EXPLORE · LAKE LIFE
692 miles of shoreline, one easy drive
Forsyth County holds the western shore of Lake Lanier. In fact, ramps, rentals, beaches and marinas all sit within twenty minutes of each other.
The Forsyth County side of the lake
Find your own slice of Lake Lanier. Cruise into a quiet cove on a personal watercraft, or try your hand at paddleboarding. You can also launch a kayak from the beach, or boat over for lunch. With plenty of shoreline to explore—no dam crossing required—you can make a day of it. You’ll still be back before sunset.
FEATURED
Rent a pontoon for the afternoon
Half-day rentals run from spring through October and include life jackets. In general, no boating licence is required for most visitors — a short safety briefing covers the basics.
Know before you go
Ramps, parking and busy weekends
Four county parks on the Forsyth shore have three ramps each. On weekends, Mary Alice closes its gate for the day once it reaches capacity. County ramps stay open 24 hours; Corps of Engineers day-use areas run 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Rental seasons and what’s included
Most rentals include a life jacket for everyone aboard and the required safety gear. However, fuel policy and deposits vary from one dock to the next. Typically, Corps ramps and day-use parks run late March through late September, while county ramps stay open year round.
Water safety and life jacket rules
Georgia requires every child under 13 to wear a life jacket on a moving vessel. Additionally, every boat must carry one wearable jacket per person aboard. Importantly, there are no lifeguards anywhere on Lake Lanier.
Dogs, grills and day-use fees
Overall, dogs are welcome on a six-foot leash but not on swim beaches or playgrounds. County parks run $10 a day or $60 a year, while Corps parks run $8 a vehicle. However, the two agencies’ passes are not interchangeable.
Plan a day on the water
Ramps, rentals, marinas and the closest place to eat after — mapped in one place.