Carters Lake

Choose the Right Recreation Area

The four FIND Outdoors recreation areas at Carters Lake serve different types of visits.

Doll Mountain Campground & Recreation Area offers developed tent and RV camping, picnic areas, lake access, swimming, fishing, and other lake recreation.

Woodring Developed Campground offers developed tent and RV camping along with a swimming area, fishing, boating, picnic areas, and other lake recreation.

Woodring Primitive Campground offers 11 tent-only primitive campsites in a wooded setting. Facilities are more limited than at Woodring Developed.

Harris Branch Beach Recreation Area is a seasonal day-use area for swimming, picnicking, fishing, and spending time by the lake. Overnight camping is not available at Harris Branch.

Camping Reservations & Check-In

Camping reservations for Doll Mountain, Woodring Developed, and Woodring Primitive are made through Recreation.gov.

Campers must have a reservation before entering the campground. Reservations cannot be created or changed by calling or emailing the FIND Outdoors office.

Current FIND Carters Lake campground check-in times are:

Check-in: 3:00 PM
Check-out: 12:00 PM

Note: Check-in times and reservation policies are subject to change. Please review recreation.gov for the most accurate information. Campers should review their reservation confirmation before traveling and make sure their selected campsite can accommodate their tent, RV, trailer, vehicles, and other equipment.

Doll Mountain Campground & Recreation Area

Doll Mountain offers a mix of wooded and waterfront camping for tents and RVs.

Amenities include hot showers, flush toilets, picnic areas, tent pads, fire rings, a playground, and access to lake recreation.

The road entering Doll Mountain includes a steep downhill grade. Visitors, especially those traveling with RVs, trailers, or boats, should drive slowly and use caution when entering the recreation area.

Only registered campers are permitted within the campground. Visitors should review their reservation details and campsite information before arriving.

Woodring Developed Campground

Woodring Developed offers developed lakeside camping for tents and RVs.

Campers have access to hot showers, flush toilets, picnic areas, fire rings, playgrounds, a small swimming area, a private boat ramp, and a life jacket loaner station.

Woodring Developed and Woodring Primitive are separate campgrounds. Visitors should follow signs carefully after entering the Woodring area and make sure they arrive at the campground associated with their reservation.

Only registered campers are permitted within the campground.

Woodring Primitive Campground

Woodring Primitive provides a quieter, more basic camping experience with 11 tent-only, non-electric campsites.

Amenities include tent pads, fire rings, and vault toilets. Visitors should arrive prepared for fewer developed facilities than those available at Woodring Developed.

A reservation at Woodring Primitive does not include access to the swimming area, bathrooms, showers, or other camper-only facilities at Woodring Developed.

Only registered campers are permitted within the campground.

Harris Branch Beach Recreation Area

Harris Branch is a seasonal day-use recreation area and does not offer overnight camping.

The beach is currently scheduled to operate from May 21 through September 7.

Saturday, Sunday & Holidays: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Wednesday: Closed for maintenance and mowing

No admission is permitted within one hour of closing.

A $5 per vehicle day-use fee applies. Visitors should check current hours and operating information before traveling, particularly near the beginning or end of the season.

Swimming & Water Safety

Swimming and other water recreation are popular activities at Carters Lake, but lake conditions can change because of weather, storms, water levels, and boating activity.

There are no lifeguards on duty at Harris Branch Beach, so visitors swim at their own risk. Children should be supervised closely around the water.
Visitors should avoid entering the water during thunderstorms, high winds, severe weather, or other unsafe conditions. Use caution around boat traffic, changing depths, slippery shoreline surfaces, and areas outside designated swimming zones.

Floats and inflatables are permitted in designated swimming areas when used responsibly and without interfering with other swimmers.

Glass containers are not permitted on beaches or within designated swimming areas.

Boating & Fishing

Carters Lake offers opportunities for boating, paddling, and fishing.

Visitors bringing a boat, kayak, canoe, or other watercraft should use designated access areas and follow all applicable Georgia boating and water-safety regulations.

Anglers are responsible for reviewing current Georgia fishing license requirements, seasons, limits, and other regulations before fishing.

Life jackets are strongly recommended around the water and are required when applicable under state boating regulations.

Pets

Dogs are welcome at Doll Mountain, Woodring Developed, and Woodring Primitive when they are kept on a leash and remain under control.

Visitors are responsible for cleaning up after their pets and preventing them from disturbing wildlife, neighboring campers, or other recreation users.

Pets are not permitted on beaches or within designated swimming areas, including Harris Branch Beach.

Service animals are permitted in accordance with applicable law.

Campfires & Campsite Care

Designated campsites at Doll Mountain and the Woodring campgrounds include fire rings.

Campfires should be kept within designated fire rings and are subject to current fire restrictions. Never leave a fire unattended, and make sure all flames and coals are completely extinguished before leaving the campsite or going to sleep.

Visitors are encouraged to purchase firewood locally and burn it where it is purchased to help prevent the spread of tree-killing insects and forest diseases.

Keep campsites clean, dispose of trash properly, and leave the area ready for the next visitor.

Campsite Occupancy

Standard campsites at the Carters Lake campgrounds generally allow a maximum of eight people, two vehicles, and one boat.

Individual campsites may have additional equipment or vehicle-size limitations. Campers should always review the details for their specific reservation before arriving.

Camping at Carters Lake recreation areas is limited to no more than 14 days within a 30-day period.

America the Beautiful Passes

Qualifying America the Beautiful federal recreation passes may provide free access to eligible day-use areas when the passholder is present.

Pass benefits can vary depending on the type of fee, campsite, reservation, or recreation area. Camping fees and reservation charges should not be assumed to be covered by a day-use pass.

Visitors planning to use a federal recreation pass should bring the physical pass and review current requirements before arriving.

Weather & Seasonal Conditions

Weather around Carters Lake can change quickly. Thunderstorms, heavy rain, high winds, heat, fog, and changing lake conditions may affect camping, swimming, boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

Check the forecast before traveling and continue monitoring conditions throughout your visit. Leave the water and move to a safe location if thunder or lightning develops nearby.

Wildlife

The forests and shoreline around Carters Lake support a variety of wildlife, including deer, snakes, birds, insects, and other animals.

Wildlife should always be viewed from a safe distance. Never approach, feed, or disturb wild animals.

Keep food and trash secured, maintain a clean campsite, and supervise pets and children around natural areas.

Cell Service & Navigation

Cell service may be limited around portions of Carters Lake. Because Doll Mountain, Harris Branch, Woodring Developed, and Woodring Primitive have separate entrances, visitors should save directions to the specific recreation area they plan to visit rather than navigating only to Carters Lake.

Campers should also download reservation information before traveling in case cellular service becomes unreliable.

What to Bring

• Reservation information if camping
• Saved directions to your specific recreation area
• Camping equipment appropriate for your reserved site
• Food, drinking water, and snacks
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Sunscreen and insect protection
• Rain gear
• Swimwear, towels, and water recreation gear
• Life jackets when appropriate
• Fishing equipment and required licenses if fishing
• Flashlights or headlamps for overnight stays
• Leash and waste bags if bringing a dog
• Secure containers for food and trash

Fees, operating dates, campground rules, water conditions, and available services can change. Visitors should review current FIND Outdoors information and Recreation.gov reservation details before traveling.

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→ View Frequently Asked Questions