Georgia is an incredibly inviting and diverse US state full of rich history and varied natural beauty. From the urban sprawl of Atlanta to the historical charm of its smaller towns, there’s always something new to explore in this southern destination.
Of course, no visit to Georgia is complete with experiencing one of its many renowned lakes. Many of Georgia’s lakes are located north of Atlanta and can often be reached within one or two hours from the capital city. Whether you want a nice day trip from Atlanta or wish to spend multiple days at a beautiful lakeside cottage or luxury resort, there’s guaranteed to be a destination that’s perfect for your tastes.
With so many lakes to choose from, this guide will help you find the best Georgia lake for your next vacation. You’ll discover what the lake offers, from natural landscapes to activities, along with any nearby attractions and amenities. While all the lakes on this list are suitable for all ages, some offer more family-friendly amenities while others are better suited for those who want a more rural experience.
Below, we detail the nine best lakes in Georgia, to best help you plan for your upcoming trip.
1. Lake Lanier
- Located: In northern Georgia, spanning Hall, Forsyth and Dawson Counties near the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains
- Best for: Families and groups who want to enjoy boating, fishing and lakeside recreation just an hour north of Atlanta
Located about an hour north of Atlanta, Lake Lanier is one of Georgia’s most gorgeous and varied lakes, with opportunities for sport and leisure along with endless parks, restaurants and events throughout the year.
This sprawling lake is home to nearly 100 parks and beaches and you can indulge in everything from lounging on quaint beaches to more energetic excursions along the more popular shores.
Head to the fishing piers and boat rentals at Little River Park or play a game of golf at a lakeside resort. Young kids can enjoy the Margaritaville water park and in the winter, the Chill Snow Island is filled with seasonal activities like snow tubing and sledding. With white sand beaches across the area, you can also indulge in some quiet time by heading away from the resorts and into the less visited destinations. Explore in the warmer summer months and hike around the mostly flat and lush trails. The area is also an important location for some of Georgia’s top sporting and cultural events throughout the year, including major fishing tournaments, rowing races and events like the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival.
While the summer months do get exceptionally busy, you can also visit throughout the year for seasonal offerings along with incredible views. Enjoy crisp walks as the trees change color in autumn or make use of the snowfall and dive into a true winter wonderland.
Regardless of when you visit, Lake Lanier is one of the best lakes in Georgia to explore and travelers of all ages are sure to find something to love in this breathtaking destination.
2. Lake Oconee
- Located: In central Georgia, between Atlanta and Augusta, spanning Greene, Putnam and Morgan Counties
- Best for: Couples and families seeking a peaceful getaway with opportunities for boating, golfing and upscale lakeside relaxation
Lake Oconee offers a beautiful natural setting alongside luxurious amenities ranging from golfing to spas, restaurants and premium resorts like the Ritz-Carlton Reynolds. Despite the many high-end offerings, you can also enjoy a budget-friendly day here and simply soak in the surroundings and make use of many daytime sporting rentals. Plus, Lake Oconee is only about 90 minutes from Atlanta, making it a great place for day trips or longer stays.
Some great beaches at Lake Oconee include:
Lawrence Shoals Campground: As one of the bigger beaches on the lake, you can enjoy a number of activities from kids’ playgrounds to boating, fishing, plus lounging on soft white sand. The waves are also fairly calm here and safe swimming areas are marked throughout the year.
Old Salem Campground: This is a great place to camp or simply set up for the day and you have access to a number of picnic tables, grills and even boat ramps and playgrounds.
Parks Ferry Campground: While often less crowded than the other major beaches, this area still has everything you need for a day in the sun including restrooms, grills, tables, along with a lot of space on the sand so you can relax and unwind.
For more activities, head to one of the many sporting rental companies nearby to try:
• Archery
• Clay shooting
• Kayaking
• Boat rentals
• Fishing
• Jet skiing
• And more
Plus, there are a number of breweries and restaurants around the lake that offer great food and live entertainment throughout the year.
For families, couples and groups of all sizes, Lake Oconee has everything you need for a wonderful Georgia vacation.
3. Lake Blue Ridge
- Located: In northern Georgia near the town of Blue Ridge in Fannin County, within the Chattahoochee National Forest
- Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy boating, fishing and soaking up mountain views in a serene, scenic setting
Located in Fannin County in Northern Georgia, Lake Blue Ridge is a breathtaking reservoir with incredibly clear water and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Much of the lake is located within Chattahoochee National Forest, which means that it does have fewer luxury and sporting amenities compared to other Georgian lakes. However, this is also one of the area’s greatest virtues, as much of the land remains undeveloped and natural for incredible sightseeing and photos.
Some beaches do have soft sand, although many are more rugged and rocky. To enjoy the area, drive around lakeside and stop for some amazing photo opportunities or hike around for some gorgeous views of the turquoise water.
At the campgrounds, you can rent kayaks, paddle boards and even small boats for a fun family adventure. With a great mix of classic beach activities, along with some very rugged nature, Lake Blue Ridge is a great destination for anyone who loves the great outdoors and the tranquility that can come with it.
