Georgia Boating Communities

Start with Lake Lanier just outside Atlanta, it’s the go-to for serious boaters. With hundreds of miles of shoreline, full-service marinas, and wide-open water, it’s made for everything from tubing and wakeboarding to cruising and floating.

If you're after something a little more laid-back, head up to Lake Blue Ridge or Lake Burton, where clear mountain-fed water and scenic backdrops offer a quieter pace.

Georgia lakes are loaded with fish—from bass and crappie to catfish and stripers. Some lakes are known for deep water trolling, like Hartwell, while others, like Oconee, are better for casting around structures. Either way, if you like to fish, there’s no shortage of spots—and no shortage of local advice.

The access is easy, too. Most lakes offer multiple boat ramps, fuel docks, and marinas, plus lakeside restaurants where you can dock and grab a bite. And with the mild Southern climate, you can stay on the water well into the fall.

If you’re looking for a state that knows how to do lake life right, Georgia’s already there. Big lakes, good fishing, and just the right amount of southern chill.