Stone Mountain Lake: A Local’s Guide to One of Atlanta’s Favorite Waterfront Escapes

Stone Mountain is famous for its granite dome and laser show, but Stone Mountain Lake is just as important to locals who want a close-to-Atlanta spot for peaceful water views, low-key recreation, and family time outdoors.

If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting the metro area, here’s how Stone Mountain Lake fits into your options for lakes, rivers, and water activities near the city—and what to know before you go.

Where Stone Mountain Lake Is and How It Fits Into Atlanta Life

Stone Mountain Lake sits inside Stone Mountain Park, just east of Atlanta in Stone Mountain, Georgia. From Downtown Atlanta, the drive is typically about 25–35 minutes, depending on traffic.

Park main address:

Stone Mountain Park
1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd
Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Main information line: (770) 498-5690

While it’s not a huge boating or swimming destination like Lake Lanier or Lake Allatoona, Stone Mountain Lake is popular with Atlanta-area residents who want:

• Scenic lake views with a backdrop of Stone Mountain
• Easy walking paths and picnic spots near the water
• Low-stress family outings without a long drive
• Limited but enjoyable water activities such as fishing and paddlewheel boat rides

What You Can (and Can’t) Do on Stone Mountain Lake

Because Stone Mountain Lake is inside a privately operated park, rules are more controlled than at many public reservoirs. That’s important for Atlanta visitors who are used to more flexible access at other lakes.

Commonly Allowed Activities

Most visitors use Stone Mountain Lake for:

• Sightseeing and photography – The views of the mountain reflected in the lake are a major draw.
• Walking and biking near the shoreline – The park’s roadways and paths loop around much of the lake.
• Picnicking by the water – Several picnic areas sit close to the lake’s edge.
• Fishing – The lake is known for bass, catfish, and bream.
• Scenic boat rides – Typically via the park’s paddlewheel riverboat when in operation.

Always check the current park map and schedule at the front gate or Visitor Center. Activity offerings can shift seasonally.

Activities Usually Restricted or Limited

Compared with other Atlanta-area lakes, Stone Mountain Lake has tighter restrictions, which may include:

• No public swimming from the shoreline or off boats
• Limited public boating access (no typical public boat ramp for outside motorboats)
• Rules around private kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards that may change over time
• Limits on alcohol use and glass containers around the water

If you’re hoping to bring your own boat, kayak, or paddleboard, it’s wise to call the park in advance or confirm at the entrance gate, since rules can be different from what you might expect at state-managed lakes.

Getting Into Stone Mountain Park and the Lake Area

To reach Stone Mountain Lake, you have to enter Stone Mountain Park, which typically charges a daily parking or entry fee per vehicle.

Common entry points for lake access include:

• West Gate Entrance – Off James B. Rivers Memorial Dr (Hwy 78); a common route from Atlanta
• Main Gate – Near the park’s central attractions; from here you can follow signs to the lake, picnic areas, or the marina/boat dock areas

Once inside, follow park signage for:

• Lake access / marina
• Paddlewheel riverboat
• Picnic areas along the shore
• Campground, which borders parts of the lake

Atlanta residents often buy an annual parking pass if they visit frequently for walking, running, or lake views. Day visitors usually pay a one-time daily fee.

Stone Mountain Lake Activities for Atlanta Families and Visitors

1. Scenic Strolls and Lakeside Picnics

If you’re mainly looking for relaxed outdoor time rather than hardcore water sports, Stone Mountain Lake fits well.

Popular options:

• Park-and-picnic days – Pull into a lakeside picnic area, bring food, and enjoy views of the water and mountain.
• Short walks along the water – Some paved and roadside routes run near the lake, making it easy to push strollers or walk with kids.
• Photo spots – Early morning and late afternoon often give the best light for photos of the lake and Stone Mountain together.

Atlanta locals often combine a hike up Stone Mountain or a walk on the Walk-Up Trail with a quiet break by the lake afterwards.

