About Lake Lanier

Lake Sidney Lanier, one of the most-visited US Army Corps of Engineers lakes in the country, is nestled in the foothills of northeast Georgia's Blue Ridge Mountains. Just 30 minutes northeast of Atlanta, Lake Lanier offers the adventure of fishing, boating, sailing, water sports, golf, resort vacations, horseback riding, hiking, camping, lakeside dining and wildlife.

Lake Lanier Lake Lanier
Sunrise at Lake Lanier Sunrise at Lake Lanier

Fast Facts about Lake Lanier

At a glance, here are fast facts about Lake Sidney Lanier:

  • 39,000 acres of water
  • 692 miles of shoreline
  • Created from the Chattahoochee and Chestatee Rivers by Buford Dam
  • Authorized by Congress in 1946
  • Construction began in 1951
  • Opened in 1956
  • 8 million annual visitors
  • 68 parks and recreation areas
  • 12 campgrounds with more than 1,200 campsites
  • 10 full-service marinas with restaurants, gas docks, pump-out stations and boat storage
  • Home to Lake Lanier Islands with two resort hotels, golf and a water park
  • Additional lakeside cabin camping, restaurants and boat launch areas