Georgia’s Only State Park on Lake Lanier
Don Carter State Park is the only Georgia state park located on the shores of Lake Lanier, the 38,000-acre reservoir that serves as Atlanta’s primary water source and one of the Southeast’s top recreation lakes. Opened in 2011, the park features 8 lakeside cottages, 14.5 miles of hiking trails, 14.5 miles of equestrian trails, and direct access to Lake Lanier’s legendary bass fishing.
Cottages & Camping
The park offers diverse overnight options, from cozy lakeside cottages to primitive walk-in tent sites deep in the forest.
| Type | Count | Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏡 2-BR Cottages | 8 | Lake views, rocking chair porch, grill, full kitchen | $$$ |
| 🚐 RV/Trailer Sites | 32 | Water & electric hookups | $$ |
| ⛺ Tent Sites | 12 | Fire ring, picnic table | $ |
| 🥾 Walk-In Primitive | 12 | 9 on Woodland Trail, 3 on Lakeview Trail | $ |
🐕 Pets: Welcome in campground and on trails. Only Cottage #1 is pet-friendly (advance reservation required).
Lake Lanier Fishing
Lake Lanier is consistently ranked among the top bass fishing lakes in the Southeast. The park provides a fishing pier, fish cleaning station, and boat ramp for lake access.
Fish Species
| Species | Best Season | Regulations |
|---|---|---|
| Spotted Bass | Year-round | Most abundant species; no minimum size |
| Largemouth Bass | Spring–Fall | 14-inch minimum length |
| Striped Bass | Spring & Fall | Check current regulations |
| Crappie | Spring | Excellent near brush piles |
| Bluegill | Late Spring–Summer | Great for kids, no minimum |
| Channel Catfish | Summer | Night fishing productive |
Georgia fishing license required for ages 16+. Kayak rentals available seasonally at the park.
Trails
Don Carter boasts an extensive trail network spanning nearly 30 miles across multiple use types, from paved ADA-accessible paths to rugged backcountry loops.
| Trail Type | Miles | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 🚶 Hiking Trails | 14.5 mi | Dog Creek Loops, Hiking Loops #1–4, Woodland Loop |
| 🐎 Equestrian Trails | 14.5 mi | Multiple connector loops through hardwood forest |
| 🛶 Paddling Trails | 8 mi | Marked kayak/canoe routes on Lake Lanier |
| 🚲 Paved Multi-Use | 1.5 mi | ADA accessible, bikes & strollers welcome |
| 🏞️ Lakeview Loop | Varies | ADA accessible with lake views |
Water Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| 🚤 Boat Ramp | Public ramp with parking for trailers |
| 🎣 Fishing Pier | Day-use area with fish cleaning station |
| 🛶 Kayak Rentals | Seasonal, at the park |
| 🏖️ Swimming | Lake access (no designated swim beach) |
Nearby Attractions
Don Carter is located in Gainesville, Georgia—the “Poultry Capital of the World”—near the Chattahoochee National Forest and only about an hour northeast of Atlanta. The park’s northern Lake Lanier location provides a quieter experience compared to the busier southern shoreline.
Wildlife & Nature
Don Carter SP — 1,318 acres on Lake Lanier (38,000 acres) — Georgia’s most visited lake. The park’s lake, mixed forest, and wetlands support bald eagles, osprey, and great blue herons. Striped bass, spotted bass, and largemouth bass provide premier fishing. White-tailed deer browse the forest edge.
Is Don Carter the only state park on Lake Lanier?
Yes! Don Carter State Park is the only Georgia state park located directly on the 38,000-acre Lake Lanier. It opened in 2011 and offers the only state park camping and cottage experience on the lake.
Can I bring my dog to a cottage?
Only Cottage #1 is designated as pet-friendly, and you must request it with advance reservation. Pets are welcome throughout the campground and on all trails, but must be kept on a 6-foot leash.
Are there equestrian trails?
Yes! The park offers 14.5 miles of designated equestrian trails through hardwood forest. However, there are no equestrian campground facilities or horse trailer parking within the park—check with the park office for current access points.
How far is Don Carter from Atlanta?
Don Carter State Park is approximately 60 miles northeast of Atlanta, about a 1-hour drive. It’s located near Gainesville, Georgia, on the quieter northern end of Lake Lanier.
Explore More Georgia State Parks
Don Carter State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Georgia. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Georgia guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Insider Tips
Lake Lanier’s newest: Don Carter (opened 2012) is Georgia’s newest state park and the only one on Lake Lanier — metro Atlanta’s primary recreation lake. Pro tip: The park offers equestrian trails, mountain biking, and lakefront camping. Views: The Lanier Overlook trail offers stunning lake panoramas.
Best Time to Visit
Fall: Foliage over the lake. Summer: Lake swimming and boating. Spring: Dogwood blooms. Winter: Eagle watching at the lake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I swim in Lake Lanier?
Yes. Don Carter State Park has a designated swimming beach on Lake Lanier. The lake covers 38,000 acres and offers extensive boating, fishing, and water sports. Boat ramps at the park provide direct lake access.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Dahlonega Gold Museum State Historic Site (a short drive away) or Lake Russell Recreation Area (within about an hour’s drive).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Don Carter State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Leashed dogs are welcome in Georgia State Parks, including campgrounds and most park trails, and must be accompanied by the owner at all times.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash no longer than 6 feet required at all times; dogs may not be tied to trees or fences.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not permitted in swimming areas or on beaches.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are banned from lodges, yurts and group camps; designated dog-friendly cottages are available for a $50 fee per dog (maximum 2 dogs) covering the entire stay.
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; $50 per dog (max 2) per stay in dog-friendly cottages.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Dogs prohibited on certain trails at Tallulah Gorge and Panola Mountain; fenced dog park at Laura S. Walker State Park; 'Tails on Trails Club' rewards program.
Are dogs allowed at Don Carter State Park?
Leashed dogs are welcome in Georgia State Parks, including campgrounds and most park trails, and must be accompanied by the owner at all times. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via gastateparks.org. More: Georgia state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
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