Reservations 800-864-7275
Park
706-557-3001
Golf
706-557-3006
FACILITIES AVAILABLE for May 24-27:
5 two-Bedroom Cottages / Group Shelters / Picnic Shelters / Pioneer Campsite
(as of May 21, 2013)
 Hard Labor Creek State Park Business Plan
While this park may be best known for its golf course, it also offers a wide range of recreational opportunities in a beautiful wooded setting. A lakeside beach is popular with swimmers during summer months, and more than 24 miles of trails are available for hikers and horseback riders. Horse owners even have their own private camping area near stalls. Other overnight guests can choose from fully equipped cottages or a modern campground. With so many ways to relax, it is ironic that the park’s name is thought to come from slaves who tilled summer fields or American Indians who found the creek difficult to cross.
Located between Madison and Covington off I-20, The Creek Golf Course provides one of Georgia’s best golf values, along with a pro shop, driving range, rental carts and special rates for seniors and children. The 18-hole course is a favorite for its challenging layout and well maintained greens combined with a pristine, natural setting. The first hole has been called "the hardest starting hole in Georgia.”
Listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Park Hours: 7AM-10PM
Office Hours: 8AM-5PM
$5 parking. Annual passes available.
GeorgiaStateParks.org/HardLaborCreek
ACCOMMODATIONS & FACILITIES:
- 5,804 Acres
- 20 Cottages ($95-$120, higher during Masters Week) – cable TV, #13 and #17 are dog friendly ($45 fee dog, max 2)
- 46 Tent, Trailer, RV Campsites ($25-$28) -- buddy sites available, some sites close during winter
- 2 Group Shelters (seat 85 and 120, $85-$335)
- 2 Group Camps (sleeps 75–120, $455–$585; dining hall only, $180)
- Pioneer Group Campground ($45)
- 4 Picnic Shelters and Barbecue Pit ($50-$85)
- 2 Lakes
- 30 Horse Stalls ($18), Riding Ring and 11 Equestrian Campsites
- Swimming Beach and Bathhouse (seasonal)
- The Creek Golf Course ($36-$46)
THINGS TO DO & SEE:
- Golf (rental carts, driving range)
- Lake Swimming (seasonal)
- Boat Rental – pedal boats (seasonal), canoes and fishing boats
- Fishing
- Birding
- Horseback Riding – trail fee, annual passes available, 22-mile trail, stalls, riding ring, equestrian camping, no horse rentals
- Rules of Stable & Equestrian Trail Use
- Biking - 10 miles of beginner to intermediate trails, fee
- Hiking – 2.5-mile trail, weekday hiking on 22-mile horse trail
- Geocaching
- Group Camp Programs
- Playground
- Weddings (park approval required)
 Camping & Golf Packages are available at the park's 18-hole The Creek Golf Course at Hard Labor. Call 1-888-353-4592 or click here for more information.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS:
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View by date Events
Moonlight Hike
Friday, May 24, 2013 7 PM to 9 PM
  Join a park ranger on this guided hike under the full moon. Wear comfortable shoes, insect repellant, and bring a camera to record the journey, as we listen for insects, frogs and other nocturnal creatures. Meet at the Hard Labor Creek Trading Post. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001. |
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Kayak Tour of Lake Rutledge
Saturday, May 25, 2013 2 PM to 4 PM
| Join this guided paddle on Lake Rutledge. Learn about the Civilian Conservation Corps and the role they played in creating this park. All levels of skill can join this easy paddle. Look for wildlife like Osprey, Red-Headed Woodpeckers and possibly an eagle on the trip. Register in advance. $15 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001. |
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Full Moon Kayak Tour
Saturday, May 25, 2013 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM
Saturday, Jun 22, 2013 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM
Saturday, Jul 20, 2013 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM
Saturday, Aug 24, 2013 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM
Saturday, Sep 21, 2013 8 PM to 10 PM
Saturday, Oct 19, 2013 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
| Join a guided tour of Lake Rutledge, and enjoy a peaceful paddle under a bright moon. Listen for night sounds, enjoy the night sky, and learn about the history of Hard Labor Creek State Park. Register in advance. $15 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001. |
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Searching for Dragons and Damsels
Sunday, May 26, 2013 2 PM to 4 PM
| Dragonflies and damselflies are some of the most beautiful and beneficial insects in the bug world. They come in many sizes shapes and colors. Join a park ranger on the hunt for these tiny predators, and explore streams, lake and pond. Bring a digital camera and binoculars for the adventure. This hike is best for participants 10 years old and up. Meet at Office/Trading Post. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3006. |
