Popular Georgia lakes

Travel

If the Gulf Coast oil spill has you spooked about visiting beaches this summer, head to one of Georgia's many lakes, which offer recreational activities for the whole family.

You can wakesurf among other water-based activities on Lake Lanier, about an hour northeast of Atlanta. It's a popular family destination all summer long, but the crowds really come out for the "Big 3" holidays, which are Memorial Day, July the 4th and Labor Day.

Visitors break out the watercrafts for fun on Lake Oconee, about an hour and a half southeast of Atlanta. Canoe and kayak rentals are available. Fishing is also a popular pastime here.

Lake Burton in northeast Georgia offers the opportunity for boating, camping, picnicking, swimming and fishing. Timpson Cove Beach is popular with visitors as a picnic destination. Several types of bass and trout inhabit the lake. The 4th of July fireworks celebration attracts locals and visitors alike.

Allatoona Lake is located just 40 minutes north of Atlanta in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is home to Red Top Mountain State Park. The area offers boating, fishing, camping, and other outdoor recreational activities. Allatoona Lake is one of the most frequently visited Corps of Engineers lakes in the nation.

Bainbridge fishing pro Pam Martin, an expert angler, shows off a fish she caught on Lake Seminole in southwestern Ga. on the Florida and Alabama borders. The lake is one of the top bass fishing spots in the U.S. There's also a diverse amount of wildlife and scenery for visitors to enjoy.

Carters Lake is located in north Georgia, at the southern end of the Blue Ridge mountains. Visitors can enjoy camping, fishing, boating or spending a day on the beach. The shoreline includes miles of hiking, biking and nature trails.

Seen here is the sunrise over Hartwell Lake on the border of South Carolina, about 2 hours northeast of Atlanta. Lake Hartwell boasts of 962 miles of shoreline and features over 80 public boat launch, recreation, and park areas with some of the best boating, water-skiing, and fishing in the state. Due to its location, visitors can also enjoy golfing and mountain recreational activities in the area.

West Point Lake just north of LaGrange offers hunting, fishing, boating and water sport activities. There are also public parks and beaches which offer additional recreational activities. More family-friendly fun awaits at nearby Callaway Gardens.

Walter F. George Lake (Lake Eufaula) is located on the Georgia/Alabama border. The lake is nationally known for its bass and crappie fishing while the Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge offers excellent bird viewing opportunities. Note, since the lake is comprised of border water, a fishing license for either Georgia or Alabama will be acceptable, as long as you are fishing on the water. If you fish from the shoreline, then a state-specific license is required.

Lake Rabun in the northeastern part of the state provides power to local Georgia Power customers and provides a wealth of recreational activities for visitors. A great time to visit is around July the 4th, when there's a colorful boat parade.

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You can wakesurf among other water-based activities on Lake Lanier, about an hour northeast of Atlanta. It's a popular family destination all summer long, but the crowds really come out for the "Big 3" holidays, which are Memorial Day, July the 4th and Labor Day.

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