Duckett Mill
4.55364 reviews3720 DUCKETT MILL ROAD, GAINESVILLE, GA, 30506-0567, USA
Duckett Mill
$8.00 - $9.00 / 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
Reservation fees range from $8 for online/app bookings to $9 for contact center reservations. Additional fees may apply for reservation changes or cancellations.
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine shores of Lake Sidney Lanier, Duckett Mill Campground beckons water enthusiasts and nature lovers to experience Georgia's aquatic playground. Wake to the gentle lapping of waves against the shoreline, then spend your days casting lines for bass, gliding across crystal-clear waters on kayaks, or perfecting your wakeboarding skills. Each generously sized campsite offers breathtaking lake vistas, while modern conveniences like hot showers, clean restrooms, and laundry facilities ensure your outdoor adventure doesn't mean roughing it. Whether you're seeking heart-pumping water sports or peaceful sunset swims, this lakeside haven delivers the perfect blend of natural beauty and creature comforts.
Duckett Mill accommodates a variety of camping styles, including RV sites with hookups, tent-only sites, and family-friendly group settings.
Historical SignificanceMore than just a recreational paradise, Lake Sidney Lanier stands as a testament to 1950s American engineering ambition. Created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this massive reservoir transformed North Georgia's landscape, flooding valleys and creating a multi-purpose waterway that now powers homes, supplies drinking water, and provides endless recreation opportunities. Today, the lake serves as a vital resource for wildlife management and navigation while offering visitors a chance to play where history and nature converge. Every sunrise over these waters tells the story of human ingenuity working in harmony with the natural world.
Weather and SeasonsExperience four distinct seasons at Duckett Mill, each painting the landscape in its own spectacular palette. Spring arrives with gentle breezes and wildflower blooms, creating ideal conditions for hiking and fishing. Summer transforms the campground into a water lover's paradise, though afternoon thunderstorms often roll across the lake, bringing dramatic skies and refreshing relief from the Georgia heat. Fall wraps the surrounding hills in warm amber and crimson hues, offering crisp mornings perfect for lakeside coffee. Winter brings peaceful solitude and cool temperatures that invite cozy campfires and quiet reflection by the water's edge.
ElevationThe campground's gentle slopes lead down to the water's edge, creating an intimate connection between your campsite and the vast expanse of Lake Lanier below.
Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to be mesmerized by Lake Sidney Lanier's famous aqua-blue waters that stretch across 692 miles of undulating shoreline. From your campsite at Duckett Mill, watch as morning mist dances across the lake's surface, revealing hidden coves and secluded beaches. The surrounding landscape unfolds in gentle waves of green farmland, creating a patchwork quilt of pastoral beauty that frames the shimmering water. Ancient hardwoods provide natural shade canopies, while the ever-changing play of light on water creates a living canvas that shifts from dawn's golden glow to sunset's fiery farewell.
Geological RegionDuckett Mill Campground rests in the heart of North Georgia's piedmont region, where ancient rolling hills meet modern engineering marvel. Lake Sidney Lanier's impressive 38,000 acres of water surface sprawl across five counties, creating a massive inland sea carved into the red clay hills. This unique geological setting, where farmland meets forest and water, showcases the diverse beauty of Georgia's northern landscape. The campground itself sits perfectly positioned to take advantage of this natural amphitheater, offering visitors front-row seats to one of the Southeast's most stunning water and land formations.
Campsite details
AccessibilitySeveral complaints about steep driveways and inaccessible trails but no explicit mentions of ADA accessibility.
Sites SizeCampsites described as spacious and accommodating for RVs and families. Some complaints about steep and narrow driveways for larger vehicles.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies by site. Some users appreciated the spacing and natural barriers, while others found certain areas cramped, especially around tent-only sites.
Total Campsites111 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose waterfront sites for direct lake access and privacy. Avoid sites with steep terrain if traveling with large RVs.
Best CampsitesPopular sites include #79 for its bluff location and lake views, #81 for its stunning views, and #30 for its waterfront access.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time is 3:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out time is 1:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 nights during a rolling 30-day period.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is laid out with loops and sections, offering a mix of hookup and tent-only sites.
