Growing up in North Georgia, lakes were always a huge part of my summer vacation because my grandparents had one of those homey little cabins on Lake Hartwell.
It was there that I first fell in love with the natural beauty lakes had to offer, from the fascinating wildlife and gorgeous scenic vistas to colorful wildflowers and picking wild berries.
By late teens and early 20s, Lake Lanier was one of my favorite places to hang out. And for the past 14 years we’ve kept a pontoon boat docked on North Georgia‘s Lake Allatoona.
Whether it’s Lake Blue Ridge, Lake Chatuge in Hiawassee, or Lake Nottely in Blairsville, these days we often travel in search of our own little slice of paradise in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
As a matter of fact, we just got back from a 7-day trip in which we explored 3 different lakes in North Carolina, where we hope to buy our own little lake house next year.
If you’re looking to take a lake vacation this summer, read on for our in-depth guide to 10 of the best lake houses in Georgia to rent, including 6 within an hour of Downtown Atlanta.
Arranged by the number of bedrooms, each property review includes details on location, accommodations, amenities, and fun things to do nearby.
There’s also a handy map of the lake house rentals included below.
READ MORE: The 20 Best Lakes in the North Georgia Mountains
Lake Houses in Georgia to Rent Guide
(Arranged by number of bedrooms)
- Cottage on the South End of the Lake (Lake Lanier, sleeps 8)
- A Frame Cottage with Private Dock on Lake (Lake Lanier, sleeps 8)
- Pet Friendly House with Private Dock (Lake Lanier, sleeps 10)
- Lakefront Paradise (Lake Lanier, sleeps 11)
- Lake Lanier Vacation Home (Lake Lanier, sleeps 11)
- Luxe Lake Hartwell Waterfront Getaway (Lake Hartwell, sleeps 10)
- Spacious Getaway on Lake Oconee (Lake Oconee, sleeps 8)
- The Retreat (Lake Oconee, sleeps 12)
- Lake Sinclair Cabin (Lake Sinclair, sleeps 12)
- Water’s Edge (Lake Lanier, sleeps 15)
READ MORE: The 20 Best Places to Visit in Georgia (State)
3-Bedroom Lake Houses in Georgia
1. Cottage on the South End of the Lake (Lake Lanier)
1,710 sq. ft • Sleeps 8 • 3 BR • 3 BA
Check Rates: VRBO
Of the 30+ publicly accessible lakes in Georgia, Lake Lanier ranks among the most popular, and with good reason!
This quiet Lake Lanier rental cabin is located just 500 ft from the water, with a private trail through the forest.
The 3BR/3BA Cottage on the South End of the Lake can accommodate up to 8 guests, with a fully equipped kitchen that includes a coffee maker, blender, dishwasher, and a microwave.
Its large living room area offers comfortable furniture, a large widescreen cable TV, and WiFi access. Each bedroom has a cozy feel to it, and the recently revamped bathrooms will make every day at the lake feel like a luxury.
In terms of amenities, this lake house has laundry facilities and a screened-in porch. Outside you’ll also find a fire pit, grill, outdoor furniture, and an assortment of fun gear to use on the lake.
Nearby attractions include the Indian Seats Trail at Sawnee Mountain Preserve.
Because it’s just a quick drive up GA 400 from Atlanta, the Cottage on the South End of the Lake makes for a perfect getaway in North Georgia.
READ MORE: Top 20 Things to Do in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia
2. A-Frame Cottage with Private Dock (Lake Lanier)
Sleeps 8 • 3 BR • 4 BA
Check Rates: VRBO
If you’re looking for a modern lake house in Georgia, check out this A-frame cabin rental on Lake Lanier, which offers a partial view of the lake.
In our experience, when you visit a property with such a beautiful interior, cool amenities, and private dock access, you may never want to leave!
We love the large windows, which allow lots of natural light into the house, while the hardwood floors make for a warm, comfortable atmosphere.
The living room features a wood burning fireplace, large flatscreen Smart TV, and cozy furniture, with an open floor plan that also leads into the beautiful kitchen.
There’s plenty of counter space, a gas stove, and numerous other appliances to help make meal prep easier, plus a dining table that can easily fit up to 8 people.
You’ll find one of the bedrooms and a second living area on the ground floor, which also features a large wall-mounted TV, leather couches, and a ping-pong table for family fun.
Outside you’ll find a fire pit with outdoor furniture, a state-of-the-art Traeger Grill, and a charming porch swing that’s perfect for savoring the surrounding nature.
If you do leave the property, there are lots of fun things to do in Dahlonega GA (about 15 miles east), including numerous excellent Dahlonega wineries and restaurants.
