About Lake Oconee

Popular Lake Convenient to Atlanta, Augusta, the University of GA

One of Georgia's youngest manmade reservoirs, Lake Oconee was created in 1979 when the Wallace Dam was completed on the Oconee River.

Lake Oconee covers about 19,000 acres with 374 miles of shoreline in Greene, Morgan and Putnam counties about 60 miles northeast of Atlanta, about the same distance from Augusta, and about 30 miles from Athens, home of the University of Georgia.

Lake Oconee, along with its nearby sister lake, Lake Sinclair, are the core of what is sometimes called Georgia's Lake Country.

Extensive Recreational Opportunities

Lake Oconee has excellent opportunities for the whole family fishing, swimming, water sports, boating, camping, picnicking, waterskiing, wakeboarding, canoeing and kayaking.

There are plenty of campsites available, but Georgia's Lake Country is known for its luxury resorts, including the Ritz Carlton Lake Oconee, with its fine dining and day spa, and for golf, the Harbor Club Golf resort or any of the 130 holes of golf in the city of Greensboro.

There are special events almost year-round, including weekend summer concerts and fireworks over the lake.

Fishing, Hunting in National Forest

Lake Oconee's uniquely long and narrow shape produces noticeable water current throughout the lake during power generation and pump back. Fish tend to be more active and feed more aggressively when water is moving through the dam.

The best bets for Lake Oconee fishing include largemouth bass, white bass, striped bass, hybrid striped bass, crappie and catfish.

The Oconee National Forest adjoins the lake to the south, which offers miles of hiking and equestrian trails within the forest and one trail for dirt bikes and four-wheelers.

The area is a popular hunting area during deer season.

Historic Tours, and Shopping, and Weddings, Too

Greene County and the surrounding area is full of historical sites, with many walking and driving tours.

The small towns have a number of local shops and boutiques offering a fine collection of antiques, fashion, decorative accessories and jewelry.

Historic downtown Greensboro has small-town charm and a unique selection of shopping, dining and events.

For brides who dream of a ceremony by a lake, in a ballroom or among historic structures, the Lake Oconee area has many options to consider.

Nearby Milledgeville is another great place to visit during your time at Lake Sinclair. Budget Travel named this Central Georgia town one of the 10 Coolest Small Towns in America in 2019. 

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