News Summary
Families seeking a refreshing summer escape can explore various swimming lakes within a two-hour drive from Atlanta. These lakes, such as Red Top Mountain Beach and Lake Acworth Beach, offer sandy beaches, picnic areas, and recreational activities. With easy access to amenities like restrooms and boat rentals, each destination provides an ideal spot for outdoor summer fun. Whether swimming, fishing, or enjoying the scenic views, Atlanta’s nearby lakes cater to families looking to enjoy a day in nature.
Atlanta is becoming a popular destination for families seeking refreshing summer escapes at local swimming lakes, offering a welcome reprieve from the heat. These lakes, situated within a two-hour drive from Atlanta, provide a variety of amenities, including restroom facilities and boat rental options, making them ideal locations for outdoor summer activities.
Among the recommended swimming destinations are Red Top Mountain Beach on Lake Allatoona, which features sandy beaches, picnic tables, playgrounds, and a mini-golf course, making it a family favorite. Lake Acworth Beach, located within Cauble Park, operates daily from dawn to dusk from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day and offers ample space for families to enjoy the water.
Another notable spot is Fort Mountain State Park, which includes a 17-acre lake open for swimming, paddling, and fishing, with a modest admission fee of $5 per vehicle. Similarly, Lake Blue Ridge provides a picturesque beach area, picnic tables, hiking trails, and canoe and kayak rentals for those looking to explore the scenic surroundings.
For a fun day out, Dallas Landing Park on Lake Allatoona charges a $15 parking fee and includes a beach, picnic areas, grills, and various sports facilities. In addition, Robin Lake Beach at Callaway Gardens features a private mile-long sandy beach where beach equipment can be rented by those who pay for garden admission.
Additional Swimming Areas
Lake Lanier, one of Georgia’s largest lakes, boasts several parks such as River Forks Park, Mary Alice Park, and Van Pugh Park North, each equipped with family-friendly amenities and beach access. Unicoi State Park offers a swimming beach on Lake Unicoi, along with paddleboard rentals and camping facilities for an adventurous getaway.
State Parks and Recreational Areas
Vogel State Park features a swimming beach paired with hiking trails, providing options for overnight stays in the heart of nature. Meanwhile, Towns County Recreational Beach at Lake Chatuge offers free admission, a designated swimming area, and picnic tables for a casual family outing.
Tugaloo State Park on Lake Hartwell is well-regarded for its fishing and swimming opportunities, along with kayak and canoe rentals for those wanting to explore the waters. Sandy Creek Park in Athens has a designated swim area and kayak rentals for a modest $2 admission fee per person, while Fort Yargo State Park features a renovated swimming beach and picnic areas, in addition to various overnight accommodations.
The community beach at Pine Lake in Stone Mountain allows for swimming and recreational activities, perfect for families looking to enjoy a friendly atmosphere. Additionally, Old Salem Campground at Lake Oconee is designed for both campers and day users, providing easy access to swimming areas for a fun-filled day.
Things to Consider
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Summer Festivals in Atlanta Offer Fun for All Ages
Additional Resources
- Mommy Poppins: Swimming Lakes and Beaches near Atlanta
- Wikipedia: Georgia (U.S. state)
- Atlanta Mom: Lake Beaches near Atlanta
- Google Search: Georgia swimming spots
- Only in Your State: Swimming Spots in Georgia
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Atlanta
- WSBTV: Georgia’s Polluted Lakes and Rivers
- Google Search: Atlanta families summer activities
- Upgraded Points: Best Beaches in Georgia
- Google News: Lake Lanier swimming
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
ATLANTA STAFF WRITER The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
