Bald Ridge Creek
4.39623 reviews4100 BALD RIDGE ROAD, CUMMING, GA 30041, USA
Bald Ridge Creek
$26.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Campsite fees range from $26 to $35 per night. Discounts are available for passes like the America the Beautiful pass. Additional service and cancellation fees apply.
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine shores of Lake Sidney Lanier, Bald Ridge Creek Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with 82 thoughtfully designed campsites, each equipped with electric and water hookups. Wake up to breathtaking lakefront vistas where the morning mist dances across the water, then spend your days exploring endless recreational possibilities. Whether you're casting a line into the crystal-clear waters, gliding across the lake in a kayak, or taking a refreshing swim in designated areas, adventure awaits at every turn. Modern conveniences including laundry facilities and dump stations ensure your stay is as comfortable as it is memorable.
Bald Ridge Creek Campground caters to a variety of camping preferences, from tent setups to RV accommodations. Its lakefront sites are particularly popular among campers.
Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape shaped by both nature and human ingenuity. Lake Sidney Lanier emerged in 1956 following the completion of the ambitious Buford Dam project on the Chattahoochee River, forever transforming this corner of North Georgia. Today, the campground serves as your gateway to regional treasures, with the historic gold rush town of Dahlonega just a scenic drive away, where you can pan for gold and explore charming mountain shops. Nature lovers will appreciate the nearby Sawnee Mountain Preserve, offering miles of trails and environmental education opportunities that complement your lakeside retreat.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the ever-changing beauty of Georgia's seasons at Bald Ridge Creek. Summer transforms the campground into an aquatic playground, with warm days perfect for diving into water adventures and lazy afternoons by the shore. As autumn arrives, the surrounding forests burst into a spectacular display of crimson and gold, creating a photographer's paradise with comfortable temperatures ideal for hiking and exploration. Spring brings renewal and mild weather, making it prime time for fishing and peaceful paddling. While winter brings closure and quieter months, the shoulder seasons offer a serene escape with average highs around 61°F and refreshing lows near 48°F, complemented by the region's notably dry climate.
ElevationThe campground rests at a comfortable elevation that provides gentle terrain for easy exploration while offering varied vantage points for spectacular lake views.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where aqua-blue waters meet verdant forests along Lake Sidney Lanier's scenic shores. This stunning reservoir, born from the Chattahoochee River's transformation in 1956, creates a dramatic backdrop for your camping adventure. Towering trees provide natural shade throughout the wooded campground, while openings in the canopy reveal sweeping vistas across the lake's shimmering expanse. Each sunrise and sunset paints the water in different hues, from golden amber to deep sapphire, creating an ever-changing canvas that captivates photographers and nature lovers alike.
Geological RegionDiscover camping at the crossroads of mountain and lake country, where Lake Sidney Lanier spreads across 38,000 acres in the scenic foothills of the Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains. This geological wonderland boasts an impressive 692 miles of intricately carved shoreline, creating countless coves, inlets, and peninsulas to explore. The ancient mountain foothills provide a dramatic backdrop, their weathered peaks and rolling ridges telling the story of millions of years of geological history, while the vast reservoir below offers a more recent chapter in the region's ever-evolving landscape.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible campsites and accessible flush toilets, making it a viable option for campers with disabilities.
Sites SizeCampsites are generally spacious, with some sites offering enough room to accommodate large RVs and additional vehicles. Pull-through options are available for ease of access.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies by site; while some are secluded, others offer minimal separation from neighboring campsites. Sites near the lake often provide better views but are less private.
Total Campsites82 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCampers recommend researching sites for shade and water access before booking, as some are more exposed. Sites 43, 39, and 46 are preferred for lake views.
