Things to Do at Lake Burton
Camping, paddling, a state trout hatchery and a historic marina, 35 minutes from Helen
The short answer
What to do at Lake Burton
If you came for the water, Lake Burton delivers: cold, deep, clear and ringed by forest. Getting onto it takes a little planning because most of the shoreline is private. Moccasin Creek State Park is the main public hub for camping, launching and renting paddle craft, and LaPrade's Marina handles the motorboats. The lake is about 20 miles from Helen, a 35-minute drive up Highway 17 and GA-197.
For history, size and logistics, see our Lake Burton visitor guide. This page is about what to do once you're there.
Places worth a stop
| Stop | Where | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Mark of the Potter | 9982 Highway 197 North, Clarkesville | Working pottery studio and gallery, open more than 50 years. Summer hours 10 AM to 6 PM daily; call 706-947-3440 for off-season hours. |
| Moccasin Creek State Park | 3655 Highway 197, Clarkesville | Camping, boat ramp, paddle rentals in warm months, accessible fishing pier. $10 ParkPass. |
| Lake Burton Fish Hatchery | Next to the state park | Free. Mon to Fri 8 AM to 4:30 PM; weekends 10 AM to 3 PM. |
| LaPrade's Marina | 25 Shoreline Trail, Clarkesville | Boat rentals and three places to eat. Thu to Sun 9 AM to 5 PM, seasonal. 706-947-0010. |
Hours checked with each stop's own site in October 2026. Seasonal businesses change hours after Labor Day, so call ahead.
The drive up Highway 197
The drive up GA-197 is part of the trip. Mark of the Potter is on the way near Clarkesville, with potters working on site and a gallery of handmade ceramics. Past it, the road winds up into the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest toward the lake.
Camping, fishing and paddling at Moccasin Creek
Camping at Moccasin Creek means 53 sites with electric hookups on level ground, a boat dock and ramp, a wildlife observation tower and a playground. The park is only 32 acres, so the campground sits close to the water.
The park's accessible fishing pier is over a trout-filled creek, reserved for anglers 65 and older, children 11 and younger, and anyone with a Georgia disability fishing license. In warm months you can rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and canoes. If you want a sandy swimming beach, don't count on this park; Rabun County's tourism site lists Timpson Cove as another public access point, and Georgia Power's North Georgia lakes office (706-746-1450) can tell you what's there.
Renting a boat
LaPrade's Marina rents boats and keeps a ship store and boat storage. It also has Lake Burton Grill, Bowline Takeaway and Bar, and Billy Goat Island Pizza Bar. Rental prices aren't posted, so call before you set a budget. A pontoon is the easy way to see the coves. Georgia law requires a life jacket for every person on board.
Fishing
Burton is known for spotted bass, with largemouth bass and several kinds of trout also in the lake. Spring brings bass into shallower water, and a state trout hatchery sits next to Moccasin Creek. Anglers 16 and older need a license from Georgia DNR. For stream fishing, see our North Georgia trout guide.
Common questions
What's the best way to see Lake Burton without a boat?
Drive GA-197 along the lake, stop at Moccasin Creek State Park for the lake views and the hatchery, and have lunch at LaPrade's Marina if it's open that day.
What fish are in Lake Burton?
Spotted bass, largemouth bass and several kinds of trout, according to the lake's reference entry. The state hatchery next to Moccasin Creek raises trout. You need a Georgia fishing license if you're 16 or older.
Is camping available?
Yes. Moccasin Creek State Park has 53 tent, trailer and RV sites with electric hookups. Reserve through Georgia State Parks at 800-864-7275.
Where can I rent a kayak or paddleboard?
Moccasin Creek State Park rents kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and canoes in warm months, and LaPrade's Marina rents powerboats and pontoons. Neither posts prices online, so call first.
Related Imagery from Around Helen
