Lake Lanier

Lake Lanier is a 38,000 acre reservoir operated by the COE about 50 miles northeast of Atlanta. Lanier receives very heavy fishing pressure due to its proximity to Atlanta. Spotted bass, crappie, striped bass, and catfish are the species most sought after.

Nestled in the foothills of the Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains lies Lake Lanier, one of America’s favorite lakes.

Over 7.5 million people a year choose to visit Lanier. With over 692 miles of shoreline, the lake is well known for its aqua-blue colored water, spectacular scenery and variety of recreational activities.

Constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the 1950’s, Lake Lanier is a multi-purpose lake that provides for flood protection, power production, water supply, navigation, recreation and fish and wildlife management.

Lake Sidney Lanier is well known for its recreational opportunities. The Corps operates 46 park areas around the lake providing, picnicking, campgrounds, boat launching ramps, swimming areas, group picnic shelters and hiking trails. Additional areas have been leased from the Corps and are operated as city and county parks as well as marinas.

With over 690 miles of shoreline and over 100 small islands Lake Lanier is the perfect place to pursue your recreational adventure. Whether it is fishing, camping, boating, picnicking, swimming or a variety of other recreation activities, Lake Lanier has it all.

Lake Lanier is well known as a productive fishing lake. Many species of fish thrive in the lake. The lake has approximately 39,000 surface acres of water at its full level. Although there is little natural cover in the top 1/3 of the lake due to tree clearing during construction, there are trees left standing in the lower portions of the lake as well as brush piles, drop-offs, submerged humps, and rock outcroppings in shallower areas.The Corps of Engineers, in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources actively manages fish habitat on Lake Lanier. Each year volunteers help build and maintain fish attractors around the lake.

Trout fishing below Buford Dam is also popular. The cold waters released from the bottom of the lake support rainbow, brown and brook trout that are stocked in the river by the GA DNR. Fishing is permitted year-round. However, fishermen must use extreme caution when fishing below the dam and abide by special safety regulations.

The Corps of Engineers operates 8 campgrounds with 647 campsites. This includes 565 sites with water and electric hookups. Most sites are waterfront and all have a picnic table fire ring, grill and lantern pole. All campgrounds have beach areas, boat ramps and restrooms. Most of our campgrounds also have showers, playgrounds, accessible sites and manned entry stations.

Large groups may be interested in our group camping areas available at Shoal Creek and Shady Grove Parks. Both feature sites with water and electric hookups as well as an assembly shelter that will seat up to 60 persons.

Whether you are on a houseboat, fishing boat, personal watercraft, sailboat or canoe, there is plenty of room for everyone on this 39,000-acre lake. Boaters can launch from any of 76 boat ramps around Lanier’s shoreline. User fees are charged for launching at most boat ramps.The lake also has 10 marinas that offer fuel, boat storage, repair services, snacks and supplies for your last minute needs. If you don’t have a boat check with the marinas for rentals.

Trees left standing in the lower portions of the lake as well as brush piles, drop-offs, submerged humps, and rock outcroppings in shallower areas.