The 10 Biggest Lakes in Georgia
Go striped bass fishing along thousands of acres of water—these are the biggest lakes in Georgia.
Written by Tiffany Leung
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Table of Contents
- Clarks Hill Lake (71,000 acres)
- Lake Hartwell (56,000 acres)
- Walter F. George Lake (45,000 acres)
- Lake Seminole (37,500 acres)
- Lake Lanier (37,000 acres)
- Richard B. Russell Dam and Lake (26,650 acres)
- West Point Lake (25,864 acres)
- Lake Oconee (19,071 acres)
- Lake Sinclair (15,300 acres)
- Lake Allatoona (12,000 acres)
- Protecting yourself while you travel
- FAQs
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Known for its natural beauty from mystical forests to majestic glaciers,
Georgia
is also praised for its magnificent bodies of water. With over 650 square miles of lakes, residents and visitors are bound to find excellent opportunities to go fishing, boating, and more.Georgia is home to over 30 lakes that were formed naturally or by dams and boast jaw-dropping views. Some lakes even hold the secrets to hidden villages and bridges beneath their waters. Fishing, diving, and boating are some of the most popular recreational activities for residents and visitors when they visit the lakes of Georgia.
With so many lakes that hold their distinct history, it’s hard to decide which lakes to visit first.
To get you started, the
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super app, Jerry
, is here to guide you to 10 of the biggest lakes in Georgia. Find out how many acres each lake covers, where the lakes are located, and the best activities offered at each location!RECOMMENDED
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Clarks Hill Lake (71,000 acres)
Location: 6223 Winfield Cir, Appling, GA 30802
Clarks Hill Lake is also known as Georgia’s Freshwater Coast and is home to a variety of fish including largemouth, white, striped, and hybrid bass. With the waters teeming with freshwater fish, it’s no wonder this 71,000-acre lake attracts bass tournaments year-round!
The lake’s 1,000+ miles of shoreline make it an amazing palace for fishing, water skiing, and boating. In addition to the aquatic activities, you can also take in the serene landscape while enjoying a picnic by the shore. For those who want to continue the adventure, there are also nature trails to be discovered and
campsites to stay at
.Lake Hartwell (56,000 acres)
Location: 104 Chandler St, Hartwell, GA 30643
Lake Hartwell is a reservoir created by the Hartwell Dam and borders Georgia and South Carolina. It’s located on the Savannah River and is one of the southeast’s largest recreation lakes. This 56,000-acre lake is easily accessible via the I-85, making it a popular destination for visitors.
Fishing is one of the most popular activities at Lake Hartwell with many anglers aiming to catch a prize-winning striped bass! The 962-mileshoreline has multiple lake houses and docks that provide recreational activities for visitors of all ages, including boating, water skiing, paddling, and swimming.
Walter F. George Lake (45,000 acres)
Location: Docks Hook Ln, Georgetown, GA 39854
Although this 45,000-acre lake was built for harnessing hydroelectric power, it also places emphasis on providing a place for family fun. If you’re looking to find your next adventure, Walter F. George Lake will make the perfect destination. The lake features 13 Corps of Engineers day-use parks and 4 campgrounds so there’s plenty of space for visitors to camp, fish, boat, and picnic.
After exploring the 640-mile shoreline, you can also hop over to nearby historic towns like Eufaula, Alabama, and Cuthbert to marvel at the antebellum mansions!
Lake Seminole (37,500 acres)
Location: 10015 Park Blvd N, Seminole, FL 33777
Flint River, Chattahoochee River, and Apalachicola River converge to create the spectacular 37,500-acre Lake Seminole. Although this lake is manmade, it bears a unique history. The remains of Fort Scott, a fort that once defended the border from the Spanish, lay at the bottom of the lake. Black crappie, striped bass, chain pickerel, and bluegill are some of the varieties of fish that can be found in the lake.
Aside from hiking, fishing, and water sports, members of the
Seminole Lake Country Club
can also enjoy 18 holes of championship golf and 13 Har-Tru tennis courts.Swimming is prohibited in Lake Seminole as alligators live in and around the lake!
