Where to Kayak and Paddleboard on Lake Oconee
Lake Oconee has more than 370 miles of shoreline, and you don't need a lake house to enjoy it. These are the public places to launch a paddleboard or kayak on and around Lake Oconee, sorted by drive time from our store in Greensboro.
Jump to: Lake Oconee launches | More lakes nearby | Before you go | Paddling tips | FAQ
Lake Oconee launches
Public parks and boat ramps around the lake. Most charge a small day-use fee per vehicle.
| Launch | Type | Drive from our store | Cost | Directions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Old Salem Park Greensboro, GA |
Georgia Power park with beach | About 5 min | Day-use fee per vehicle | Go |
|
Parks Ferry Park Greensboro, GA |
Georgia Power park with beach | About 10 min | Day-use fee per vehicle | Go |
|
Redlands Recreation Area Greensboro, GA |
Forest Service ramp | About 20 min | $5 per vehicle | Go |
|
Long Shoals Eatonton, GA |
Georgia Power ramp | About 20 min | Small launch fee | Go |
|
Swords Recreation Area Buckhead, GA |
Forest Service ramp | About 20 min | $5 per vehicle | Go |
|
Lawrence Shoals Park Eatonton, GA |
Georgia Power park with beach | About 20 min | Day-use fee per vehicle | Go |
|
Dyar Pasture Greensboro, GA |
Forest Service ramp, river and wetland | About 25 min | Small day-use fee | Go |
More lakes nearby
Lake Sinclair is the next lake down the Oconee River, with a beach and campground that are open all year. Lake Rutledge at Hard Labor Creek has a 10-horsepower motor limit, so the water stays calm. It's the best pick for beginners and kids.
| Launch | Type | Drive from our store | Cost | Directions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Lake Sinclair Recreation Area Eatonton, GA |
Forest Service park with beach | About 30 min | $5 per vehicle | Go |
|
Hard Labor Creek (Lake Rutledge) Rutledge, GA |
State park lake, 10 HP limit | About 40 min | Georgia State Parks ParkPass | Go |
Tap a launch for the full details: fees, seasons, where to park, and what to know before you go.
Before you go
- Bring a life jacket for everyone. Georgia law requires a Coast Guard approved life jacket on board for each person, and paddleboards count as boats once you're outside a swimming area. Kids under 13 must wear theirs while the boat is moving.
- Carry a whistle. A whistle is the required sound signal for kayaks and paddleboards, and it's the easiest way to get a boater's attention.
- Know the fees. Forest Service sites (Redlands, Swords, Dyar Pasture, and Lake Sinclair Recreation Area) are $5 per vehicle, or $25 for an annual pass that covers all of them. Georgia Power parks charge their own day-use fee, and Hard Labor Creek requires a Georgia State Parks ParkPass.
- Check the season. Some Georgia Power parks close for the winter, but most boat ramps stay open all year.
Tips for paddling Lake Oconee
- Go early. Mornings are calmer, with less wind and fewer boats, especially on summer weekends.
- Stick to the shoreline and coves. Stay out of the main channels and away from bridges, where boat traffic is heaviest.
- Turn your bow into big wakes. Hitting a wake head-on is much more stable than taking it from the side.
- Stay well away from Wallace Dam and follow all posted buoys and warning signs.
- Head in at the first sign of thunder. Summer storms build fast in the afternoon.
- Wear sunglasses. Polarized lenses cut the glare off the water and make it easier to see what's under you.
- Bring water and sunscreen. There's very little shade once you're off the bank.
Stop by Okana Outdoors before you paddle
We are at 1101 Parkside Main, Greensboro, GA 30642, in the Publix shopping center next to Amici. We sell paddleboards and kayaks, so stop in to see what's in stock and get set up before your first paddle.
Hours: Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm, Saturday 11am to 5pm, closed Sunday.
Questions about where to paddle? Call us at (706) 405-3393.
Want to ride too? See all bike trails near Lake Oconee
Last updated September 2026. Know a launch we missed? Let us know when you stop by.
Launch information is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed. Hours, fees, seasons, and access can change without notice. Please check with the park or site manager before heading out, wear a life jacket, and paddle within your ability.