3 Big & Beautiful Boating Lakes in Georgia for Water Sports and Camping
July 28, 2023 | Travel Destinations
Originally, Georgia had few natural lakes. Instead, local geology provided favorable conditions for rivers, wetlands, and bays comprising shallow bodies of water. However, today the most beautiful boating lakes in Georgia, created for flood control or to generate power, are enjoyed by millions for skiing, fishing, and other water sports.
Jet skis are popular for recreational fun at Lake Lanier, Lake Oconee, and Lake Allatoona. Pontoon boats are a popular choice on Georgia’s lakes, including Lake Lanier, Lake Oconee, Lake Allatoona, and Lake Hartwell.
Fishing is commonly enjoyed on all of the lakes in Georgia. Depending on the lake, Anglers can target various fish species, such as bass, catfish, crappie, and more. But it’s easy to find fun and adventure on dry land. Georgia’s recreational lake areas include state parks and campgrounds, which offer many opportunities to connect to the outdoors.
Additionally, you’ll find lakes with tent camping, RV sites, and glamping. There are historical attractions and museums as well as public and private waterfront golf courses. A few lakes have resort-style five-star hotels and visitors can enjoy hiking in the Oconee National Forests.
Lake Lanier
Lake Lanier is ideally situated in northern Georgia near Buford, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and spans several counties, including Hall, Forsyth, Gwinnett, Dawson, and Lumpkin. This lake is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in Georgia for its scenic vistas.
Lake Lanier’s proximity to the Atlanta metro area makes it a popular weekend and holiday destination for Georgians. The lake offers sites for RV camping, tent camping, and hotel accommodations and has recently embraced the glamping trend. Glamping lets you connect with the great outdoors without “roughing it.” Guests choose between Timberline Camping and Camp Margaritaville at Lanier Islands Resort and enjoy hotel-inspired amenities like full bathrooms, kitchenettes, and plush bedding in climate-controlled safari tents.
At 44 miles long and with a surface area of approximately 38,000 acres, Lake Lanier is also one of the biggest lakes in Georgia. The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. Spring and fall generally offer pleasant weather with less crowded conditions, making them ideal for boating, fishing, and outdoor activities.
Lake Oconee
Situated between Atlanta and Augusta, Lake Oconee is Georgia’s go-to destination for boating and golf enthusiasts. Lake Oconee is known for its pine-dotted shores, high-end neighborhoods, and several prestigious golf courses including:
The Landing Course: Features a scenic layout with challenging holes and picturesque lake views.
The National Course: Designed by Tom Fazio, The National Course offers a variety of challenges with its undulating fairways and strategically placed bunkers.
The Oconee Course: Designed by Rees Jones, is known for its stunning lake views and challenging layout.
The Great Waters Course: Recently redesigned by Jack Nicklaus, The Great Waters Course has scenic lake views and demanding shots.
Cuscowilla Golf Club: Located on the eastern shore of Lake Oconee, Cuscowilla Golf Club is one of Georgia’s top private golf destinations. The course offers a stunning lakeside experience and is known for its challenging greens and natural beauty.
The Oconee Course at Reynolds Plantation: This course is part of the Reynolds Plantation golf community and offers a challenging layout with beautiful lake views.
Lake Oconee is also a frequent destination for Georgia’s fishing tournaments. The lake boasts an estimated 433 pounds of fish per acre of water and is prized for excellent bass fishing, including largemouth, striped, and white bass.
Lake Oconee’s resort-style amenities offer something for everyone, from recreation on the water to visiting historical sites and getting spa treatments at the Ritz-Carlton Reynolds.
Lake Allatoona
Located 40 miles northwest of Atlanta, Lake Allatoona is a favored respite from the rush of city living. The lake features 270 miles of shoreline with numerous boat ramps, marinas, and waterfront camping sites. It is well-known as a family vacation spot and is a popular destination for fishing, swimming, and water sports.
Wakeboard boats are also commonly seen on Lake Allatoona. These specialized boats are designed with powerful engines and unique features, including towers or ski pylons, making them desirable for wakeboarding and tubing.
While weekdays are relatively calm on Lake Allatoona, families enjoy summer festivities on weekends, including sailing, biking, tubing, and visiting several nearby historical attractions. The Lake Allatoona Visitor Center features displays and video exhibits on the area’s history from early Indians to the gold mining days.
If you’re wondering when the best time is to visit Georgia’s beautiful boating lakes, summer is the peak season when lakes see a higher number of visitors as people flock to enjoy swimming, water sports, and recreational boating. Winter can be a quieter time on the water, but the lakes still offer opportunities for fishing, camping, hiking, and peaceful lakeside walks.
Find Recreational and Boat Storage in Georgia
Properly storing your boat between trips is the best way to protect your investment. If you need seasonal boat storage in Georgia, consider the storage professionals at Metro Self Storage. We offer well-maintained and well-lit facilities with state-of-the-art security features.
Our outstanding customer service is recognized in the industry, and we are always happy to give our customers our best boat storage tips. We also have plenty of space available to store your lake lifestyle gear too. From kayaks and canoes to jet skis and camping gear, you’ll find easy access to drive-up storage units at our Georgia storage locations.
To learn how we can make room for you, visit our facility or call us today at 888-466-3876. Ready to rent now? Reserve your unit online!
