13 Best Lakes in Georgia
- Rey Eleuterio
- 23 hours ago
- 13 min read
If you grew up thinking Georgia was all peaches and traffic on the way to Florida, the lakes will surprise you. Tucked into the Blue Ridge mountains up north and spread across the warm flatlands down south, the best lakes in Georgia range from cold, clear mountain water to sprawling reservoirs full of bass.
Some sit an hour from Atlanta. Others feel like a different state entirely. A few are so quiet you might have a cove all to yourself on a Tuesday afternoon. The fun part is that no two of them feel the same, even when they were all born the same way.
The lake that fits your trip depends a lot on what you want to do when you get there.
Key Takeaways
The best lakes in Georgia run north to south, from cool mountain reservoirs like Blue Ridge and Burton to big southern bass lakes like Seminole and Clarks Hill. Up north you get clear water, cabins, and mountain views. Down south you get warm water, wide-open boating, and some of the best fishing in the state. Most are man-made and easy to reach by car, with marinas, beaches, and campgrounds nearby.
Lake | Nearest Town / Area | Best Known For |
Lake Chatuge | Hiawassee (far north) | Mountain views, GA/NC border setting |
Lake Nottely | Blairsville | Quiet fishing, long shoreline |
Lake Blue Ridge | Blue Ridge | Clear aquamarine water |
Lake Burton | Clarkesville / Clayton | Clear water, classic lake homes |
Lake Rabun | Rabun County | Turquoise water, vintage charm |
Carters Lake | Oakman / Ellijay | Georgia's deepest, undeveloped shore |
Lake Hartwell | Hartwell (GA/SC line) | Big water, tournament fishing |
Lake Lanier | Gainesville / Buford | Family fun near Atlanta |
Lake Allatoona | Acworth / Cartersville | Easy day trip from Atlanta |
Clarks Hill (J. Strom Thurmond) | Near Augusta (GA/SC line) | Trophy striped bass |
Lake Oconee | Greensboro / Eatonton | Golf resorts, upscale getaways |
West Point Lake | LaGrange (GA/AL line) | Quiet coves, camping |
Lake Seminole | Bainbridge (GA/FL line) | Trophy largemouth bass |
Quick Picker
Best for families: Lake Lanier, Lake Allatoona
Best for clear mountain water: Lake Blue Ridge, Lake Burton, Lake Rabun
Best for trophy fishing: Lake Seminole, Clarks Hill, Lake Hartwell
Best for a quiet, undeveloped feel: Carters Lake, Lake Nottely
Best for a luxury getaway: Lake Oconee, Lake Chatuge
Wayback Tours is an easy way to keep all your favorite lake stops in one place, so the good ones don't get lost in your phone.
Why Georgia Is Quietly One of the South's Best Lake States
Here is a fun truth about Georgia. Almost none of its big lakes are natural. Most were built in the last century when rivers were dammed for power, water supply, and flood control. The result is a state stitched with reservoirs, from tiny mountain pools to lakes you can get lost on for days.
That history is why the water up north looks so different from the water down south. The North Georgia mountain lakes are fed by cool streams off the Blue Ridge, so they run clear and a touch cold. The southern lakes are warmer, wider, and built for slow boat days and serious fishing.
You really can find a lake for almost any mood here, which is part of why so many people plan Georgia lake vacations around them.
Mountain Lakes or Southern Reservoirs? How to Pick
Before you load the car, it helps to know which half of the state you are aiming for. The two regions offer very different days on the water.
Mountain lakes (north) | Southern reservoirs (south) | |
Water | Cooler and clearer | Warmer and more stained |
Scenery | Forests, peaks, cabins | Wide skies, open water |
Best for | Swimming, views, paddling | Bass fishing, big-boat days |
Crowd feel | Cozy, sometimes pricey | Roomy, easygoing |
If you want postcard scenery and a swim that wakes you up, head north. If you want elbow room, warm water, and a good shot at a big catch, point the car south. The takeaway: match the region to your trip, and you will not be disappointed either way.
The Best Lakes in Georgia, North to South
These are listed in geographic order, starting at the North Carolina line and ending near the Florida border. That way you can knock out a few in one trip without backtracking.
1. Lake Chatuge
Sitting right on the Georgia and North Carolina line, Lake Chatuge feels like a secret even though it is hiding in plain sight.
