Morganton Point Recreation Area
Morganton, Georgia · on Blue Ridge Lake · Chattahoochee National Forest
Verified · 4 independent sources · top-verified
- WATER
- reservoir
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- $5 per person
- SEASON
- Best in summer
About Morganton Point Recreation Area
Morganton Point Recreation Area is a U.S. Forest Service campground and day-use area on the north shore of Lake Blue Ridge, a 3,290-acre TVA reservoir in Chattahoochee National Forest near Morganton and Blue Ridge, Georgia. It is the only developed campground on the lake's shoreline, and for anyone hunting places to swim on Lake Blue Ridge, its official designated beach is the main swimming hole on this shore, sitting alongside boating and fishing access.
The recreation area sits on the northern shoreline of Lake Blue Ridge, a large mountain reservoir with over 60 miles of shoreline in the Blue Ridge Ranger District of the Chattahoochee National Forest. About 16 of the roughly 40 campsites are lakefront, and the area is a short drive from the town of Blue Ridge via US 515 and GA Highway 60.
Swimming at Morganton Point Recreation Area
Swimming takes place at a Forest Service-designated swimming area along the reservoir shoreline, described by a visitor as a clean, spacious beach that is rocky rather than sandy underfoot. The site suits families and campers looking for calm reservoir water rather than a river current, with outdoor showers and picnic tables adjacent to the swim area.
How to get to this swimming hole
From Blue Ridge, Georgia: go north on US Highway 515 for about 4 miles, turn right onto GA Highway 60 and continue about 0.5 miles into Morganton, then turn right onto Lake Drive and continue about 1 mile to the recreation area.
Parking: Day-use parking lot at the recreation area; a day-use fee applies to any vehicle parked in the day-use lot.
The hike in
No hike is needed to reach the swim beach - it's a drive-up day-use area with adjacent parking. A separate short lakeshore day-use trail exists on-site for strolls (not required for swimming), and the Appalachian and Benton MacKaye Trails pass nearby, but neither leads to the designated swim area.
Swim beach is a short walk (under a couple minutes) from the day-use parking lot.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
OK with supervision
Calm reservoir water at a Forest Service-designated swim beach is generally easy for families, but the shoreline is rocky rather than sandy (per a visitor review) and no lifeguards are mentioned on the official site, so younger kids should be supervised on entry.
Parking
Paid, $5 per person (ages 16+) day-use fee
Day-use visitors park in the swim beach/picnic area lot; the $5 fee is charged per person rather than per vehicle. Campers with reservations park at their own site (2-vehicle max, 4 for group sites) and avoid the day-use fee.
Restrooms
Yes
Restrooms and outdoor showers are provided at the day-use/beach area; accessible showers and drinking water are also provided at the campground.
Water clarity
Clear
Explore Georgia's official tourism page describes Lake Blue Ridge as having 'crystal clear aquamarine waters,' one of the state's more visually striking mountain reservoirs. No first-hand visitor water-clarity reports were found for the Morganton Point beach specifically.
Hours
Open 24 hours a day year-round; quiet hours 10pm-7am.
On the water
Per the USFS page, Lake Blue Ridge 'is open to motor boats and jet skis, as well as non-motorized watercraft' - no wake-zone, electric-only, or carry-in-only restriction is stated for this location. Morganton Point has its own boat ramp and courtesy dock.
Rentals nearby
Bennington pontoon boats, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards
Prices: Kayak/canoe/paddleboard: $55 single or $75 double for 2 hours. Pontoon: $475+tax half day (4 hrs, plus $30 fuel/booking surcharge) or $625+tax full day (8 hrs, plus $60 fuel/booking surcharge). Last departure 3:00 PM.
335 Marina Dr., Blue Ridge, GA 30513 - on Lake Blue Ridge; exact driving distance from Morganton Point not confirmed but on the same reservoir · Open Thursday-Tuesday (closed Wednesdays); fuel dock 9am-6pm
What regulars say
One recent visitor described the swim beach as 'beautiful' and clean with plenty of space, but rocky rather than sandy underfoot, and noted it's used for both swimming and kayaking. No other visitor commentary specific to Morganton Point turned up in this pass.
Morganton Point Recreation Area: FAQ
Does Morganton Point Recreation Area charge a fee?
Day use: $5 per person (ages 16+). Camping: $30-$50 per night depending on site amenities. Boat trailer launch: $5. Pavilion rental: $40. Senior/Access Pass holders get 50% off single-family campsites.
Is Morganton Point Recreation Area kid friendly?
Calm reservoir water at a Forest Service-designated swim beach is generally easy for families, but the shoreline is rocky rather than sandy (per a visitor review) and no lifeguards are mentioned on the official site, so younger kids should be supervised on entry.
Do I need to hike to reach Morganton Point Recreation Area?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Where do I park for Morganton Point Recreation Area?
Day-use visitors park in the swim beach/picnic area lot; the $5 fee is charged per person rather than per vehicle. Campers with reservations park at their own site (2-vehicle max, 4 for group sites) and avoid the day-use fee.
Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to Morganton Point Recreation Area?
Per the USFS page, Lake Blue Ridge 'is open to motor boats and jet skis, as well as non-motorized watercraft' - no wake-zone, electric-only, or carry-in-only restriction is stated for this location. Morganton Point has its own boat ramp and courtesy dock.
When is the best time to visit Morganton Point Recreation Area?
Open year-round with flat rates, but lakefront camping and swimming are busiest in summer, when the most desirable lakefront sites reportedly book within minutes of the reservation window opening.
What are the rules at Morganton Point Recreation Area?
No alcohol in the campground or day-use areas; 14-day maximum stay; dogs must be leashed; quiet hours 10pm-7am; maximum 2 vehicles per site (4 for group sites).
What water body is Morganton Point Recreation Area on?
Morganton Point Recreation Area is on Blue Ridge Lake, a natural reservoir verified in USGS hydrography data.
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