Best CampsitesSites 39, 44, and 46 are highly praised for their lakefront views and spaciousness. Site 43 is considered one of the best waterfront sites.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
3:00 PM
Check-out
1:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum Consecutive Stay: 14 nights. You may stay up to 14 nights total at this campground within rolling 30 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Not explicitly mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampsites are arranged in loops with lakefront and wooded locations. Sites are spaced for privacy and accessibility.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from March 1 through mid-December.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability not explicitly described in source materials.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations (after midnight the day before check-in) will also forfeit the first night's fee. Changes to reservations within the cut-off window are only allowed for emergencies by on-site personnel.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Camp Store
Laundry Facilities
Activities you can enjoy
The campground provides a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, swimming, boating, and hiking. Its lakefront location offers ample opportunities for water-based activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding. There is also a designated swimming beach and a boat ramp, making it ideal for water enthusiasts. Trails and nearby attractions add to the breadth of activities available.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities include nearby trails within the Sawnee Mountain Preserve, which offers rock climbing and scenic views. On-site trails are limited but sufficient for leisurely walks.Climbing
Climbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity, with Lake Sidney Lanier offering a variety of fish species. Several campsites provide direct lake access for fishing.Swimming
A designated swimming beach is available, offering a safe and enjoyable area for campers. Dogs can swim near campsites, though the beach itself is primarily for people.Biking
The campground features paved areas conducive to bike riding, though some users noted limited dedicated biking paths.Boating
Boating is highly encouraged, with a boat ramp and dock facilities available for campers. Kayaking and paddleboarding are also popular.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife sightings are common, including birds and small mammals. The lake provides a natural habitat ideal for nature observation.Beach activities
A sandy beach area is available for sunbathing, swimming, and beach games, though it may become crowded during peak seasons.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned, but the campground is closed during the winter season.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding are highly popular at this campground.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfire rings are provided at each site. No specific fire restrictions are noted.
- Quiet hours are 10:30 PM - 7:00 AM
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include high grass, ticks, snakes, and poison ivy as noted in several user reviews. Water conditions may favor motorboats over kayaks, which some found disruptive.
Weather forecast
76
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 43%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.2 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest hospital: Northside Hospital Forsyth (~5 miles). Police station: Cumming Police Department (~3 miles).
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak seasons are not explicitly stated, but summer months appear to have higher demand based on user reviews.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are available, but recycling options appear to be limited or absent. Some users reported overflowing trash bins during peak seasons.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is directly on Lake Sidney Lanier, with many sites offering waterfront access for swimming, kayaking, and fishing.
Common complaintsMany reviews highlight maintenance issues such as high grass, unclean restrooms, and campground hosts perceived as overly strict.
HostCampground hosts are available to assist visitors. Mixed reviews from campers indicate hosts may vary in helpfulness.
Campground Map
4100 BALD RIDGE ROAD, CUMMING, GA 30041, USA
Driving directionsFrom Atlanta, GA, take SR 400 N to Exit 16, turn right on Pilgrim Mill Rd, turn right on Sinclair Shoals Rd, turn left on Bald Ridge Rd. Follow signs into campground.
The roads leading to Bald Ridge Creek Campground are accessible via major routes, but some GPS systems may mislead drivers. A user advised turning at the first turn rather than the second when coming from SR 400 as sharp turns could be hazardous for RVs. Roads through the residential area are narrow and have speed bumps, which may be challenging for larger vehicles.Nearby places
Cumming: 3 miles (~10 minutes), Atlanta: 40 miles (~45 minutes driving)
Nearby supplies
Kroger grocery store (~4 miles). Walmart (~7 miles). Gas stations and restaurants are readily available in Cumming.
Camper Reviews
4.4
623 reviews
Bald Ridge Creek is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Bald Ridge Creek Campground generally receives positive reviews, with campers praising its natural beauty, spacious sites, and lakefront access. However, complaints about maintenance lapses, such as uncut grass and outdated facilities, have been noted in recent years.
Review Summaries
Based on 623 reviews
What Campers Love
Campers frequently highlight the beautiful lake views, spacious and well-kept sites, friendly staff, and convenient amenities such as fishing piers and boat ramps.
Based on 623 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common issues include high grass and unkempt lawns, inconsistent cleanliness in restrooms, and occasional difficulty with staff responsiveness. Some users also report noise and crowding during peak...
Based on 623 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend booking early to secure lakefront sites, bringing a personal lawn mower or weed eater during peak seasons when maintenance may lag, and preparing for limited cell phone reception.
Based on 623 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is most popular in the spring and summer, with positive reviews during these periods focusing on the lake's accessibility and the abundance of activities. Negative reviews peak in the...
Based on 623 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"The lake access from our site was fantastic!" "The hosts were super friendly and helpful, but the grass needs to be mowed." "Loved the privacy of our site and the clean facilities."
Based on 623 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Users frequently recommend sites 39, 40, 43, and 69 for their excellent lake views and proximity to the water. Site 54 is noted for limited shade and exposure.
Based on 623 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible sites and flush toilets are available, but no specific user reviews mention accessibility challenges or amenities.
Based on 623 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are welcome, and many users appreciate the ability to let their dogs swim near their campsites. However, some reviews mention off-leash dogs as a minor issue.
Based on 623 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025