Lake Sidney Lanier
13 mi northeast · US Army Corps of Engineers
Nestled in the foothills of the Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains lies Lake Sidney Lanier, one of America?s favorite lakes. Over 7.5 million people a year choose to visit Lanier.
Outdoors
Swimming holes and lakes near Alpharetta
Lakes, rivers and beaches near Alpharetta where swimming is allowed on public land.
14places to swim
13 mito the closest
12within 30 miles
May–Septemberbest months
Good to know: Most natural swimming areas have no lifeguard; check water-quality advisories and current conditions before swimming.
Closest picks
Sawnee
13 mi northeast · US Army Corps of Engineers
Sawnee Campground lies just north of the Buford Dam on Lake Sidney Lanier. The campground features beautiful views of the lake as well as excellent access to boating and swimming.
Bald Ridge Creek
14 mi northeast · US Army Corps of Engineers
Bald Ridge Creek Campground is on Lake Sidney Lanier, popular for its aqua-blue waters and spectacular scenery.
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Within 30 miles (12)
Lake Sidney Lanier
Nestled in the foothills of the Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains lies Lake Sidney Lanier, one of America?s favorite lakes. Over 7.5 million people a year choose to visit Lanier.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hotel/Lodge/Resort Privately Owned
- Nature education
Sawnee
Sawnee Campground lies just north of the Buford Dam on Lake Sidney Lanier. The campground features beautiful views of the lake as well as excellent access to boating and swimming.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Swimming
- Water Access
- Water Activities
Bald Ridge Creek
Bald Ridge Creek Campground is on Lake Sidney Lanier, popular for its aqua-blue waters and spectacular scenery.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Kayaking
- Swimming
- Water Access
Payne Campground-Allatoona Lake
Payne Campground sits on the banks of Allatoona Lake, providing visitors with a variety of water activities in the green rolling hills of Georgia.
- Camping
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Wildlife viewing
Sweetwater Campground
Sweetwater Campground sits on the banks of Allatoona Lake, providing visitors with a variety of water activities in the green rolling hills of Georgia.
- Camping
- Fishing
- Swimming
Sweetwater Day Use Area (Ga)
Sweetwater Day Use Area is situated on Allatoona Lake on the Etowah River, a tributary of the Coosa River. The serene lake and peaceful surroundings offer a relaxing getaway from the nearby city of Atlanta, just 45 miles south.
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Picnicking
- Swimming
- Water Access
Old Federal
Old Federal Campground lies on the eastern banks of Lake Sidney Lanier in Northern Georgia.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Swimming
- Water Access
- Water Activities
Victoria Campground
Victoria Campground sits on the banks of Allatoona Lake, providing visitors with a variety of water activities in the green rolling hills of Georgia.
- Camping
- Fishing
- Swimming
Galt'S Ferry Day Use Area (Ga)
Galt's Ferry Day Use Area is situated on Allatoona Lake on the Etowah River, a tributary of the Coosa River. The serene lake and peaceful surroundings offer a relaxing getaway from the nearby city of Atlanta, just 35 miles south.
- Boating
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Kayaking
- Picnicking
- Sailing
- Swimming
Duckett Mill
Duckett Mill Campground is located on Lake Sidney Lanier. With over 692 miles of shoreline, the lake is well known for its aqua-blue water, spectacular scenery and variety of recreational activities.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Swimming
- Water Access
- Water Activities
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fire Lookouts/Cabins Overnight
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horse Camping
- Horseback riding
Allatoona Lake
Allatoona Lake is one of the most frequently visited U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lakes in the nation.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- History
- Hotel/Lodge/Resort Privately Owned
- Nature education
75 miles and farther (2)
Little River Canyon National Preserve
Little River is unique because it flows for most of its length atop Lookout Mountain in northeast Alabama.
- Biking
- Climbing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
- Paddling
- Picnicking
Cherokee National Forest
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fire Lookouts/Cabins Overnight
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horse Camping
- Horseback riding
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Alpharetta. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.
Get outside around Alpharetta
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
Alpharetta Parks and Trails | City of Alpharetta GA
A local activity video shared by Connected Alpharetta.
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THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
Things to do in Alpharetta GA
A local activity Short shared by Around Atlanta with Joel Boss.
Watch on YouTube ↗Around Alpharetta
More outdoors near Alpharetta
Questions
Where is the closest place for swimming near Alpharetta?
Lake Sidney Lanier (US Army Corps of Engineers), about 13 miles northeast of Alpharetta as the crow flies. Next are Sawnee (13 mi) and Bald Ridge Creek (14 mi).
When is the best time for swimming near Alpharetta?
Based on Alpharetta’s average highs, May–September. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Who manages these places?
Federal agencies including US Army Corps of Engineers, USDA Forest Service, National Park Service. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.