Spending a sunny day on a glistening lake is one of our favorite ways to enjoy time in the Blue Ridge Mountains. And in our opinion, the region has few lakes that are more beautiful than Lake Blue Ridge.
Comprising 3,290-acres of clear blue water, Lake Blue Ridge is arguably among the best lakes in the North Georgia mountains, offering visitors an endless array of recreation options.
The reservoir was created in 1930, when the Blue Ridge Dam was constructed on the Toccoa River by the Toccoa Electric Power Company.
At the time, the 167-foot high, 1,000-foot long dam was the largest in the Southeastern United States.
The lake has approximately 65 miles of shoreline, with the majority of the surrounding land being part of the Chattahoochee National Forest and the remaining 25% being privately owned.
Read on for our in-depth guide to Lake Blue Ridge GA, including information about boat rentals, camping, fishing, and even some gorgeous rental cabins right by the water.
READ MORE: The 25 Best Things to Do in Blue Ridge GA
Lake Blue Ridge Boat Rentals
Blue Ridge Boat Rentals
7715 Old Hwy 76, Morganton GA • 706-900-0033
Voted the Best of Georgia 2021 in the boat rental category, Blue Ridge Boat Rentals in Morganton is owned and operated by the Foster family.
Certified mechanic Thomas Foster has been in the marine industry for over 25 years, and works with the rest of the BRBR team to offer a stress-free boating experience.
After picking out your vessel and checking in, everyone in your party will get fitted for lifejackets and load your belongings onto the boat.
You’ll then be shuttled to the boat launch at Lakewood Landing, which is just 250 yards away.
As your boat parts the waters that reflect the brilliant blue sky, with the Blue Ridge Mountains providing a picturesque backdrop, you’ll know a fun-filled day on the water is practically guaranteed!
Rentals Available
There are a variety of watercraft available to rent at various prices, including Ski and Wake Boats, Pontoon Boats, Deck Boats, and PWCs.
Their largest Blue Ridge Boat Rental option can accommodate up to 16 people!
You can also rent water sport accessories such as skis, kneeboards, wakeboards, tubes, wake surfboards, lily pads, and noodles.
They currently offer a free tube for the length of your reservation with all boat rentals of 3 or more days.
If you’re an inexperienced boater, they also offer captains you can schedule to drive your rental boat so you can just relax and enjoy the day.
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Lake Blue Ridge Marina
335 Marina Dr, Blue Ridge GA • 706-632-2618
The Lake Blue Ridge Marina was given a Travellers’ Choice Award by TripAdvisor every year from 2018 to 2021.
The full-service marina offers everything you need to enjoy a getaway in the North Georgia Mountains.
Not only do they offer boat rentals, but they also have the Boat Dock Bar & Grill, which is a perfect place to grab a bite before, after, or during a day of fun (takeout is available).
The popular Blue Ridge restaurant serves basic bar food, beer and wine, and even specialty cocktails.
You can launch your own craft at the marina, gas up at the dock, and reserve covered or uncovered slips as well.
Rentals Available
The Lake Blue Ridge Marina rental fleet consists of brand new 23-ft Bennington Pontoons with 70hp Yamaha engines.
Up to 8 guests are welcome on board, but no pets are allowed.
It should be noted that they recommend making reservations at least couple of weeks in advance in peak summer.
They also have single or double canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals available!
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Young Harris Watersports & RV
Lakewood Landing Public Launch, Blue Ridge • 706-896-0834
For over 16 years, Young Harris Watersports & RV has been providing top-quality boat rentals in Blue Ridge GA.
What makes them unique is that they offer delivery of their rental equipment to any approved commercial marina or public launch on the various lakes listed on their website.
For Lake Blue Ridge, their delivery and drop-off location is the Lakewood Landing Public Launch.
Rentals Available
You can rent a Jet Ski (which seats 2 or 3 adults), Ski Boat (seats 8), Tri-toon Pontoon (seats 12), Premium Tritoon (seats 14), or a Wake Boat (seats 14).
Stand-up paddle boards, single kayaks, and tandem kayaks are also available to rent.
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Lake Blue Ridge Camping
Morganton Point Campground and Recreation Area
475 Lake Dr. Morganton GA • 828-883-3463
Comprising 3,200 acres along the Lake Blue Ridge shoreline, the Morganton Point Recreation Area offers awesome boating, recreation, and camping opportunities.
There are a total of 43 campsites, including 2 larger group sites and 8 walk-in tent sites.
Of those, 31-37 campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, but the rest require reservations.
The reservation sites all have water and electrical hook-ups (excluding #11 and #14). Standard amenities such as a grill and lantern post are included as well.
