Extensive water-supply reservoir with swimming beaches, islands, a water park & boat ramps.
Hours not specified
What clients say about Lake Lanier in Austell (GA)
Lake Lanier and the towns and villages around it were a stunning surprise to experience, especially since it is a mere hour away from Atlanta! Incredible lakefront homes, scenic waterways, rolling foothills, and mountain views abound. This is truly an area unique to the Deep South. I can't imagine *anyone,* not enjoying a visit here, be it a weekend away or a longer holiday. From the most avid outdoor enthusiast, or someone who wants stunning views with peace and quiet, or a family wanting to fill their daily calendar with activities galore ...*everyone* has a way to experience this very large holiday destination and come away refreshed and invigorated.
I surprised my mom with what turned into one of the greatest birthday gifts ever a fishing trip out on Lake Lanier. We rolled into the boat ramp early, loaded up, and by mid-morning we had lines in the water. Not long after, the rod nearly snapped right in half from the fight. It felt like we’d hooked a beast striped or largemouth, I couldn’t tell at first but when it surfaced, it was huge. My mom gasped. I had to help her guide it in so it wouldn’t break off. Her face lit up like I’ve never seen. Mission accomplished: once-in-a-lifetime catch for her, and a memory I’ll never forget.
Lake Lanier itself is a marvel. It spans around 38,000 surface acres when full, formed by the Buford Dam and fed by the Chattahoochee and Chestatee Rivers. The lake is a powerhouse of recreational activity more than 10 million visitors come through annually, enjoying everything from boating and swimming to fishing tournaments and waterfront life.
The variety of fish is spectacular. We aimed for bass, and sure enough, Lake Lanier is teeming with largemouth bass, spotted bass, and striped bass. Crappie, catfish, white bass, and walleye also call the lake home. Below Buford Dam, cold water releases support stocked trout (rainbow, brown, brook), giving anglers a special bonus if you’re fishing near that zone. Some argue the lake’s spotted bass population is stronger now than ever, with anglers reporting healthier, heavier fish in recent years.
On that day we drifted near structure: sunken humps, brush piles, drop-offs, submerged timber and old stumps all prime ambush zones. The lake is well managed, and the Corps of Engineers and Georgia DNR put effort into fish habitat, maintaining attractors and structure for anglers.
The lake is lined with marinas, boat houses, and access points along many highways and feeder roads. Because it stretches across many communities, you’ll often see homes, docks, and waterfront properties along the shore. And major routes like GA-400 and I-985 offer relatively easy access to different lake arms.
We didn’t run into heavy congestion that day it was busy in places, but not overwhelming. We launched, trolled, cast, and stopped to enjoy the quiet, the sun, the water. The size of that fish, and the moment she held it, made me proud I nailed the birthday surprise. If you love the outdoors, fighting fish, and creating memories that last, Lake Lanier is exactly where you want to be.
Very large 400+ mile waterfront reservoir that serves Atlanta. Pretty peaceful park surrounding the lake with few beaches, boat rides, picnic and play areas. Plenty of parking invites attracts daily walkers and joggers, and tourists.
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Lake Lanier is gorgeous with rolling water views, plenty of docks & beaches, and lots of boating fun. The restaurants around Margaritaville are a huge plus: LandShark Bar & Grill offers burgers, seafood, tacos and drinks right on the water, and the Chill Zone tiki bars give that relaxed lakeside vibe. 
One of the best parts on special occasions like the 4th of July, Margaritaville lights up the sky with fireworks over the lake, along with live music and celebrations at LandShark Landing. 
If you’re visiting, go for a sunset cruise, dine waterfront, and stick around after dark, it’s a magical way to experience Lake Lanier.
Great resort with a Lake Buena Vista vibe. Amazing golf course, boat rentals, resort, and snow machines on the hill for tubing in the winter. Highly recommend this place.
Amazing places! And the sunset is beautiful! Sadly, there is a little bit of trash everywhere ~ A place worth visiting! But please bring your trash away with you! Let's preserve this place!
Beautiful scenery, for sure. The lake is huge so much bigger than anyone would think without going out and exploring by boat. It doesn't matter if you want a romantic escape, or flying through the water getting soaked, or maybe getting off to yourself for some laid back fishing whatever you want Lake Lanier has you covered. Also, for picture lovers, it's paradise. The only negative thing I have seen the last couple of weeks is that the gar is really bad. I don't know if they are aggressive they have way to many really sharp teeth for me to knowingly give them the chance to see.
I went there using Google map, but in that location, entry was closed by military. So we need to go another place to enjoy the lake.
This place is so calm and relaxing.
Bathroom is well managed. You can try bbq by your own and enough parking spot.
Had a good evening.
It was my first visit . A very beautiful place for family picnics, fishing , boating and relaxing your mind and body. The water was blue and clean. We made a small fire at the evening . It was magnificent
I grew up fishing with my Dad on Lake Lanier. Some of my best memories as a child are on that lake. Through the years I spent a great deal of time either fishing or going to Lake Lanier Islands with friends in high school. It is a beautiful lake to be man made. I will caution people to behave responsible when boating or swimming because after all it is a deep lake and there are some dangers on Lake Lanier as there are on any lake. Above all please don't throw trash in our beautiful lake we pride ourselves on having a great recreational lake and parks for people to visit. All we ask is for people to respect our lake and park areas, treat it as a gift to enjoy and it will give you good memories to keep forever.
Update: Was here back in 2020 for the first time with my family. Such a nice, scenic place to be. The water was fresh and blue. Great spot! Dreading to come back again some day.
