Fishing, Boating and Camping

Stripers, crappie and bass lure fishermen from across the country. Sailors and power boaters share the more than 39,000 acres of water in Lake Lanier. The area’s 10 marinas provide the gateway to Lake Lanier’s waters with boat rentals, gas docks, restaurants and services for boaters, fishermen and recreational visitors.

Dozens of islands with sandy beaches provide great locations for picnics. Fall color is spectacular in the foothills, and wildlife viewing is superb.

Enjoy golf, nearby Road Atlanta, shopping at one of the Southeast’s largest malls, seasonal festivals, special events and more in nearby Buford, Cumming, Dahlonega, Dawsonville, Flowery Branch, Gainesville and Oakwood.

Water Sports for the Whole Family

Lake Sidney Lanier is open all year and offers many activities for recreation and vacationing, from boating and fishing to jet-skiing and camping. Most campgrounds are open from March through November. The lake’s busiest season takes place from Memorial Day to Labor Day each year.

Fourth of July fireworks on the lake light up the sky from a variety of presenters. It is perhaps the busiest day on the lake. Area marinas also celebrate National Marina Day on the second Saturday in August.

Sights, Shopping and Sporting Around

Fall leaf tours, boat rides from area marinas and attractions and holiday festivities, including Lake Lanier Islands’ Magical Nights of Lights during the holiday season, round out the year. Lake Lanier Islands offers two resorts, two championship golf courses, plus a beach and water park for family fun.

For nature lovers and hikers, the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail on Springer mountain is just minutes from Dahlonega in the Chattahoochee National Forest, which offers scenic mountain driving tours and waterfalls.
One of the Southeast’s largest shopping malls, the Mall of Georgia, is located in nearby Buford south of the lake. The area also has some of the finest outlet centers in the Southeast in Commerce and Dawsonville.

Road Atlanta in Braselton is widely recognized as one of the premier road courses in the world. Its 2.54-mile, 12-turn Grand Prix course is extremely challenging for the competitors. The track hosts the Petit Le Mans and the AMA Suzuki Superbike Showdown. NASCAR Driver Bill Elliott hails from Dawsonville, which is home to the new Thunder Road Museum.