4. Lake Chatuge
- Located: In the North Georgia Mountains along the Georgia–North Carolina border, near the town of Hiawassee in Towns County
- Best for: Travelers seeking a relaxed lakeside escape with opportunities for boating, swimming and exploring mountain scenery
Similar to Lake Blue Ridge, Lake Chatuge is another quaint and quiet lake that offers a reprieve from Georgia’s more popular destinations.
However, despite its modest tourism, Lake Chatuge offers incredible views with scenic shores, endless forests and a direct view of the surrounding mountain ranges.
Towns County Recreational Beach is one of the more popular attractions and it has all the amenities you need from a kids' playground to grills, restrooms and maintained hiking trails. There are also inflatable waterparks that kids will love, plus the nearby Hamilton Rhododendron Gardens which offers a beautiful trail through colorful local flowers.
With its quaint setting, lack of crowds and simple yet enjoyable offerings, Lake Chatuge is a great place for families, couples and travelers of all ages.
5. Lake Rabun
- Located: In northeastern Georgia near the town of Lakemont in Rabun County, surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains
- Best for: Visitors looking for a charming mountain getaway with boating, kayaking and cozy lakeside cabins
Lake Rabun is one of Georgia’s most unique lakes and natural preserves and it features a winding lake with incredible photo opportunities, family-friendly activities and essential walking trails.
What makes this lake standout are the nearby waterfalls, which flow gently and gorgeously down staggered rocks right along the trails. Angel Falls Trailhead and Minnehaha Falls Trailhead both provide easy and direct access to these falls along with other beautiful viewpoints.
Nacoochee Park stretches along the shoreline and here you’ll find a wonderfully dense forest along with direct beach access.
Along with walking and sightseeing, the lake has a number of family-friendly offerings from kayaking to sailing along with other popular water sports. The nearby town of Clayton is also full of charming, historical architecture and is an essential visit in the golden-orange autumn.
6. Lake Allatoona
- Located: In northwestern Georgia near the city of Cartersville in Bartow County, about 30 miles northwest of Atlanta
- Best for: Families and outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy boating, fishing, camping and convenient lakeside recreation close to the city
Opened and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a reservoir, Lake Allatoona also serves as a perfect destination for families and travelers of all ages looking for the best lakes in Georgia today.
With over 270 miles of shoreline along with 12,000 acres of land, there are endless pockets of beauty in this sprawling and winding destination.
While much of the area is preserved and naturally serene, there are eight main marinas which contain a number of accommodations and attractions to keep everyone engaged. This includes restaurants, children’s playgrounds, campgrounds and grills, plus water slides, boat rentals and more.
For a perfect combination of natural beauty and exciting attractions, Lake Allatoona is the perfect place to get active or unwind in a breathtaking landscape.
7. Carters Lake
- Located: In northwestern Georgia near the town of Ellijay in Gilmer County, surrounded by the rolling foothills of the Appalachian Mountains
- Best for: Nature lovers seeking a quiet, uncrowded destination for boating, fishing and hiking in a pristine mountain setting
Located in the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains, Carters Lake is Georgia’s deepest lake and is an essential visit for nature lovers of any age.
Unlike most lakes on this list, Carters Lake is purposefully undeveloped to help preserve the serene natural landscape. This is a great thing for those looking to get away and enjoy the great outdoors, but it does mean fewer attractions for younger kids.
However, the stunning blue water, the famous selection of birds and wildlife, plus endless hiking trails around the rugged coastline and towards waterfalls in the foothills make this an essential destination for outdoors enthusiasts.
8. Lake Nottely
- Located: In northern Georgia near the town of Blairsville in Union County, just south of the North Carolina border
- Best for: Visitors looking for a peaceful mountain retreat with opportunities for boating, fishing and relaxing along scenic forested shores
Lake Nottely rests within the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests and it provides a rugged, undeveloped shoreline alongside beautiful trees and views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
While most of the area is protected, meaning there are fewer activities and luxury accommodations than other nearby lakes, you can enjoy a great day at the beach with boat rentals, kayaking, plus swimming in gentle waves. One of the best attractions here is the locally renowned fishing, which is plentiful and full of numerous rainbow trout, striped bass and much more. With boat docks and fishing equipment rentals onsite, this can be a great activity for solo travelers and families alike.
With a quaint, natural setting along with some of the state’s best fishing, Lake Nottely is one of the best of Georgia's lakes.
9. Lake Blackshear
- Located: In south-central Georgia near the city of Cordele in Crisp County, along the Flint River
- Best for: Families and vacationers seeking a laid-back lakeside getaway with boating, fishing and golf at nearby Georgia Veterans State Park
Named after General Blackshear and located within the Georgia Veterans Memorial State Park, Lake Blackshear is a wide and winding lake full of pristine nature, active wildlife and a wonderful assortment of activities for all ages.
Enjoy golfing along the shoreline or take part in family-friendly activities like sailing, kayaking, fishing, plus swimming and more. In the winter, skiing and other snow activities are also available throughout the area.
Lounge in the soft sand, enjoy the renowned bird watching and make note of the occasional cypress tree that grows directly out of the lake due to them not being fully removed during the initial construction. With a wide range of activities, plus a perfect mix of natural tranquility and sporting attractions, Lake Blackshear is one of the top Georgia lakes for visitors of all ages in any season.
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