About the Lake

Lake Allatoona

Welcome to Allatoona Lake, one of the most frequently visited U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lakes in the nation. Located only 30 miles from Atlanta, Allatoona Lake offers a respite from the rush of city living. More than 13 million visitors each year enjoy picnicking, camping, hunting, fishing, swimming and other water sports, and observing the abundant wildlife along the shores of this beautiful lake.

Allatoona Lake is the oldest multipurpose project in the Corps' South Atlantic Division. Preliminary site work began in 1941 but was discontinued by the outbreak of World War II. The dam was completed and placed into operation in January, 1950, at a cost of about $31.5 million.

The lake is located on the Etowah River, a tributary of the Coosa River. The dam impounds run-off water from 1,100 square miles into a large, irregular lake. During periods of heavy rainfall, excess runoff is stored to alleviate floods in lower Etowah Valley and to reduce flood heights at Rome, Georgia. During dry periods, stored water is released to supplement runoff for power production and to produce streamflow.

Because the lake serves a large drainage area and is relatively small, the level of the lake may fluctuate greatly. Daily increases of three to four feet are not uncommon following heavy rains with an increase of 20 feet recorded in one week's time several years ago.

While most of the activities at the lake can be enjoyed free of charge, public Law 93-303 authorizes the establishment of recreation use fees for sites containing camping facilities. Campers are charged applicable camping fees, and visitors to campers pay a modest fee. Fees are collected by Park Attendants. All other activities in recreation areas at the lake are free. There are no fees at day-use areas.

Flotilla 22 does limited patrols for special events on Lake Allatoona during the year. Vessel safety checks are also available. If you would like to receive a complimentary Vessel Safety Check from Flotilla 22, please click here for more information.