Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge covers 4,049 acres, with 1,000 acres of open water and 3,049 acres of marsh, hardwood swamp, upland. The lake is a natural Pocosin or Mill Pond probably created by tidal action of the ocean and shaped by a more temperate climate thousands of years ago.
Banks Lake covers about 1,000 acres of open water. There is a triple wide concrete launch ramp. No launch fee is currently charged. The refuge offers both hiking and boating trails. One of the refuge objectives is to provide a showcase outdoor recreational opportunity for the physically challenged.
Public use opportunities at Banks Lake include hiking, boating, freshwater fishing, wildlife observation and photography. Sportfish most caught include largemouth bass, chain pickerel, crappie, bluegill, warmouth perch, flier, and catfish. There is no horsepower limitation for boats on the refuge. However, due to the extensive amount of stumps and logs both floating and anchored to the bottom of the lake, idle speed or exclusive use of an electric trolling motor is suggested.
Climate - The climate in South Georgia is generally mild and moist in the winter with summers that can be quite hot and humid. Precipitation is fairly well distributed throughout the year; there are no wet or dry seasons inland. Weather on the coast may be milder and windy.
Location - Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge is found in the western half of Lanier County in southern Georgia, 2 miles west of Lakeland along State Highway 122.