U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Carters Lake

07/31/2026

No Wake Zones are there for a reason. Reducing your speed helps protect swimmers, paddlers, and wildlife, keeps docks and boats safe from damage, and protects shorelines from erosion.

Remember, when you enter a No Wake Zone:
✅ Slow to idle speed
✅ Minimize your wake
✅ Stay alert for others on the water
✅ Take precautions to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning
✅ Make sure every passenger stays on the vessel and keeps their life jacket on

07/27/2026

That inflatable raft can be a lot of fun, until an unexpected fall turns into a fight for your life.

A fall from a raft, kayak, or boat can leave even experienced swimmers struggling in open water. Lakes, rivers, and ponds have currents, cold temperatures, uneven bottoms, and changing conditions that you won't find in a swimming pool.

07/16/2026

✨ Thanks to everyone who joined us for Moth Night at Carters Lake! 🌙🦋

Who knew staying up after dark could be so moth-ivating? 😄 We had a great evening exploring the fascinating world of these often-overlooked nighttime pollinators and discovering just how many incredible species call Carters Lake home.

A big thank you to our partners at Find Outdoors for making this event a success, and to everyone who came out with their curiosity and sense of adventure. We hope you had as much fun as we did!

Check out a few of the amazing moths we spotted!

07/08/2026

🌙🦋 Looking for something fun to do after dark? Our partners at FIND Outdoors are hosting a Night Moth Event at Harris Branch! Come discover the incredible diversity of moths and other fascinating nighttime wildlife while learning from knowledgeable naturalists. Check out their post below for all the event details.We hope to see you there!

When night falls, a whole hidden world wakes up – and you’re invited to explore it.

Join us at the Harris Branch day use area on Wednesday, July 15th for an evening dedicated to the moths of North Georgia, some of the most important (and overlooked) creatures in our forests. Families can wander between three short‑walk observation stations, each glowing with light setups that attract a host of our nighttime flying friends. Along the way, enjoy hands‑on activities and kid‑friendly games that introduce moth ecology, their role as pollinators, and the surprising diversity fluttering through the night! Whether you’re a seasoned camper, a nature‑loving family, or a first‑time visitor, this relaxed nighttime program offers a chance to slow down, look closely, and discover just how alive the forest becomes after dark. Bring your curiosity — the moths will bring the magic!

Visitors are encouraged to arrive between 8:30 PM and 9:00 PM. The event will end around 10:00 PM.

For more information , follow the link here: https://gofindoutdoors.org/events/moth-night-at-harris-branch/

07/04/2026

Whether you are boating, fishing, or swimming this Fourth of July, Uncle Sam wants YOU to wear a life jacket! Make sure your holiday weekend is memorable for the right reasons.
Remember these water safety tips:

🛟 Always wear a life jacket when in, on, or near the water
☀️ Never swim alone
👀 Keep constant supervision on children near water
🚫 Alcohol and water don’t mix

A safe celebration is the best way to enjoy the holiday. Have fun, stay cool, and protect your loved ones this Independence Day!

07/03/2026

Ready to celebrate the Fourth of July? Follow these simple tips to ensure you have a happy and safe Fourth of July weekend. Remember Life Jackets Worn…Nobody Mourns

07/02/2026

🇺🇸𝗙𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗢𝗙 𝗝𝗨𝗟𝗬 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗦 𝗨𝗣! 🇺🇸
Well...it's that time of year again.
The coolers are packed(with water and sports drinks…right?😑).
The boats are fueled.
Someone has already asked, "Are we there yet?"
And Carters Lake is getting ready for a VERY busy holiday weekend.
Before you hook up the trailer and head our way, here are a few things you need to know.
🎆 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗦𝗧...𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗘𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗞𝗦 𝗔𝗧 𝗛𝗢𝗠𝗘.
We know they're fun.
We know they're festive.
We know Uncle Bob swears he knows what he's doing.
But fireworks are NOT allowed anywhere at Carters Lake.
The only thing that should be lighting up the night sky this weekend is the stars.
🚧 𝗡𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗞 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗖𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥
Both areas will close at 8:00 PM, and admission will end at 7:00 PM.
If you roll in at 7:05 with a vehicle full of excited passengers...we promise the gate didn't close just to ruin your weekend. Plan ahead and arrive early.
🚤 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗖𝗥𝗢𝗪𝗗𝗦
It's a holiday weekend, which means we're expecting the park to be extremely busy.
Parking lots WILL fill.
Boat ramps WILL have lines.
Traffic WILL move a little slower than you'd like.
A little patience and a little kindness go a long way. Everyone's here for the same reason—to enjoy a beautiful day at the lake.
☀️ 𝗜𝗧'𝗦 𝗚𝗢𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗢 𝗕𝗘 𝗛𝗢𝗧. 𝗟𝗜𝗞𝗘...𝗠𝗘𝗟𝗧-𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥-𝗜𝗖𝗘-𝗖𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗠-𝗕𝗘𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗘-𝗬𝗢𝗨-𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘-𝗔-𝗕𝗜𝗧𝗘 𝗛𝗢𝗧.
Drink plenty of water.
Take breaks in the shade.
Know your limits.
Remember...the sun doesn't care how many vacation days you have left.
🦺 𝗕𝗘 𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗘 𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗥
Wear your life jacket.
Keep an eye on your family and friends.
Boat responsibly.
And make smart decisions so the only stories you bring home are the fun ones.

Our goal is simple:
We want everyone to enjoy an amazing Independence Day weekend...and make it home safely.
From all of us at Carters Lake, thank you for helping us keep the lake safe and enjoyable for everyone.
Have a safe and Happy Fourth of July! 🇺🇸

06/26/2026

Planning to visit a USACE recreation area for Independence Day weekend?

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will waive day use fees at USACE-operated recreation areas nationwide July 3-5. The waiver applies to boat launch ramps and swimming beaches.

It does not apply to camping, reservations, group picnic shelters, specialized facilities, or special events.

Find a USACE recreation site near you: www.corpslakes.us or www.recreation.gov

06/18/2026

A sample collected at the beach can help protect thousands of visitors throughout the recreation season.

On June 15, USACE Mobile District personnel and volunteers collected water samples from Harris Branch Beach at Carters Lake and analyzed them at the district’s first in-house E. coli testing station at the Carters Nature Center. By bringing testing capabilities in-house, the district can improve consistency and efficiency while continuing to monitor water quality at its recreation areas.