Georgia Lakes

When planning a vacation that focuses on relaxation and water activities, selecting the Georgia lake country as your destination is an excellent decision. There are many lakes in Georgia that offer water sports along with camping opportunities, hiking trails, and assorted accommodations including luxury hotels, cabins, and bed and breakfasts.

Georgia lakes are located in all areas of the state, from the northernmost regions near the Appalachian Trail to the southern tip. In the northern section, popular lakes include Lake Blue Ridge and Nottely Lake, as well as Tallulah Falls Lake, Lake Rabun, and Hartwell Lake. The northwestern Georgia lakes include Carters Lake and Allatoona Lake near the Chattahoochee River, where canoeing and kayaking are popular sports for vacationers.

In the north Georgia, Lake Lanier is the premier recreational area for vacationers and draws more than 7 million visitors per year who come to take advantage of local opportunities for fishing and sailing. Lake Lanier boasts a 692-mile shoreline and has numerous marinas conveniently located for boat rentals, docking, and refueling. The two main marinas at Lake Lanier are Holiday Marina in Buford and Aqualand Marina in Flowery Branch.

At Lake Lanier Island Resort, accommodations include the luxury Legacy Lodge & Conference Center, which has guest rooms, lake houses, and villas. Travelers can also rent a fully equipped houseboat for a leisurely vacation on the water. The resort also offers the Tranquility Spa, Legacy on Lanier Golf Club, Equestrian Center, and the Chattahoochee Rapids Beach & WaterPark. This attraction is an excellent place for families, as it includes pools, waterslides, lagoons, and a sandy beach. From the end of November through December 30, the annual Magical Nights of Lights brings decorations and twinkling lights to a seven-mile area in celebration of the holiday season. Guests can visit the Holiday Village for carnival rides and holiday goodies and get a picture with Santa.

Despite the many lakes in the northern region, the southern portion of the state is designated as Georgia lake country; this is where you will find Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair. The cities of Milledgeville, with its historic landmark the Old Governor's Mansion, along with Greensboro, Madison, and Eatonton are also located in this part of the state.

Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair cover an area of more than 36,000 acres, and there are activities for travelers of any age when it comes to outdoor sports, including fishing, water skiing, tennis, and polo. For those planning to stay a while, Oconee Springs Park is perfect for both RV and tent camping, and it is also home to a public beach. At Reynolds Plantation, you will have access to the 4,800-acre wildlife preserve as well as Great Waters, an 18-hole golf course that in 2005 was voted as one of the best 20 courses in the country by Zagat.

Along with golfing and water activities, the Lake Oconee area is steeped in history and has many museums dedicated to the state’s unique past, including the Old Capital Museum and the Georgia War Veterans Memorial Cemetery. The Morgan County African American Museum, Andalusia-Flannery O'Connor's farm, Lockerly Arboretum, and the Uncle Remus Museum are just a few of the other interesting sightseeing locations available throughout the lake country.