Enjoy the lake at Acworth Beach at Cauble Park. Photo courtesy of Acworth Tourism

Fun Swimming Lakes Near Atlanta: Northwest

1. Cauble/Acworth Beach - Acworth

Located on the north shore of Lake Acworth inside Cauble Park, this beach is a favorite area for lake swimming near Atlanta. Acworth Beach is open daily from dawn to dusk, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. In addition to the swimming beaches, the park offers picnic tables, two playgrounds, pavilions for rental, a boat launch area, and fishing dock. Parking is free during the week and $10 for non-Acworth residents on holidays and weekends.

2. Fort Mountain State Park – Chatsworth

Breathe in fresh mountain air while you swim at the 17-acre lake located at Fort Mountain State Park in northwest Georgia. Other activities include paddling (rentals available seasonally), fishing, hiking, and biking. Admission is $5 per vehicle. Cottages and campsites are also available to rent for overnight stays. 

3. Morganton Point Recreation Area – Morganton

Enjoy a cool respite from summertime heat at this beach area on the shores of Lake Blue Ridge. Admission is $5 and you’ll also find picnic tables, fishing, hiking trails, and a snack shop offering canoe and kayak rentals. The adjacent campground provides 40 campsites if you want to stay overnight.

4. Red Top Mountain Beach - Acworth

Red Top Mountain State Park in Acworth is located on one of the nicest swimming lakes in Georgia— Lake Allatoona. The park is also home to Red Top Mountain Beach, a shaded, sandy beach area. Campsites, cottages, picnic pavilions, and a yurt are available for reservations for overnight visits. There's a roped-off area for swimming in the lake, as well as a playground, mini golf course, bathrooms, picnic tables, and grills. Near enough to Atlanta for a quick day visit, the lake beach has no admission fee, but parking is $5 per car. The park is open for daily visitors from 7am to dusk. 

5. Dallas Landing Park  - Acworth

Another park that offers beach access to Lake Allatoona is Dallas Landing Park. Visitors pay a $15 parking fee and use the beach, lake, picnic tables, grills, volleyball court, and horseshoe pit for a simple day of summer fun. Park hours are from 8am to 9pm from mid-April to mid-September. Bring a credit card for parking, as cash isn't accepted. 

Fun Swimming Lakes Near Atlanta: Southwest 

6. Robin Lake Beach at Callaway Resort and Gardens - Pine Mountain

Robin Lake Beach is a private, mile-long sandy beach inside Callaway Resort and Gardens in Pine Mountain. The swimming beach is open to guests who purchase gardens admission ($24.95 per person and $19.95 for kids 3-11 on weekdays, $29.99 per person and $24.99 for kids 3-11 on weekends), annual members of Callaway Gardens, and resort guests. The beach is open daily from 10am to dusk (later on the weekends). Guests can bring their own beach chairs, umbrellas, and water toys; however, Robin Lake Beach also offers chairs, umbrellas, cabanas, and stand-up paddleboards for rent. For kids 43 inches and above, parents can purchase a pass to Aqua Island, an awesome inflatable obstacle course on the lake. Tickets are $15 per hour on weekdays, $20 on weekends and special events such as Memorial Day and Fourth of July. 

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Head to Fort Yargo State Park for a fun family day trip or weekend vacation. Photo courtesy of Georgia Department of Natural Resources 

Fun Swimming Lakes Near Atlanta: Northeast 

7. Don Carter State Park - Gainesville

The only state park on Lake Lanier, Don Carter State Park offers a great time for any family on the northern end of the water. Besides a large, sand swimming beach (with bath house), this 1,300-acre state park offers a playground, boat ramps and docks, hiking and biking trails, and much more. Looking for a longer visit? Reserve two-bedroom cabins, park an RV at the designated campground, or camp under the stars in a tent or hammock. Admission is $5 per vehicle.

8. River Forks Park  - Gainesville

Primarily known as a Lake Lanier campground, River Forks Park also has a day use area to enjoy the 40,000-square-foot beach, boat ramp with parking, three covered picnic areas, and four playgrounds. If you want to stay the weekend, consider booking one of the family-friendly glamping sites, which include a king-size bed and four bunk beds for kids.

9. Mary Alice Park Beach – Cumming

Head to Mary Alice Park Beach for more swimming on Lake Lanier. Hours at this popular beach are 6am to 9:30pm from March through October and 6am-7pm from November through February. Arrive early as access is closed once capacity is reached. Daily passes are $10 each (cash or credit card). Visitors will also find a boat ramp, dock, picnic pavilion, and restrooms. 

