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

Things to do

Championship golf courses

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.

Young Harris Watersports

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.

Oconee National Forest

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

Lake Oconee Bistro

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.

The Boathouse at Harbor Club

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.

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.