Lake Sinclair is a man-made reservoir in Georgia's Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. The lake was created in 1953 when the Georgia Power Company dammed the Oconee River to generate hydroelectric power. Long before then, the Muscogee Creek people of the Cherokee Native American tribe named the Oconee River using a Cherokee word that means “water eyes of the hills.”

When the lake was created, Georgia Power was named it after Benjamin W. Sinclair, a Georgia Power official, but locals have adopted the Sinclair Oil brand as part of the Lake Sinclair lore. We even have a Sinclair Oil sign on our dock, and our neighbor has a really cool, large, wooden Sinclair Oil sign out near their shoreline.

The lake is surrounded by the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, creating a beautiful and serene backdrop. Unlike many of Georgia’s better-known lakes, Lake Sinclair is drought resistant, and is one of the biggest lakes in the state.

In addition to its status as one of the biggest lakes in Georgia, Lake Sinclair is also one of the cleanest. Although the clarity of the water varies from location to location because the bed is covered with sand and mud, the water is so clean that there are no eating restrictions on the fish caught out of its water.

It is important to remember that “clear” doesn’t necessarily mean “clean.” 😉

Should you bring your dog on your family Lake Sinclair vacation?

YES!!!! Not only is Heron’s Hideaway a dog-friendly vacation rental, but the city of Milledgeville also has a variety of pet-friendly patios and stores, not to mention hiking and walking tours.

Priority number one for any lake getaway is being on the water, and there are plenty of ways to enjoy Lake Sinclair. From bass fishing on a quiet cove, a leisurely boat ride with friends, or bouncing wakes on a jet ski, the area has convenient outfitters to set you up, in addition to the amenities we offer our guests.

Watersports

There are many options for watersports rentals around Lake Sinclair from pontoon boats to kayaks to stand-up paddle boards, there is an activity for every skill level. Rent a pontoon boat to entertain a large group of friends or have plenty of room for just a few. Wanting to waterski or wakeboard? Sinclair Marina also offers faster boats that are perfect for taking the thrill to the next level.

Pro Tip: Sinclair Marina will deliver your boat rental to Heron’s Hideaway!

Kayaking and Paddleboarding

There is nothing like a morning paddle down the shoreline. The fish are jumping, the herons are flying, and the lake is still. Quiet. Relaxing on the lake is how I personally like to spend my time at Heron’s Hideaway, so we offer a kayak and a BOTE stand-up paddleboard to guests.

For a kayaking excursion, there are three popular routes:

• Oconee Greenway to Central State (3-hour beginner route)
• Sinclair Dam to Oconee Greenway (2.5-hour intermediate route)
• Sinclair Dam to Central State (6-hour scenic route).

If you need more equipment, or prefer a guide, Oconee Outfitters, Mac’s Yaks Kayak Rental, or Sinclair Wild Watersports can provide you with all the gear you need for your exciting excursion and even help with transportation!

Pro Tip: Oconee Outfitters and Sinclair Wild Watersports will deliver rental equipment to Lake Sinclair.

Island-hopping

There are several scenic islands scattered around the lake to explore. The largest island is just around a few bends from our dock. There are several sandy areas along its shoreline, and kayakers, jet-skiers, and boaters all pull up to the shore to enjoy a relaxing stop while on the water.

You may want to check out the legendary Goat Island. It’s said that the Georgia Power Company first populated this unpopulated island with goats in the 1950s, and the decedents of these goats still remain on the island today. We haven’t been yet, so let us know what you find!

Birdwatching

Heron’s Hideaway was named after the family of Great Blue Herons that live in our area of the lake. We’ve seen them on our shoreline and hanging out on our dock. While I’m not sure the herons will visit you, there is a good chance you will see them flying in the skies and sitting in the trees.

There are more than 28 species of birds that call Lake Sinclair their home. You might even glimpse a bald eagle.

