Located in northwest Georgia, Lake Allatoona is a popular recreational area for locals and travelers alike. Just north of Atlanta, outside the perimeter, is home to a sizable freshwater pond known as Lake Allatoona. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built this lake in the 1940s as part of a flood control and water supply system on the Etowah River. The lake has a coastline spanning more than 270 miles and is about 12,000 acres in size.
Outdoor recreational pursuits like fishing, boating, swimming, camping, and hiking are very common at Lake Allatoona. It is renowned for offering great fishing opportunities, and bass, catfish, and crappie are among the species that are frequently captured there. The lake is also home to several parks and marinas, including Allatoona Lake Park, Victoria Campground, and Galts Ferry Day Use Area. These facilities offer amenities such as picnic areas, boat ramps, hiking trails, and playgrounds.
Along with providing recreational opportunities, Lake Allatoona is a crucial water supply for the neighborhoods around it, including Atlanta. Additionally, the lake is crucial in preventing inundation in the region.
Overall, Lake Allatoona is a stunning and interesting natural resource that provides a variety of opportunities for outdoor aficionados and fulfills a crucial need for the neighborhood.
The area now occupied by Lake Allatoona was once home to Native American tribes such as the Creek, Cherokee, and Shawnee. These tribes lived in villages along the Etowah River as far back as 8500 BC. The river was an important source of food for these tribes and they used it to travel throughout northwest Georgia. The name “Allatoona” itself comes from Cherokee Chief Chikili, who had a village on the banks of the lake that he named Allatoona, meaning “village” in his native tongue.
In 1833, settlers began arriving in northwest Georgia with plans to colonize land around Allatoona Creek—which feeds into Lake Allatoona—and build a town called Burnt Hickory. As more settlers arrived, they built homes and businesses around Burnt Hickory which sparked economic growth in the area. The town quickly grew into an important center for commerce thanks to its proximity to both Atlanta and Chattanooga. By 1860, Burnt Hickory had become one of the largest towns in Cherokee County with over 500 residents.
In 1945, Congress authorized funds for construction on what would eventually become Lake Allatoona; however, it wasn’t until 1957 that construction on the dam began in earnest. The dam was completed in 1960 and filled up by 1961 – creating what we now know as Lake Allatoona! It was created primarily to provide water supply for nearby cities but also serves as an important recreational area for locals and tourists alike. It is estimated that over 10 million people visit Lake Allatoona each year!
With its stunning views, clean waters, and abundance of activities, Lake Allatoona in Georgia is a great destination for camping. Whether you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life or for an adventure with friends, there are plenty of campsites around the lake. Let’s take a look at some of the best camping sites on Lake Allatoona.
The Red Top Mountain State Park is located in Cartersville, Georgia, and offers visitors access to over 12 miles of hiking trails and panoramic views of Lake Allatoona from atop Red Top Mountain. The park features two campgrounds, Iron Hill and Hickory Hill. Both campgrounds have electric hookups, bathhouses with hot showers, and fire ring with grills. Iron Hill Campground also has a boat ramp if you plan on bringing your own boat or kayak.
If you’re looking for some quiet time away from it all then this campground is perfect for you! Located just off Old Highway 41, this campground offers primitive tent sites as well as full hookup RV sites along the banks of Lake Allatoona. There are also plenty of nearby hiking trails and fishing spots so you’ll never run out of things to do during your stay here.
This recreation area offers primitive tent camping as well as rustic cabins which provide visitors with stunning views of the lake! In addition to its picturesque scenery, Galt’s Ferry Recreation Area also offers kayak rentals and access to miles of hiking trails that lead up into the surrounding mountainside forests.
Is conveniently located in Acworth, Georgia – just 30 minutes north of Atlanta and only a few miles from Lake Allatoona. The campground offers easy access to the lake via two boat ramps – making it perfect for fishermen and boaters alike. For those who prefer to stay on land, there are plenty of trails and hiking paths nearby for you to enjoy as well. McKinney Campground features 130 campsites – each one complete with its own picnic table and fire ring (firewood is available for purchase). There are also three group campsites which can accommodate up to 50 people each. The campground has a bathhouse with hot showers, flush toilets, and laundry facilities which are open 24 hours a day. And don’t worry about bringing food –there’s also a small store on site where you can pick up supplies or grab a snack when hunger strikes!
