Jackson Lake is a 4,750-acre reservoir in central Georgia, about 44 miles (roughly an hour’s drive) southeast of Atlanta, spanning Jasper, Butts, and Newton counties. Often called Lake Jackson, it has about 135 miles of shoreline and was formed in 1911, when the Lloyd Shoals Dam (built 1910–1911) was completed at the confluence of the Yellow, Alcovy, and South rivers. That makes it one of Georgia’s oldest man-made lakes, originally built to supply hydroelectric power to the city of Macon; below the dam the outflow becomes the Ocmulgee River. Today it is a year-round recreation lake known for largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish fishing, boating, kayaking, and lakeside camping. Bear Creek Marina sits on the northern end of the lake at 60 Bear Creek Marina Road, Mansfield, GA 30055, with a public boat ramp, dry boat storage, kayak and canoe rentals, and full-hookup RV and camper sites.
Nestled in central Georgia about one hour southeast of Atlanta, Jackson Lake, GA—often referred to interchangeably as Lake Jackson—is a hidden gem renowned for its tranquil waters, abundant wildlife, and family-friendly recreational activities. From launching your boat at Bear Creek Marina to fishing, kayaking, and camping right on the water, this scenic reservoir offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you’re an avid angler, a dedicated watersports enthusiast, or simply love camping by the water, Jackson Lake holds the key to an unforgettable getaway. In this ultimate guide, we’ll delve into the lake’s history, top attractions, and best ways to make the most of your visit—complete with tips on how to take advantage of all that Bear Creek Marina has to offer.
If you are still getting to know the area, our guide to Bear Creek Marina, Jackson Lake’s hidden gem highlights what makes this corner of the lake special.
Timing your trip matters — see our rundown of the best time to visit Jackson Lake, Georgia for the weather, crowds, and activities you want.
A Brief History and Why Jackson Lake Stands Out
- Historical Significance: Formed in 1911 by the Lloyd Shoals Dam on the Ocmulgee River, Jackson Lake is one of the oldest manmade lakes in Georgia. Its creation helped provide hydropower and flood control to the surrounding regions.
- Size & Location: Spanning approximately 4,750 acres across Jasper, Butts, and Newton counties, the lake’s accessible location—about an hour from Atlanta—makes it a popular day-trip and weekend destination.
- Scenic Beauty: Shrouded by lush forests and rolling hills, the lake boasts serene waters perfect for kayaking, and sunset cruises.
- Wildlife & Ecosystem: Thanks to its relatively untouched environment, the lake area supports diverse wildlife, including fish, birds, and other native species.
Jackson Lake was originally created in the early 1900s when the Ocmulgee River was dammed to power a hydroelectric power plant, making it one of the oldest reservoirs in the state of Georgia. With such a rich background, it’s no wonder this historic reservoir captivates visitors from all over the state and beyond. Whether you’re interested in exploring local hiking trails, attending seasonal music festivals, learning about the region’s history, or simply enjoying a day on the water, the lake is a prime spot for a rejuvenating outdoor experience.
Where is Jackson Lake in Georgia?
Jackson Lake is a roughly 4,750-acre reservoir in central Georgia, about 44 miles (an hour’s drive) southeast of Atlanta, spanning Jasper, Butts, and Newton counties. It was created by the Lloyd Shoals Dam, built in 1910–1911 at the point where the Yellow, Alcovy, and South rivers meet, making it one of the oldest reservoirs in the state. Bear Creek Marina sits on the lake at 60 Bear Creek Marina Road, Mansfield, GA 30055, in Jasper County.
What are some cool facts about Jackson Lake?
