Georgia is a big and diverse state filled with numerous big cities (such as Atlanta or Savannah), but also is home to 48 State Parks and 23 Historic/Partner sites! Coastal, mountainous, hills, forest, marshes, and rich wildlife — you choose! Each one allows for some amazing camping trips with numerous memories to be made!
I grew up in Georgia, so finding my family’s favorite state parks were easy! When I was younger we had made it a goal to visit every single state park in Georgia, but of course, they kept adding and we got older! I think we ended up hitting up 23 (my parent’s number would be higher since they go without my sister and I now). But, that didn’t stop us from making wonderful memories and seeing as much as we could!
For a full list and information regarding entrance fees and camping, take a look at the Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites website!
Now, here are my top 5 favorite state parks!
Skidaway Island State Park
If you’re wanting to visit Tybee Island or Savannah and want to camp, this is your place! We go here every year for New Years (and have been going here since probably early 2000s) and we love it every time we go!
- Spots: Plenty of spots, all fairly big, surrounded by big, gorgeous oaks with Spanish Moss hanging off of them
- Cabins: 3 cabins available if camping isn’t your thing
- Outdoors: About 6 miles of trails, one leading out to a big lookout tower (perfect place to see snails and crabs), Kayaking spots
- Tybee Island: About 40 minute drive to the pier and shops, Polar Plunge on New Years’ Day, great food at Fannie’s, Lighthouse, Fort Pulaski
- Savannah: Bike Tours, River Street, bars, historic city, ghost tours (need I say more??), About a 20 minute drive from the campground
You can check out my post all about visiting Skidaway Island here!
Vogel State Park
If you’re looking for a park up in the North Georgia Mountains, this is an amazing option (especially in the Fall). Its located in the Chattahoochee National Forest and is located close to the highest point in Georgia (Brasstown Bald).
- Spots: Plenty big and spaced out enough to not be on top of your neighbor, some spots also have a creek located behind them
- Cabins: About 34 cottages available for you non-campers
- Outdoors: 17 miles of trails with waterfalls, lake for kayaking or fishing, beautiful Appalachian Mountains (aka AMAZING views)
- Summer: We’ve never been for summer, but there’s a lake with a Sand Beach, as well as you’re able to swim in the waterfalls if you can get to them
- Fall: Beautiful fall colors, Fall Festival (that they’re known for)
Cloudland Canyon State Park
Another wonderful state park located up in the North Georgia Mountains, but on the Northwest Corner. If you’re looking to visit Chattanooga, TN or the surrounding areas, or want some amazing hiking trails, this is a great place to camp!
- Spots: Wide and spread out, some spots are located with a big open field behind it (perfect for kids)
- Cabins: 16 Cottages and 10 Yurts available
- Outdoors: 64 miles of trails some with GORGEOUS waterfalls (just be aware that one of the trails to a waterfall has A LOT of stairs), even some for biking as well, caving options, fishing, or even disc golf (if that’s your thing)
- Surrounding Area: Chattanooga, TN (Aquarium, bars, Discovery Museum, etc), Ruby Falls, Rock City, Lookout Mountain (you can see 7 States from this view), Raccoon Mountain Caverns (SO much fun)
Crooked River State Park
In the total opposite direction of Cloudland Canyon is Crooked River State Park, located at the Southeast corner of Georgia near the Florida Border. Also, nestled close to the Okefenokee Swamp and Cumberland Island, it gives plenty of options of things to do!
- Spots: Big and spread out campsites with some trees covering, but still enough for the sun to come through
- Cabins: 11 Cottages available
- Outdoors: About 4 miles of trails, great for running or bird watching, very flat and last time we went it was pretty open, which allowed for a lot of sun to get through, boat ramp for you to fish off of or go kayaking
- Okefenokee Swamp: Canoeing! — we do this every time we go and rent a few canoes, pack some lunch and get to rowing throughout the Okefenokee! Last time we went, there was a drought affecting half of the swamp, so HUNDREDS of alligators were in the section you’re rowing in. They also have guided tours on boats, so you don’t have to tire yourselves out canoeing and a center with plenty of things to do for the kids
Hart State Park
Last favorite of the Georgia State Parks is Hart State Park located right on the east border of Georgia on Lake Hartwell! Its a great place to go if you don’t want the mountains or the beach!
- Spots: Big enough sites that have a lot of them with a lake view, no cabins at this State Park though
- Outdoors: Only a 1.5 mile hike, but plenty of swimming/kayaking/water activities to do
- The park is only available from March-September
- Not too near any “big” cities, so this place is more for the people that just want to get away and relax, pretty quiet place
I hope you get a chance to go explore some of mine and my family’s favorite campgrounds, especially seeing all of the old pictures of us!
If you’ve ever been to these campgrounds or you have other favorites, feel free to comment below and let me know!! I would love to hear about them!
