Even though the busy summer recreation season is on the near horizon, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers considers the health risk too high to open campgrounds on Lake Lanier and other Corps-managed lakes in North Georgia.
Corps officials issued a statement Tuesday, May 12 saying all campground reservations will be canceled through Sunday, May 31.
"We understand that as the summer recreation season approaches, this latest update on the ongoing COVID-19 emergency comes as a disappointment to many," the statement said. "However, the Corps' highest priority — as we demonstrate each year with our aggressive water safety campaign and training programs — is the health and safety of the visiting public, and the safety of our staff and volunteers. The ongoing impacts of COVID-19 are no less of a public safety concern to USACE, and we appreciate the public's understanding as we move, with caution, back to eventual normal operations."
Reservations will also be canceled at campgrounds on Lake Allatoona and Carters Lake in the USACE's Mobile District.
Any campers who made reservations ahead of the coronavirus restrictions will receive a full refund. Follow this link to read additional information on refunds.
There is the possibility the cancellations could remain in effect beyond May 31.
"Please note that the COVID-19 emergency is not yet over, potentially necessitating further change to the campground reservation availability at a later date. Recreation area visitors wishing to use our campgrounds should check our recreation area Facebook pages regularly for up-to-date information on campground reservations, or call the recreation area project office of your choice," the statement said.
While visitor centers, campgrounds, beaches and special events are not currently open, certain water and land access areas remain accessible to the public, including boat ramps, nature trails and viewing areas.