READ MORE: The 25 Best Wineries in the North Georgia Mountains
4-Bedroom Lake Houses in Georgia
3. Pet Friendly House with Private Dock (Lake Lanier)
2,497 sq. ft • Sleeps 10 • 4 BR • 3 BA
Check Rates: VRBO
This newly renovated, pet friendly rental on Lake Lanier can easily accommodate up to 10 guests.
Located near the town of Buford GA, this lakefront rental property has a beautiful gourmet kitchen with a gas stove, microwave, refrigerator, and other appliances that help make cooking meals a breeze.
The open floor plan makes it easy for guests to socialize from the kitchen to the living room, where you’ll find an array of comfortable furniture, a large Smart TV, and a brick fireplace.
A second kitchen can be found on the ground floor, along with a foosball table, bar seating, and access to a backyard patio.
There you’ll find outdoor furniture, a grill, a ping-pong table, and a corn hole set up. The upstairs deck offers screened-in and open sections, which are comfortably furnished and perfect for watching birds and other native wildlife.
With a fire pit and access to a private dock, this is a great option for enjoying a summer vacation at one of the best lake house rentals in Georgia.
Note that pets are welcome with prior approval and an additional $100 fee.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Pet Friendly Cabin Rentals in Helen GA
4. Lakefront Paradise (Lake Lanier)
7,000 sq. ft • Sleeps 11 • 4 BR • 7 BA
Check Rates: VRBO
One of the most impressive lake house rentals in GA we’ve seen, Lakefront Paradise boasts a whopping 7,000 square feet of space for guests to enjoy!
Located on the southern end of Lake Lanier in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains, this 4-bedroom home can comfortably accommodate up to 11 guests.
With a beautifully furnished and decorated interior, this 4BR/7BA lakefront rental home has everything you need to have a great summer vacation at one of our favorite lakes.
The kitchen is a home chef’s dream, with stainless steel appliances and plenty of counter space for cooking meals when you’re tired of exploring local restaurants.
Next to the kitchen, the living room features a mounted flatscreen TV, marble fireplace, comfortable furniture, and large windows offering great scenic views of the lake.
Downstairs you’ll find a second living room that includes a wet bar, pool table, fireplace, TV, and furniture that’s great for relaxing.
Behind this Lake Lanier rental house you’ll find a heated swimming pool, hot tub, and a stone fireplace with comfortable outdoor furniture.
This area also offers access to the private boat dock, from which you can go boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking, and/or paddle boarding on the lake.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Kayaking Rivers in Georgia
5. Lake Lanier Vacation Home (Lake Lanier)
2,400 sq. ft • Sleeps 11 • 4 BR • 4 BA
Check Rates: VRBO
This recently remodeled 4-bedroom Lake Lanier house offers a perfect place for fun family gatherings or weekend getaways.
The charming rental features a stone fireplace and flatscreen TV in the living room, which is surrounded by cozy furniture. The kitchen, which has marble counter tops, comes with new stainless steel appliances and a gas stove.
It leads outside to a covered porch with cozy outdoor furniture that overlooks the lake. There’s also a deck on the home’s second level, with more furniture and amazing scenic views.
Each bedroom of the house is lovingly decorated, with comfortable beds and plenty of space. The property also provides Wifi access and laundry facilities as well.
Outside you’ll find a large, covered outdoor kitchen (with a BBQ grill and sink) that overlooks the lake and private dock. This large dock makes for a great fishing spot, or you can use the exposed upper level to work on your summer tan.
Located near Gainesville, Dahlonega, and metro Atlanta, this property offers a prime location for those who want to get out and explore the many fun things to do in North Georgia.
READ MORE: 10 Fun Places for Gem Mining in Georgia
6. Luxe Lake Hartwell Waterfront Getaway
2,770 sq. ft • Sleeps 10 • 4 BR • 3 BA
Check Rates: VRBO
If you’re looking for lake houses in Georgia, there are an abundance of rental homes on Lake Lanier and Lake Oconee.
But if you want to explore North Georgia, check out this waterfront property on Lake Hartwell.
This 4BR/3Ba home can easily accommodate up to 10 people, with a fully equipped kitchen attached to the spacious dining room area.
The living room area has comfortable couches, a large TV equipped with streaming services, and a fireplace. It leads out onto the deck, which overlooks the lake that can be found behind the property.
There’s a huge master bedroom with a king-sized bed, TV, and en suite bathroom, but the other 3 bedrooms are equally nice and spacious.
Downstairs you’ll find a second living room area with an air hockey table, couches, and another flat screen TV.
If you go through the doors leading outside, there’s a BBQ grill and a fire pit in the yard, along with kayaks that guests are welcome to use.
