Region
North Georgia High Country
Lake Conasauga Recreation Guide
Make Memories at Lake Conasauga
A remote 19-acre spring-fed mountain lake near Grassy Mountain, known as Georgia’s highest lake and a peaceful setting for paddling, fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing.
Why Lake Conasauga Belongs on Your Georgia Outdoors List
Lake Conasauga is a 19-acre spring-fed lake near the summit of Grassy Mountain in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. At roughly 3,150 feet in elevation, it is recognized as Georgia’s highest lake. The remote recreation area combines nonmotorized lake use, fishing, a seasonal swim and picnic area, campground access, hiking, birding, and cool summer temperatures. Gravel mountain roads, limited cell service, and seasonal closures make advance planning important.
Quick Facts for Planning Your Visit
Use these at-a-glance details to understand the setting, then build the trip around how your family or group wants to enjoy the water.
Lake Size
19 acres
Shoreline
Shoreline access
Best For
Camping, swimming, boating, fishing
What You Can Do at Lake Conasauga
These lake-specific notes highlight the recreation that is genuinely available here, along with the limits and practical details that shape a visit.
Rustic Camping Without Hookups
Lake Conasauga Campground offers a remote seasonal stay beside Georgia’s highest lake. Campsites do not have electrical hookups or water connections, and visitors should arrive prepared for a rustic mountain campground reached by long gravel roads. The nearby overflow campground also has no running water, electricity, or dump station.
A Grass Beach and Mountain Swim Area
The recreation area includes a grass beach and dock for swimming during the operating season. Because the site is remote and conditions can change, visitors should confirm that the swim and picnic area is open before making the drive.
Small Boats and Electric Motors
The lake is suited to canoes, kayaks, small fishing boats, and electric motors. Its small size and remote mountain setting favor quiet exploration rather than speed, wakes, or large-watercraft recreation.
Fish for Bass, Bream, and Catfish
Lake Conasauga supports fishing for bass, bream, and occasional catfish from the small boat launch, fishing dock, and several shoreline spots along the Lake Loop Trail. The compact 17-acre lake is best suited to a quiet morning or afternoon of fishing rather than a large-reservoir trip.
Hike from the Lake into the Cohutta Mountains
Nearby trails lead toward Grassy Mountain, the Songbird Management Area, and surrounding forest scenery. A Lake Conasauga trip works especially well for visitors who want to combine water recreation with hiking, birding, and cool mountain weather.
Launch Points & Shoreline Access
Lake Access & Boat Ramps at Lake Conasauga
1 published access point can help you choose where to launch, fish, picnic, swim, or begin a day on the water. Confirm current hours, fees, water levels, and ramp conditions before traveling.
National Forest Recreation Area
Public access
Lake Conasauga Recreation Area
Operated by: U.S. Forest Service
Location:
Lake Conasauga Road
Chatsworth, GA 30705
Available: Camping, Boat launch, Fishing access, Bank fishing, Swimming, Restrooms, Picnic area
Phone: 706-695-6736
Build a Weekend Around Lake Conasauga
Use the lake as the anchor, then add campgrounds, parks, restaurants, marinas, and nearby outdoor stops to shape a trip that feels distinctly Georgia.
Start with the Water
Plan a day of fishing with information on fish species, access points, and places to cast from shore or launch a boat.
Add the Basecamp
Choose a campground, RV site, cabin, hotel, or nearby town that gives everyone more time together.
Explore Nearby
Look for parks, restaurants, events, trails, and small-town stops that turn the lake visit into a more memorable Georgia getaway.
Plan Your Lake Trip
Explore More Around Lake Conasauga
Find campgrounds, explore the map, and use the lake as the beginning of your next Georgia outdoor memory.