Jackson Lake is one of Georgia’s oldest man-made lakes, formed when the Lloyd Shoals Dam was completed in 1911 across the confluence of three rivers—the Yellow, the Alcovy, and the South. The reservoir covers about 4,750 acres with roughly 135 miles of shoreline and was originally built to generate hydroelectric power for the city of Macon. Below the dam, the lake’s outflow becomes the Ocmulgee River. Here are the fast facts at a glance:
| Jackson Lake fast fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Year formed | 1911 (Lloyd Shoals Dam built 1910–1911) |
| Dam | Lloyd Shoals Dam, built by Central Georgia Power Company |
| Rivers that form it | Confluence of the Yellow, Alcovy, and South rivers |
| Outflow | Ocmulgee River (below the dam) |
| Surface area | About 4,750 acres |
| Shoreline | About 135 miles |
| Counties | Jasper, Butts, and Newton |
| Distance from Atlanta | About 44 miles southeast (roughly 1 hour) |
| Nearby towns | Mansfield, Monticello, Jackson, and Covington, GA |
| Original purpose | Hydroelectric power for the city of Macon |
These details make Jackson Lake (often called Lake Jackson) a favorite for history-minded visitors as well as anglers and paddlers. To experience it firsthand, Bear Creek Marina gives you a single waterfront base on the lake’s Jasper County shoreline.
Outdoor Adventures on Jackson Lake
Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or searching for the best things to do in Jackson, GA, the lake’s calm waters and picturesque shoreline cater to a wide variety of outdoor activities. Here are some of the top things to do:
- Fishing
- Bass Hotspot: Anglers can test their skills hunting for largemouth, spotted, and striped bass.
- Additional Species: Crappie, catfish, and bream also populate the waters.
- Local Tip: Be sure to check Georgia’s fishing regulations and secure a valid license from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources before heading out.
- Boating & Watersports
- Kayaking & Canoeing: Paddle along scenic inlets and hidden coves for a peaceful excursion.
- Waterskiing & Wakeboarding: Jackson Lake’s moderate waves make it perfect for adrenaline-fueled activities.
- Kayak rentals: If you don’t own a boat, consider renting one nearby or hitching a ride with friends to explore the lake at your leisure.
- Swimming & Relaxing by the Shore
- Designated Swim Areas: Certain parts of the lake have shallow banks ideal for families with young children.
- Picnic Spots: Pack a lunch, find a shady spot, and take in the beautiful lake views.
Whether you’re drawn by the peaceful appeal of kayaking through tranquil inlets or the thrill of high-octane watersports, Jackson Lake’s diversity keeps visitors of all interests entertained. And if you need a convenient hub to launch all these adventures, Bear Creek Marina on the lake is your one-stop shop.
Bear Creek Marina – Your All-in-One Lakeside Experience
When it comes to making the most of your visit, Bear Creek Marina stands out as an essential resource on the lakefront. From camper slips and RV parking to a fully equipped boat launch, there’s a reason locals and newcomers alike choose Bear Creek for their waterside getaway. Here’s what you can expect:
Camper Slips & RV Parking
- Scenic Waterfront Views: Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of water lapping against the shore—Bear Creek Marina’s camper slips and RV parking spots put you right on the waterfront’s doorstep.
- On-Site Amenities: Enjoy water, sewer, and electric hookups so you can camp comfortably without sacrificing convenience.
- Community Atmosphere: With fellow campers and boaters nearby, you’ll find friendly faces and shared stories by the campfire each evening.
Boat Launch & Secure Storage
- Easy Launch Access: The dedicated boat ramp at Bear Creek Marina helps you get on the water faster and without the hassle of overcrowded public ramps.
- Storage Solutions: Whether you’re looking for short-term or long-term boat storage, Bear Creek Marina offers both covered and uncovered options to protect your investment.
- Peace of Mind: With secure facilities and staff on hand, you can trust that your boat is in good care.
For more details on storage availability, pricing, and special offers, visit the Boat Storage page on the official Bear Creek Marina website.
Restaurant & Bar (Temporarily Closed)
- Lakefront Dining: Bear Creek Marina’s restaurant and bar are temporarily closed. Call (770) 787-9621 to check on reopening.
- Live Music Scene: Live music on Jackson Lake is part of the marina’s restaurant and bar, which are temporarily closed. Call (770) 787-9621 for reopening news.
