Oconee Trip

[mtnman]

Guys I need some help. My wife and I are taking a vacation either the 1st or 2nd week in march. I am hoping and praying the crappie will be biting then. Not sure which week would be the best but I hope to catch them at the right time when they are doing some spawning.
Heres the problem. We live in Dallas, GA and its a 2hr 109mile ride for us to get to Sugar creek boat ramp which is the closest one to us. So we are trying to find a place to stay 3 or 4 nights. I have checked out hotels in Madison and the rates are not that bad but my only concern is if I catch fish and stay at a hotel for a few nights I have no way to freeze my filets without a decent freezer. Only thing I could do is ice them down really well.
Also have checked on the vrbo.com website for home rentals and I don't mind paying a little for a place to stay but goodness some of these places are $1000 a night! So a home rental is out of the question.
Do you guys know if any of the campgrounds are open this time of the year? I believe Old Salem and Lawrence Shoals are closed until Memorial day weekend. Would like something on the water so I could launch my boat and leave it in the water until I am ready to go home.
Any suggestions appreciated.

[gacowboy]

A friend of mine and his wife stayed at this rental on Lake Oconee. It is only 110 per night and has a dock to keep your boat in the water. Might be worth checking out.

Other Lake Oconee Properties Vacation Rental - VRBO 257152 - 2 BR Lake Oconee House in GA, Duplex on Lake Oconee

[papasage]

this is a little father south but interstate all the way.anything from camping cabins and condoes on the water .
Georgia State Parks - Georgia Veterans State Park

Lake Blackshear Fishing & Boat Rentals: Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club Official Site Cordele Central Georgia GA Veterans Memorial State Park area hotels luxury resorts family vacations getaways packages marinas boating events guided fishing trips

[RIVER HAWK]

There is a hotel on the water called the Lodge on Oconee. Think thier rates are fair. Check it out.

[EARL KITCHENS]

Sugar Creek Marina has cabins/trailers for rent. One of my friends stayed there when we fished the Southern Crappie Tournament. I ate breakfast with them at the cabin and it was fairly nice. You may want to call the Marina to see if they have an opening?

[Ralph Cordell]

The folks at Blue Springs Marina were renting units above their store. I imagine they still are. You can put your boat in there and it is a fairly short trip down to Sugar Creek. OTOH - there is some great fishing in that area and you may not need to make the trip. Of course there is always the Ritz over on the other side of the lake. I suppose they could whip you up a batch of crappie nicoise ;-).