Open and Closed SeasonDuckett Mill operates seasonally and is not open year-round; specific dates vary.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is limited, and specific sites may be reserved in advance online or via phone.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations must be made online, through the app, or via the contact center. A $10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations will forfeit the first night's fee.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Laundry Facilities
Activities you can enjoy
Duckett Mill offers diverse recreational activities. Popular options include fishing, boating, kayaking, wakeboarding, swimming at the beach, and biking. The campground's proximity to Lake Lanier provides direct water access.
Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity, and the lake offers diverse fish species. Multiple reviews praised the fishing experience.Swimming
Designated swimming beach available. Some reviewers highlighted maintenance issues like unclean sand but appreciated the opportunity to swim.Biking
Campground roads are suitable for biking with family-friendly flat terrain.Boating
Boating is highly encouraged with access to Lake Lanier, but the boat ramp is outside the campground, opening at 7 AM.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as deer and ospreys frequently spotted, adding to the natural experience.Beach activities
Beach area available for sunbathing and swimming, though some complaints about cleanliness and lack of raking to remove debris.Water Sports
Kayaking, paddleboarding, and wakeboarding opportunities available.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted in designated fire rings. Firewood is available for purchase; regulations may apply regarding collection of wood.
- Quiet hours are enforced and typically begin at 10:00 PM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include steep terrain at some sites, fire ants in certain areas, and downed trees or debris near the water.
Active alertsCOVID-19 restrictions may apply for check-in procedures. Gates lock overnight.
Weather forecast
75
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 44%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 9.7 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Partly cloudy
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
The nearest emergency services include Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, GA, approximately 10 miles away. Police services are also located in Gainesville.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is centralized at the dump station. Recycling facilities not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresSites are located on or near Lake Sidney Lanier, offering access to fishing, swimming, and boating.
Common complaintsRecurring complaints include steep terrain at campsites, limited privacy, maintenance issues in bathrooms, and lack of playground facilities.
HostHosts are available on-site and are described as helpful and friendly.
Campground Map
3720 DUCKETT MILL ROAD, GAINESVILLE, GA, 30506-0567, USA
Driving directionsTo reach Duckett Mill Campground, take State Route 400 north to exit 17, turn right on Georgia Highway 306, turn right on Georgia Highway 53, and then turn right on Duckett Mill Road. Follow Duckett Mill Road into the campground.
Road access is paved and suitable for most vehicles; roads are in good condition. However, the terrain near some campsites may be steep or narrow, which can challenge larger RVs or trailers.Nearby places
Dawsonville (approx. 20 miles, 30 minutes), Dahlonega (approx. 25 miles, 35 minutes), Gainesville (approx. 10 miles, 20 minutes)
Nearby supplies
The closest locations for groceries and camping supplies are Gainesville, GA, approximately 10 miles away, which offers various supermarkets, gas stations, and camping retailers.
Camper Reviews
4.6
364 reviews
Duckett Mill is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Duckett Mill Campground is praised for its scenic lake views, spacious campsites, and friendly hosts. Complaints often focus on bathroom cleanliness and the condition of the beach area.
Review Summaries
Based on 364 reviews
What Campers Love
Large, well-spaced sites. Friendly and helpful staff. Beautiful lake views and quiet, peaceful environment.
Based on 364 reviewsCommon Concerns
Bathrooms need updating and better maintenance. Issues with steep driveways and site accessibility. Some complaints about ants and other wildlife.
Based on 364 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring ant spray to deal with fire ants. Choose sites closer to the lake for better views and easier water access. Check the proximity of your site to bathhouses.
Based on 364 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Campground is highly praised during warmer months for water activities but closes during off-peak seasons, which some users find disappointing.
Based on 364 reviewsCamper Quotes
'This is one of the nicest campgrounds in the whole Southeast!' 'Bathrooms are always clean, the park is kept neat and tidy.' 'The site was clean with a great view.'
Based on 364 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Highly rated sites include #79 for its bluff overlooking the lake, #81 for stunning views, and #30 for water access. Avoid site #40 due to lack of privacy.
Based on 364 reviewsAccessibility Features
Several reviews mentioned steep driveways and trails, possibly challenging for individuals with mobility issues.
Based on 364 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Mixed reviews. Several mentions of pet-friendly policies, but compliance with leash rules and restrictions on beach access for dogs were noted issues.
Based on 364 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025