- Laid-Back Atmosphere: No need to dress up—come as you are in your lake attire. The vibe is casual, relaxed, and welcoming to all.
Local Attractions & Nearby Activities
Although Jackson Lake is the primary attraction, the surrounding region in Butts County and Jasper County is home to diverse cultural and recreational activities. Nearby High Falls State Park features Georgia’s tallest cascading waterfall south of Atlanta and offers hiking, fishing, and picnicking. Indian Springs State Park, one of the oldest state parks in the United States, is just a short drive away in Butts County and offers mineral springs, a lake beach, and rustic cabin rentals. See our Indian Springs day-trip guide for the full rundown. Dauset Trails Nature Center provides family-friendly nature walks and wildlife encounters. The area also hosts seasonal music festivals and community events throughout the year:
- Hiking & Nature Trails: The nearby Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center offers walking trails and picnic areas for family outings in a rustic, natural setting.
- Historic Towns: If you’re a history buff, take a quick trip to Monticello or Covington. Both offer quaint downtowns with unique shopping, dining, and historic landmarks.
- Golf Courses: Work on your swing at one of the local golf courses in the vicinity—many provide picturesque fairways with Lake Jackson views.
Exploring beyond the lake not only adds variety to your trip but also helps you discover the charm of Georgia’s smaller towns and natural preserves.
Seasonal Events & Festivities
Each season on Jackson Lake has its own special appeal:
- Spring: Warmer weather and blooming flora make it ideal for fishing, camping, and leisurely boat rides.
- Summer: Peak season for watersports. See our guide to summer activities on Jackson Lake. Look out for 4th of July celebrations on the lake, complete with festive boat parades.
- Fall: Enjoy cooler temperatures, spectacular fall foliage, and fewer crowds—perfect for an autumn fishing trip or romantic weekend getaway.
- Winter: While the water may be cooler, the calm ambiance and unobstructed views can’t be beat. Off-season discounts at places like Bear Creek Marina can make winter visits even more appealing.
Bear Creek Marina’s restaurant and bar are temporarily closed. The campground, boat launch, dry boat storage, and kayak and canoe rentals remain open. Call (770) 787-9621 to confirm current availability.
Planning Your Visit to Jackson Lake
Ready to set sail on your Lake Jackson adventure? Here are a few tips to help you plan:
- Check the Weather: Georgia’s weather can be unpredictable, so monitor the forecast for safe boating and optimal comfort.
- Make Reservations: If you’re interested in camping or storing your boat at Bear Creek Marina, reserve in advance—especially during peak seasons.
- Bring Essentials: Don’t forget your fishing gear, life jackets, sunscreen, bug spray, and any outdoor equipment you’ll need.
- Stay Informed: Review local boating regulations, and respect “No Wake” zones to keep your day on the water safe and fun for everyone.
- Budget Accordingly: Factor in potential costs such as boat fuel, dining, fishing licenses, and park fees.
Your Jackson Lake Adventure Awaits
Lake Jackson is the kind of place where memories are made—sunrise fishing trips, lazy afternoons on a pontoon, and quiet evenings watching the sun set from the dock. With a longstanding history and a community that values the lake’s natural beauty, this scenic reservoir presents the perfect backdrop for all kinds of recreational pursuits. And when it comes to convenience, comfort, and a dash of lakeside fun, Bear Creek Marina is right there to help you make the most of your visit.
More to explore at Bear Creek Marina: Check out our guides to campgrounds on Jackson Lake, kayak rentals on Jackson Lake, best fishing spots on Jackson Lake, and Jackson Lake marina guide.
Is There a Beach at Jackson Lake?
