Category Archives: Lake Activities

Kayaking, swimming, and outdoor activities on Jackson Lake.

Jackson Lake Summer Activities: Kayaking, Camping, Fishing, and Live Music in 2026

Bear Creek Marina facilities viewed from the lakefront

Please note: Bear Creek Restaurant & Bar is temporarily closed. The rest of Bear Creek Marina — campground & RV hookups, boat storage, kayak & canoe rentals, and the boat launch — remains open. Call (770) 787-9621 for the latest reopening information. The seasonal hours listed below apply when the restaurant reopens. Summer on Jackson […]

Jackson Lake Map: 6 Access Points, Boat Ramps, and Recreation Areas in Georgia

Jackson Lake fishing report map of access points and boat ramps near Bear Creek Marina in Mansfield, Georgia

Please note: Bear Creek Marina’s own restaurant & bar is temporarily closed — call (770) 787-9621 to confirm before visiting. The rest of the marina (campground & RV hookups, boat storage, kayak & canoe rentals, and the boat launch) remains open. If you are launching your own boat, it helps to brush up on the […]

Jackson Lake Water Temperature: 5 Seasonal Trends Every Visitor Should Know

Entrance to the Bear Creek Marina main building in Mansfield, Georgia, with sago palms along the walkway

Planning a trip to Jackson Lake in Georgia? The Jackson Lake water temperature is one of the most important factors that shapes your experience on the water — whether you’re kayaking, fishing, or just soaking in a sunset from the shore. Knowing what to expect each season helps you pack the right gear, choose the […]

5 Best Lakes Near Atlanta, Georgia: Scenic Day Trips Worth the Drive

Entrance to the Bear Creek Marina main building in Mansfield, Georgia, with sago palms along the walkway

Please note: Bear Creek Marina’s own restaurant & bar is temporarily closed — call (770) 787-9621 to confirm before visiting. The rest of the marina (campground & RV hookups, boat storage, kayak & canoe rentals, and the boat launch) remains open. When summer temperatures climb past 90 degrees in Atlanta, the nearest ocean beach is […]

Are There Alligators in Jackson Lake Georgia? 7 Safety Tips

Open water and wooded shoreline on Jackson Lake at Bear Creek Marina in Mansfield, Georgia

Are There Alligators in Jackson Lake Georgia? Short answer: the Georgia Department of Natural Resources places the American alligator’s normal range along and south of the fall line, the boundary running from Columbus through Macon to Augusta. Jackson Lake sits north of that line, and DNR states there is no evidence that alligator populations reproduce […]

Can You Swim in Jackson Lake Georgia? Your Complete Guide

Docks and boats at Bear Creek Marina offering Jackson Lake boat storage near Atlanta, Georgia

Yes, you can swim in Jackson Lake, Georgia. The 4,750-acre reservoir, one of the oldest in the state, draws swimmers, boaters and anglers through the summer. However, before you pack your sunscreen and beach towels, it is important to know where to go, what the rules are, and how to stay safe in open water. […]

Best Things to Do at Jackson Lake, Georgia: Your Complete 2026 Guide

Boat ramp beside the Jackson Lake boat storage area at Bear Creek Marina in Mansfield, Georgia

Please note: Bear Creek Marina’s own restaurant & bar is temporarily closed — call (770) 787-9621 to confirm before visiting. The rest of the marina (campground & RV hookups, boat storage, kayak & canoe rentals, and the boat launch) remains open. Paddling is one of the most popular ways to enjoy the water here — […]

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