Allatoona Lake, Georgia

One of the most popular Corp. of Engineer Lakes in the state of Georgia is Lake Allatoona. It is estimated that it plays host to seven million visitors every year. Its popularity is boosted by its proximity to Atlanta, ready access from Interstate 75 and its myriad of outdoor recreation opportunities.

The lake serves as a place for enjoying recreational boating, jet skiing and water skiing. Many boaters are out on the water to catch fish but you do not have to have a boat to participate in that sport at Lake Allatoona. You can find shoreline fishing access at numerous state, Corp. of Engineer, county and town parks.

The shoreline is 270 miles long, extending into many different Georgia towns. Driving around the lake would literally take many hours so it is fortunate there are marinas, public access boat launches and parks at a variety of points around the lake's perimeter. The marinas are all privately run, even one that is found in the state of Georgia's Red Top Mountain State Park. You can pay to rent a slip at any of the marinas in order to keep your boat on the water all year round. If you do go out on the lake be sure to be safe. Wear your life jacket and no drinking and driving!

The Corp. of Engineers manages close to a dozen campgrounds on the shore of the lake. There you can find room for your RV, camper, or tent. Each campsite has water and electric and amenities include hot showers, bathrooms and coin laundry facilities. You can also find other campgrounds, some run by local municipalities. The popular Red Top Mountain State Park also has a campground, in addition to a hotel like lodge and rental cabins.

There are also a number of popular day use parks. One of their big draws her is their beach areas. These feature man made sand beaches, which are much preferably to the Georgia red clay that is covered over. There are also small swimming beaches found in a number of the campgrounds.

Other activities that are popular around the lake include hiking, mountain biking and birdwatching. Most of the trails are concentrated around Allatoona Lake's dam and in Red Top Mountain State Park. Barbecues and picnics are easy to enjoy as there are more than a thousand picnic tables set up in the parks, campgrounds and day use parks.