10. Van Pugh Park North  - Flowery Branch

Another Lake Lanier favorite, Van Pugh Park North (not to be confused with Van Pugh Park South, which is just for overnight campers), offers families a designated swim and beach area, picnic tables, a playground, boat ramp, and lots of shaded areas. The hours are 8am to 10pm and parking is $8 per vehicle. 

11. Unicoi State Park and Lodge – Helen

Unicoi State Park is a must-visit spot for Georgia families with zipline courses, hiking trails, and an archery/air gun range. During the summer months, enjoy the swimming beach on the spring-fed mountain lake, Lake Unicoi. You can also rent paddleboards, kayaks, and Aqua Cycles on Thursdays through Sundays during the summer. Admission to the park is $5 per vehicle and the hours are 7am-10pm daily. For overnight stays, book one of the glamping sites, RV and tent campsites, cabins, or rooms at the lodge. 

12. Vogel State Park – Blairsville

This swimming beach on the 22-acre lake at Vogel State Park offers jaw-dropping views of the North Georgia Mountains. Families can also hike around the lake, view waterfalls, picnic, enjoy the playground, play miniature golf, and purchase snacks onsite. Admission is $5 per vehicle. For overnight stays, book one of the cottages or campsites.

13. Towns County Recreational Beach – Hiawassee

Take a road trip to Hiawassee, located in the Appalachian Mountains, for a cool dip in Lake Chatuge. With free admission, Towns County Recreational Beach (sometimes called Lake Chatuge Beach) offers a designated swimming area with white sand, restrooms, a playground, and picnic tables. Concessions are sold seasonally. Park hours are 8am-dusk daily.

14. Tugaloo State Park - Lavonia

Lake Hartwell, located along the Georgia/South Carolina state line, is one of the largest lakes in the area and is known for excellent bass fishing. To relax on the white sandy beach, swim in the lake, and rent kayaks or canoes, head to Tugaloo State Park. Open daily from 7am-10pm, park admission is $5 per vehicle. Other activities include fishing, hiking, and more. Rent a yurt, cottage, or campsite at this state park if you want to stay longer. 

Fun Swimming Lakes Near Atlanta - East

15. The Beach and Swimming Area at Sandy Creek Park – Athens

Few people realize there’s a beach and swimming area in Athens. Located on Lake Chapman, Sandy Creek Park boasts a designated swim area, beach, restrooms, picnic tables, hiking trails, and disc golf course. Admission is $2 per person ages 4-64. Visitors can rent kayaks and canoes for $8 per hour between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The park is closed on Mondays, but open from 7am to 8pm Tuesday through Sunday. 

16. Fort Yargo State Park - Winder

The day-use area at Fort Yargo State Park recently opened after an 18-month-long major renovation project. Located on the Marbury Creek Watershed, the sandy beach and swim area is 25% larger and includes 70 new picnic tables, a hammock area, and a bathhouse. Families can purchase snacks, sandwiches, and beverages at the Trading Post and rent one of the new kayaks to enjoy the 260-acre lake. If your crew still has energy, you can also check out the mini-golf course or play a game of pickleball. Admission is a $5 parking fee per vehicle. The park is open daily from 7am until 10pm. Fort Yargo also has campsites, RV connections, cottages, and yurts for overnight visits.

17. Pine Lake - Pine Lake

Just east of Atlanta on the way to Stone Mountain is Pine Lake, the smallest city in DeKalb County. The tiny community features a refreshing lake with a roped-off swimming section for visitors to enjoy. Swim season is June 1 through September 30 from dawn to dusk Monday through Friday. Saturday and Sunday swim hours are from dawn to noon and from 3pm to dusk. Besides swimming, beach guests can fish, boat, hike the wooded trails, play on the playground, and just appreciate the natural setting. 

18. Old Salem Campground - Greensboro

While this Lake Oconee gem is primarily a spot for campers (with sites for both primitive and RV camping), Old Salem Campground is available for day users as well for $5. Those who visit for the day have access to all the campers' amenities, such as the swimming beach, playground, picnic areas, and grills. Make a reservation online or pay upon arrival, cash or check only. 

Tips to Enjoy Fun Swimming Lakes Near Atlanta

• Refer to each park's policy on pets before bringing your four-legged furry friends. 
• Many of these swim areas do not have a lifeguard on site, so keep an eye on your children.
• Check the weather conditions before heading out. These beaches will close when lightning is in the area.
• Bring lots of sunscreen and reapply often.
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
• Check specific hours for the day use area at each park. Many parks may be open until 10pm, but certain activities, such as beach access and swimming, often close at dusk.