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.
Are you ready to go boating in Georgia? We’ve made a list of some of the six best lakes in Georgia that you’re not going to want to miss the next time you visit or if you live here and simply want to visit your beautiful state.
Make sure your boat is registered, then hit the water in some of our favorite spots!
1. 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 ten campgrounds that line the shores of Lake Lanier, including a state park, Don Carter State Park.
2. Lake Sinclair
This lake is located just outside Milledgeville and offers a quiet place to boat, fish, and relax. It is a Georgia Power reservoir located near Lake Oconee, which has more than 15,330 acres of water and 400 miles of scenic shoreline. Visit the Georgia Power Lake website for recommendations on 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. The park provides many amenities, such as restrooms, picnic tables, grills, a fishing pier, a swimming beach, and a playground.
3. Lake Oconee
Located in central Georgia, this is a destination lake for both casual and luxury outdoor fun. It runs through Georgia’s Greene, Morgan, and Putnam counties. However, the lake is separated from its sister lake, Sinclair, by the Wallace Dam.
There are 19,971 acres of water to explore on this lake, with 374 miles of shoreline.
4. 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 borders. This lake has it all, from camping in its beautiful forests to fishing and trying out some water activities to boating.
There is no shortage of fun to be had on these waters. You’ll find plenty of public ramps for boat access, while Boundary Waters Resort and Marina offers boat rentals and sales, cabin rentals, and a full marina.
5. Lake Blue Ridge
This lake 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 most 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 for boating, jet skiing, kayaking, swimming, and fishing.
It’s inhabited by plenty of walleye, smallmouth bass, white-pass, bluegill, yellow perch, channel catfish, and flathead catfish. Throw in a line and test your luck!
This is a lake you won’t want to miss next time you visit Georgia.
6. Lake Allatoona
Lake Allatoona is one of the most popular lakes in the United States due to its size, which you can enjoy. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers constructed it in the 1940s and still maintains it today.
The water flows from the Blue Ridge Mountains and covers over 12,000 acres with 270 miles of shoreline, making it a boater’s dream! Plenty of marinas along the shore of the lake offer boat services, sales, rentals, and restaurants if you feel like stretching your legs for lunch.
Put Safety First When Boating in Georgia
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.
Before you hit the water, make sure you know how to stay safe when operating a boat. BOATsmart! is here to help! Our online course for Georgia meets the state’s requirements for boater education, so you can learn in a fun and engaging way at your own pace. Then, after completing the course and passing the exam, you get a boater education card (or boating license) that shows you have the knowledge you need to protect yourself and others on the water.
Originally published in July 2018. Content most recently reviewed and updated for accuracy and relevancy October 4, 2024.
