Turn right on Jesse Jewell Parkway. Turn left on US 129. Turn right on Georgia 284 North. Make a right on North Browning Bridge Road. Finally, turn slightly left to get on North Boat Ramp Road. Look up, and you will be at Don Carter State Park.
Entering Don Carter State Park
A $5 parking fee is charged at this park, which is open for day use from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Per vehicle : $5
Don Carter State Park is a fantastic place to play on Lake Lanier throughout the year, so make this trip happen soon. When you do, be sure to do it in your RV. If you do not have one, then rent one through RVshare.com! After your trip, post your photos to your social media feed and tag us so we can see. You may also send your photos and stories to [email protected]