Atlanta Lakes

Lakes Close to Atlanta

Every once in a while you should spend some time near the water. As it turns out, when you make a trip to Atlanta you have lots of great spots for spending time on the lake.

There are many great reasons for a getaway to a lake in Atlanta this summer – the cool water for swimming, fun summer entertainment such as wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day. Don’t you deserve an enjoyable getaway? Load up your vehicle with your beach goodies and a picnic basket then set out your next day off to find a brand new favorite location on the water!

Lakes Close to Atlanta

Lake Activities

When you visit a lake near Atlanta you’ll find all kinds of activities that can be enjoyed by families, couples, or with a group of friends. You could go for an exciting day trip or take a longer vacation to a hotel on the beach to enjoy yourself more fully.

Let’s look at some of the options available to you when you make your way to a Atlanta lake:

Partake in some water sports. If you’re able to get access to a speed boat, why not get out on the water and start flying around the water showing off your water sports talents? Take the family out for some wakeboarding or knee boarding as the local lakes give you several options.

Fishing. For those that love to fish, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you have a relaxing day with a line in the water whether you’re out on a boat or fishing from shore.

Get in the water. The swimming lakes near Atlanta offer all kinds of laughs and games for the big kids and little ones, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between working on their tan. Make sure to do your research and verify that your lake has a nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on prior to packing the car and the family! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool doesn’t hold a candle to a glorious public beach!

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

A lake day itinerary can be drastically different when you take into consideration the specific lake you’ll be visiting, the time of year, the weather, and what you want to do while you’re there. However, we’ve assembled a rundown of our favorite lake and beach-related necessities that you can use as a checklist to make sure you cover your bases.

General items

For a day spent on the water you’ll probably want to take along some of the things in our list below to make sure you’re safe, healthy, and getting the most out of your getaway.

  • Bathing suits
  • Bug spray
  • UV protection
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • Garbage bags
  • A fully stocked cooler
  • Portable stereo
  • A picnic basket
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Flip flops or water shoes

More lake items

Depending on the itinerary at the lake and what your party looks like, the list of gear will likely be helpful and worth a quick spot check prior to departure.

  • Worms or other bait
  • Tackle box
  • Fishing gear
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Goggles or masks
  • Corkscrew
  • Books

Lake Safety Checklist

While a day on a lake in Atlanta should be lots of fun, you always have to keep safety in mind. A day on the lake means safety first so these are some extremely important tips for keeping everyone safe.

  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Keep your distance from wildlife

More Ideas for Lake Fun

When you make a trip to the one of a kind lakes near Atlanta, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that might make your itinerary much more successful. For example, each lake has their own qualities and surroundings which makes it important to take into account what you need to make an enjoyable trip when planning yours.

  1. Pay attention to the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally beaches might be really busy. To find a little more privacy, research a variety of lakes and beaches to see if you can find one that’s less crowded to find one with a slower pace. If you want to be where the party’s at, then look for the busiest, most popular sandy party scene!
  2. Make the most of unique assets in the area. If you have time for a lengthier getaway, find local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the option to camp directly on the water for a reasonable price.
  3. Rent a boat. If you’re near the water you’ll often find local marinas where you can rent a boat. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Using a search engine can usually help you locate several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.