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Twilight Paddle
Sunday, May 26, 2013 7 PM to 9 PM
Monday, May 27, 2013 7 PM to 9 PM
Saturday, Jun 1, 2013 7 PM to 9 PM
Saturday, Jun 15, 2013 7 PM to 9 PM
Saturday, Jun 29, 2013 7 PM to 9 PM
Friday, Jul 5, 2013 7 PM to 9 PM
Saturday, Jul 13, 2013 7 PM to 9 PM
Saturday, Jul 27, 2013 7 PM to 9 PM
Saturday, Aug 10, 2013 7 PM to 9 PM
Saturday, Aug 17, 2013 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Friday, Aug 30, 2013 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Saturday, Aug 31, 2013 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Friday, Sep 13, 2013 6 PM to 8 PM
Saturday, Sep 14, 2013 6 PM to 8 PM
Saturday, Sep 28, 2013 6 PM to 8 PM
Saturday, Oct 12, 2013 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
| Explore Lake Rutledge on this Ranger-Guided Twilight Paddle. As we scan the sky for Ospreys and maybe an Eagle, and watch the changing colors on the water as the sun sets, we will interpret the role the CCC made in creating this great park in the 1930s. Meet at the Park Office/Trading Post. Register in advance. $15 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001. |
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Atlanta Audubon Beginners Bird Walk
Monday, May 27, 2013 12 PM to 3 PM
Sunday, Jun 9, 2013 8 AM to 12 PM
| This field trip is designed for anyone interested in learning more about birds, habitats critical to some species, and organizations like the Audubon Society which are dedicated to bird conservation. Meet at the Park Office/Trading Post. $5 parking. 706-557-3001. |
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Girl Scout Wetlands Patch
Saturday, Jun 8, 2013 2 PM to 4 PM
| Participate in several activites that will help you earn your Wetlands patch (recommended for Girl Scout Juniors). Learn the importance of wetlands by observing wetlands functions and the plants and animals that rely on this environment. Meet at the Park Office/Trading Post. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001. |
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New Moon Kayak Tour
Saturday, Jun 8, 2013 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM
Saturday, Jul 6, 2013 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM
Saturday, Aug 3, 2013 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM
Saturday, Sep 7, 2013 8 PM to 10 PM
Saturday, Oct 5, 2013 7 PM to 9 PM
| Lake Rutledge is a great place to enjoy the night sky. Join this ranger-led tour of the lake and enjoy night sounds, star-gazing, and a relaxing time on the water. A new moon means that many stars will be visible on the night-time paddle. Register in advance. $15 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001. |
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Junior Ranger Day Camp
Wednesday, Jun 12, 2013 9 AM to 1 PM
Thursday, Jun 13, 2013 9 AM to 1 PM
Friday, Jun 14, 2013 9 AM to 1 PM
| Are your kids looking for a little adventure, and fun learning this summer. Kids ages 6 - 12 can earn a level l Jr Ranger Patch in this 3-day camp. Participants will learn about native trees, wildlife, and history, and enjoy fishing, hiking, archery and keeping a nature journal. Register in advance, space is limited. Register by June 7. All participants will meet at the Park Office/Trading Post. $50. 706-557-3001. |
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Father's Day Hike
Sunday, Jun 16, 2013 10 AM to 11:30 AM
| Give your father the greatest gift of all; memories of a beautiful hike at Hard Labor Creek State Park! Meet at the Park Office/Trading Post before we head over the Brantley nature trail. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001. |
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Paddle Under the Perseids - Meteor Kayak Tour
Saturday, Aug 10, 2013 to Sunday, Aug 11, 2013 10 PM
| Join a park ranger on this kayak tour of Lake Rutledge as we watch the night sky for the Perseids Meteor Shower. This is considered by many to be the year's best meteor shower because the meteors are often bright and leave long trails. Will meet at the Lake Rutledge boat ramp. Register in advance. $20 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001. |
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Meteor Shower Paddle - the Draconids
Monday, Oct 7, 2013 7 PM to 9 PM
| This 2-hour guided paddle will give guests an opportunity to witness the "odd" Draconid meteor shower. Unlike many meteor showers, the Draconids are more likely to be visible in the evening hours, just after nightfall. Register in advance. Meet at the Lake Rutledge boat ramp. $20 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001. |
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