The quick pitch: Chatuge spreads across roughly 7,000 acres of mountain water near Hiawassee, with peaks rising on every side. It has miles of shoreline, public boat ramps, and a couple of marinas for pontoon, kayak, and jet ski rentals. The Ridges Resort is a comfortable home base if you want a marina, a lawn, and a campfire at night. If you cross the state line, there are more clear lakes just over in North Carolina worth a look too.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Near Hiawassee, far north Georgia
Known for: Mountain views, calm water, easy swimming
Best time: Late spring through early fall
Time needed: A full day, or a relaxed weekend
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for anyone who wants mountain scenery without the crowds of the better-known lakes.
Save this border lake to your bucket list before your next mountain trip
⭐ What is a Bucket List? Save places you want to visit and come back to later. Your Wayback Tours bucket list keeps track of stops you don't want to forget. Perfect for planning future trips.
2. Lake Nottely
A short hop from Chatuge, Lake Nottely is the kind of place locals love and out-of-towners drive right past.
Why it's worth the drive: Nottely covers around 4,000 acres near Blairsville, with a long, winding shoreline that hides quiet fishing coves. There are two marinas and several public boat ramps, so getting on the water is simple. Anglers come here for bass, but it is just as good for a lazy day of paddling and swimming.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Near Blairsville, Union County
Known for: Fishing, peaceful coves, mountain backdrop
Best time: Summer for swimming, spring and fall for fishing
Time needed: Half a day to a full day
Worth it or skip it? Worth it if you like your lakes calm and uncrowded, with good fishing close by.
Want to remember this quiet one for later? Drop it on your bucket list
3. Lake Blue Ridge
If you have only seen muddy lakes, Lake Blue Ridge will change your mind in about five seconds.
Don't skip this if you like clear water: Set inside the Chattahoochee National Forest, this lake near the town of Blue Ridge runs a striking clear blue-green, with about 3,300 acres of water and miles of forested shoreline. You can rent a pontoon, kayak, or paddleboard, hit the small pebble beach at Morganton Point, or paddle up toward the Toccoa River. Cabins are everywhere here, which makes it a favorite for a long weekend.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Near Blue Ridge, north Georgia
Known for: Clear aquamarine water, cabin rentals
Best time: Summer and fall (leaf season is gorgeous)
Time needed: A weekend
Worth it or skip it? Worth it, especially if clear water and a cabin getaway are high on your list.
Keep this clear-water spot on your bucket list so it doesn't slip away
4. Lake Burton
Lake Burton is where old Georgia money keeps its lake houses, and one look at the water tells you why.
Why people keep coming back: Burton is the first in a chain of mountain lakes in Rabun County, built by Georgia Power back in the 1920s. The water is clean and clear enough that people actually scuba dive here. You will find a public swim beach at Timpson Cove, a state fish hatchery to tour, and Moccasin Creek State Park right on the shore for easy camping and boat launching.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Rabun County, west of Clayton
Known for: Clear water, classic lake homes, swimming
Best time: Late spring through fall
Time needed: A full day or overnight
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for swimmers and anyone who loves a postcard-pretty mountain lake.
Fun Fact:
Lake Burton is said to be named after a mountain town that now sits beneath its waters.
Pin this Rabun County gem to your bucket list for a future weekend
5. Lake Rabun
Just downstream from Burton, Lake Rabun is smaller, twistier, and full of vintage charm.
What makes this stop different: Rabun is narrow and curvy, lined with old-school boathouses and turquoise water that begs for a swim. The historic Lake Rabun Hotel gives you a cozy place to stay, and the Lake Rabun Beach Recreation Area has shaded campsites and shoreline within steps of the water. Locals are known for an old wooden boat tradition here, which says a lot about the lake's easygoing soul.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Rabun County, near Lakemont
Known for: Turquoise water, classic boathouses, camping
Best time: Summer, plus stargazing on clear nights
Time needed: A full day to a weekend
Worth it or skip it? Worth it if you like small, charming lakes with character over big, busy ones.
Tuck this turquoise hideaway into your bucket list while you're thinking about it
6. Carters Lake
Carters Lake is the quiet giant of North Georgia, and it stays that way on purpose.
