Lake Lanier Marinas: Complete 2025 Guide to All 10 Marinas & Boat Ramps

by Beka Rickman

Last updated: October 14, 2025

Lake Lanier features 10 full-service marinas and 43 public boat ramps across Gainesville, Buford, Cumming, and Flowery Branch. Most marinas offer private slip storage with limited public ramp access, while the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates the majority of public launch points. Only two marinas—Bald Ridge Marina ($10/day) and Harbor Landing Marina—provide paid public boat ramp access for non-members.

Understanding Lake Lanier's Marina Network

Lake Lanier's marina system spans 38,000 acres across four primary municipalities in North Georgia. The lake's marinas range from intimate, protected cove facilities to world-class operations hosting over 1,700 slips. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages most public boat ramps, while private marinas primarily serve slip holders and members.

Ready to find your perfect Lake Lanier property near your ideal marina? Schedule a boat-based property tour with Beka Rickman, the only Lake Lanier Realtor who shows properties from the water.

Gainesville Area Marinas: Northern Lake Access

Gainesville Marina - Lake Lanier's Northernmost Facility

Location: 2145 Dawsonville Highway, Gainesville, GA 30501 (42 miles north of Atlanta)

Operating since 1958, Gainesville Marina offers 600+ slips with wet and dry storage for boats up to 80 feet. The northernmost position provides access to Lake Lanier's quietest waters away from heavy recreational traffic.

Key Features:

No public boat ramp (marina customers only)
Full-service facility with boat sales and parts department
Fuel dock serving the entire north end
On-site Skogies restaurant featuring BBQ, seafood, and American fare

Sunrise Cove Marina - Historic 749-Slip Facility

Location: 5725 Flat Creek Road, Gainesville, GA 30504 (50 miles north of Atlanta)

Dating back to 1956, Sunrise Cove Marina sits on 62 acres of pristine timberland with spectacular sunrise views across natural surroundings.

Comprehensive Amenities:

749 slips including covered, uncovered, and dedicated PWC docks
No public ramp access (marina members only)
24-hour security with surveillance cameras
Ships store open daily, fuel dock six days weekly
Free 24/7 pump-out service for slip holders
Three bathhouse facilities with laundry
Rentable clubhouse with full kitchen and lake-view patio

Port Royale Marina - Historic Dockside Dining Destination

Location: 9200 Lan Mar Road, Gainesville, GA 30506 (45 minutes north of Atlanta)

Port Royale Marina provides unparalleled convenience near Browns Bridge and GA-400 intersection, featuring Lake Lanier's largest gas dock.

Unique Features:

Limited boat ramp access for marina customers
Daily pontoon and ski boat rentals
Pelican Pete's Restaurant - Lake Lanier's largest thatched-roof tiki hut with the only dock-and-dine access
Live music every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (Memorial Day through Labor Day)

Considering Lake Lanier real estate near Gainesville's marinas? Learn about pros and cons of living on Lake Lanier.

Cumming Area Marinas: South Lake Convenience

Bald Ridge Marina - Closest Full-Service Marina to Atlanta

Location: 1850 Bald Ridge Marina Road, Cumming, GA 30041 (35 miles from Atlanta)

Operating since 1958, Bald Ridge spans 35 meticulously maintained acres as the southernmost full-service marina—most convenient for metro Atlanta boaters.

Premium Infrastructure:

PUBLIC BOAT RAMP: $10/day fee (not 24-hour pass, annual Corps passes not accepted)
600+ wet slips with covered berths up to 66 feet, open berths to 95 feet
24/7 gated security with marina-wide patrols
Fuel dock with 90-octane non-ethanol marine-grade gasoline and diesel
Complete parts department and hull repair capabilities
On-site Marine Max Sea Ray dealership
Smokey Q BBQ (seasonal dining)
Tennis courts and modern facilities
Non-denominational chapel (May-September)

Understanding marina costs? Review Lake Lanier property taxes by county.

Habersham Marina - Dry Stack Convenience Leader

Location: 2200 Habersham Marina Road, Cumming, GA 30041 (30 minutes from I-285)

Operating since 1972, Habersham Marina is Atlanta's closest marina, featuring exclusive dry stack storage where boats launch via forklift.

