Things to Do at Lake Martin: A Complete Visitor Guide

Lake Martin is one of Alabama’s favorite destinations for boating, swimming, hiking, fishing, waterfront dining, and relaxed weekends outdoors. With roughly 44,000 acres of water and more than 750 miles of shoreline, the lake offers plenty to explore whether you are planning a family vacation, couples’ getaway, or Auburn weekend.

Auburn Glamping provides a private home base in Dadeville near Lake Martin and approximately 25 minutes from Auburn University. Guests can combine lake adventures with a memorable stay in a luxury geodesic dome on 26 wooded acres.

Peaceful Lake Martin view from Auburn Glamping in Dadeville Alabama

1. Kayak and Paddleboard on Lake Martin

Exploring the water at a slower pace is one of the best ways to appreciate Lake Martin’s wooded shoreline. Auburn Glamping guests have access to approximately 300 feet of Lake Martin shoreline, and kayaks are included with the stay. Bring properly fitted life jackets, check the weather, and stay aware of boat traffic.

Kayaking on Lake Martin with kayaks included for Auburn Glamping guests

2. Rent a Boat and See Chimney Rock

A boat day opens up even more of Lake Martin. Visitors can rent pontoons, deck boats, and other watercraft from several marinas around the lake. Availability, age requirements, deposits, and seasonal hours vary, so reserve in advance and confirm the operator’s current policies.

Chimney Rock is one of Lake Martin’s best-known landmarks and is commonly viewed from the water. The Ridge Marina identifies its location as approximately a five-minute boat ride from the marina. Enjoy the scenery from a safe position, operate boats responsibly, and follow all posted rules and Alabama boating requirements.

Review current rental options through the Lake Martin visitor directory or contact a marina directly before your trip.

3. Hike to Smith Mountain Fire Tower

Smith Mountain is one of the most memorable viewpoints around Lake Martin. The restored historic fire tower stands above the lake, and the surrounding trail system includes educational displays and routes ranging from a steep climb to longer shoreline hikes.

The Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association maintains more than 26 miles of marked footpaths in the Lake Martin and Tallapoosa River area. Its trails include Smith Mountain and the Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail at Overlook Park. Wear appropriate shoes, bring water, keep pets leashed, and check current trail information before leaving.

See current maps and guidance from the Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association.

Wooded private trail leading toward Lake Martin access at Auburn Glamping

4. Spend a Day at Wind Creek State Park

Wind Creek State Park is a popular Lake Martin destination for swimming, boating, fishing, picnicking, and enjoying the shoreline. Activities and access can vary by season and weather, so check the park’s current alerts, operating information, and fees before visiting.

5. Explore Russell Crossroads

Russell Crossroads offers an easy change of pace after a day outdoors. Visitors can walk around the Town Green, browse lake-themed shops, find groceries and prepared food at Catherine’s Market, enjoy dining, and look for seasonal events and live entertainment.

Find current dining and event information on the official Russell Crossroads website.

6. Visit Horseshoe Bend National Military Park

Horseshoe Bend National Military Park preserves the site of the 1814 Battle of Horseshoe Bend and provides an important opportunity to learn about Creek history and the far-reaching consequences of the conflict. The National Park Service offers a visitor center, historic landscape, and a three-mile park road with a one-way loop along the battlefield and Tallapoosa River.

Admission is currently free, but hours and conditions can change. Review the National Park Service visitor information before traveling.

7. Plan a Day Trip to Auburn

Auburn University and downtown Auburn are approximately 25 minutes from Auburn Glamping. Walk through campus, visit Toomer’s Corner, enjoy local restaurants and coffee shops, attend an athletic event, or combine a university visit with a peaceful Lake Martin retreat.

Football weekends are especially popular, so plan lodging, parking, and dining early. Families can also use our Auburn football gameday guide.

8. Play Golf Near Lake Martin and Auburn

Golfers have several options around Lake Martin and Auburn, including StillWaters Golf in Dadeville, Lakewinds Golf Course in Alexander City, and the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Grand National near Auburn and Opelika. Course conditions, public access, tee times, and rates change, so confirm directly with each course.

