Some trips test whether you actually love this lifestyle. Ours to Camp Margaritaville at Lake Lanier did it on night one, with tornado sirens.
We packed up the trailer and pointed it north for three nights at Camp Margaritaville RV Resort on Lake Lanier in Georgia. We got a gorgeous lakeside site, a killer sunset, and, before all that, a full-on tornado that rolled through the resort and totaled somebody's camper. Spoiler: we did not let the weather ruin the trip, and we would go back in a heartbeat. Here is how it went and what you should know before you book.
Is Camp Margaritaville at Lake Lanier worth it? Our honest take
Yes. You get full-hookup, often lakefront RV sites on one of the biggest lakes in the Southeast, with water park access and a stack of on-site amenities, less than an hour from Atlanta. Even with a literal tornado on our first night, the location, the views, and the resort vibe made it one of our favorite RV stops. Just keep an eye on the Georgia weather.
Getting there (and surviving Atlanta traffic)
If you are coming from our direction, the drive means going through Atlanta, which is Aaron's least favorite part of any trip. Atlanta traffic is just a guarantee, and it starts long before you actually reach the city. We survived it (Camille driving helped keep the mood up), and once you break free, the scenery on the way to the lake makes up for it.
The lesson for anyone towing through Atlanta: time it to avoid rush hour if you possibly can, and bring patience. It is the toll you pay for a lakeside weekend.
Our lakeside site
Pulling in and getting the trailer set up, the first thing that hit us was the view. Our site was literally steps from the water. If you have never seen Lake Lanier, it is enormous, almost 700 miles of shoreline (692 at normal levels, to be exact), so there is a staggering amount of lake to look at and explore.
The resort was full of every kind of rig you can imagine, fifth wheels, travel trailers, vans, buses, Class A's, and Class B's. We joked that we had not spotted a single Class C the whole time. It is that kind of place, a real mix of RVers all parked along the water.
The tornado that almost ruined night one
We were rushing to get dinner done because the sky looked angry, and then it got real. The sirens went off. A tornado came through the resort.
We sheltered and waited it out, and thankfully nobody was hurt. We were not as lucky as it could have been, though, others were not so fortunate with their gear. One camper near us got totaled. The owners had pulled in only about fifteen or twenty minutes before it hit, so the timing was genuinely terrifying to think about. Down at the bottom of the resort, a tree came down and took out somebody else's setup too. Our trailer came through fine, but it was a close, loud, scary night.
And then, like nothing happened, the storm cleared and gave us one of the most beautiful sunsets of the whole trip. The calm after the storm, literally. That contrast is something we will always remember about this place.
The kids, of course, found the silver lining immediately. All that rain meant puddles everywhere, which to them is just free swimming pools. The next morning we took a walk to see the aftermath, counted our blessings, and got on with the trip.
About Camp Margaritaville and Lake Lanier
Once the weather settled, the resort itself delivered. Camp Margaritaville RV Resort sits on Lanier Islands, less than an hour from Atlanta, with spacious full-hookup RV sites and that easy, beachy Margaritaville feel. Guests get complimentary access to LandShark Landing, plus discounted admission to Fins Up Water Park, so there is plenty to do without ever leaving the property.
And then there is the lake itself. At 38,000 acres and nearly 700 miles of shoreline, Lake Lanier is one of the biggest and most popular recreation lakes in Georgia. The resort is your basecamp, but the lake is the main event.
10 things to do at Lake Lanier
If you are planning your own trip, here is what is on the menu around the lake:
Water sports. Boating, jet skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. Rent watercraft on site or bring your own.
Swimming. Lake Lanier's waters are great for a swim, many spots have beaches, and there is a water park for all-day fun.
Hiking. Scenic trails around the lake for all skill levels.
Picnicking. Pack a lunch and grab a lakeside spot with friends or family.
Campfires and s'mores. Where your site allows it, the classic campfire under the stars is hard to beat.
Entertainment. Live music, arcades, and karaoke nights are part of the resort and nearby scene.
Outdoor games. Bring volleyball, frisbee, or cornhole for some friendly competition at your site.
Island and cove exploring. Get out on the water and visit spots like Sunset Cove at Lanier Islands, known for its views.
Waterside dining. Lakeside restaurants serve up a meal with a view.
Sunsets. After our storm, we can promise the sunsets here are worth planning your evening around.
A few honest tips
Watch the forecast. Georgia storms are no joke, and they can roll in fast. Know where the shelter is when you check in.
Book a lakefront site if you can. Being steps from the water made the whole trip.
Come for the amenities, stay for the lake. The water park and resort extras are great, but the lake is why you are really here.
Give yourself at least a couple of nights. Three nights felt right to slow down and actually enjoy it.
FAQ
Where is Camp Margaritaville RV Resort?
It is on Lanier Islands at Lake Lanier in Georgia, less than an hour north of Atlanta.
Is it good for families?
Very. Between the water park access, the lake, the puddles (ask our kids), and the resort amenities, there is plenty to keep everyone busy.
What is there to do at Lake Lanier?
Boating, jet skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, swimming, hiking, a water park, live music, and some of the best sunsets in the state.
Did a tornado really come through?
On our first night, yes. The sirens went off, we sheltered, and a camper near us was totaled, though thankfully no one was hurt. Georgia weather can turn quickly, so keep an eye on the forecast.
How many nights should you stay?
We did three and it felt right. Two is the minimum if you want to actually relax and use the lake.
The Verdict
Camp Margaritaville at Lake Lanier threw everything at us, including an actual tornado, and we still drove home calling it one of our favorite trips. The lakeside sites, the resort amenities, and that unreal post-storm sunset won us over completely. Storms and all, we would go back without hesitating. If you want a lakeside RV getaway with real resort energy near Atlanta, put this one on your list. Just respect the weather.
Want to see the storm, the sunset, and the whole stay? Watch the full video on YouTube: Our RV Trip at Lake Lanier almost RUINED by Storms, and subscribe to Finding Our Forte for more RV adventures.