Dry Stack Specifications:

No public boat ramp (dry stack marina only)
Accommodates boats up to 28 feet length, 8.5 feet beam
625 dry-stack capacity
One-hour advance notice (weekdays), two-hour notice (weekends/holidays)
Comprehensive ship's store and fuel dock
Bradley's Speed and Marine on-site service facility

The dry stack system eliminates weather damage, theft, and seasonal maintenance concerns while protecting boats from sun, rain, and storms.

Schedule your consultation to explore Lake Lanier properties near Cumming's convenient marinas.

Buford Area Marinas: Premium Lake Lanier Islands Access

Holiday Marina - Lake Lanier's Largest Floating Marina

Location: 6900 Holiday Road, Buford, GA 30518 (45 minutes north of Atlanta)

Holiday Marina is Lake Lanier's most prestigious facility with 50+ years of operation, featuring nearly 1,300 wet slips (22-100 feet)—one of the world's largest floating inland marinas.

Engineering & Services:

Advanced floating dock system rising and falling with water levels
No public boat ramp (private launch for marina customers only)
Covered slips available for boats up to 85 feet
Diesel, ethanol-free gasoline, and premium fuel options
Singleton Marine Service Center for yacht sales and repairs
The Twisted Oar Restaurant with American cuisine and lakeside views

Strategic positioning near Buford Dam and Lake Lanier Islands provides premium access to the lake's most popular recreational areas.

Exploring luxury properties? Discover Lake Lanier luxury real estate opportunities.

Lazy Days Marina - Suntex-Managed Full-Service Facility

Location: 6700 Holiday Road, Buford, GA 30518 (45 minutes north of Atlanta)

Lazy Days Marina operates under professional Suntex management with sophisticated dual storage approaches.

Storage Options:

Dry Stack Storage (boats up to 36 feet):

BoatCloud app for remote boat launching scheduling
Trained staff handle all launching and retrieval
New pontoon dry storage with individual cradles
Free pump-out services at Holiday Marina

Wet Slip Storage (50-125+ feet):

Private gated access with assigned parking
Valet golf cart service
Complimentary in-slip pump-out service
Concrete decking, included dock boxes
Daily trash pickup service

Premium Amenities:

No public boat ramp (marina customers only)
Centrally located fuel dock (non-ethanol gasoline and diesel)
Gated entry with nighttime security
Modern bathhouse facilities
Proximity to The Twisted Oar restaurant

Comparing new versus existing homes? Read Lake Lanier new construction vs existing homes guide.

Harbor Landing Marina - Official Lanier Islands Resort Marina

Location: 7650 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford, GA 30518 (45 minutes north of Atlanta)

Harbor Landing serves as the official marina for the Lanier Islands resort complex, bringing Margaritaville atmosphere and hospitality standards to Lake Lanier.

Resort Marina Features:

PUBLIC BOAT RAMP: Available to resort guests and day visitors (fees apply)
Specialized boat rental fleet for various activities
Houseboat rentals for multi-day overnight experiences
LandShark Bar & Grill with Caribbean-inspired cuisine and tropical drinks
Integrated access to beaches, water parks, golf courses, spa services

Harbor Landing's integration of marina services, resort amenities, and the Margaritaville brand creates a unique destination for serious boaters and recreational visitors.

Considering vacation rental investment? Explore Lake Lanier vacation rental opportunities.

Flowery Branch Area Marinas: World-Class Facilities

Aqualand Marina (Safe Harbor Aqualand) - World's Largest Inland Marina

Location: 6800 Lights Ferry Road, Flowery Branch, GA 30542 (45 minutes north of Atlanta)

Aqualand Marina holds distinction as the world's largest inland marina with over 1,700-1,800 wet slips.

Recent Infrastructure:

Added 1,000-foot covered breakwater dock with 38 slips for large houseboats and cruisers
Three covered slip sizes: 14×34 feet, 16×60 feet, 22×100 feet
Each includes wave attenuators, in-slip pump-out services, premium lake views

Drought Resilience: During severe drought, Aqualand invested over $800,000 relocating 30+ docks to maintain water access—demonstrating commitment to continuous operations.

Full-Service Operations:

Semi-private boat ramp (primarily for marina customers)
Comprehensive boat rentals
Well-stocked ship store and fuel dock
Pig Tales Lake Lanier Restaurant specializing in Southern BBQ and seafood with live weekend music

Aqualand's scale and economic impact make it a featured subject in Georgia Public Broadcasting documentaries about regional water resources.