Lake Lanier (37,000 acres)
Location: 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd, Gainesville, GA 30506
If you’re looking for America’s favorite lake, Lake Lanier tops the popularity chart with millions of visitors each year. The lake is only 30 minutes from
Atlanta
, making it the perfect place for a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle. You can even book a stay at the Lanier Islands Resort
for a mini retreat.The most popular activities on the 37,000-acre lake include fishing, boating, water sports, and swimming. If you prefer staying dry, check out the lakes map to find the perfect trail, visit the golf course, or even plan a trip to one of the north Georgia mountain wineries.
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Richard B. Russell Dam and Lake (26,650 acres)
Location:4144 Russell Dam Dr, Elberton, GA 30635
Richard B. Russell Dam and Lake is located on the Georgia/South Carolina border, 20 miles east of
Elberton
, GA, and 8 miles west of Calhoun, SC off US 72. Visitors are encouraged to drop by the Visitor Center four miles south of Georgia State Highway 72. Here you can purchase maps of the lake, Golden Age or Golden Access cards, and Annual Parking Passes, and pick up pamphlets before exploring the area.Located on the 26,650-acre lake, Richard B. Russell State Park is a great place to camp or rent a cottage for a getaway. Enjoy the tranquil waters while fishing and boating, sink your toes into the soft sand at the beach, or follow the trails along the 194-mile shoreline. While you’re there, don’t miss out on the park’s award-winning 18-hole
Arrowhead Pointe Golf Course
.West Point Lake (25,864 acres)
Location: 954 Abbottsford Rd, LaGrange, GA 30240
West Point Lake, overseen by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, stretches 35 miles along the Chattahoochee River on the Alabama-Georgia state line. Fishing, camping, boating, and other recreational activities are all available along the lake's 525 miles of shoreline.
Visitors can also enjoy the day-use parks, campgrounds, two commercial marinas, beach areas, fishing piers, hiking trails, and public hunting areas.
Lake Oconee (19,071 acres)
Location: 2541 Carey Station Rd, Greensboro, GA 30642
This 19,000-acre lake is located 85 miles east of Atlanta and is in Greene, Morgan, Hancock, and Putnam counties. Lake Oconee is a prime destination for boating, fishing, golf, and various other activities.
If you’re planning an escape or retreat, you can also set yourself up for a stay at The
Ritz-Carlton Reynolds lakeside resort
. After a day at Lake Oconee, pamper yourself at the spa with luxury accommodations and delectable dining experiences. Lake Sinclair (15,300 acres)
Location: 100 Putnam Beach Rd SW, Eatonton, GA 31024
If you’re looking for a fun day in the waters with your family, Lake Sinclair is a great spot for you. With the 15,300-acre lake being only two hours southeast of Atlanta, it’s easily accessible for those who want to spend the day fishing on the majestic waters, participating in a tournament, or just enjoying water activities. Visitors without boats can rent one at one of the many marinas for a half or full day.
Lake Sinclair’s 500-mile shoreline is accessible year-round thanks to Georgia’s mild climate, so you have more freedom when it comes to planning your visit!
Lake Allatoona (12,000 acres)
Location: 7299 Rocky Ln, Acworth, GA 30102
Lake Allatoona is one of the nation’s most frequently visited U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lakes. More than six million visitors flock to the waters each year to enjoy a picnic, camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, and various water sports.
Visitors are also encouraged to stop by the Corps of Engineers Visitor Center, which features video exhibits and displays about the area's history. Maps and brochures are also available.
MORE:Best road trips in Georgia
Protecting yourself while you travel
Georgia's biggest lakes are some of the best spots to go fishing and we won’t be surprised if you’re already planning a
road trip
to one of these pristine locations. But before you head out, check if your insurance has the right coverage to protect your car during the trip. To check your coverage, just download the car insurance super app,
Jerry
. Once you sign up and answer a few questions, Jerry will gather your information and help you find the best rates sourced from over 50 top insurance companies.Customers save an average of $800 per year on car insurance!
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FAQs
Where is the oldest lake in Georgia?
Jackson Lake is one of the oldest reservoirs in Georgia and is located southeast of Atlanta. It is in a rural area that spans three counties—Jasper, Newton, and Butts.
Are there natural lakes in Georgia?
All of the large lakes in Georgia are man-made. However, there are smaller lakes that are natural.
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