Lake Lanier has more than a dozen public swim beaches, spread across Corps, county, city and state parks. No public beach has a lifeguard, so every one is swim-at-your-own-risk. Most double as the easiest places on the lake to launch a kayak or paddleboard.
Fees here are per vehicle for October 2026. Corps and Hall County parks take cards only at the kiosk. Forsyth County parks don't accept the Corps annual pass.
Lake Lanier beaches compared
| Beach | Run by | Fee | Kayak launch | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mary Alice Park | Forsyth County | $10/vehicle | Yes | One of the lake's biggest swim areas; kayak rentals on the sand on weekends |
| Don Carter State Park | Georgia State Parks | $5 parking | Yes | About 100 yards of sand, outdoor showers, kayak and SUP rentals |
| West Bank Park | Corps | $8/vehicle | Yes | Sand beach and shade near Buford Dam, showers nearby |
| Van Pugh North | Corps / Hall County | $8/vehicle | Yes | Two small beaches, playground and a busy ramp |
| Burton Mill Park | Corps / Hall County | $8/vehicle | Yes | Launch beside the fenced swim area; loaner life jackets |
| Keith's Bridge Park | Forsyth County | Being set; call first | Yes | Large shallow area for young swimmers, loaner life jackets |
| Little Hall Park | Corps / Hall County | $8/vehicle | Yes, mind the drop-off | Small beach on the Chestatee arm, steep drop to the buoy line |
| Lanier Park | Corps | $8/vehicle | Yes | Swim beach near the dam; no dogs |
| Two Mile Creek Park | Forsyth County | Being set; call first | Yes | Several small beaches and a paved lake trail |
| Holly Park | City of Gainesville | Free | Yes | Small sand beach, no restrooms |
| LanierWorld / Lanier Islands | Lanier Islands resort | Resort admission | No | Private resort beach and water park; not a paddle launch |
See them all on the Lake Lanier launch map.
Best beaches for families
- Mary Alice Park: a long beach with one of the lake's largest swim areas, loaner life jacket stations and a railed waterside walkway.
- Don Carter State Park: a gentle sandy slope into a big shallow area on the quiet north end, with showers and a concession.
- Keith's Bridge Park: a large shallow area for young swimmers and loaner life jackets.
Best beaches to launch a kayak
- Burton Mill: launch right beside the fenced swim area into a quiet stretch near the marina.
- Mary Alice Park: rent on the sand on weekends, or bring your own and launch from the beach edge.
- Don Carter State Park: rentals on site and calm upper-lake water.
Don't have a boat? Kayak rentals and paddleboard rentals list who rents near each beach.
Beach safety on Lanier
- No public beach has a lifeguard. Watch kids at the water's edge, and use the loaner life jackets where there's a station.
- Drop-offs can be steep. Some beaches fall to 5 to 7 feet at the buoy line.
- Boat wakes roll into beaches on the main channel. Little Hall and Long Hollow get big waves from passing boats.
- After heavy rain, wait a couple of days before swimming. Bacteria levels rise with runoff.
- Low water can close a beach or move the shoreline far from the sand. Check the lake level in drought years.