Understanding water level impacts? Review Lake Lanier water levels guide.

Safe Harbor Hideaway Bay Marina - Protected Cove Tranquility

Location: 6334 Mitchell Street, Flowery Branch, GA 30518 (45 minutes north of Atlanta)

Safe Harbor Hideaway Bay Marina distinguishes itself through strategic location in a protected cove providing natural shelter from main channel traffic and wake action.

Protected Cove Advantages:

No public boat ramp (marina customers only)
Natural windbreak reducing wave action
Enhanced safety during storms and high-wind conditions
Reduced exposure to weather-related damage
Calmer waters for boarding and disembarking

Operating under Safe Harbor management (largest marina management company in the US), the facility ensures consistent service quality and professional standards.

Book your Lake Lanier property consultation to discover homes near protected cove marinas.

Public Boat Ramps: Free and Fee-Based Access

Free Access Boat Ramps (26 Locations)

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates 26 free-access boat ramps across multiple parks:

Popular Free Launch Locations:

Mary Alice Park (Cumming): Popular family spot
Bethel Park (Gainesville): Picnic areas
Bolding Mill Park (Gainesville): Complete facilities
Mountain View Park (North Lake): Scenic, less crowded
War Hill Park (Mid-Lake): Convenient access
Toto Creek Park (Mid-Lake): Camping available
West Bank Park (South Lake): Overlook area

Fee-Required Boat Ramps

$5 Per Day Fee Locations (Credit/Debit Card Only - no cash since April 2018):

Burton Mill Park (North Lake)
Keiths Bridge Park (Mid-Lake)
Lanier Park (South Lake - popular location)
Little Hall Park (South Lake - beach area)
Two Mile Creek Park (South Lake)
Van Pugh North (South Lake)
Long Hollow Park (Gainesville)
Old Federal Park (Flowery Branch - ideal for kayakers)

Annual Pass Required Ramps:

Balus Creek Park (North Lake)
Little River Park (North Lake)
Thompson Bridge Park (North Lake)
Tidwell Park (South Lake)
Vanns Tavern Park (Mid-Lake)

Annual Corps Pass: $40 provides access to all USACE parks nationwide. Available at Corps office (1050 Buford Dam Road, Buford) or by mail.

Planning to retire on Lake Lanier? Discover retiring on Lake Lanier in Buford guide.

Essential Marina Services & Information

Fuel Services & Maintenance

Non-Ethanol Fuel: Most full-service marinas offer 90-octane non-ethanol marine-grade gasoline, recommended for preventing fuel system damage and corrosion.

Pump-Out Services: Georgia law requires pump-out services. Most full-service marinas provide complimentary pump-out for slip holders.

Seasonal Hours: Fuel dock hours vary by season (typically 9 AM-5 PM with extended summer hours). Operations close during lightning for safety.

Security & Access

24/7 Marina Access: Premium marinas like Bald Ridge offer around-the-clock access with gated security and marina-wide patrols.

Distance from Atlanta:

30 minutes: Habersham Marina (closest)
35 miles: Bald Ridge Marina
42 miles: Gainesville Marina
45 minutes: Most Buford and Flowery Branch marinas

Best Marina Options by Specific Need

For Daily Boat Launching:

Bald Ridge Marina ($10/day)
Harbor Landing Marina (resort guests/day visitors)
Mary Alice Park (free Corps ramp)

For Permanent Storage:

Habersham Marina (closest to Atlanta, dry stack)
Holiday Marina (1,300 slips, largest facility)
Aqualand Marina (world's largest)

For Dockside Dining:

Port Royale Marina (Pelican Pete's tiki bar)
Holiday Marina (The Twisted Oar)
Harbor Landing Marina (LandShark Bar & Grill)
Aqualand Marina (Pig Tales)

For Protected Storage:

Safe Harbor Hideaway Bay Marina (sheltered cove)

For Dry Stack Convenience:

Habersham Marina (closest to Atlanta, 625-boat capacity)
Lazy Days Marina (Suntex-managed with BoatCloud app)

For Resort Experience:

Harbor Landing Marina (Margaritaville integration)

Exploring boating lifestyle? Read about boating lifestyle on Lake Lanier.

