Sherpa Guides > Georgia Mountains > Appendices > State Parks in the Mountains

State Parks in the Mountains

Georgia's state parks are operated by the Parks, Recreation, and Historic Sites Division, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Floyd Tower East, Suite 1352, 205 Butler Street SE, Atlanta, GA 30334. The following state parks are in the mountain region covered by this guidebook.

Georgia's state parks offer excellent opportunities to enjoy a variety of natural environments. There is much to see and do, including hiking, swimming, camping, fishing, boating, and picnicking.

All state parks in the Georgia mountains offer tent and trailer camping, and all but two ("Sloppy" Floyd and Moccasin Creek) offer cottages for rent. Day-use picnicking is not allowed in the camping areas. No fees are charged for fishing in park lakes, rivers, and streams, but a valid Georgia fishing license is required of all residents 16 or older. Nonresidents must have a valid, nonresident license. Trout stamps are required for fishing in streams. Canoes, fishing boats, and boats with motors are available for rent at many state parks.

Campgrounds

Campgrounds are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and require registration and payment of a fee before setting up camp. Permits to set up camp should be obtained by 8 p.m.; checkout deadline is 3 p.m. Arrivals at campsite after hours will be asked to pay the following morning.

Camping rigs plus two boat trailers and one pup tent are allowed on each site. Park campgrounds have picnic tables with benches, electrical hookups, water faucets, charcoal grills, playground equipment, garbage pickup, and restrooms with hot and cold water, showers, and lavatories. Some have sanitary dumping stations, coin-operated laundromats, public telephones, and refreshment vending machines. Maximum occupancy of any particular site is 14 days. Campers under age 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Organized groups are expected to use group campsites or pioneer camping areas rather than individual, developed, tent and trailer camping areas. No RVs are allowed in these areas.

Group camps, available only to groups with a camp director or official supervising committee, offer sleeping quarters, kitchen, dining/assembly room, craft shops, activity field, and swimming area.

Reservations for stays of two days or more can be made up to 30 days in advance by calling the numbers listed below. There is a small, nonrefundable registration fee. MasterCard and Visa are honored for all camping fees.

Cottages

All cottages in the state parks are fully equipped with stoves and refrigerators, necessary cooking and serving equipment, linens, and blankets. All are heated; most are air-conditioned. Maximum period of occupancy is 14 days.

Check-in time for cottages is between 4 and 10 p.m.; checkout time is 11 a.m. No pets are allowed in cottages and there are no kennels available. The cottages are not available to organized groups.

Cottage reservations are accepted no more than 11 months in advance. For June 1 to Labor Day, reservations made more than 30 days in advance must be for a minimum of one week. Otherwise, and during the remainder of the year, reservations must be made for two nights. A minimum 72-hour cancellation notice is required for a refund. There is a $10 per-unit cancellation fee.

Reservations: Phone (800) 864-PARK, or (770) 389-PARK in metro Atlanta, for individual reservations.

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