Swords Recreation Area (Lake Oconee)
A small, quiet Forest Service launch on the north end of Lake Oconee, near I-20 between Greensboro and Madison.
| Location | Blue Springs Rd, Buckhead, GA, on the north end of the lake |
| Drive from our store | About 20 minutes |
| Launch | Renovated boat ramp |
| Water | Lake Oconee |
| Best for | Kayaks and paddleboards, all levels |
| Cost | $5 per vehicle per day, or a $25 annual Forest Pass |
| Hours | Sunrise to sunset, year-round |
Forest Service page for current hours, fees, and conditions.
About the paddle
Swords is a Forest Service day-use area with a renovated boat ramp and picnic sites. It's smaller and usually quieter than the big parks on the south end of the lake.
It's an easy stop if you're coming from the Madison side, and the surrounding national forest keeps the shoreline wooded.
Sugar Creek Marina and Blue Springs Marina are nearby if you need snacks or supplies.
Where to park and launch
| Launch | Address | Links |
|---|---|---|
| Swords Recreation Area | Blue Springs Rd, Buckhead, GA 30625 |
Map Directions |
From I-20 exit 114, head north on Seven Islands Rd about 1 mile, turn right on Parks Mill Rd, and go about 3 miles to Blue Springs Rd.
Good to know
- Pay with the Recreation.gov app on site.
- A $25 annual Chattahoochee-Oconee Forest Pass covers this site and every Forest Service ramp around the lake.
- Open sunrise to sunset only.
- No camping at the boat ramp.
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.
See all places to paddleboard and kayak near Lake Oconee
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.