Tugaloo State Park (one of our favorite Georgia State Parks) is less than 4 miles from the property, and there are some great restaurants close by, including Gumlog Bar B Que & Fish Lodge.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Pet Friendly Cabin Rentals in Helen GA
7. Spacious Getaway on Lake Oconee
Sleeps 8 • 4 BR • 5 BA
Check Rates: VRBO
Located about 85 miles east of downtown Atlanta, this spacious 4BR/5BA rental on Lake Oconee can accommodate up to 8 guests at a time.
This lovely lake house has lofted ceilings and large windows that allow lots of sunlight into the home, while also providing an amazing view of the lake behind the property.
You’ll find granite countertops in the kitchen, which features snazzy stainless steel appliances, a coffee maker, toaster oven, dishwasher, and everything you need to make a marvelous meal.
The living room area boasts a large stone fireplace, flatscreen Smart TV, and myriad books that guests are welcome to enjoy. There are also different board games available whenever the sun gets too hot, or summer rains darken the sky.
Outside there’s a large deck with patio furniture that gives great views of Lake Oconee. There’s also a gas grill, fire pit, and several canoes and kayaks that guests are welcome to use.
Guests are welcome to bring their boats to the private dock, or check out the various local marinas that offer boat rentals by the half-day or full day,
READ MORE: 6 Incredible Indian Mounds in Georgia to Visit
5+ Bedroom Lake Houses in Georgia
8. The Retreat (Lake Oconee)
Sleeps 12 • 5 BR • 5 BA
Check Rates: VRBO
If you’re looking for a Lake Oconee house rental with a swimming pool, check out The Retreat!
Featuring a private boat dock and the ability to accommodate up to 12 guests, this expansive property would be great for family gatherings or a weekend getaway with fun friends.
A beautiful open kitchen greets guests upon entry, with gleaming marble countertops and new stainless steel appliances.
Everything you might need to make restaurant-quality meals can be found here, including an oven, microwave, Keurig coffee maker, and more.
The living room area features a large sectional sofa surrounded by large windows that look out towards the lake. Outside you’ll find a covered patio area with comfortable lounge chairs and a mounted TV.
An impressive swimming pool is just a few steps away, offering a refreshing dip and beautiful views of the lake behind the property. There’s also a fire pit, with cozy furniture surrounding it.
There’s a second covered seating area in the backyard, with comfortable seating, a TV, and a fireplace, as well as an outdoor kitchen area that would be great for lakeside barbecues.
READ MORE: The 25 Best Fall Fairs and Festivals in Georgia
9. Lake Sinclair Cabin
2,752 sq. ft • Sleeps 12 • 5 BR • 3 BA
Check Rates: VRBO
Located beside beautiful Lake Sinclair near Milledgeville GA, this lovely 5BR/3BA home can accommodate up to 12 people for a great vacation.
The entry leads guests into a nice, open dining and living room area, with a stone fireplace and large TV mounted on the wall.
There’s a full kitchen with granite counters, a coffee maker, fridge, and stainless steel dishwasher, as well as all the cooking equipment and dishes guests may need.
Downstairs you’ll find an impressive game room, with a Smart TV, foosball table, air hockey table, and pinball machine offering endless hours of entertainment. There is also a washer/dryer combo for guests to use.
Outside there’s a large screened-in porch, which is furnished with a dining table so guests can enjoy meals without being bothered by bugs. The deck area is also speckled with different seating areas and a gas fire pit that overlooks the lake.
The backyard boasts a second fire pit with chairs and a nice wooden swing. There’s also lots of grass for kids to play in, and a private dock to which guests of this Lake Sinclair rental can tie off their boats.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Fall Fairs in Georgia to Visit
10. Water’s Edge (Lake Lanier)
Sleeps 15 • 7 BR • 6 BA
Check Rates: VRBO
This newly renovated rental in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia is a 7BR/6BA home with its own private dock and an amazing view of Lake Lanier.
The lakefront home boasts hardwood floors throughout, and multiple windows that allow lots of natural sunlight in.
There’s a dream kitchen with beautiful marble countertops, a large island, stainless steel appliances, and a large dining table that’s perfect for sharing meals.
Thanks to the home’s open floor plan, those who are helping out with cooking can still enjoy the company of those enjoying the cozy sectional couch in the living room.
Outside, the deck includes a second dining area, comfy furniture, and a BBQ grill. This deck overlooks a cove on Lake Lanier, so guests can savor morning coffee or a glass of locally grown Georgia wine with a great view.
The backyard features a fire pit with chairs, and a private dock on the lake that’s perfect for fishing, kayaking, or swimming.
There’s a terrace-level family room that features a sectional couch, large flat-screen TV, pool table, and a second kitchen area with a dishwasher, microwave, stove, and fridge. -by Samantha Dickens & Bret Love