Fishing

The fishing season at Lake Sinclair is mostly year-round, and it’s some of the best fishing in the state for largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish.

If you have a boat, there are multiple places to put your boat into the lake that have a small parking fee for using the ramp. Some public ramps have convenient picnic areas and safe parking for your vehicle while you are on the lake, or fish from the shore at one of these public locations around the lake.

You can even drop your boat in the water and fish from the shore at Heron’s Hideaway.

The lake is best known for largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish, and is home to many national and local fishing tournaments. It’s great fishing for any skill level, most of all kids! Check out our fishing guide for more information.

Georgia requires a fishing license, so don’t forget to purchase it online from the state’s department of natural resources. Your kids may need a Georgia fishing license too depending on their age. Grab your license before your lake vacation and be worry free.

Where to Find Fishing Gear

If you don’t have your own fishing gear, we provide a few poles, and some hooks and lures.

For bait, head on down to Twin Bridges Landing, which is the go-to marina for boating enthusiasts. Whether you're in need of live bait and tackle for a day of fishing or snacks and drinks to keep you energized, Twin Bridges Landing has it all. Not only that, but they also provide gas services to ensure you have enough fuel for your boating adventure.

Beach Access

The Lake Sinclair Recreation Area is a great place for picnicking, hiking, boating, fishing, and swimming from a lovely sandy beach area. I didn’t expect to see the beach when I was exploring the area, and I was pleasantly surprised. This rec area is not far from Heron’s Hideaway and could make a nice spot for the kids to have walk-in access to the lake for a while.

There is a Day Use Fee of $5.00 per vehicle, or $0.50 per person that walks in. Pay your day use recreation fees or purchase the yearly Chattahoochee-Oconee Forest Pass online through recreation.gov.

Rocky Creek Park is on the southeast side of the lake in Baldwin County near Sinclair Dam and is a popular public day-use area. The park has a pavilion with restrooms, vending machines, picnic tables, grills, fishing pier, swimming beach, playground, and a boat ramp. The park is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

We don’t leave our hideaway on the lake when we’re there, but I’ve heard that Taylor’s Cove and Aubri Lane’s are a few local favorites to have dinner while watching a gorgeous sunset over the lake

Aubri Lane’s is located at the Milledgeville Country Club and overlooks the golfing greens and Lake Sinclair. The menu offers a more refined selection of seafood and steak, while Taylor’s Cove is best-known for its fun and lively atmosphere with two bars and live music on weekends March through August.

For more variety, I suggest visiting downtown Milledgeville. Milledgeville has a main-street vibe mixed with a college-town vibe and is only a 25-minute drive from Heron’s Hideaway.

Pro Tip: Many local restaurants offer delivery through KNG Delivery or DoorDash.

Lakeside restaurants with docking

If you’re spending your day boating on the lake, there are a few lakeside restaurants that offer docking. Most of these locations are also pet-friendly with outdoor seating. If you don’t want to head back to Heron’s Hideaway for lunch or dinner, boat over to one of these restaurants:

• The Grill At Crooked Creek Marina
• Duke’s Lounge & Dawg House
• Taylor’s Cove

I’m craving cool breezes, waterside views and fresh steak and seafood just thinking of it!

Whether you're seeking an action-packed family adventure or a tranquil escape, Lake Sinclair offers an idyllic setting that caters to both. With its pristine waters and expansive shoreline, this lake provides a variety of activities from fishing to watersports, ensuring every visitor finds something to love. The serenity of the surrounding Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest and the local charm of nearby Milledgeville enrich your experience, making Lake Sinclair not just a destination but a retreat for rejuvenation.

At Heron's Hideaway, we provide the perfect base to explore all that this beautiful lake has to offer. So, pack your bags, bring your pets, and prepare for a memorable getaway where relaxation and adventure await at every corner. Come and discover why Lake Sinclair is the ultimate destination for your next family vacation or quiet getaway. Check out our availability to book your stay!