Georgia State Parks
Black Bear in Stephen C. Foster State Park
Georgia loves the outdoors and this is obvious when you visit one of her state parks during your Georgia travel. Below you'll find a list of some of Georgia's favorite outdoor state park destinations. From the beautiful mountain park of Amicalola to the swamps of Stephen C. Foster State Park you'll discover the natural beauty of the South.
Amicalola Falls State Park
Do you love to watch waterfalls? Then head north toward Amicalola Falls, home of the highest falls in Georgia. The falls have multiple cascades which fall for 729 feet. Although beautiful no matter the season, for the best view of the Falls, go during the winter, when the tree coverage is sparse, and the view of the Falls is unobstructed. The park has picnic areas, tent and RV campsites, and cottages as well as a 57 room lodge within its 500 acres. While visiting Amicalola, you can also take time for hiking, fishing, boating, canoeing, or rafting. If you get a rush riding the rapids, then you don't want to miss the opportunity to go rafting at Amicalola, which rafting enthusiast have touted as one of the best in Georgia.
418 Amicalola Falls Lodge Road
Dawsonville, Georgia, 30534
404-205-2885
Unicoi State Park
Just 2 miles northeast of Helen, Georgia on GA 356 in the North Georgia Mountains, is Unicoi State Park. At Unicoi, you will find cottages and campsites, a 53 acre lake with 2 beaches, a lodge with a conference center that has space for 200, and a restaurant. Also at the lodge is a craft shop, which features a large selection of authentic Appalachian handcrafts. There are many informative programs offered throughout the year that feature information on the cultural, historical and recreational aspects of the park. There are hiking trails as well as biking trails that lead you throughout the park as well as into Helen, Georgia. During the month of February there is a Fireside Arts and Crafts Show in the lodge which showcases regional works. P.O. Box 849
Helen, Georgia, 30545
(706) 878-2201
Vogel State Park
Vogel State Park in Blairsville is surrounded by the Chattahoochee
River with its many scenic views and the tallest mountains
in Georgia. Vogel State Park, Georgia's second oldest state
park is at the base of Blood Mountain in the Chattahoochee
River National Forest. The Civilian Conservation Corps
designed the park and the main building in the park has
a museum dedicated to the CCC. The focal point of the park
is the 20 acres Lake Trahlyta, named for a Cherokee maiden
buried in the park.
There are 100 campsites available at Vogel, so it is recommended
that you make advanced reservations to ensure your place.
While visiting Vogel State Park, be sure to bring along
your canoe and fishing equipment. Other outdoor activities
include beaches, picnic areas and some of the best hiking
trails in the state.
7485 Vogel State Park Road
Blairsville, GA 30512
Reservations (800) 864-7275
Park (706) 745-2628
Stephen C. Foster State Park
Camping, canoeing, walking trails, and interpretive programs-if you love getting back to nature, then you want to be sure the Stephen C. Foster State Park is on your travel itinerary. The park is on the west side of the Okefenoekee Swamp, near Fargo, Georgia. You can bring your own canoe, or rent one, and before you know it, you will be seeing large bald cypress trees and swamp animal life. Depending on the direction you paddle, you can reach Minnie's Lake, the Suwannee River Sill or Billy's Sill.
While
at the park, you can choose guided motor boat tours, rental
boats, or outboard motors. Or, you may wish to reserve a
place to camp on one of the swamps camping docks or the
parks campgrounds. And, while pets are not excluded, should
you bring yours along be sure they are always secured on
a leash not exceeding 6 feet. Remember-the swamp is home
to alligators, and gators love dogs! They also love stupid people so swimming is probably a bad idea.
The Park also has picnic areas, rental cabins,
boat facilities, and a small store which carries a limited
amount of supplies.
Rt. 1 Fargo GA
912-637-5274
Open: 6:30am to 8:30pm daily from March 1-Labor Day
7-7 daily Labor Day to February 28
Reservations advisable for cabins, and campsites
Crooked River State Park
Located just 11 miles from Cumberland Island National Seashore is Crooked River State Park. The park is the perfect place for you, if your plans include visiting Cumberland. Here you can spend a day hiking its nature trails, where you may see a raccoon, a fox squirrel or even an armadillo. Should you trek the ½ mile long Semperviren's Nature Trail you can view first hand a sub-tropical, broadleaf forest. While enjoying a picnic lunch, you may even see an osprey or a red tailed hawk.
Do you love to fish? Then pack your gear and head this
way! The Crooked River has a dock and from there you can
cast a shrimp net, crab or fish. Or, bring your boat and
take to the open waters.
Crooked River State Park has lodging, picnic areas and shelters
as well as campsites designed for primitive, intermediate
and RV camping. Also, there are restrooms, a swimming pool, food
and beverages which make even the most inexperienced camper
feel at ease. So, come for a day, a night or two, or just
stop by to have a picnic - you'll be glad you did!
6222 Charlie Smith Sr. Highway
St. Marys, GA 31558
Park Hours: 7AM-10PM
Office Hours: 8AM-10PM; 8AM-5PM on Thursdays
Reservations (800) 864-7275
(Recommended 30 max. in adv. For camping; Cottages- 60 days
adv.)
Park (912) 882-5256
Skidaway Island State Park
Skidaway Island State Park is one of the best camping locations in the Savannah area. You can spend the day, or days, relaxing and rejuvenating while hiking, fishing, and boating. Or, you may choose to pack a picnic and recline watching the variety of shore and wading birds. You can set up your tripod and camera along the edge of the creeks and salt marshes or venture into the maritime forest.
When you walk Sandpiper Trail, keep on the lookout for fiddler crabs in its salt marshes, palmetto trees, island hammocks, or the remains of Confederate earthworks used to defend Savannah. There are observation towers as well which allow you to view the many animals living in the park. A biding station and nature exhibits can be seen in the park's museum. Other activities include study sites, interpretive programs during the summer months, and a swimming pool.
If you love to camp, you can choose from primitive or intermediate campsites as well as recreational vehicle camps. During the summer months, there is a food and beverage stand along with vending machines. Pets are welcomed, but must be on a leash at all times.
52 Diamond Causeway
Savannah, GA 31411-1102
912/598-2300 or 598-2301 12/598
Park Hours: 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Park Office Hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Reservations: Camping & shelter
Fees: Camping, shelters & Pool
Amicalola Falls
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Mountain Park Georgia Information