Lake Lanier fees and passes

Updated October 2026. Lanier's parks are now run by a mix of the Corps, Hall County and Forsyth County, and each sets its own rules. Check the managing agency before a holiday weekend.

Corps and Hall County fee parks

Payment is by card only, at the park kiosks. Cash isn't accepted. The day-use fee covers launching a boat and using developed swim beaches that day. Some parks have no kiosk and require an annual pass, sold at the kiosks at Little Hall, Van Pugh North, Burton Mill, Old Federal and Balus Creek, or at the Corps office at 1050 Buford Dam Road, Buford.

Free parks

Fourteen Corps launch parks charge no fee. See the list.

Forsyth County parks

Forsyth County's own lake parks, including Mary Alice Park, charge $10 a day or $60 a year. Fees at the five parks the county took over from the Corps in 2026 (Tidwell, Vann's Tavern, Two Mile Creek, Keith's Bridge and Long Hollow) are still being finalized, so call before you go. Corps passes are not accepted at county parks. The county waives fees on a few days a year, including Presidents Day, National Public Lands Day and Veterans Day; check whether a specific park is included.

City of Gainesville parks

City lake parks, including Lake Lanier Olympic Park, set their own policies. Kayak rentals at Olympic Park are $30 per person for two hours.

Fee-free days

The Corps periodically waives day-use fees at its own parks, often around Independence Day. Watch local news before holiday weekends.

Every park, who runs it and what it costs

See them on the launch map. Don't own a kayak? Compare rentals; the park fee is usually separate.