At the campground, there’s also a paved boat ramp with parking, a designated beach area with a bathhouse, a picnic area with a covered pavilion, three flush facilities, and two showers.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Campgrounds in North Georgia
Lake Blue Ridge Fishing
Lake Blue Ridge is fed primarily by the Toccoa River, one of North Georgia’s premier trout streams.
Considering the fact that Blue Ridge is known as the Trout Fishing Capital of Georgia, you can usually bet on a bite. Aside from trout, walleye, white bass, and bluegill are the most sought-after species.
Lake Blue Ridge is also the only small-mouth bass lake in Georgia, and the only GA lake where you can catch Muski. Other fish caught frequently include yellow perch, spotted sunfish, spotted bass, and green sunfish.
If you’re ready to cast a line, there are a number of access points to the North Georgia lake.
The Lake Blue Ridge Day Use Area and Boat Ramp is just two miles from the intersection of Hwy 76 and Aska Road, and has a free boat ramp.
There’s also the Morganton Point Campground & Recreation Area, Lakewood Landing Boat Ramp, and Lake Blue Ridge Marina.
Another popular spot for fishing is the Lake Blue Ridge Dam. The top of the dam features a picnic and viewing area, and just below the dam is a popular spot for trout fishing.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Places for River Tubing in North Georgia
Lake Blue Ridge Cabin Rentals
1. Waterfront Escape
Sleeps 10 • 3 BR • 2.5 BA
Reservations: VRBO
Located right on the shore, this pet-friendly Lake Blue Ridge cabin rental features a modern interior, with two living areas, two wood-burning stoves, and a Smart TV.
There’s also a fully equipped kitchen with stainless steel appliances, drip and Keurig coffee makers, and dining tables.
AMENITIES: Attached to the cabin is a covered lakefront deck with cushioned seating, dining table, and a gas grill.
There’s also a private mini-beach, with stone stairs leading down into the lake and a designer boat dock.
READ MORE: The Best Places to Go White Water Rafting in GA
2. The Byrd House
Sleeps 8 • 3 BR • 3 BA
Reservations: Booking.com
This lakefront cabin rental has a cozy family room with rustic furniture, including brand new sofas and a stone hearth fireplace.
There’s also a fully equipped kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and a breakfast bar that seats four.
The rental cabin also features six TVs as well as Amazon Alexa and a Bose mini-link speaker.
AMENITIES: Inside you’ll find a game room with a pool table. Outside there are two large porches with plenty of outdoor seating.
Following a short manicured path in the yard will take you to your own private covered boat dock.
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3. Blue Ridge Lake Cabin
Sleeps 8 • 3 BR • 3 BA
Reservations: Booking.com
The 1,575 square foot Blue Ridge Lake Cabin has two bedrooms with a large double bed and another bedroom with two double beds.
There’s also a kitchen fully equipped with all the necessary appliances, as well as a cozy living room with ample seating, a TV, and a stone fireplace.
AMENITIES: On the screened-in porch there’s a table with chairs, so you can dine al fresco and enjoy the crisp mountain air.
The cabin has direct lake access and a private deep water dock with a boat slip and two jet-ski ramps.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Wineries in the North Georgia Mountains
4. Lodge on the Lake
Sleeps 12 • 4 BR • 4 BA
Reservations: VRBO
Situated on Horse Point Road right on Lake Blue Ridge, this log home features a welcoming open floor plan and floor-to-ceiling windows to showcase views of the stunning North Georgia mountains.
There’s a spacious family room with two seating areas, a stone fireplace, and a TV. An oversized kitchen and a dining table that seats eight people are also included.
AMENITIES: Downstairs you’ll find a game room with a TV, ping pong table, and lots of board games. There’s also a billiards table upstairs in the loft.
The cabin’s deck is furnished and boasts a hot tub, fire table, and gas grill for cookouts. There’s also a bi-level dock on the lake, which can accommodate two wave runners and a 28’ by 9.5’ boat.
As an added bonus, this is another pet-friendly Lake Blue Ridge cabin!
READ MORE: 15 Great Places to Go Horseback Riding in Georgia
5. Luxurious House on Lake Blue Ridge
Sleeps 14 • 4 BR • 4.5 BA
Reservations: VRBO
This luxurious lakefront home has massive vaulted ceilings and a huge wall of windows in the great room that provides an excellent overlook of the water.
There’s a fully stocked, modern chef’s kitchen, as well as 4 fireplaces, 8 TVs, and free Wi-Fi throughout.
AMENITIES: If you like games, you’ll love the cabin’s cocktail arcade table (which features 400+ video games), ping pong table, poker table, and shuffleboard table.
There are two outdoor living spaces, each with a fireplace, TV, and incredible views of the lake and mountains.
There’s also a hot tub, fire pit, and single-slip private dock with an upper deck that makes for a perfect place to relax and soak in the beauty of Lake Blue Ridge. -by Christina Maggitas; lead photo by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett
