Situated just northeast of Kennesaw and Marietta, Allatoona Lake is a gem of Georgia that comes alive in the summer months, with locals and visitors flocking to its waters to cool off and enjoy outdoor recreation. The land surrounding the lake is public land owned by the Army Corps. Get here in less than 40 minutes by car from Atlanta and get out on the lake!

Allatoona Lake is a boater’s paradise - with over covers 12,000 acres and 270 miles of shoreline to explore, countless coves, beaches, and waterfront attractions. Formed by a dam on the Etowah River, it’s a massive reservoir that is the perfect destination for boating enthusiasts and outdoor activity lovers of all kinds. Check out the wildlife, go camping, or cruise to a waterfront restaurant and enjoy being on Allatoona Lake during the summer in Georgia.

Here are GetMyBoat’s top picks for things to do with a boat rental at Allatoona Lake:

The most popular boat rental option on Lake Allatoona is a pontoon. Pontoon rentals are excellent for large groups and are affordable rental options. You’ll have plenty of room to relax, sunbathe, enjoy a picnic on board, and more! Cruise around the lake and enjoy a fun-filled day on the water with family and friends.

Hosting an event near Allatoona Lake? Rent a pontoon or a party boat on Allatoona for an unforgettable experience. Bachelor & bachelorette parties, birthdays, anniversaries, engagements, and all other reasons to celebrate are so much more fun when hosted on a party boat.

Looking for a fun way to exercise on your trip? A kayak rental on Allatoona Lake is the perfect option for you! Paddle along the shores of Allatoona Lake and admire the stunning views that the lake has to offer. Pedal kayaks and sit-on-top kayaks are available, with prices starting as low as $33/hour. Our sit-on-top kayaks are great for anglers and include 3 fishing rod holders.

Jet ski rentals are another great option on Lake Allatoona. Set off on a thrill ride with family and friends and enjoy some of the best scenery that Georgia has to offer. Adrenaline-seekers will love flying around at high speeds and jumping waves. Half-day and full-day rental options are available, depending on your preference.

Fishing on Allatoona Lake is a beloved activity for locals and visitors alike. Rent a fishing boat or book a fishing charter with a local captain to take you to the best spots around the lake. Don’t forget to pack your bait, tackle, and fishing gear before you head out on the water. Choose from full-day or half-day fishing excursions to best meet your angling desires. Popular catches on Allatoona include Spotted Bass, Striped Bass, and Largemouth Bass.

Allatoona Lake Weather & Seasons

The best time of the year to visit Allatoona Lake for boating and water recreation is early May to mid-June and late August to mid-October. You can expect clear, sunny days with temperatures from 65 F degrees to 80 F degrees during this time.

Boat Launches & Docks on Lake Allatoona

There are over a dozen locations of boat launches and docking options on Allatoona Lake. Use the ramp at Acworth Beach, Cherokee Mills, Field’s Landing, South Shore, Sweetwater, Tanyard Creek, Victoria Park, or many other locations to launch your boat and get cruising.

Places of Interest Near Allatoona Lake

McCaskey Creek Campground

For overnight camping at Allatoona Lake, McCaskey Creek is your best bet. Reserve one of over 40 campsites and pitch your tent. Here you can enjoy lots of hiking, kayaking, wildlife watching, swimming, and more.

Red Top Mountain State Park

With over 15 miles of hiking trails, this is the spot for anyone looking to get some exercise and explore the outdoors around Allatoona Lake. It’s part of the shoreline of Allatoona Lake and offers great views of the water, fishing opportunities, campsites, boat launches, and boat docks.

Swim at Bartow Beach

Here you can enjoy a boat launch, picnic area, a playground for kids, and a quieter beach atmosphere. It’s in the northwest area of Allatoona Lake, where fewer visitors to the lake end up, making it more secluded from the crowds. If you drive here, it’s a $4 fee for parking.

Victoria Beach

This day-use park offers a swimming beach, a handicap-accessible fishing jetty, two boat launches, and bathrooms. Parking here costs $5/car.

Address: 955 Victoria Landing Drive; Woodstock, GA 30189

Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site

This 54-acre archaeological site near Allatoona Lake is the most intact historic site in the southeast of the United States. It’s a sacred site for Cherokee and Muscogee Creek peoples and is a fascinating look at the history of this area of Georgia. You can visit the site and see artifacts recovered from it in the adjacent museum.

Address: 813 Indian Mound Rd SE, Cartersville, GA 30120

Dock & Dine at Allatoona Lake - Waterfront Restaurants for Boaters

Allatoona Grill

Enjoy this full-service lakeside restaurant that offers a variety of delicious food on Allatoona Lake. Indulge in some sushi, a buffalo chicken sandwich, or shrimp and grits. Enjoy their housemade sauces and dressings and a drink from their stocked bar while you overlook Allatoona Lake.

Address: 5989 Groovers Landing Rd SE, Acworth, GA 30102

JD’s Bar-B-Que

This is a casual barbeque restaurant, offering dining with lakeside views. It was featured in the Netflix series, Ozark, as “The Blue Cat Lodge.” Eat some wood smoked BBQ, loaded skillets, and sip a delicious cocktail at JD’s.

Address: 6979 Bells Ferry Rd, Canton, GA 30114

Marinas, Gas Stations & Services at Allatoona Lake

Glade Marina

This marina on Allatoona offers friendly and helpful staff. Park your boat at a slip, enjoy lunch at one of their picnic tables, or go hiking on nature trails here. This marina is also a campground with bathroom and shower facilities for people looking to stay at the lake.

Address: 5400 Kings Camp Rd SE, Acworth, GA 30102

Victoria Harbour Marina

This Marina offers wet slips, dry storage, a floating gas island with four fueling stations, a floating ship store, and waterfront dining. There are boat ramps and a jetty for fishing, and a small island right off the beach that you can swim to.

Address: 1000 Victoria Landing Dr, Woodstock, GA 30189