Cold weather camping offered in Forsyth County

CUMMING - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is trying something new with one of its campgrounds on Lake Lanier. Sawnee Campground in Cumming will remain open through the fall and winter.

Park Ranger Andrea Wagner said in years past, the Corps has closed all of its campsites in Corps-managed parks in early fall.

"Our campgrounds close in September, and they're like, 'oh, it's so beautiful out, we just want to be out camping.' So we were excited to give them this opportunity," Wagner said.

Wagner said campsites at Sawnee will be available until March 24 of next year on a first come, first serve basis.

"Generally it's very peaceful, and it's just a nice environment. A lot of the leaves have fallen, so you can see the lake. It's just a very beautiful time to go camping," Wagner said.

As for expanding the idea to other corps-managed campgrounds, that will depend.

"The park hosts are volunteers, and if we can get some more people that are just as excited to be park hosts, we'd love to have this opportunity to open more areas," Wagner said.

Wagner said park rangers and camp hosts will make regular rounds even though the park gatehouse will not be staffed full time.