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Georgia’s state parks offer a wide variety of recreational opportunities, including miniature golf, tennis, volleyball, horseshoes and children’s playgrounds. Some activities require a small fee, while many others are free. Hours vary and some activities may close during winter.
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Biking
Bicycles may be used on paved roads only, with the exception of designated bike trails. Mountain bikers may test their endurance and skills at Fort Mountain, Tallulah Gorge, Unicoi, Richard B. Russell, Magnolia Springs, Ft. Yargo, and Watson Mill Bridge state parks. More casual bicyclists may enjoy trails at Red Top Mountain, Hart, Mistletoe, Smithgall Woods, Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation and Victoria Bryant state parks. Earn a t-shirt from our Muddy Spokes Club. Don't have your own bike? Some outfitters will rent bicycles. |
Fishing and Boating
Georgia is an angler’s paradise, and our parks offer excellent fishing and boating. Most have boat ramps and docks, and a few parks feature marinas. (Some facilities may be closed during extreme drought.) Water skiing, sailing and personal watercraft are permitted at parks on large lakes; however, some parks on small lakes have horsepower restrictions. Fishing in park lakes, rivers and streams is free, but a fishing license is required for guests 16 or older. Trout stamps are required when fishing in streams.
More than 30 parks rent motorized fishing boats, canoes or kayaks by the hour. Stephen C. Foster State Park offers guided boat tours through the mysterious Okefenokee Swamp.
Fishing Tackle Loaner Program:
The DNR's fisheries management office and several state parks have created a program where visitors may borrow equipment for no charge. Visitors can check out a pole, try their luck, then return the equipment when they are finished. Click here for participating state parks.
Fishing and Hunting Licenses:
Operated by the DNR's Wildlife Resources Division, the Electronic Georgia Licensing (EGAL) system provides online fishing and hunting license purchases, or you can call 1-800-366-2661. |
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Boating Laws and Tips:
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Golf
Seven state parks feature uncrowded, beautifully maintained courses, pro shops and putting greens. Some have been highly ranked by Gold Digest magazine. Learn more. |
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Hiking and Backpacking
Almost every park and historic site has hiking trails, with more challenging backcountry trails at Amicalola Falls, Black Rock Mountain, Cloudland Canyon, F.D. Roosevelt, Fort Mountain, Providence Canyon, Unicoi and Vogel. Primitive camping is allowed with advanced reservations. Hard-surfaced trails suitable for wheelchairs and strollers are found at Amicalola Falls, John Tanner, Mistletoe, Panola Mountain, Red Top Mountain, Stephen C. Foster and Tallulah Gorge state parks. Earn a t-shirt through our Canyon Climbers Club challenge. |
Off-Road Vehicles
ORVs (or ATVs) are not allowed on any state park trails.
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Picnicking
Plan your next party or reunion at a state park. Scenic picnic areas and grills are located throughout all state parks and most historic sites. Open-air picnic shelters may be reserved for a fee up to 11 months in advance. Enclosed group shelters seat 50–250 people and include tables, chairs, grills, kitchens and restrooms. These may be reserved 11 months in advance. All vehicles must display a ParkPass. |
Swimming
Several state parks feature a lakeside beach or swimming pool. Beaches have no lifeguards and are free. Most are open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Lifeguards are provided at swimming pools (except at lodge parks), and a small fee is charged. Hours and days of operation vary, so call ahead before visiting. Swimming pools usually open for the season on Memorial Day weekend and closed after Labor Day weekend. Bathhouses are closed during winter months. |
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Specials
