For water sports enthusiasts, camping fanatics, and nature lovers, Georgia is a veritable paradise. According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), our state has 70,150 miles of streams and rivers, over 425,000 acres of lakes, and over 4.5 million acres of freshwater wetlands. Georgia’s abundant water sources provide drinking water; recreational areas ideal for swimming, fishing, and boating; and water for generating hydroelectric power.
In fact, the DNR says a tremendous number of Georgians enjoy outdoor recreation and therefore probably are more attuned to a clean environment than the average American. Georgia’s topography ranges from the mountains in the north to the sea coast and swampland in the south. The DNR strives to maintain clean air and water and to make the best use of our resources to benefit Georgia’s economy and citizens.
But did you know that none of our lakes are natural? They are all man-made, built for recreation, flood mitigation, and hydroelectric power production. One of Georgia’s largest lakes is Lake Sidney Lanier, located in Hall County, providing 38,000 acres of recreation with more than 700 total miles of shoreline. Since it’s construction in the 1950s, it has remained a popular destination, which today attracts between 11 million and 12 million visitors per year. That makes it one of the nation’s most visited lakes that’s managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).
Lake Lanier was designed and built by the USACE as part of a federal program (the River and Harbors Act of 1946) to provide hydroelectric power for a fast-growing Atlanta. The project — Buford Dam and the lake — was completed in 1957. Swimmers, boaters, fishers, and other outdoors enthusiasts soon followed. According to Stacey Dickson, President and CEO of Discover Lake Lanier, the official destination marketing organization for Hall County, Lake Lanier is truly a year-round destination for both visitors and residents. “During the warmer months, people enjoy boating, swimming, fishing, paddling, and lakeside dining. In the fall and winter, the lake offers birdwatching, fall foliage, holiday events, and vibrant lakeside communities. There’s always something to experience, no matter the season.”
The lifestyle around Lake Lanier, she added, is relaxed and outdoors-focused, while still being close to Atlanta and surrounding communities. “Residents enjoy spending time on the water, gathering with friends and family, exploring local parks and marinas, and experiencing the natural beauty of the lake throughout the year,” Dickson said.
Anyone can visit, of course, with several nearby hotel or camping options, and you don’t need to own a boat or enjoy boating in order to enjoy the lake. Moreover, Dickson noted that vacation rentals — from cozy cabins and cottages to larger lakefront properties — are available all around the lake. The area also features numerous public parks with water access, trails, picnic pavilions and campgrounds, many of them right along the shoreline.
“Renting a vacation home on Lake Lanier is one of the best ways to experience what lake living is really like because each area of the lake has its own personality,” Dickson said. “Some areas are more social and activity-focused, while others are quieter and more secluded.”
A good place to start, she said, is deciding what type of vacation experience you want:
Of course, houseboats and a variety of other boat rentals are available on Lake Lanier. Operating requirements can vary depending on the type of boat and rental company, so visitors are encouraged to speak directly with rental operators regarding licensing, age requirements, and boating regulations. Visitors can explore rental options and local operators at discoverlakelanier.com.
To help you plan your first — or next — trip to nearby Lake Lanier, Dickson suggests the following options for a fun-filled visit:
The Six — Night Golf
The Six offers a unique night golf experience at Georgia’s most exciting, lighted par-3 course overlooking Lake Lanier. The six-hole course features illuminated greens and fairways, cooler evening temperatures, and a lively lakeside atmosphere.
It’s designed to be approachable for families, beginners, and experienced golfers alike, creating a relaxed and social experience that’s perfect for an evening outing.
Margaritaville at Lanier Islands
Margaritaville at Lanier Islands offers a mix of activities throughout the year. During the summer, visitors come for the water park, beach area, boat rentals and lake activities, along with restaurants, live music, and lakefront cabanas.
In the cooler months, the destination continues to host seasonal events and activities. Fall brings firepits and lakeside gatherings, while winter features holiday lights and festive attractions. It’s a laid-back destination where visitors can spend the day relaxing by the water or enjoying activities with family and friends.
Camping on Lake Lanier
Camping is one of the most popular ways to experience Lake Lanier because it combines lake access with easy proximity to North Georgia and metro Atlanta. Visitors can choose from traditional campgrounds, RV sites, primitive camping, and glamping-style accommodations.
Many campgrounds are located directly on the lake and offer amenities such as boat ramps, beaches, hiking trails, picnic areas, and swimming access.
So, however you prefer to get away and cool off during the summer, Lake Lanier has you covered for accommodations, entertainment, water activities, and more. Begin planning your excursion at discoverlakelanier.com.