Yes, though there is only one. The Jackson Lake beach is at Lloyd Shoals Park, the Georgia Power day use area at 180 Dam Road in Jackson, GA 30233, near the dam on the south end of the lake. It is the only designated public swim beach on the reservoir. Georgia Power lists the park with a swimming beach, a picnic pavilion, a playground, a barrier free fishing pier, restrooms, and a barrier free boat ramp with two courtesy docks. The beach opens seasonally, parking is charged per vehicle, and you can call 1-855-607-6462 for current hours.
Georgia Power also maintains other public access points on the lake, including the Jane Lofton Public Access Area for bank fishing and the Lloyd Shoals Tailrace Fishing Pier below the dam. Those are fishing and day use spots rather than swim beaches.
Away from Lloyd Shoals Park, most swimming on Jackson Lake happens off a private dock, a boat, or a campsite shoreline. There are no lifeguards anywhere on the lake, so swim at your own risk and keep children in sight. Bear Creek Marina is a campground, boat launch, and dry storage facility, so the marina does not operate a swimming beach or a pool. Guests staying at the waterfront campground and RV sites typically swim from their own site or from a kayak. For water quality, wildlife, and access detail, see our full guide to swimming in Jackson Lake, Georgia, and read the background on the dam that created the lake in our Jackson Lake Dam guide.
Things to Do in Jackson, GA
Jackson is the seat of Butts County and sits just southwest of the lake, which makes it the natural town stop on a Jackson Lake trip. Most visitors pair a morning on the water with an afternoon at one of three places, all within a short drive.
- Dauset Trails Nature Center, just outside Jackson, with more than 20 miles of hiking and biking trails and rescued native Georgia animals including bobcats and otters. Admission is free and it is open daily.
- Indian Springs State Park in nearby Flovilla, one of the oldest state parks in the United States, known for its historic mineral spring, a small lake with a beach, cabins, and a miniature golf course. A 3.25 mile connector trail links the park to Dauset Trails.
- High Falls State Park, about 30 minutes away, home to the tallest cascading waterfall in Georgia south of Atlanta, plus hiking, fishing, and picnicking.
Lloyd Shoals Park, described above, is also in Jackson and is the easiest public place to reach the water without a boat. If you are building a full itinerary, our Jackson Lake day trip from Atlanta guide pairs these stops with time on the lake, and things to do in Mansfield, GA covers the north shore side where Bear Creek Marina is located.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jackson Lake
Where is Jackson Lake located in Georgia?
Jackson Lake is in central Georgia, about one hour southeast of Atlanta and 20 minutes south of Covington, spanning Jasper, Butts, and Newton counties. It was formed in 1911 by the Lloyd Shoals Dam on the Ocmulgee River. Bear Creek Marina sits on the lake at 60 Bear Creek Marina Road, Mansfield, GA 30055.
What is there to do at Jackson Lake?
Popular activities include boating, kayaking, and fishing for bass, crappie, and catfish. Visitors can also camp in waterfront RV and camper sites, launch from the public boat ramp, or visit nearby High Falls and Indian Springs state parks.
Is Jackson Lake good for fishing?
Yes. Jackson Lake is known for largemouth, spotted, and striped bass, along with crappie, catfish, and bream. See our guide to the best fishing spots on Jackson Lake for seasonal tips and the best places to launch and cast.
Can you rent boats at Jackson Lake?
Bear Creek Marina offers kayak rentals for exploring the lake. Powerboats, pontoons, and jet skis are not available to rent, but if you have your own you can use the public boat launch to get on the water.
Can you swim in Jackson Lake?
Yes. Jackson Lake has shallow, family-friendly areas suitable for swimming. There are no lifeguards, so swim at your own risk and keep an eye on children. Many visitors swim near their campsite or boat.
What are some cool facts and trivia about Jackson Lake?
Jackson Lake is one of Georgia’s oldest reservoirs, formed by the Lloyd Shoals Dam (built 1910–1911) at the confluence of the Yellow, Alcovy, and South rivers. It covers about 4,750 acres with roughly 135 miles of shoreline and was originally built to supply hydroelectric power to the city of Macon. Below the dam, the lake’s outflow becomes the Ocmulgee River.
