About NORTHBANK DAY USE AREA SHELTER
Overview Northbank Day Use Area is located in the North Georgia Mountains about 70 miles north of Atlanta on Carters Lake. The sparkling waters and rugged shoreline provide a beautiful surrounding for a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities including camping, hiking, boating, mountain biking, fishing, hunting and picnicking. Norhtbank provides an excellent view of both Carters Lake and the ReReg Lake from its location on top of Carters Dam.Recreation Northbank provides multiple recreation opportunities including fishing, hiking trails, basketball, volleyball and sightseeing.Facilities Northbank Day Use Area provides visitors with panoramic views of Carters Lake along with ample picnic sites, restrooms, a playground, volleyball court, basketball court and horseshoe pits. The large shelter (CL-13) seating capacity is 100 people maximum and parking capacity of 50 vehicles. The small shelter (CL-9) seating capacity is 50 people maximum and parking capacity of 25 vehicles.Natural Features Carters Lake embraces a spectacular tract of foothills scenery in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia. It covers 3,200 surface acres and has 62 miles of undeveloped shoreline. Boaters visit Carters Lake to enjoy its solitude and scenic beauty. Nearby Attractions The Cities of Ellijay and Chatsworth are about 30 minutes away offering restaurants, grocery stores and fuel, along with other amenities.Charges & Cancellations Please review the rules and reservation policies at the bottom of the page.
How to Get There
From Atlanta: Take Interstate 75 North until Exit 293, turn right onto Georgia Highway 411 North, travel approximately 30 miles; take a right onto Georgia Highway 136 East; proceed across approximately 2 miles; turn left onto Carters Dam Road; continue almost 2 miles and proceed straight into Northbank Day Use Area. Northbank 2800 Carters Dam Road Chatsworth, GA 30705
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to NORTHBANK DAY USE AREA SHELTER
Heading to NORTHBANK DAY USE AREA SHELTER? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for NORTHBANK DAY USE AREA SHELTER?
No central reservation system listed for NORTHBANK DAY USE AREA SHELTER. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/272303) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to NORTHBANK DAY USE AREA SHELTER?
From Atlanta: Take Interstate 75 North until Exit 293, turn right onto Georgia Highway 411 North, travel approximately 30 miles; take a right onto Georgia Highway 136 East; proceed across approximately 2 miles; turn left onto Carters Dam Road; continue almost 2 miles and proceed straight into Northbank Day Use Area. Northbank 2800 Carters Dam Road Chatsworth, GA 30705
How do I contact NORTHBANK DAY USE AREA SHELTER?
You can reach the park at phone: 706-334-2248.
References & Official Resources
