Allatoona Lake

Quick Facts

Allatoona Lake

Georgia

(678) 721-6700

Map Directions

Things To Do

Overview

Allatoona Lake is one of the most frequently visited U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lakes in the nation. Located only 30 miles from Atlanta, more than 6 million visitors each year enjoy picnicking, camping, hunting, fishing, swimming and other water sports, and observing the abundant wildlife along the shores of this beautiful lake. The visitor center features video exhibits and displays about the area's history, ranging from the time of early Indians to the gold mining and iron making days, from the Civil War up to the present. Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this is the oldest Corps lake in the southeastern U.S. Camping, hiking, marinas, and cabins are available, and historic Civil War battlefields are nearby.

Map of Allatoona Lake

Latitude, Longitude: 34.149318, -84.705277

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Activities

  • Boating

    With its 270 miles of shoreline and over 12,000 surface aces of water, Allatoona Lake is a boater's paradise. There are boat launching ramps located in 27 public recreation areas around the lake. Sailing, windsurfing, and power boating are all allowed. There are eight privately owned marinas nearby.

  • Bicycling

    Recent collaborations between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Southern Off Road Bike Association (SORBA), and Cherokee County Recreation Authority have resulted in construction of the Blankets Creek Trails, consisting of 13 miles of off-road bicycle trails. The new North Loop has been complete and now open to the public. The trailhead is located off of Sixes Road at Blankets Creek in Cherokee County. Mountain bikers must wear helmets. Some of the mountain biking trails have restrictions on the days which they can be used on.

  • Camping

    There are many campgrounds around Allatoona Lake. Most of which are open from March or April until September or October, however the Mckinney Campground is open all year. Stays are limited to 14 days. Sites have 50 amp electric and water hookups and the campgrounds have dump stations. Some sites have individual sewer hookups, but not many. Most campgrounds have direct access to swimming access and playgrounds. All campgrounds have access to a boat ramp.

  • Fishing

    Allatoona Lake is approximately 11 miles long with 12,010 acres and 270 miles of shoreline. Shoreline fishing locations are numerous with many areas offering fishing jetties. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources annually restock the lake through their fish stocking program. Along with native fish found in the lake, this provides a wide variety for anglers. Fish species include bass (largemouth, hybrid, stripped, spotted, and white), crappie, bream (bluegill, redbreast and redear sunfish), gar and catfish.

  • Hiking

    Allatoona Lake offers 11 hiking trails with a variety of difficulties and themes. Trails are located at various areas around the lake. There are approximately 20 miles of trail offered to you on land operated or leased by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Please remember, while visiting the parks and trails, take only pictures and leave only footprints.

  • Hunting

    On the north side of Allatoona Lake, a Wildlife Management Area of nearly 7,000 acres provides habitat for many kinds of game and non-game wildlife. This area, operated by the Game and Fish Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, offers the public excellent hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities. Hunters with a Georgia Wildlife Management Area stamp may hunt here seasonally. Hunting is also permitted in specific Corps-managed areas, provided the hunter has a valid state hunting license, an Allatoona Lake Corps Hunting Permit, and is using weapons designated for the area on the current hunting map.

  • Picnicking

    Picnic shelters are available at several parks on Allatoona Lake. These shelters have capacities of between 50 and 200 and are ideal for family reunions, birthday parties or company gatherings. All shelters have dedicated grills, electrical outlets, lights, water fountains and water spigots. Restroom facilities are located nearby.

  • RVing

    There are many campgrounds around Allatoona Lake. Most of which are open from March or April until September or October, however the Mckinney Campground is open all year. Stays are limited to 14 days. Sites have 50 amp electric and water hookups and the campgrounds have dump stations. Some sites have individual sewer hookups, but not many. Most campgrounds have direct access to swimming access and playgrounds. All campgrounds have access to a boat ramp.

  • Water Sports

    There is nearly 270 miles of shoreline in the park. This offers a huge potential for enjoying the lake. There are multiple swimming locations and a wide variety of other recreational activities available in and around the water. Tube kiting is not allowed.

Seasonality/Weather

Clark Creek Couth Campground will be closed during the 2012 recreation season (the boat ramp will remain open). Kellogg Creek Day Use Area and Old Highway 41 #2 Day Use Area will be closed during the 2012 season.

Most campgrounds open in either March or May, and close around early September or October. See park website for details.

Directions

Driving

From Atlanta, 45 miles North on I-75 to Exit 290, East on GA 20 State Route Spur to the dam and visitor center.

Phone Numbers

Primary

(678) 721-6700

Weather

(770) 386-0549

Campground reservations

(877) 444-6777

Links