We’re kicking off our summer road trip series — Hit the Road — with an outdoor adventure-themed trip to Lake Oconee in central Georgia. With golf courses and the Chattahooche-Oconee National Forest, this area is a great destination for experienced adventurers + novice nature seekers alike.
Before you start packing your bags, here’s everything you need to know about the area + our insider recommendations.
Drive time: ~5.5 hours
Est. population: 240
Avg. high in June: 88°
⛳ Things to do
Take your pick of six championship golf courses in the area — five of which are right on Reynolds Lake Oconee. The courses were masterfully-designed by golf legends like Jack Nicklaus, Tom Weiskopf, and Bob Cupp.
Make a day of it out on the water with a boat, kayak, paddleboard, or jet ski rental. You’ll find three convenient locations on Lake Oconee for pickup + bonus: add a tube, wakeboard, or skis on to your boat order for a little on-the-water workout.
Explore Georgia’s two national forests, spanning 867,000 acres with 850 miles of trail. Discover which recreational area best suits you via this interactive map — think: fishing, horseback riding, and hiking with waterfall views.
Pictured: Lake Oconee Bistro | Photo by @foodies.atl
🍽️ Fuel up after swimming
This casual restaurant and scratch kitchen offers daily specials — with a weekend brunch featuring $6+ mimosas and a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar. The potstickers, jumbo pretzel, and gator bites are definitely sparking our interest.
Waste no time after your lake day activities and go straight to the only “boat up” restaurant located on Lake Oconee. Try various seafood options like crispy clam strips and the fish or shrimp tacos + frozen drinks to cool off in the summer heat.
Let the night roll and keep it casual at this craft beer facility + tasting room with light bites from The Burch at OBC food truck. Choose from 15+ seasonal ales and lagers (or grab a glass of wine or seltzer) and kick it on the patio with a fried PB&J.
Bonus: This listing is in a gated community. | Photo via VRBO
🏕️ Cozy campsites + luxury rentals
Luxury Villa de Lake Oconee
126 Cuscowilla Dr., Eatonton, GA
This VRBO waterfront property sleeps two for $217 a night. The private open-air porch makes for an intimate dinner spot to cap off each evening.
Old Salem Campground
1530 Old Salem Rd., Greensboro, GA
Stick with the theme of the outdoors at this full-service campground — bring the RV or pitch the tents for $25+ a night. You’ll have everything you need for your stay on-site with day-use picnic areas, a beach, a playground, grills, and an event pavilion.
The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee
1 Lake Oconee Trail, Greensboro, GA
Rooms and suites at this Marriott hotel start at $600 a night for two people. You’ll be able to relax and unwind after a long day outdoors in this tranquil setting with on-site amenities like a luxury spa and dining experiences.