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 a…
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.
Photos
Emergency Spillway — USACE Volunteer (Sheric Haupt)Emergency Spillway — USACE Volunteer (Sheric Haupt)Entrance — USACEOutlook by VC — USACEOutlook at the Day Use Area — USACEOverlook — USACEPath — USACEParking — USACEPatio — USACEField — USACERestrooms — USACESmall Shelter — USACE
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
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
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Dry bags for electronics
Phone, camera, and snacks should stay dry.
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 many campsites are at NORTHBANK DAY USE AREA SHELTER?
NORTHBANK DAY USE AREA SHELTER has 2 campsites. Site amenities (hookups, vehicle limits, ADA access) vary — see the individual campsite pages for details.
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
