Eatonton Vacation Rentals

Birthplace of both Joel Chandler Harris and Alice Walker—authors of towering American works —Eatonton pairs its remarkable cultural heritage with championship golf, ancient Native American earthworks, and the kind of Southern hospitality and lakeside living that makes every visit feel like the right pace.

What you'll love about Eatonton

Eatonton's literary credentials are genuine and remarkable and the Georgia Writers Museum honors their legacies thoughtfully. 

The Rock Eagle Effigy's 2,000-year-old Native American earthwork is one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in the Southeast. Lake Oconee's 19,000 acres and Reynolds Lake Oconee's six championship golf courses give the town a recreational depth that matches its cultural one, and the whole package is only 75 miles east of Atlanta.

Fun things to do

• Explore the Rock Eagle Effigy from the historic observation tower.
• Take the self-guided Alice Walker Driving Tour of her birthplace, childhood home, and church.
• Visit the Uncle Remus Museum to learn about Joel Chandler Harris and the Brer Rabbit stories.
• Explore the Georgia Writers Museum's exhibits celebrating the literary giants of the South.
• Boat, fish, kayak, and paddleboard on Lake Oconee's 19,000 acres of pristine Georgia water.
• Play a round at Reynolds Lake Oconee's six championship courses along the shoreline.
• Hike and bike the trails of Oconee National Forest and Rock Hawk Effigy trails.
• Camp or swim at Lawrence Shoals, Oconee Springs, or Lake Sinclair Recreation Area.
• Browse the shops and murals of historic downtown Eatonton's charming courthouse square.
• Explore the Rock Hawk Effigy trail network just south of town along Lake Sinclair.
• Day trip to Milledgeville, Madison, or Greensboro for additional Lake Country arts and history.

Local tips

• Rock Eagle Effigy is free and open daily 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The tower climb for the aerial view is essential.
• The Alice Walker Driving Tour starts at the Georgia Writers Museum; pick up a brochure before setting out.
• Lake Oconee boat and jet ski rentals book up on summer weekends. Reserve in advance.
• Reynolds Lake Oconee tee times are popular; book well ahead for weekend rounds.
• Bruzze Brewing's patio is the ideal post-hike or post-lake stop in Eatonton.
• Downtown Eatonton's murals make for a worthwhile self-guided walking tour of the square.
• Eatonton is 75 miles east of Atlanta, a very manageable weekend drive from the city.
• Oconee National Forest hiking trails around Rock Hawk are less crowded than Rock Eagle.
• June is bass tournament season on Lake Oconee. Marinas get busy, so plan accordingly.
• Fall is ideal for Lake Country visits: comfortable temperatures, fall foliage, and thinner crowds.

Literary lakes, ancient earthworks, and Georgia's best-kept secret

Rock Eagle is one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in the American Southeast, and most people have never heard of it. That's Eatonton in miniature—deeply rewarding, genuinely under-the-radar, and better than you expect at every turn. Book your vacation rental and start exploring.