Looking for a lake vacation in the southeast.

[h2oskierfl95]

We have been spending a week every summer at a rental home on Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia. It is absolutely great and I wouldn't change anything about it...........except the drive. We live in central Florida and the 12 hours each way is starting to get old. Could anyone recommend a similar experience closer to Florida? It has to be somewhere north of us as I have extended family that are scared to death of getting in the water with gators.

 

[PapaTom]

Interested in this as well....

 

[sbeassie]

I have some friends that purchased a home on Lake Hartwell which is on the border between Georgia and South Carolina. We spent some time on the lake with them last summer. I highly recommend trying there. It is a large lake (56,000 acres) with plenty of marinas and restaurants. Lots to explore and very many coves off the main travel routes to anchor and swim and relax. Should save you at least 4 hours each way.

 

[scguy13]

Lake Hartwell is nice, we’ve got friends there. Look at Jocassee as well. It’s more secluded, but it’s absolutely beautiful, and may be a touch cooler due to the elevation. Water is crystal clear and the scenery is gorgeous. It’s plenty big, I’ve fished and towed inflatables there with no issues.

Lake Murray is also massive so may want to check that out too.

 

[kgower]

Following

 

[Babin Farms]

It’s a bit farther west but I’d recommend lake Martin in Alabama. Had a great time there last year and plan on going back.

 

[flyingnugget]

I Grew up near Smith Mt Lake in Lynchburg, VA and love the lake there but I'm in GA now.

I'll second Lake Martin just north of Auburn AL. Its an amazing lake. Big open waters with lots of quiet coves, Deep, Clean and tons of things to do on it.

Lake Lanier, north of ATL is a nice lake but I wouldn't get near it on a Fri-Sun. Too many boats, big egos and its way too crowded for my tastes.

 

[kgower]

We rarely boat on Lanier on the weekends.
We managed to go out on. Tuesday and Friday this week. Both days were nice.

 

[Shookie]

I just bought a house on Lake Murray but have only been out on it once so far. I recommend it since I bought a house there

I've been on Hartwell, Keowee and Jocassee as well. Loved Jocassee because the water was clear, really deep too (couple hundred feet). Lots of waterfalls to visit but as I recall, there's only 1 parking area and you have to get there early or you risk not having a place to park. Water levels on Keowee are stable while Hartwell can fluctuate. I enjoyed both of those lakes as well.

 

[Jjason]

Have you tried Homosassa? It’s super close to you and anchoring at the head springs guve you a diuble plus of having cool 72 degree water year round regardless of how hot it gets mid summer and that same cool water insures gators aren’t around for those with fears. Plenty of nice vrbo’s waterfront and a few nice waterfront restaurants/ bars to hit as well.

 

[CaTiRo]

Sounds like your family would love Lake Eufaula. Gators for everyone . I also recommend Lake Martin in Alabama. It’s not lakes, but what about places on the panhandle? Shell Island or some of the bays?