Where to Kayak and Paddleboard on Lake Oconee
Lake Oconee has more than 350 miles of shoreline, and some of the best of it is quiet coves, river backwaters, and wildlife you can only reach by paddle. Here are the public places to launch a kayak or paddleboard on Lake Oconee, sorted by drive time from our store in Greensboro.
Jump to: Launch spots | Fees and passes | Safety and rules | Paddling tips | FAQ
Where to launch
| Launch | Best for | Drive from our store | Cost | Directions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Old Salem Park Greensboro, GA |
Families, beginners | About 15 min | Day-use fee, about $5 per vehicle | Go |
|
Parks Ferry Park Greensboro, GA |
Families, beginners | About 20 min | Day-use fee, about $5 per vehicle | Go |
|
Redlands Recreation Area Greensboro, GA |
All levels | About 20 min | $5 per vehicle | Go |
|
Long Shoals Boat Ramp Eatonton, GA |
All levels | About 25 min | Parking fee, about $5 | Go |
|
Dyar Pasture Greensboro, GA |
Wildlife, calm water | About 25 min | Small day-use fee per vehicle | Go |
|
Swords Recreation Area Buckhead, GA |
All levels | About 25 min | $5 per vehicle | Go |
|
Lawrence Shoals Park Eatonton, GA |
Families, beginners | About 30 min | Day-use fee, about $5 per vehicle | Go |
Click a launch for the full details: parking, fees, season, and what to expect on the water.
Fees and passes
- Georgia Power parks (Old Salem, Parks Ferry, Lawrence Shoals) charge a day-use fee per vehicle, usually about $5. Annual park passes are available. The parks close for part of the winter.
- National forest launches (Redlands, Swords, Dyar Pasture) charge a small fee per vehicle. A $25 annual forest pass covers all three and is sold at the Oconee Ranger District office in Eatonton.
- Long Shoals charges a small parking fee.
Safety and rules
- Georgia law requires a life jacket for every person on a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard used outside a swimming area. Kids under 13 must wear theirs.
- If you're on the water after sunset, you need a white light to be seen by boats.
- Stay out of marked swimming areas and away from Wallace Dam, where water releases can create strong currents.
- Lake Oconee is a busy boating lake. Stay near the shore, turn your bow into big wakes, and be extra careful near bridges and marinas.
- Get off the water at the first sign of thunder or lightning.
- Tell someone where you're launching and when you'll be back.
Paddling tips for Lake Oconee
- Go early. Mornings are calm and glassy, and boat traffic picks up late morning, especially on summer weekends.
- Wind usually builds in the afternoon. Paddle into the wind on the way out so it helps you on the way back.
- Explore the coves. They're sheltered, quieter, and where you'll see herons, ospreys, and turtles.
- Bring water, sunscreen, and polarized sunglasses. The glare off the lake is intense, and polarized lenses let you see into the water.
- Use a leash on your paddleboard so it can't drift away if you fall off.
- New to paddling? Start at a Georgia Power park beach area or Dyar Pasture, where the water is calmer.
Get your board or kayak at Okana Outdoors
We sell paddleboards, kayaks, paddles, and life jackets at 1101 Parkside Main, Greensboro, GA 30642, in the Publix shopping center next to Amici. Stop in and we'll help you pick the right board or kayak for Lake Oconee. See our watersports gear.
Hours: Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm, Saturday 11am to 5pm, closed Sunday.
Questions about where to paddle? Call us at (706) 405-3393.
Looking for more to do? See our guides to bike trails near Lake Oconee and where to ride e-dirt bikes.
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. Fees, hours, seasons, and access can change without notice. Please check with the park manager before heading out, wear a life jacket, and paddle within your ability.