The Mayor of Big Beach Lake Martin
by Jamie Burnett
Big Beach, Big Family, Big Fun.
If you’ve spent much time on Lake Martin, you probably know about Big Beach. For the past 20 years, it’s been more than just a sunny patch of sand, it’s become a tradition, a gathering place, and, for some, almost a second family.
It all started back in 2005. Ronnie Sanford, a local builder who’s called Lake Martin home since 1994, decided along with his wife Patricia and a handful of friends to make Big Beach their weekend hangout. What began as a small group looking for fun on the Jackson’s Gap side of the lake has grown into one of the most well-known spots on Lake Martin, with Ronnie affectionately crowned the “unofficial mayor”.
Big Beach sits on the south end of Woods Island, a Russell Lands property open for day use. With over 300 feet of shoreline, the name fits. The center is pure sand, framed by rocky edges, and on weekends you’ll find it packed with both locals and new faces. There’s plenty of space for beach games, sunbathing, and lazy afternoons. The water is shallow near the edge, perfect for cooling off and letting kids splash. Whether you’re looking to make new friends or catch up with old ones, Big Beach draws people in with its laid back charm. It’s the kind of place where you can make new friends or run into old ones, all while enjoying the hospitality of Lake Martin.
Ronnie & Patricia Sanford
Keeping the Beach Beautiful
Ronnie and his crew don’t just enjoy Big Beach, they look after it. Every spring before boating season kicks off, they spend at least three full weekends hauling away winter’s debris, mowing, weedeating, and gathering every bit of trash that’s washed up. They pile up logs and sticks for a bonfire, making the area spotless and ready for summer fun.
The regulars include Rusty and Linda Sexton, Donnie and Deborah Parsons, Chris and Dale Harris, Angie and Joe Riley, Ronnie and Patricia Sanford, along with their son David and his wife Tamara. Most live within a quick boat ride, in Bay Pines or near Manoy Creek none farther than a 10 minute boat ride. Each weekend they make Big Beach their own retreat.
On Fridays, the crew arrives early to rake the sand and set up a trash bag for the weekend crowd. Rusty brings a mower on his boat, Donnie fires up the weedeater, and the wives rake the sand the full length of the beach. Everyone takes turns hauling out the week’s garbage for pickup at home. Their game of choice? Horseshoes, though holidays have brought a few wild rounds of “Survivor Island,” complete with wheelbarrow races, peanut-on-spoon sprints, and the unforgettable tennis ball challenge (let’s just say it involves some cheek clenching and plenty of laughs). Ronnie admits those games faded with time. “We got too old,” he says, chuckling. “Now it’s just horseshoes.” Visitors often bring cornhole boards, footballs, or a frisbee to add to the fun.
A Welcoming Tradition
The ladies claim a circle of chairs they call the “Hen Pen,” greeting new arrivals and helping families unload. There’s a mayor’s table, handcrafted by Patricia, and some benches to gather around. They grill hamburgers and hotdogs for lunch when the weather’s right, but when the heat is on, it’s cold sandwiches, classic rock, and a bit of Motown. Over the years, Ronnie has met hundreds of people, he may not remember every name, but he never forgets a face.
Some friendships have lasted for years. One couple, the Martins from LSU, visited on vacation nearly 15 years ago. Someone once told them they just had to meet the “mayor” of Big Beach. They’ve returned every summer since, spending the day swapping stories and catching up like old friends. That’s the magic of Big Beach. Vacationers often come back, drawn by the community and the easy atmosphere.
A Few Simple Rules
These days, Big Beach can get pretty busy. Ronnie says a little courtesy goes a long way when beaching your boat. Pull in close just two or three feet apart to leave space for others. Parking ten feet away means fewer people get to enjoy the shore. Most of all, they ask that everyone help keep Big Beach beautiful. Pack out all your trash, and any you find along the way. The crew’s mission is simple: leave the beach even better than you found it.
Why Big Beach Matters
Big Beach isn’t just a pin on the map. It’s a Lake Martin tradition, a place where good people come together, take care of something special, and create memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re there for a quick swim or an all day hangout, you’ll find yourself surrounded by welcoming faces, gorgeous views, and an open invitation to relax and join the fun.
Tips for Visiting Big Beach
- Arrive early on weekends: Big Beach fills up fast in the summer, so get there early for the best spots.
- Bring your own supplies: There are no stores or restaurants on the island, so pack a cooler with plenty of snacks and drinks.
- Clean up before you leave: Help keep the lake beautiful by picking up all your trash and belongings.
So next time you plan a day on Lake Martin, make sure Big Beach is on your list. You’ll leave with a sun kissed smile, a few new friends, and some of the best lake memories around. And if you want to pitch in, the crew will gladly accept donations of heavy duty contractor trash bags to help keep the beach sparkling clean for the next 20 years. Thank you to the whole Big Beach crew for 20 years of dedication to making Big Beach a great place to be.
Be Considerate
On Friday August 9th, 2025 this picture was posted by a woman on Facebook complaining that this man was mowing when she pulled up to Big Beach. Please be considerate of these volunteers and thank them instead of trying to publicly shame them when they are using their own equipment and time to keep Big Beach clean for everyone. If you pull up to a beach while an UNPAID VOLUNTEER is mowing or weed eating, give them the time and space to finish up rather than insist on shaming them online or causing unnecessary drama. They bring all their equipment by boat and it is a thankless job. It’s sad this has to be said but the lake has changed a lot. Be part of the solution and not the problem.
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Great article, that’s what it is all about, love and enjoy Lake Martin by treating it as a “Treasured Lake”
Thanks Jamie!!!
Thank you for this information. This is our third time visiting LM. 32 and 10 years ago Where is Big Beach located. We are staying near Harbor Pointe in Stillwaters.
It’s at the south end of Woods Island. There is a map on the islands page of our site.