THINGS TO DO AT LAKE OCONEE

Outdoor and water activities

Boating & water sports

Lake Oconee’s 19,000 acres of pristine water make it a paradise for water lovers. Visitors can rent motorboats, jet skis, pontoons and kayaks from local marinas to explore the lake. Calm coves and open stretches are equally suited to paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing. Many marinas offer hourly and daily rentals, so you can enjoy water sports even if you don’t own your own craft.

Fishing

Anglers flock to Lake Oconee for its diverse fish populations. Largemouth bass, crappie, catfish and bluegill are abundant, and local fishing guides can help visitors find the best spots. Shore fishing is popular at public access areas and campgrounds, while boats provide access to secluded coves. The lake regularly hosts fishing tournaments, drawing competitors from across the region.

Swimming & beaches

Several parks and campgrounds around Lake Oconee feature sandy beaches and designated swimming areas. At Lawrence Shoals Campground, visitors can enjoy RV sites, tent camping and amenities such as picnic tables, grills, bathhouses and boat docks. A beach with a swimming area and playground makes it ideal for families. Parks Ferry Campground also provides a swimming beach, boat ramp and outdoor sports area. During warmer months, the water is perfect for a refreshing dip after hiking or boating.

Golf and sporting activities

Championship golf courses

Lake Oconee is home to premier golf facilities. Reynolds Lake Oconee Golf Club features six signature courses designed by renowned architects, offering scenic and challenging layouts for every skill level. For a public option, Harbor Club on Lake Oconee boasts an eighteen‑hole course created by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish, ranked among Georgia’s “Best Courses You Can Play.” With its meticulously maintained fairways and lakeside views, Harbor Club is a beloved favorite among locals.

Other sports and recreation

Parks Ferry Campground includes an outdoor sports area for volleyball. Visitors can also rent bicycles or bring their own to explore miles of lakeside roads. Some local outfitters offer disc‑golf courses; check event calendars for current venues.

Nature and trail adventures

Hiking & nature trails

If you prefer exploring on land, Lake Oconee offers exceptional hiking. Rock Hawk Effigy and Trails, near Lawrence Shoals Road, features 25 miles of trails through woods, wetlands and along the lake and river. The park is centered around an ancient bird‑shaped stone effigy and includes indoor and outdoor interpretive center that highlight 12,000 years of local history. Trails are open daily and free to enjoy.

Nearby, Rock Eagle Effigy Mound within the Rock Eagle 4‑H Center offers another ancient site: a 2,000‑year‑old stone effigy listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The surrounding complex includes open‑air pavilions, a natural history museum and miles of forested trails.

Birdwatching and wildlife

The Rock Hawk trails are also a haven for birdwatchers, with more than 200 species of birds recorded—25 are on the Audubon Society’s priority list. You may spot ospreys, eagles and colorful songbirds while hiking. Keep binoculars handy and visit in the early morning for the best sightings.

Events and festivals

Lake Oconee Food & Wine Festival

One of the area’s signature events is the Lake Oconee Food and Wine Festival, held each spring at the Ritz‑Carlton. The festival features local chefs, wineries and live entertainment. Tickets sell out quickly, so plan ahead to enjoy tastings, cooking demonstrations and music.

Community events & seasonal festivals

Throughout the year, Lake Oconee hosts holiday parades, farmers markets, fireworks displays and seasonal celebrations. Check the Lake Oconee Life event calendar for up‑to‑date listings. Local towns also host first‑Friday art walks, summer concert series and craft fairs.

Family‑friendly activities

Many of the activities above are perfect for families: swimming at Lawrence Shoals beach, exploring Rock Hawk’s educational trails, visiting the Georgia Writers Museum or camping at one of the campgrounds. Harmony Crossing also features a playground and a Saturday Farmer’s Market.

Rainy day or indoor activities

When the weather doesn’t cooperate, explore Lake Oconee’s museums and cultural centres. The Madison‑Morgan Cultural Center hosts concerts and art exhibitions year‑round. The Georgia Writers Museum and the Lake Country Discovery Museum offer engaging indoor exhibits. Festival Hall regularly hosts performances by Oconee Performing Arts Center (OPAS) and workshops, and many local restaurants schedule live music during evenings. You can also relax at the spa, browse bookstores and boutiques in Greensboro, or catch a film at the community movie theater.

End your visit by exploring the treasure trove of blog posts below. These guides cover everything from weekly and weekend event roundups to seasonal favorites like fall festivals and Fourth of July celebrations. You will find ideas for girls weekends, camping trips and rainy day escapes. Plan your perfect getaway with our vacation and staycation planners and stay updated on annual events, festivals, summer camps, cultural attractions, golf tournaments and venue suggestions. We also spotlight wedding vendors, date night ideas, volunteer opportunities, hunting and fishing adventures, sports and fitness guides, marina and boat ramp locations, local golf course insights and even the most photogenic murals. Every post is crafted to deliver insider knowledge and sophisticated fun so you can experience Lake Oconee like a local.