Comparing North vs. South Lake Marina Access

Northern Lake Advantages (Gainesville Area)

Quieter waters with reduced recreational traffic
Most pristine northern sections
Established communities with mature amenities
Historic character and strong boating traditions

Southern Lake Advantages (Cumming/Buford Area)

Minimal drive times for metro Atlanta residents
Proximity to Lake Lanier Islands resort complex
Contemporary dining and entertainment options
After-work boating and weekend trips without extended travel

Compare specific advantages in North vs. South Lake Lanier buyer guide.

Marina Selection Guide: Matching Lifestyle to Location

For Weekend Warriors

Ideal: Convenient Atlanta access (30-45 minutes), dry stack storage, extended weekend hours Recommended: Habersham Marina, Bald Ridge Marina, Lazy Days Marina

For Serious Boating Enthusiasts

Ideal: Large wet slips (40+ feet), professional maintenance, year-round operations Recommended: Holiday Marina, Aqualand Marina, Gainesville Marina

For Family-Focused Boaters

Ideal: Protected waters, kid-friendly amenities, proximity to beaches Recommended: Harbor Landing Marina, Safe Harbor Hideaway Bay, Sunrise Cove Marina

For Social Boaters

Ideal: On-site restaurants, large community, live music and events Recommended: Port Royale Marina, Aqualand Marina, Holiday Marina

Schedule a consultation to determine which Lake Lanier marina best matches your boating lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Lake Lanier marinas have public boat ramps?

Only two marinas offer public boat ramp access: Bald Ridge Marina charges $10 per day (annual Corps passes not accepted), and Harbor Landing Marina provides access to resort guests and day visitors with applicable fees. Most Lake Lanier marinas restrict boat ramps exclusively to marina customers. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates 43 public boat ramps, including 26 free-access locations.

What is the closest marina to Atlanta?

Habersham Marina in Cumming is closest—just 30 minutes from I-285 and three miles off GA-400. The dry stack facility provides efficient forklift launching with one-hour weekday notice, accommodating boats up to 28 feet. Bald Ridge Marina is the closest full-service marina at 35 miles northeast of Atlanta, offering wet slip storage and daily launch access.

Do Lake Lanier marinas accept annual Corps of Engineers passes?

No. Private Lake Lanier marinas do not accept U.S. Army Corps of Engineers annual passes. These $40 annual passes apply only to Corps-operated public boat ramps and parks. Bald Ridge Marina explicitly states Corps passes are not accepted for their $10 daily boat ramp fee. Private marinas establish independent fee structures separate from Corps-managed access points.

Partner with Lake Lanier's Marina Expert

Understanding Lake Lanier's complex marina network requires firsthand knowledge from someone who lives the lake lifestyle daily. Beka Rickman brings unmatched expertise with 10+ years on the water, rental property ownership near Hideaway Bay Marina, and weekly boating as a Freedom Boat Club member.

Why Choose Beka Rickman

Authentic Lake Lifestyle Authority:

Personal experience at every major Lake Lanier marina
Direct knowledge of quiet coves, family spots, and social hubs
Boat-based property tours revealing true geographic positioning

Professional Excellence:

#1 Individual Agent for Closed Units at Keller Williams (2016)
Top 10% of Georgia Realtors
Owner-Realtor of Beka & Associates Real Estate with PEND Realty LLC
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regulation navigation expertise
Dock permitting and multi-municipality building rules knowledge

Community Leadership:

Co-leads Take The Lead Women's Connection
Active in 1,000+ member Suwanee Area Moms Club
Extensive network of trusted local professionals

Experience the Difference

Boat-first property tours reveal information land-based showings miss—true cove positioning, marina accessibility, wake patterns, and lifestyle fit that determines long-term satisfaction with Lake Lanier real estate investments.

Schedule your boat-based Lake Lanier property tour and discover why showing homes from the water provides perspective no competitor can replicate.

Ready to start your Lake Lanier marina journey? Contact Beka Rickman today for expert guidance navigating Lake Lanier's marina network and waterfront real estate opportunities. Whether seeking weekend retreat properties near convenient Atlanta-area marinas or luxury estates near premium full-service facilities, authentic lake lifestyle expertise makes all the difference.