Lake Seminole, Georgia

Located in scenic South Georgia, Lake Seminole is perfect for relaxing with friends and family in a quiet setting. The lake is in the southwest corner of the state about 237 miles south of Atlanta and borders both Florida and Alabama.to the lake. The 37,500-acre reservoir lake is managed by the Army Corps of Engineers and features 376 miles of pristine coastline. The adjacent Seminole State Park is an outdoor lover’s paradise and provides assorted accommodations for visitors

The lake is fed by the Chattahoochee and Flint Rivers and flows from the Jim Woodruff Lock and Dam as the Apalachicola River. The hydroelectric and navigational dam bears the name of James W. Woodruff Sr., a Georgia businessman who led the development of the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint Project. The lake was named in honor of the Seminole Native American tribe that once inhabited the area. The 22,000 acres surrounding the lake have a mix of hardwoods and pines on rolling sand hills providing a habitat for a variety of wildlife such as raccoons, American alligators, hawks, bald eagles, and several kinds of waterfowl.

Like many of Georgia’s manmade lakes, Lake Seminole has an interesting history. The remains of Fort Scott lie at the bottom of the lake. The fort was built in 1816 for defence at the border against the Spanish. The fort was abandoned in 1821 after Florida became a U.S. territory. The lake was filled in by the Army Corps of Engineers in 1958 after the construction of the Jim Woodruff Dam.

Lake Seminole is well-known by anglers across three states and beyond for its fine fishing. It is teeming with largemouth bass, striped bass, crappie, catfish, chain pickerel, and much more. Over the years, more than 79 species have been identified. The lake is as popular for boating as for fishing. The adjacent Seminole State Park surrounds a small cove where the water is smooth for skiing and tubing. The 604-acre park also has a sand beach, three boat ramps, a fishing dock, a group shelter, a playground, and a gift shop.

The park has lots of other outdoor activities including a 2.2-mile nature hiking trail where you’ll spot a variety of wildlife. Duck and deer hunting at the park is managed by the local Wildlife Management. Visitors can also participate in geocaching and play miniature golf. Picnic shelters and campsites are near the water. Other accommodations include 14 cottages and 50 sites for tent and RV camping. Cummings landing has three off-site primitive campsites for visitors who want a true wilderness experience.