With summer weather regularly breaking 98°F, no one knows better than Atlantans how important it is to spend a hot day by keeping cool. However, with the nearest ocean beach at Tybee Island almost 300 miles away, locals have long looked to closer waters when they need to beat the heat. There are many things to do in Atlanta, and a day spent out on the lake is one of the most popular.
Some of the most popular boating, fishing, camping and swimming destinations in Georgia can be found at lakes near Atlanta and many of them are set amid the picturesque backdrop of the North Georgia mountains. AAA has been helping travelers for decades, and this article will break down the top lakes to visit near Altanta to cool off in the summer. If you’re looking for ways to relax like a local next time you head south, keep these great options in mind.
1. Lake Allatoona
- Distance from Atlanta: 45 minutes
- Great For: Boating and camping
Located just over thirty miles northwest of Atlanta, Lake Allatoona is a reservoir behind Allatoona Dam, constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between 1946 and 1950 on the Etowah River. The lake itself is over 12,000 acres in area, with 270 miles of shoreline and 25,000 acres of surrounding public land — including Red Top Mountain State Park, just a 20-minute drive away.
You can also find eight marinas, 20 boat ramps, eight campgrounds and fourteen parks around the area, as well as catfish, bass, bluegill, stripers and other varieties of fish in the lake. At a maximum depth of 145 feet and with plenty of warm coves, Lake Allatoona is also the perfect spot to escape the heat on a budget.
2. Lake Oconee
- Distance from Atlanta: An hour and a half
- Great For: A quieter, serene day on the lake
Lake Oconee, similar to Lakes Lanier and Allatoona, was originally created as a reservoir for Wallace Dam on the Oconee River, completed by Georgia Power in 1979. Just 84 miles from Atlanta — about halfway to Augusta to the east — today, it’s known as a relaxing getaway destination surrounded by historic homes and quiet residential areas. At just over 19,000 acres in area, it’s one of the smaller lakes near Atlanta, but still large enough to offer plenty of chances to explore and relax.
Known for several pristine golf courses, the Lake Oconee area is also home to breweries and watersports centers where visitors can rent jet skis or boats, luxurious hotels like The AAA Five Diamond Ritz-Carlton Reynolds and numerous resorts. The lake itself, however, is less frequently visited than the larger lakes in the region, so if you’re looking for a quiet day on the water, this is the place to visit.
3. Lake Lanier
- Distance from Atlanta: One hour
- Great For: Family lake fun and bass fishing
Spanning 38,000 acres and with 700 miles of coastline, Lake Lanier is one of the largest lakes near Atlanta. It’s also the most popular lake in Georgia, attracting around 10 million visitors every year from around the state and across the region for family camping weekends, boating adventures and more. Situated about 60 miles to the northeast of Atlanta, the lake is easily accessible by way of I-85 and can be reached within just under an hour, making it a perfect day trip from Atlanta.
Named after 19th-century poet Sidney Lanier, the lake formed after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed the Buford Dam on the Chattahoochee River. Ringing the lake are towns like Buford, Gainesville and Cumming, each offering a unique local character and plenty of excellent dining and shopping. What’s more, visitors to the area can find thrills at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands Waterpark at the heart of the lake or sit back and relax at any of 76 recreational areas, 10 marinas, parks, campsites, boat ramps and more. Lake Lanier is also famous for some of the best Striped and Spotted bass fishing in the country, making it a premier destination for anglers.
As one of the top summer destinations for Georgians and guests alike, Lake Lanier is typically very busy during the peak season. If you’re looking for a quieter getaway, other nearby lakes are a better choice, or you can head to the area in late spring or early fall, when the North Georgia hills explode into spectacular seasonal colors that are just as much an attraction as the lake itself.
4. Blue Ridge Lake
- Distance from Atlanta: Just under two hours
- Great For: Swimming and boating in a quieter environment
Smaller and less well-known than the larger lakes near Atlanta, Blue Ridge Lake is nevertheless the perfect destination if you’re looking for calm surroundings and beautiful scenery. A reservoir supplying drinking water and hydroelectric power to Blue Ridge Dam on the Toccoa River, Blue Ridge Lake has an area of 3,290 acres and 65 miles of shoreline, about 75% of which is in the Chattahoochee National Forest.
When you’re not making use of the full-service marina, public swimming and picnic areas, boat ramps and campsites that surround the lake, you can head into the nearby city of Blue Ridge. A historic North Georgia town, Blue Ridge offers plenty of dining and shopping options, breweries and vineyards and a community theater and is the site of the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, offering exquisite views of the surrounding hill country.
5. Lake Sinclair
- Distance from Atlanta: An hour and a half
- Great For: Bass fishing and camping
Located near Milledgeville, Georgia’s capital for over 60 years in the 19th century, Lake Sinclair is close to Lake Oconee, separated by the Wallace Dam. The lake itself also serves as a reservoir for Lake Sinclair Dam, an impressive 105-foot high structure completed by the Georgia Power Company in 1953, off of which visitors are welcome to fish — bass fishing is a particular attraction to the area for anglers. At about 86 miles from Atlanta, travelers will have to stay on the road for a little over an hour and a half to reach Lake Sinclair, but it’s well worth the trip.
At 15,330 acres, Lake Sinclair almost rivals its sister lake in size but features an astonishing 417 miles of coastline. In addition to two public boat ramps, numerous private marinas and rental centers are dotted around the shore. There are also a number of campsites, including some operated by the United States Forest Service at reasonable rates for those traveling on a budget. Also accessible from the area is the Antebellum Trail, a 100-mile walking route following the path of Sherman’s March to the Sea through seven historic towns and communities.
In addition to Milledgeville, visitors can find delicious fresh meals and lodging in neighboring towns like Eatonton. Nearby Sparta, just northeast of Milledgeville, is also a popular destination, as it’s home to attractions like Georgia Aquarium, Zoo Atlanta and Six Flags Over Georgia.
6. Carters Lake
- Distance from Atlanta: An hour and a half
- Great For: Scenic mountain views
Tucked away in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Carters Lake is a man-made reservoir owned by the Army Corps of Engineers, and at 450 feet, it is the deepest lake in Georgia. While it serves practical purposes like flood control and power generation through the Carters Dam, it also serves as a hotspot for boating, fishing, camping, mountain biking and more outdoor recreation. A unique feature of Carters Lake is its 62-mile shoreline, completely free of private homes – preserving the lake's natural beauty and mountain views.
Anglers love Carters Lake for its robust population of spotted bass, striped bass and walleye. Its several boat ramps and campgrounds make Carters Lake a fantastic weekend getaway destination from Atlanta. If you are looking for a less-busy lake getaway with natural views, Carters Lake could be a great option for you.
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