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Tugalo Lake Vacation Rentals

Tugalo Lake

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Tugalo Lake
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Why Rent On Tugalo Lake

Lake Tugalo is a 597-acre (2.42 km2) reservoir with 18 miles (29 km) of shoreline located in the northeastern Georgia in Habersham and Rabun counties, but also lies partially in Oconee County, South Carolina. It is the fifth lake in a six-lake series created by hydroelectric dams operated by Georgia Power that follows the original course of the Tallulah River. The series starts upstream on the Tallulah River with Lake Burton followed by Lake Seed, Lake Rabun, Lake Tallulah Falls and Lake Tugalo, ending with Lake Yonah. The western arm of Lake Tugalo is filled by the Tallulah River and the eastern arm is filled by the Chattooga River. Georgia Power considers the lake full at a surface elevation of 891.5 feet (271.7 m).
Lake Tugalo began filling in 1923 with the completion of the Tugalo Dam, a gravity concrete and masonry dam. The dam is 155 feet (47 m) high and has a span of 740 feet (230 m). The Tugalo Hydroelectric Plant has a generation capacity of 45 megawatts.

Best time to go
Visit Tugalo Lake from late spring to early summer, when the air is fragrant with blooming wildflowers. Enjoy serene early mornings for fishing, embrace sunny afternoons for kayaking, and relish the tranquil evenings as vibrant sunsets reflect on the water, all amidst fewer tourists and gentle breezes.
Water Quality
Lake Tugalo's waters exhibit a deep blue hue, reflecting the surrounding mountainous terrain. The lake's clarity is exceptional, offering crystal-clear views of its submerged features.
Surface area (mi)
1.5
Max depth (ft)
154.2
Elevation (ft)
891.4
Shoreline length (mi)
18

Popular activities

  • Boating
  • Fishing
  • Kayaking
  • Canoeing
  • Hiking
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Marinas on Tugalo Lake

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Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to dive into what Tugalo Lake has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!

  • No, you cannot swim in Tugalo Lake. The lake is primarily used for boating, fishing, and other water activities, but swimming is not allowed. It is fed by the Chattooga and Tallulah Rivers and is known for its deep waters and fishing opportunities.

  • Tugalo Lake is a popular destination because of its excellent fishing and boating opportunities. The lake remains serene with no development, making it ideal for those seeking a peaceful outdoor experience. It is also known for its clear waters and abundant fish population.

  • The minimum length for largemouth bass in Tugalo Lake, Georgia, is 12 inches. Creel limits may apply, so it’s important to check the regulation signs at the boat ramp for complete information. Both Georgia and South Carolina fishing licenses are honored for fishing in this lake.

  • There is no public beach at Tugalo Lake. Tugalo Lake, near Tallulah Falls, is a 597-acre reservoir with no developed beach areas. Instead, it is known for boating and fishing.

    However, if you are looking for a beach in the vicinity of a similar name, Tugaloo State Park, which is located on Lake Hartwell, has a white sandy beach in its day use area.

  • Towns near Tugalo Lake include Toccoa, Georgia, and Clemson, South Carolina. Tugalo Lake is located in the mountainous region of Oconee County, South Carolina, and is fed by the Chattooga and Tallulah Rivers. It is backed up by the Tugalo dam.