2. Fishing on Stone Mountain Lake

For metro Atlanta residents who like quick fishing trips without driving far, Stone Mountain Lake can be a convenient choice.

Common local experiences:

• Shoreline fishing in designated spots around the lake
• Target species like largemouth bass, catfish, and bream/bluegill
• Quiet early-morning or weekday visits to avoid crowds

Key points to remember:

• Adults generally need a valid Georgia fishing license, even inside the park.
• Licenses are typically managed through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
• Check current park rules on where fishing is allowed and any catch limits they enforce.

Many Atlanta anglers treat Stone Mountain Lake as a nice “after work” or “Saturday morning” option, especially if they live on the east side of the metro area.

3. Scenic Boat Rides and On-the-Water Views

The park has historically operated a paddlewheel-style riverboat offering tours on Stone Mountain Lake. These rides are mainly for sightseeing—expect:

• Views of Stone Mountain from the water
• A relaxing, seated experience rather than an active sport
• A scheduled outing that can pair well with other park attractions

Because offerings can change, it’s smart to:

• Check the daily activity schedule at the park entry.
• Confirm seasonal availability (some attractions run primarily in spring, summer, and holidays).

If you’re comparing Stone Mountain Lake to other water attractions around Atlanta, think of it as scenic and structured rather than a free-play boating area.

Stone Mountain Lake vs. Other Atlanta-Area Lakes

If you’re trying to decide where to go for lakes, rivers, and water activities around Atlanta, here’s how Stone Mountain Lake compares to a few common options:

For many Atlanta families, Stone Mountain Lake is the “easy day trip” choice when you want water views and a park setting without planning a full lake vacation.

Practical Tips for Visiting Stone Mountain Lake from Atlanta

Getting There

From downtown or Midtown Atlanta:

1. Take I-20 East or I-285 (depending on your starting point) to connect with US-78 East.
2. Follow signs for Stone Mountain Park.
3. Enter at the main or west gate, pay the vehicle fee, and follow signs within the park to the lake, marina, or picnic areas.

What to Bring

For a day centered around Stone Mountain Lake, Atlanta locals often pack:

• Water and snacks or a full picnic
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
• Bug spray (especially in warmer months near the water)
• Light jacket in cooler seasons—temperatures by the water can feel breezier
• Fishing gear and license info if you plan to fish

If you’re planning to stay into the evening for other Stone Mountain attractions, it’s helpful to bring:

• A small flashlight or phone light for walking back to your car
• Extra layers in cooler months

Safety and Courtesy Around the Lake

• Observe posted safety signs and any “no swimming” notices.
• Keep children close to shore and supervised; lake edges can be uneven.
• Dispose of trash in the park’s bins to help keep the lake and shoreline clean.
• Respect any wildlife near the water—look, don’t feed.

Stone Mountain Lake for Campers and Overnighters

If you’d like more than a few hours by the water, Stone Mountain Park also offers a campground that borders portions of the lake.

This can work well if:

• You’re an Atlanta resident wanting a “close to home” camping test run with kids.
• You want easy access to both Stone Mountain Lake and other park attractions across a weekend.

Typical options (subject to change):

• RV and trailer sites
• Tent camping sites
• Some sites with lake views or lakeside access

If camping is a priority, it’s wise to:

• Call ahead or book early for peak seasons like spring and fall.
• Ask specifically about sites near the water if that’s important to you.

When Stone Mountain Lake Makes Sense for You

From an Atlanta standpoint, Stone Mountain Lake is most useful if:

• You want scenic lake views without a long drive.
• You’re planning a multi-activity day at Stone Mountain Park (hiking, attractions, plus relaxing by the water).
• You enjoy light fishing or quiet lakeside time more than active water sports.
• You prefer a more controlled environment rather than a fully open public lake.

If you’re looking for swimming beaches, powerboating, or jet skiing, you’ll likely want to look beyond Stone Mountain Lake to larger regional lakes. But if your goal is a relaxed, easy-to-reach waterfront escape tied into one of metro Atlanta’s signature parks, Stone Mountain Lake fits that role well.