The marina also offers fishing boat rentals with motors ranging from 9.9 hp to 25 hp so that you can spend an afternoon casting your line into the waters of Lake Allatoona in search of largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill, and more! You can also purchase bait and tackle at the marina store before setting off on your fishing adventure. If camping is more your speed, then Wilderness Camp Marina has that covered too! Rent one of their rental cabins or campsites along the banks of Lake Allatoona and enjoy breathtaking views while grilling out with friends or family beneath starry night skies.
This massive lake spans over 12,000 acres and is located just 40 miles northwest of Atlanta. It’s a popular destination for anglers because it offers an unbeatable fishing experience with plenty of opportunities to catch bass, catfish, and more. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this lake so special.
Lake Allatoona is home to a variety of freshwater species that are fun to catch. Here are some of the most common species you can find in the lake:
Largemouth Bass
The largemouth bass is one of the most popular fish in the lake, as they are known for putting up a good fight when hooked. They’re also known for their delicious taste when cooked properly!
Striped Bass
If you’re looking for a challenge, then striped bass is your best bet. Not only do they put up quite the fight, but they’re also known for their size and strength!
Catfish
Catfish can be found all throughout Lake Allatoona and offer an exciting experience due to their size and power when hooked. Plus, if you manage to land one of these guys, there’s nothing like eating fresh-caught catfish!
Crappie
Crappies are smaller fish that may not put up much of a fight but will still make for an enjoyable fishing experience due to their sheer numbers around the lake.
Sunfish
Sunfish is another small fish that can be found in abundance around the lake and make great practice targets if you’re just starting out or testing new tackle.
Boating, camping, swimming, and fishing are all favorite pastimes at this beautiful lake. If you’re looking to try your luck at catching some fish while visiting Lake Allatoona, here are some of the best spots.
Red Top Mountain State Park
This state park sits on the south side of the lake near Acworth Beach and offers some great fishing opportunities. It’s an ideal spot for beginners because there are plenty of shallow areas where you can cast your line without having to worry about snagging any large rocks or stumps. Fish species that can be found in these shallower waters include largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish.
Little River Marina
This marina is located on the north end of the lake near Cartersville. Little River Marina provides access to deeper waters which means larger fish! Species like walleye and striped bass can be caught in these deeper waters if you’re lucky enough. Be sure to bring plenty of bait since it will likely take a few casts before landing a big one!
Victoria Landing
Located on the western shoreline near Emerson, Victoria Landing offers wonderful views as well as great fishing opportunities. This area is known for its abundance of largemouth bass and catfish which makes it perfect for those looking to reel in some sizable catches! You can also find smaller fish like sunfish or crappie here too if you’re after something smaller but still tasty!
Lake Allatoona has 11 public boat ramps across the lake providing easy access to launch your own vessel or rent one from a local marina. Boat rentals range from basic boats up to luxury pontoon boats with onboard entertainment systems for those who want to celebrate their catch after a day on the water. For shore access, there are several parks located around the lake that provide plenty of opportunities to cast your line without having to use a boat.
Whether you’re an experienced angler or just getting started, you won’t be disappointed by fishing at Lake Allatoona in Georgia! With its abundance of fish species and easy access points, it’s sure to be an enjoyable outing every time! Be sure to follow any applicable regulations before heading out onto the water so you can have an enjoyable experience while still protecting this valuable resource! Happy fishing!
Source:
https://bassonline.com/ga/lakes/lake-allatoona/
https://premierangler.com/lake-allatoona-georgia-fishing/
https://knottedhook.com/lake-allatoona-blockhouse/.
http://www.allatoonalake.org/Camping/lake_allatoona_camping_map.html