Why this one stands out: This is Georgia's deepest lake, with around 3,200 acres of clean water dropping to roughly 450 feet. Because the Army Corps of Engineers does not allow private docks or homes along its 60-plus miles of shoreline, it feels wild in a way few lakes do. There is a full-service marina for boat and pontoon rentals, plus campgrounds, hiking trails, and a swim beach. It sits about halfway between Atlanta and Chattanooga.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Near Oakman and Ellijay
Known for: Deep, clear water and undeveloped shoreline
Best time: Summer for swimming, spring for fishing
Time needed: A full day or overnight
Worth it or skip it? Worth it if you want a lake that still feels untouched and a little adventurous.
Fun Fact:
Carters Dam is said to be the tallest earthen dam east of the Mississippi River.
Add Georgia's deepest lake to your bucket list and thank yourself later
7. Lake Hartwell
Lake Hartwell is big, busy, and beloved, straddling the line between Georgia and South Carolina.
The reason to stop: Hartwell is one of the largest lakes in the region, covering tens of thousands of acres with a shoreline that seems to run forever. It is a famous stop for bass tournaments and a go-to among bass fishing lakes in Georgia, with dozens of boat ramps, marinas, and lakeside parks. With so much water, there is always room to ski, tube, or just find a quiet pocket. If you wander across the state line, there are more lakes across the South Carolina side to fish too.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Near Hartwell, on the GA/SC line
Known for: Big water, fishing, water sports
Best time: Spring for fishing, summer for boating
Time needed: A full day to a weekend
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for anglers and big-boat fans who want room to roam.
Mark this big-water lake on your bucket list for your next fishing run
Heading to a few of these in one trip? Wayback Tours lets you save every stop and build a Georgia lake bucket list you can actually follow.
8. Lake Lanier
Now we hit the heavy hitter. Lake Lanier is the busy, beautiful one that everyone near Atlanta knows.
What you'll actually find here: Lanier is the largest lake sitting entirely inside Georgia, with about 38,000 acres of water and close to 700 miles of shoreline just north of the city. It was created when Buford Dam was finished in the 1950s and named after the poet Sidney Lanier. Today it is packed with marinas, beaches, parks, and the family-friendly Lanier Islands resort. As one of the most popular lakes near Atlanta, it gets crowded on summer weekends, so a weekday visit is your friend. Don Carter State Park is the only state park right on the water.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Near Gainesville and Buford, north of Atlanta
Known for: Family fun, water sports, easy access
Best time: Weekdays in summer to dodge crowds
Time needed: A full day or weekend
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for families and first-timers who want everything in one place, just not on a holiday weekend.
Fun Fact:
Lake Lanier is widely known for hosting the rowing and canoe-kayak events during the 1996 Summer Olympics.
Save the busy, beautiful big one to your bucket list for summer
9. Lake Allatoona
If Lanier is the long road trip, Lake Allatoona is the easy after-work escape.
Why it's worth the drive: Allatoona covers about 12,000 acres just northwest of Atlanta near Acworth, close enough for a true day trip. Its rocky shoreline and clear coves make for good swimming, and it is well known for feisty spotted bass. Red Top Mountain State Park gives you trails, a beach, and camping right on the lake. Because it is so close to the city, it stays popular all summer long.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Near Acworth and Cartersville, northwest of Atlanta
Known for: Easy access, swimming, spotted bass
Best time: Summer for the beach, spring for fishing
Time needed: Half a day to a full day
Worth it or skip it? Worth it when you want lake time without burning a whole day on the drive.
Keep this close-to-Atlanta pick on your bucket list for an easy day trip
10. Clarks Hill (J. Strom Thurmond Lake)
Down on the eastern edge of the state, Clarks Hill is so big that locals call it Georgia's freshwater coast.
The quick pitch: Known federally as J. Strom Thurmond Lake, this reservoir sits on the Savannah River along the Georgia and South Carolina line near Augusta. It stretches more than 70,000 acres, making it one of the largest lakes in the Southeast. Anglers chase trophy striped bass here, and the Army Corps keeps plenty of parks and boat ramps around the shore. There is so much water that crowds simply spread out.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Near Augusta, on the GA/SC line
Known for: Trophy striped bass, huge open water
Best time: Spring and fall for fishing, summer for boating
Time needed: A full day to a weekend
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for serious anglers and anyone who wants a lake that feels like an inland sea.
