Georgia is home to some pretty epic bodies of water. With the Blue Ridge Mountains as the scenic backdrop for many of the lakes, it’s obvious why Georgia has many popular areas for boating. We’ve made a list of some of the best lakes in Georgia that you’re not going to want to miss next time you’re visiting or if you live here and simply want to visit your beautiful state.
Lake Lanier
Known as Georgia’s “Great Lake,” Lanier has something for everyone; sections for fast boats, watersports, quiet spots for fishing, and local spots with parks, theaters and museums. With so much variety, it’s no wonder this is one of the South’s greatest boating destinations. It’s located in North Georgia, just 60 miles from the state capitol of Atlanta with nearly 700 miles of shoreline spread over 38,000 acres and has several million visitors annually. Staying overnight? There are over 45 parks and 10 campgrounds that line the shores of Lake Lanier including a state park, Don Carter State Park.
Lake Sinclair
This lake is located just outside Milledgeville which offers a quiet place to boat, fish and relax. This is a Georgia Power reservoir located near Lake Oconee, has more than 15,330 acres od water and 400 miles of scenic shoreline. The Georgia Power lake website is a resource that you can utilize for recommendations of lake access and amenities. Rocky Creek Park is a great place to launch your boat for a relaxing day on the water fishing and boating in Georgia. It’s located on the southeast side of the lake in Baldwin County near Sinclair Dam. It provides many amenities such as restrooms, picnic tables, grills, fishing pier, swimming beach and playground.
Lake Oconee
Located in central Georgia, this is a destination lake for both casual and luxury outdoor fun. It runs through Georgia’s Morgan, Greene and Putnam counties and is separated from its sister lake, Sinclair by the Wallace Dam. There is 19,971 acres of water to explore on this lake with 374 miles of shoreline.
Lake Chatuge
Also known as Chatuge Lake and Chatuga Reservoir, this lake is located in Hiawassee and covers 7,050 acres along the northern Georgia and western North Carolina boarders. This lake has it all, from camping in it’s beautiful forests, fishing, trying out some water activities to boating, there is no shortage of fun to be had on these waters. There are plenty of public ramps for boat access while Boundary Waters Resort and Marina offers boat rentals and sales, cabin rentals and a full marina.
Lake Blue Ridge
This is a reservoir in Fannin County in northern Georgia. It encompasses 3,300 acres of crystal blue waters with the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop. The Chattahoochee National Forest encompasses a majority of the shorelines with the remaining being held by private land. There are several accessible public boat ramps and numerous National Forest campsites if you feel like staying the night. This is the perfect lake to go boating, jet skiing, kayaking, swimming and fishing. It’s in habited by plenty of walleye, small mouth bass, white-pass, bluegill, yellow perch, channel catfish and flathead catfish. Throw in a line and test your luck! This is a lake you’re not going to want to miss next time you’re visiting Georgia!
Lake Allatoona
One of the most popular lakes in all of the United States due to the size of the lake that you can enjoy. It was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the 1940’s and they still maintain it today. The water flows from the Blue Ridge Mountains and covers more than 12,000 acres with 270 miles of shoreline making it a boater’s dream! With plenty of marinas along the shore of the lake that offer boat services, sales, rentals as well as restaurants if you feel like stretching your legs for lunch.
These popular lakes in Georgia are the perfect spot to launch your boat and take your family on a scenic outing on the water. With the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains as your view, you’ll be floating on wave nine as you make memories and share laughs in this unforgettable state.