Where is the Jackson Lake in Jackson, GA?
Jackson Lake sits just east of the town of Jackson, GA, in central Georgia, spanning Jasper, Butts, and Newton counties about 44 miles southeast of Atlanta. The lake is named for the nearby community of Jackson, and Bear Creek Marina is located on its shoreline at 60 Bear Creek Marina Road, Mansfield, GA 30055, in Jasper County.
How to Get to Jackson Lake from Atlanta
One of the best things about visiting Jackson Lake, GA is how easy it is to reach from the metro area: the drive runs roughly 44 miles southeast of Atlanta and takes about an hour in normal traffic. The most direct route follows I-20 east, then heads south on GA-11 toward the small town of Mansfield, where Bear Creek Marina sits right on the water at 60 Bear Creek Marina Road. Because the lake spans the rural corners of Jasper, Butts, and Newton counties, cell service and signage can thin out along the final county roads, so it helps to map your destination before you leave town. Once you arrive, the marina gives you a single waterfront stopping point with a public boat launch and on-site parking, so you can unload, put in, and start your day without hunting for access elsewhere on the shoreline.
- Distance & drive time: about 44 miles and roughly an hour from Atlanta.
- Route: I-20 east, then south on GA-11 toward Mansfield, GA.
- Destination address: Bear Creek Marina, 60 Bear Creek Marina Road, Mansfield, GA 30055.
- Staying overnight? Waterfront RV and camper sites with full hookups let you skip the round trip and wake up on the lake.
Spending the Day Paddling Jackson Lake by Kayak
If you want a low-key, low-cost way to experience things to do at Jackson Lake, GA, a day of kayaking is hard to beat, and you do not need to own a boat to do it. Bear Creek Marina offers kayak rentals, so you can pick up a paddle craft on site, slide in from the marina’s boat launch, and spend the morning tracing the lake’s quiet coves and shaded inlets at your own pace. The reservoir’s calm, no-wake pockets are well suited to paddlers of different experience levels, and kayak fishing is a popular way to reach largemouth and spotted bass that hug the shoreline structure. Reserving a kayak ahead of busy summer weekends is a good idea, and you can find quick answers about availability and lake access in the Lake Jackson marina FAQ before you head out.
Conclusion
From fishing and boating to lakeside dining and live entertainment, this Central Georgia reservoir offers an all-encompassing blend of outdoor activities, rich history, and vibrant lakefront culture. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful weekend getaway, adrenaline-pumping water sports, or a family-friendly outing complete with camping and a restaurant by the water, you won’t be disappointed.
Ready to plan your trip?
- Camp by the water at one of Bear Creek Marina’s camper or RV slips.
- Launch your boat or store it in dry boat storage for easy access to the lake.
- Rent a kayak or canoe and explore the shoreline at your own pace.
To get started, visit Bear Creek Marina’s official website, browse their boat storage options, and check out the upcoming event schedule. For any questions or reservations, call (770) 787-9621. Discover the laid-back charm and endless possibilities that Jackson Lake has to offer—your next unforgettable lakeside escape is just around the corner!
Explore Jackson Lake from Bear Creek Marina. Launch from the boat ramp, dine at the restaurant, rent a kayak, and camp at the campground. Whether you are looking for the best fishing spots on Jackson Lake or a guide to choosing the perfect campground, Bear Creek Marina has everything you need for an unforgettable Georgia lakeside getaway.
More Jackson Lake Guides to Plan Your Visit
Keep exploring with these Jackson Lake resources: see every public launch on our Jackson Lake map of access points and boat ramps, compare sites in the Jackson Lake campground guide, find out whether you can swim in Jackson Lake, get quick answers in our Lake Jackson marina FAQ, plan a side trip to nearby High Falls State Park, and map out a Jackson Lake day trip from Atlanta.
Curious how the lake came to be? Learn the story of the dam that created the reservoir in our guide to the Jackson Lake Dam (Lloyd Shoals Dam).