Drop this freshwater coast onto your bucket list before striper season
11. Lake Oconee
Lake Oconee is where you go when you want the lake life with a little polish.
What makes this stop different: Oconee covers around 19,000 acres in central Georgia near Greensboro, just off Interstate 20. It was created by Georgia Power's Wallace Dam in the late 1970s and has grown into a resort destination, home to Reynolds Lake Oconee and a Ritz-Carlton. Think golf courses, spas, and fine dining alongside good bass fishing and easy boating. It is a comfortable middle ground between rustic and refined.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Near Greensboro and Eatonton, off I-20
Known for: Golf resorts, upscale stays, fishing
Best time: Spring through fall
Time needed: A weekend
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for couples or families who want resort comforts with the lake right outside.
Slot this golf-and-water getaway into your bucket list for a treat
12. West Point Lake
Out near the Alabama line, West Point Lake is one of LaGrange's best-kept secrets.
Why this one stands out: West Point stretches about 26,000 acres along the Chattahoochee River, with hundreds of miles of shoreline wrapped in woods and quiet coves. It is run by the Army Corps and loaded with campgrounds, day-use parks, swim beaches, and fishing piers. Highland Marina rents pontoons and kayaks, and the bass fishing here is genuinely good. Crowds are light, so the coves feel like your own.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Near LaGrange, on the GA/AL line
Known for: Quiet coves, camping, fishing
Best time: Late spring through early fall
Time needed: A full day to a weekend
Worth it or skip it? Worth it if you want a roomy, peaceful lake without the resort price tag.
Save this under-the-radar reservoir to your bucket list for quiet coves
Ready to map out your Georgia lake run? Start saving your stops now so "someday" turns into your next free weekend.
13. Lake Seminole
Down in the far southwest corner, Lake Seminole is a bass angler's dream and a fitting end to the trip.
Don't skip this if you like big bass: Seminole sits where the Chattahoochee and Flint rivers meet, right on the Georgia and Florida line near Bainbridge. It covers around 37,000 acres, and its thick grass beds and shallow water grow some seriously big largemouth bass. It is a regular stop on pro fishing circuits, but it is also a lovely warm-water lake for boating and birdwatching. Since you are this far south already, it pairs nicely with lake spots down in Florida.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Near Bainbridge, on the GA/FL line
Known for: Trophy largemouth bass, warm water
Best time: Spring and early summer for fishing
Time needed: A full day to a weekend
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for anglers, full stop. It is one of the South's standout bass lakes.
Add this bass haven to your bucket list before your next trip south
Final Thoughts
The best lakes in Georgia are not really one thing. They are cold and clear up in the mountains, big and warm down south, and somewhere in between near Atlanta. The trick is matching the lake to the kind of day you want, then actually getting out there before another summer slips by.
Start with one that fits your next free weekend, then keep adding. Half the fun is watching your list grow. If you are dreaming bigger, these lakes also slide right into a longer East Coast road trip or a string of lake getaways along the coast.
Save these stops, build your own road trip bucket list, and keep track of every lake you want to see, all in one place with Wayback Tours.
FAQs
Do you need a pass or fee to visit lakes in Georgia?
Many Army Corps and state park access points charge a small day-use or parking fee, and state parks often sell annual passes. Boat ramps and beaches can have their own charges, so it is smart to check the specific park before you go.
Are Georgia's lakes natural or man-made?
Almost all of Georgia's big lakes are man-made reservoirs, created by damming rivers for power, water supply, and flood control. There are very few natural lakes in the state, though the reservoirs are scenic enough that most people never notice the difference.
Which Georgia lake is closest to Atlanta?
Lake Allatoona is one of the closest, sitting just northwest of the city near Acworth, while Lake Lanier is about an hour north. Both are easy enough for a day trip if you get an early start.
Can you swim safely in Georgia lakes?
Most popular lakes have designated swim beaches that are monitored and safe for families. Always swim in marked areas, watch for boat traffic, and follow posted signs, since open water and drop-offs can surprise even strong swimmers.
Can you camp overnight at most Georgia lakes?
Yes, many lakes have campgrounds run by the Army Corps of Engineers or Georgia State Parks, with options ranging from RV hookups to primitive sites. Spots fill fast in summer, so book your campsite well in advance.
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