6 Georgia Lakes Families Will Love

Lake Hartwell

Our state is home to more than 30 beautiful lakes; some were formed by nature and others began as reservoirs created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Read about our favorite Georgia lakes and their attractions; all are great destinations for a day trip, weekend adventure or family vacation.

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Fun Close to Home: Lake Allatoona

Located just northwest of Atlanta, Lake Allatoona makes an ideal day trip. Visit one of its many parks, with beaches, picnic spots, playgrounds and other facilities. Cauble Park on Lake Acworth (which flows into Lake Allatoona) is popular for its beach and amenities. Red Top Mountain State Park also has biking and hiking trails, beaches and a historic Civil War site.

Distance from Atlanta: about 30 minutes
Miles of shoreline: 270

A Resort and Much More: Lake Lanier

It’s one of the state’s most visited lakes, and one trip will tell you why. Lanier Islands Resort and its waterpark are popular destinations; in addition, the lake also has plenty of day parks with beaches, boat access, picnic areas and fishing. Visit Don Carter State Park for activities like paddling, horseback riding and 15 miles of hiking trails.

Distance from Atlanta: about 45 minutes
Miles of shoreline: 692

Nature Lover’s Paradise: Lake Blue Ridge

Much of this lake’s shoreline is part of the Chattahoochee National Forest, and there’s plenty to do! Morganton Point Recreational Area has a great family beach, as well as kayak and paddle board rentals. The Day Use Area offers hiking, a paved walking loop and scenic lake views. Lake Blue Ridge Recreation Area has great views of the dam, with an accessible park, swimming and other amenities.

Distance from Atlanta: about 1½ hours
Miles of shoreline: 65

More Than Just Fishing: Lake Hartwell

Located on the border of Georgia and South Carolina, Lake Hartwell is known for its great fishing. Not an angler? The lake has nine campgrounds and a wide variety of family-friendly things to do, including beaches, biking, canoeing and waterskiing. Opportunities for walking and hiking abound, including a paved and accessible trail leading to the Hartwell Dam.

Distance from Atlanta: 2 hours
Miles of shoreline: 962

Relax or Play: Lake Sinclair

Spend a weekend – or a week – on Lake Sinclair, located near I-20 in Milledgeville. Little River Park and Scenic Mountain campgrounds have RV and pop-up camper sites, tent camping and cabin rentals. Explore the lake’s quiet coves in a canoe or kayak, float in a tube, rent a boat or go jet skiing. Hike or walk the nearby trails and enjoy the public fishing area and sandy beaches.

Distance from Atlanta: About 1½ hours
Miles of shoreline: 500

Worth the Drive: Lake Blackshear

Enjoy an upscale vacation at Lake Blackshear Resort and Golf Club, where you can rent a villa or cabin and enjoy golfing, restaurants and other amenities, or camp lakeside at Georgia Veterans Memorial State Park, with fishing, biking and hiking trails, water sports, sandy beaches and more. Visit the park’s Military Museum, which pays tribute to veterans from the Revolutionary War to the present day, or test your aim at the park’s archery and air gun range.