Lake Sinclair
Here is a refreshing idea, spend the day on the water and if you need to cool off, just jump in! The kids and kids-at-heart will love bouncing the waves on a jet ski or casting a rod to catch the big one!
Lake Sinclair encompasses 15,300 acres of winding coves and several vast stretches of open water. Created by Georgia Power in 1953, Lake Sinclair is two hours southeast of Atlanta making it easy access for fishing, tournaments, swimming, boating, camping, and has several marinas for the convenience of visitors. If you don't have a boat, no problem, many area marinas rent them by the half or full day. For boat rentals and fishing guides try Sinclair Marina or Anchors Marina. Boats and jet skis are available from Twin Lakes Jet Ski as well as Jere Shai Lakeside.
Lake Sinclair boasts over 500 miles of scenic shoreline and with Milledgeville's mild climate, you will find watercrafts of all shapes and sizes on the lake year-round. Vacation rentals, boat ramps, fishing docks and unsupervised beaches add to the enjoyment of Lake Sinclair.
Lake Sinclair is a peaceful retreat that’s home to refreshing waters, easy-to-use outfitters, plentiful small-town charm, and a fishermen’s tall tale or two. If you’re looking for a quick getaway that offers a variety of experiences, you’ll find it tucked along our shores. Conveniently located just an hour and a half southeast of Atlanta, Sinclair’s welcoming waters and warm sunshine can provide a relaxing oasis or a fun-filled vacation for any age. Stay, play, eat, and more all near Milledgeville's Lake Sinclair, your next destination.
Stays on Lake Sinclair
Lake Sinclair offers a refreshing escape with a laid-back vibe. Whether you’re looking for a stay with wide open sunset views, sandy beach access or the perfect spot to launch onto the water, staying on the lake is easier than ever before. Featuring serene views of the lake, there are many different styles of homes to stay at from cozy cabins to spacious properties, with plenty of room for the whole family.
Where to Fish on Lake Sinclair
The rush of excitement while reeling in a big one can be found on Lake Sinclair! Encompassing 15,300 acres of winding coves and several vast stretches of open water, Lake Sinclair is home to some of the best fishing in the state for largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish.Â
Created by Georgia Power in 1953, Lake Sinclair is two hours southeast of Atlanta making it easy to access for fishing, tournaments, swimming, boating, and camping. The lake also boasts the added convenience of several fishing piers and local marinas for area visitors looking for easy access to the water.Â
Lake Sinclair offers fishing from the bank, pier, or slips to put in your boat. If you don't have a boat, no problem. Anchors Marina, Sinclair Marina, Sinclair Wild Watersports, H2O Adventures, JereShai, and Twin Lakes Jet Ski will rent one to you by the day or half-day. If you are unfamiliar with the lake, use this simple map to locate the best fishing spots on the water.
Lake Sinclair stretches through the counties of Baldwin, Hancock, and Putnam. There are many access points conveniently located near Milledgeville, especially on the south side of Lake Sinclair.
If you plan to fish while visiting Milledgeville, here are our top picks to help you cast your line:
Outdoor Recreation and Activities
In 1804, Milly, as she is affectionately nicknamed by locals, was a wild child who inhabited the ancient land along the brisk-flowing waters of the Oconee River. Creating quite a stir, Milly grew up on her own terms and flourished in the lush wilderness along the west river bank. Fortunately, this southern girl was not easily tamed.Â
Take your own walk with wild abandon through a pristine natural wonder. Hike through historic Bartram’s Forest, first inhabited by Native Americans in the seventeenth century and preserved with three looping trails. See centuries of wildlife, wetlands, and an authentic ravine carved from ancient shallow seas that once covered Georgia 100 million years ago. For a more serene natural setting, picnic by the lily pond on the grounds of Lockerly Arboretum, a 47-acre public garden, aviary and antebellum mansion. Feeling a little less civilized? Put your kayak in at the Oconee River Greenway or rent a pontoon boat to explore 500 miles of shoreline on beautiful Lake Sinclair. Visit the famous wild residents on Goat Island and keep a close lookout for the Pirates of Sinclair.
Biking & Hiking in Milledgeville
Take an active or leisurely tour of Milledgeville. The trails in Milledgeville offer a variety of native wildlife, plants and flowers along beautiful open fields and forests. Bike or hike along the different trails and enjoy the incredible views. Bartram Forest, located just a few miles outside Milledgeville, offers outdoor enthusiasts three looping trails through pines, meadows, across a creek and alongside a pond. If you are looking for an easy stroll, the Oconee River Greenway has a variety of shaded walking and biking trails along the Oconee River.
Named a bicycle friendly community in 2014, self-guided bike touring in Milledgeville provides an experience unlike a windshield tour or even a walk. Bicycling allows the visitor to roll through at their speed and spend time at the attractions of their interest. Bike racks are available throughout the downtown, making it easy to park for a coffee break, take a selfie with an 1800’s home or even smell the flowers.
Interested in pedal pushing on your trip, we have you covered. Oconee Outfitters will rent you just what you need or repair the one you brought from home.
Fishing in Milledgeville
Lake Sinclair and the Oconee River offer a variety of places to fish in Milledgeville. Whether you are casting your rod on a dock overlooking vast stretches of open water or into the rushing waters surrounded by large oak trees, our charming town is home to an incredible selection of fishing stations.Â
Encompassing 15,300 acres of winding coves and several vast stretches of open water, Lake Sinclair is home to some of the best fishing in the state for largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish. There are a number of great places to fish for free or you can rent a boat from Anchors Marina, Sinclair Marina, JereShai, or Twin Lakes Jet Ski.
The Oconee River Greenway offers multiple places for fishing and even a boat ramp. There are around 40 different species of fish in the Oconee River but the most popular ones are Largemouth bass, Spotted bass, and White bass.
Watersport Rentals in Milledgeville
Get out on the water and appreciate the beautiful views as the wind whips through your hair or listen to the birds as you float along. Lake Sinclair and the Oconee River provide plenty of water activities in Milledgeville.
Lake Sinclair encompasses 15,330 acres of vast stretches of open water and coves for swimming, skiing, boating and dipping your toes in. Rent a paddle board, jet ski or pontoon boat for a day and enjoy an endless amount of fun. Boats and jet skis are available from Anchors Marina, Sinclair Marina, Twin Lakes Jet Ski as well as Jere Shai Lakeside and H2O Adventures.
If you are looking to kayak on the river or the lake, Oconee Outfitters and Mac’s Yaks Kayak Rental provide you with all the gear you need for your exciting excursion! With a dam-controlled flow, the Oconee River can range from slow and peaceful to a fast-moving current. To plan a trip within your capabilities, we recommend using an outfitter for your first time.Â