9. Enjoy Lake Martin Restaurants and Local Treats

The Lake Martin area includes casual restaurants, waterfront dining, local cafés, and options in Dadeville and Alexander City. Some lake businesses operate seasonally or reduce their winter hours, so check current schedules before making a special trip.

One of our family’s recent finds is Wake House, where we enjoyed ice cream, friendly service, lake views, and a sandy beach area the kids loved. It is roughly eight minutes from Auburn Glamping under normal conditions, although driving time can vary. Our family favorite was the brownie sundae.

10. Enjoy a Slow Family Day at Auburn Glamping

Some of our favorite weekends do not require a packed itinerary. Our own family enjoys kayaking, swimming in the lake, making fires, exploring the creek and woods, tending the orchard, and discovering new local spots.

Start the morning with coffee on the little footbridge over the creek while the children explore nearby. Follow the private trail to Lake Martin, use the included kayaks, relax in the private hot tub, prepare dinner in the full kitchen, and end the evening around the outdoor fire pit.

See more real-life ideas and seasonal inspiration on our Auburn Glamping Instagram.

Luxury geodesic glamping dome on 26 private acres near Lake Martin Alabama

Sample Lake Martin Weekend Itinerary

Friday

Arrive in Dadeville, settle into the dome, enjoy the hot tub, and spend a quiet evening around the fire pit.

Saturday

Start with kayaking or a morning hike, spend the afternoon boating or visiting Russell Crossroads, then return for dinner and stargazing.

Sunday

Visit Smith Mountain Fire Tower, Horseshoe Bend National Military Park, or Auburn before traveling home.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Lake Martin?

Spring brings comfortable temperatures for hiking and increasingly active lake days. Summer is the busiest season for boating, swimming, and waterfront activities. Fall offers milder weather, changing leaves, Auburn football weekends, and fire-pit evenings. Winter is quieter and works well for hiking, hot-tub relaxation, and cozy dome stays.

For a cold-weather trip, read our Winter Glamping in Alabama guide.

Tips for Planning Your Lake Martin Trip

Reserve boats, restaurants, golf tee times, and lodging early during summer and Auburn event weekends.
Check weather, water conditions, park alerts, and seasonal operating hours.
Use properly fitted life jackets and follow Alabama boating regulations.
Bring sunscreen, water, insect protection, and suitable walking shoes.
Download directions before entering areas with limited cellular coverage.
Leave natural areas clean and follow posted trail and shoreline rules.

Plan Your Lake Martin Getaway

Auburn Glamping combines convenient access to Lake Martin and Auburn with a private nature retreat. The dome sleeps up to six guests and includes a full kitchen, bathroom, heating and air conditioning, private hot tub, fire pit, lake access, and kayaks.

Check availability and plan your Lake Martin stay

Explore our Lake Martin glamping experience, review our location and driving information, or browse the property photos.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do at Lake Martin?

Popular activities include boating, kayaking, swimming, fishing, hiking to scenic overlooks, visiting Smith Mountain Fire Tower, exploring Russell Crossroads, playing golf, and enjoying area restaurants.

Can Auburn Glamping guests access Lake Martin?

Yes. Guests have access to approximately 300 feet of Lake Martin shoreline, and kayaks are included with the stay.

Can visitors rent boats at Lake Martin?

Yes. Multiple marinas and rental businesses serve Lake Martin. Inventory and policies vary, so reserve early and verify current requirements directly with the operator.

How do you get to Chimney Rock?

Chimney Rock is most commonly viewed from the water by boat. Use a current lake map, follow boating rules, and ask your rental operator for safe navigation guidance.

Are there hiking trails near Lake Martin?

Yes. CRATA maintains marked trails around Lake Martin and the Tallapoosa River, including Smith Mountain and Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail at Overlook Park.

How far is Lake Martin from Auburn?

Driving time depends on the part of the lake and your destination. Auburn Glamping is in Dadeville near Lake Martin and approximately 25 minutes from Auburn University.