About DAMSITE DAY USE AREA SHELTER
Overview Damsite Day Use Area is located on Carters Lake in the North Georgia Mountains about 70 miles north of Atlanta. The sparkling waters and rugged shoreline provide a beautiful surrounding for a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities including camping, hiking, boating, wildlife viewing, fishing, and picnicking. Recreation Boaters visit Carters Lake to enjoy its solitude and scenic beauty. Whether in a powerboat or sailboat on the open water or paddling along the shoreline in a canoe, Carters Lake offers enjoyable boating experiences for everyone. Fishing is a popular activity on the lake. Major species include bass (largemouth, smallmouth, hybrid, striped and spotted) crappie, walleye, bream and catfish.Facilities Damsite Day Use Area provides boaters with a launch ramp with three lanes and courtesy dock. The area also provides ample picnic sites and restrooms. Shelter (CL-10) seating capacity is 30 people maximum. All picnic tables/sheds/shelter are FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED. No reservations are necessary. All vehicles must pay a $5.00 day use pass (Card only, no cash). Natural Features Carters Lake embraces a spectacular tract of foothills scenery in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia. It covers 3,200 surface water acres and has 62 miles of undeveloped shoreline. Nearby Attractions The City of Ellijay is approximately 30 minutes away, offering restaurants, grocery stores, fuel, along with other amenities. Of special note, Ellijay is known as the Apple Capital of Georgia and has several apple houses/orchards as well as a scenic downtown area with mulitiple shops in the square.
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 approximately 2 miles and turn left onto Carters Dam Road; turn right onto Marina Road; turn left onto Cove Road and enter park. Damsite 359 Cove 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 DAMSITE DAY USE AREA SHELTER
Heading to DAMSITE 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 DAMSITE DAY USE AREA SHELTER?
No central reservation system listed for DAMSITE DAY USE AREA SHELTER. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/272304) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to DAMSITE 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 approximately 2 miles and turn left onto Carters Dam Road; turn right onto Marina Road; turn left onto Cove Road and enter park. Damsite 359 Cove Road Chatsworth, GA 30705
How do I contact DAMSITE DAY USE AREA SHELTER?
You can reach the park at phone: 706-334-2248.
References & Official Resources