This was my first time visiting Lake Lanier. I went there to kayak. It cost me 10 dollars to park for the day. I put in at Mary Alice Beach. I was pleased and surprised by the international mix of people around the lake. The area I explored was dotted with little beaches and hiking trails. Bring repellent if you plan to hike. The water was choppy from the wind and boat wakes, which made it fun. The boaters were all courteous. I recommend taking pics and paying attention to your starting point, because this is a big lake with lots of similar inlets and islands. I stopped short of 5 stars due to some visitors leaving Trash in otherwise nice areas.
Beautiful lake! First time coming here. We were met at the gate by a very helpful attendant named Dennis that provided us with a map and gave us a thorough explanation of all the highlights of the lake! We were able to find our way around and enjoyed all the sights
Very beautiful. There’s deer and some trails. The amount of trash everywhere made me sad though. And it’s $20 to get in, even if you’re just staying for an hour. It’s worth seeing at least once though, especially when it’s misty and the cold is keeping people away. It’s very peaceful when it’s quiet.
Incredible place!!! Awesome place to paddle. Plenty of places to pull off and chill or play … hiking good. Beautiful beach
Everyone must go here once or twice in their life
It is a piece of Paradise in Lanier GA. Incredible location, enjoy a great day for fish, artificial Beach, excellent restaurants, and camping ⛺. The best time ever in Lanier.
This park is really big with picnic area and also safe to swim in restricted area. Since it’s a lake water no need to worry about tanning atleast. You can hire a engine boat according to how many people you are going. We have 16 people on our boat so it wasn’t too small boat. Inside 2 story boat you have little music sound system,kitchen area and restroom. On top little sitting area with sofa and how can I forget slide on boat. I had a great time on boat. One more thing you can park your boat on any island which give you a feeling of your own private island where no body bothers your.
Lake Lanier is located in North Georgia, just 60 miles from the state capitol of Atlanta.This venue is exceptional for racing events due to its straight, flat open water which is an important aspect of competitive rowing.
Lake Lanier welcomes over 11 million visitors annually and hosts a wide variety of events from fishing, wakeboarding, open water swimming, boating, rowing, kayaking and other recreational activities.
Lake Lanier is a known for it’s world class fishing and attracts professional anglers from across the globe. There are 16 species of game fish from large mouth bass, lake trout, to striper bass. The lake has become known for it’s intense spotted bass fishing.
There are over 20 access points to the lake via boat ramps and park complexes that can accommodate large scale participant sporting activities.
Gainesville has welcomed the world to Lake Lanier through fishing tournaments, rowing events, dragon boat championships and the Olympic Games.
Ready to experience Lake Lanier for yourself? Plan your trip today!
OMG! OMG! I just absolutely LOVED this place. It’s clean, quiet, homey, there’s a heated outdoor poor, fire pits...I mean...I was here one day around Christmas, so I didn’t do too much, but I LOVED it. It was cold and raining, and I STILL loved it. Bean at margaritaville made THE STRONGEST DRINK EVER!!!! That was a negative because I shouldn’t have been that drunk, but lol I loved it!
This is a beautiful lake and is huge! I give 4 stars because every time we turned to get in the park or down to the water, there was a gate or the big orange cones with plastic tape up blocking the entrance. The signs stated the park hours but yet the gates were closed. We found a parking lot by the Chattahoochee Dam to park in and get down to the water but after driving 2+ hours to get there, that was disappointing to a certain extent.
First time at the lake! Went to watch the holiday lights and they are very beautiful, an incredible sunset also. My whole family really enjoyed it. My nephews were amazed and really entertained. I liked that fact that as a holiday they include the manger as a decoration. It gives credit to the real meaning of Christmas.
Great deepwater lake. Well marked speed and hazards! Very busy on weekends as expected. Lots of islands and undeveloped shoreline to fish. Well patrolled by GA DNR officers! Thanks!
Nice and quiet place for reflection especially between 4pm and 6pm of the day.Enjoy the amazing view of the water waves swinging around and the beautiful blue skies .This places is suitable for camping ⛺️,cookouts ,Photoshoots and meditation;just don’t forget to bring edibles ,sitting mats ,drinks and to clean up after yourself 🙂.During my visit ,Entry was free of charge !!
Absolutely love Lake Lanier. I grew up with it in my backyard and the lake means home to me.
Great boating with many local ramps to put your boats in, numerous parks where you can do everything from enjoy the playgrounds with your kids to swim at a sandy beach or rent a pavilion overlooking the water for birthday parties. Incredible bass fishing too!
From Memorial Day to Labor Day it's a busy place but throughout the fall and winter it's so peaceful.
Be warned, because of the clay, the bottom had a lot of silt so it feels rather squidgy, lol!
This is a huge lake consisting of several islands all of which are connected by bridges. It's a perfect weekend getaway for any kind of water sports, or boating, or simply relaxing in the sandy shores or a family picnic. There are multiple points of interest along the different shores of the lake, and based on your particular interests you should visit the particular destination. Some areas are designated only for camping.
First visit there and was surprised how nice it is! We got there really early on a Saturday to go fishing and some of the entrances don't open until 8 AM so just be aware and check before. Wasn't crowded but again we were there really early.
My family and I had a great time at Lakes Lanier. It was our mini stay cation. This is a resort style establishment , so everything we needed was at our fingertips. There is a variety of places to eat , located on/near the lake and numerous of outdoor activities to choose from. Bicycle rides, horseback rides, boat rental, even a foam party. I had a Great experience!
1953 Royal Industrial Blvd, Austell, GAAuto repair shop
1519 Veterans Memorial Hwy SW suite 100, Austell, GACar inspection station
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