Jocko's Beach Resort & Motel

Joe and Lenore made us feel like family as soon as we got our things off the vehicle. The lake and beach are right there by the cottages, and there’s plenty to do in the water. We could use kayaks, paddle boards, and a canoe for free, with everything we needed available. From the screened porch, the lake and forest covered hills made it easy to unwind. We’d brought reclining beach chairs, which were especially nice for sitting at the water’s edge with our feet in. We stayed in a small, rustic log style cabin with two bedrooms, a kitchenette, and a two-piece bathroom. The shower facility next door was very clean and private. There are a few cottages and cabins to rent, and the beach is great for families or anyone who likes lounging and playing in the water. We’d planned to eat at restaurants but never wanted to leave our little piece of paradise. A wonderfully small piece of heaven. We’d definitely recommend it and will be back soon.

Update, 2022: The place was sold in 2020 and has had a lot of upgrades. It isn’t the same place described in my review, and there’s no common room offered now. Back in 2019, we booked all but one of the motel units for a long weekend with siblings, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. Our group of about 30 had a great time. The Guthrie's offered their largest room as a common room, with plenty of tables and chairs, so we ate most of our meals there. The rooms were comfortable, and the beach was just across the road. That year, shade sails had been installed to give some relief from the hot sun. It worked really well for our group.

We rented a boat and went fishing on the lake, and the resort has a beach right there. The area around it is gorgeous for hikes and other outings. Our room was spacious and spotless, with equipment for cooking, and the staff were friendly and accommodating. We were extremely happy with our stay and will definitely come back.

We’ve stayed at Jockos for a fall colors ride with a large group two years in a row. Don’t be put off by the “low key” description: the motel rooms are huge, extremely clean, and well equipped, with very comfortable large beds. There are plenty of canoes, kayaks, and other boats to use, and the beach area is lovely. I highly recommend it any time of year.