Lake Oconee

Greene, Morgan, Putnam, Hancock counties, GA, USA

Located in central Georgia between Atlanta and Augusta, Lake Oconee is a spacious, man-made reservoir known for its peaceful beauty and recreational appeal.

19,970 acres

Surface Area

100+ ft

Max Depth

374 miles

Shoreline

1979

Created

Jennifer Vaughan

Lake Oconee Realtor®, Dwell Real Estate

Your Lake Oconee Realtor 🌟 🏡 Luxury homes, lake living, and insider expertise in Reynolds Lake Oconee & Cuscowilla – Get your FREE Lake Oconee Guide today!

706-431-0678

JV@DwellLakeOconee.com

www.JenniferVaughan.com

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About Lake Oconee

Lake Oconee was created in 1979 when Georgia Power completed the Wallace Dam on the Oconee River, forming a nearly 20,000-acre reservoir—the second-largest in Georgia—stretching through Morgan, Greene, Putnam, and Hancock counties. With approximately 374 miles of shoreline, a surface area of around 19,970 acres, an average depth of 21 feet, and a maximum depth of over 100 feet, it offers a diverse aquatic environment.

The lake serves multiple purposes: hydroelectric power generation, flood control, water supply, recreation, fishing, and wildlife management—managed under Georgia Power’s stewardship, which also preserves an environmental buffer around the shoreline to maintain water quality. Its clear waters owe much to the absence of major industrial inflows and the strict environmental regulations in place.

Key Features

Swimming Areas

Boating & Water Sports

Fishing (Diverse Species)

Marinas & Boat Services

Oconee National Forest

Picnic Areas & Outdoor Leisure

Minimal Water Level Fluctuation

Wildlife Viewing

Quick facts (at-a-glance)

Created – 1979, by completion of Wallace Dam
Size – ~19,970 acre reservoir
Shoreline – ~374 miles
Depth – Average 21 ft, Max over 100 ft
Location – Greene, Morgan, Putnam, Hancock counties, GA
Management – Owned and maintained by Georgia Power
Nearby luxury resort – The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee (opened 2002)
Main inflows – Oconee River, Apalachee River
Popular spot – Jumping Rock, a 10-ft cliff jump accessible only by water

Lake Oconee Vacation Homes For Rent

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Lake Oconee EVENT GUIDE

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Lake Oconee DINING GUIDE

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What you can do there

Fishing: Renowned for its plentiful populations of bass, crappie, catfish, sunfish, hybrid bass, striped bass (introduced), turtles, and waterfowl.

Swimming: Clean, clear waters and shallow areas like the Sandbar make for excellent swimming spots.

Boating & Water Sports: Enjoy wakeboarding, jet skiing, water-skiing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing. The Sandbar and Jumping Rock are particularly popular.

Golf & Luxury Leisure: Golf enthusiasts can play at prestigious communities like Reynolds Lake Oconee, Cuscowilla, and Harbor Club; luxury accommodations at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds enhance the experience

Nature & Parks: Explore Georgia Power’s maintained parks (Lawrence Shoals, Parks Ferry, Old Salem), Oconee National Forest, hiking trails, picnicking, and wildlife viewing

Local Culture & Day Trips: Visit Greensboro for dining, shopping, local festivals, museums, and historic downtown—just minutes away

Access, marinas & ramps

Convenient access via Interstate 20, less than 1½ hours from Atlanta or Augusta.

Multiple marinas, boat ramps, and services are available across the lake, some connected to resorts and communities like The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds.

Public parks like Lawrence Shoals and Parks Ferry offer boat ramps and leisure areas.

Camping and lodging options vary from resorts to quaint rentals near the lake.

Safety & regulations

Georgia Power enforces an environmental buffer: no structures, septic systems, or plumbing close to the shoreline to keep water clean.
Boats with enclosed cabins or toilets are typically prohibited to maintain water quality.
Water level is managed consistently to reduce fluctuation for recreational stability.
Standard boating safety regulations apply, including potentially needing a boater’s license depending on activity type.

Gallery

Nearby highlights & suggested day trips

Greensboro, GA – Discover historic downtown, local festivals, museums (Lake Oconee Discovery Museum, African American Museum), artisan markets, and local dining.
Jumping Rock & The Sandbar – Iconic water destinations—Jumping Rock for thrill-seekers; the Sandbar for relaxed social gatherings on the water.
The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds – Enjoy luxury dining, spa, golf, marina, and resort amenities right on the lake.
Oconee National Forest – Just north of the lake, explore hiking, horseback riding, camping, and forest recreation.

Events & community

The Lake Oconee region hosts a lively calendar of events and maintains a strong local culture. From farmers markets, live music at Boathouse venues, wine tastings, to cultural gatherings at local museums and community centers, there's always something happening. The community’s charm, combined with local arts and hospitality, makes Lake Oconee both a peaceful retreat and a vibrant destination.