Buford Dam Park: 9 Tips For An Exceptional Time Near Atlanta

Last weekend I took Miss J and Mr. Z to a little beach escape in our neck of the woods. It’s not the Caribbean or an exotic beach by any means, but we can’t beat the distance and the cost.

Buford Dam Park lies just north of Buford Dam on Lake Sidney Lanier featuring beautiful views of the lake as well as excellent access to swimming, picnicking, and boating. Check out this Georgia gem!

This is a little beach on Lake Lanier. It’s part of Buford Dam Park which is merely a 5 minute ride from our house. FIVE minutes!! And I haven’t been here in the past few years! Well, if it wasn’t for my new goal to get out and do more outdoor adventures with my kids, I probably wouldn’t have tried it yet.

We packed our beach bag and headed out. I had no idea where this park was, but I knew it was somewhere in the Buford Dam area. We found the entrance, and the kids couldn’t have been happier.

Why We Love Buford Dam Park

• The lake, named for the poet, Sidney Lanier, is well known for its aqua-blue colored water, spectacular scenery and variety of recreational activities. Each year, approximately 11.8 million people come to visit!
  
• Buford Dam Park offers access to a designated swim beach and the Laurel Ridge Trail. The park also offers a basketball court, soccer field, and a playground.
  
• The beach area is a pretty good size with plenty of sand for kids to get lost in their own imagination building sand castles.
  
• The beach is very calm since it’s on a lake, and boats or jet skis are not allowed in the area.
  
• Visitors can access the Laurel Ridge Hiking Trail from multiple locations and parks. The trail is a 3.5 mile loop that offers great views of the lake and Chattahoochee River.
  
• Fisherman can expect to catch a variety of species including bass, catfish and panfish. Activities include fishing, swimming, wake boarding, kayaking and hiking.
  
• There are plenty of shaded areas for families to have their own cookout. You can bring your own grill to the park and have a great BBQ by the beach.
  
• There is a restroom nearby so it’s easy for parents to take care of their kids needs.
  
• The fee is merely $4 per car. What a great deal for a fun day at the beach for the whole family.

Getting To Buford Dam Park

From Georgia Highway 400, take exit 14 to Highway 20 east, turn left onto Sanders Road, at first stop sign turn right on Buford Dam Road. After crossing the dam, turn left when you see Lanier Project Management Office sign.

From Interstate 85, take exit 111 and head north on Lawrencville-Suwanee Road. Continue approximately 10 miles to Buford Dam Road. Turn left on Buford Dam Road, turn right at the Lanier Project Management Office sign.

Lake Lanier FAQ

MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO GEORGIA

• YOUR GEORGIA VACATION
• BEGINNER HIKES: 125+ BEST PLACES FOR HIKING IN GEORGIA (KIDS & BEGINNERS)
• WATERFALLS: 33+ BEST WATERFALLS IN GEORGIA YOU’VE JUST GOT TO SEE
• GA STATE PARKS: 9+ GEORGIA STATE PARKS WITH WATERFALLS BEGGING YOU TO VISIT
• BLUE RIDGE: 50+ BEST ADVENTUROUS THINGS TO DO IN BLUE RIDGE GA

Where To Stay Near Buford Dam Park