Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair are a pair of Georgia Power lakes on the Oconee River in middle Georgia, about halfway between Atlanta and Augusta. Lake Oconee, 19,050 acres with 374 miles of shoreline, is known for golf resorts and lake homes; Lake Sinclair, just downstream near Milledgeville, is smaller and more low-key. Water is pumped back and forth between them through Wallace Dam, which keeps the fish moving. Lake Oconee is about 77 miles from Atlanta near I-20. Here are the best things to do.
- From AtlantaAbout 77 miles to Greensboro, 1 hour 30 minutes without traffic
- SizeLake Oconee about 19,050 acres; Lake Sinclair about 15,000 acres
- Managed byGeorgia Power
- FeesMany boat ramps are free; some Georgia Power day-use areas charge a small vehicle fee
Top Things to Do at Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair
1. Fish Lake Oconee
Largemouth bass, crappie, hybrids and catfish, with the best bite when water is moving through the dams. See our Lake Oconee fishing outlook.
2. Lawrence Shoals and other Georgia Power parks
Lawrence Shoals has a full campground, swim beaches, a playground and trails. Our Lake Oconee recreation page lists ramps, marinas and day-use areas.
3. Lake Sinclair parks and marinas
Parks, campgrounds, fishing piers and marinas around the quieter lake north of Milledgeville. See also our Lake Sinclair fishing guide.
4. Rock Eagle Effigy
Near Eatonton, a prehistoric mound of quartz rocks shaped like a bird with outspread wings, thousands of years old, seen from a stone tower.
5. Historic Madison
About 20 minutes north, Madison has one of Georgia’s finest collections of antebellum and Victorian houses, with a walkable square of shops and restaurants.
6. Milledgeville and the Old Capitol
Georgia’s capital from 1807 to 1868, on the shore of Lake Sinclair, with the Old Capitol museum and the Memory Hill Cemetery, where Flannery O’Connor is buried.
7. Oconee WMA
About 7,400 acres of rolling Piedmont hills and creeks along the lake, open for hunting in season.
8. Hard Labor Creek State Park
A 5,804-acre park in Rutledge with golf, a swimming beach, horse trails and an astronomy observatory. $10 ParkPass.
Advertise on Lake Oconee
Own a marina, rental, campground, restaurant or guide service on Lake Oconee? Put it in front of visitors planning their trip. See our advertising options or download the 2026 media kit (PDF).
Events and Seasons
Summer is lake season, with boaters and resort guests on Oconee most weekends. Spring and fall are best for fishing, and the crappie bite peaks in early spring. Madison’s historic homes open for tours on spring and holiday weekends.
Nearby Towns and Trip Planning
The lakes are an easy side trip on the way to Augusta. For fishing seasons and hot spots, see our fishing outlook. Compare this lake with Lake Lanier, Clarks Hill Lake or Lake Hartwell, or see them all in the best lakes in Georgia. Before you swim, read our outdoor safety tips, and for overnight stays see best Georgia state parks for camping and our lodging and accommodations listings.
Common Questions
What is the difference between Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair?
Both are Georgia Power lakes on the Oconee River. Lake Oconee is upstream, larger and more developed, with golf resorts. Lake Sinclair is just downstream near Milledgeville and is quieter. Water is pumped between them to generate power.
How far is Lake Oconee from Atlanta?
Lake Oconee is about 77 miles from downtown Atlanta at Greensboro, roughly 1 hour 30 minutes by car on I-20 without traffic.
Is Lake Oconee open to the public?
Yes. Much of the shoreline is private or resort property, but Georgia Power and local governments run public boat ramps, parks, beaches and campgrounds around the lake.
Sources we checked
Facts on this page were checked against official sources and our own detailed pages. Drive times are from downtown Atlanta (Five Points) using OpenStreetMap routing and do not include traffic. Hours, fees and event dates change, so confirm before you go:
- Georgia Power: Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair recreation areas
- Georgia State Parks: Hard Labor Creek; 2026 ParkPass rate
- Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources: Oconee WMA and lake fishing
Spot something out of date? Email Contact@n-georgia.com and we’ll check it against the official source. Read how we research our guides.