Reservations 800-864-7275
Park
706-557-3001
Golf
706-557-3006
FACILITIES AVAILABLE for June 14-16:
Tent & RV Campsites / Picnic Shelters / Pioneer Campsite / Group Camp-Daniel Morgan / Equestrian Campsites / Horse Stables / Meeting Room (Please contact park directly for Meeting Room reservations 706-557-3001.)
(as of June 11, 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 ($100-$125, higher during Masters Week) – cable TV, #13 and #17 are dog friendly ($45 fee dog, max 2)
- 46 Tent, Trailer, RV Campsites ($25-$29) -- buddy sites available, some sites close during winter
- 2 Group Shelters (seat 85 and 120, $85-$335)
- 2 Group Camps (sleeps 75–120, $475–$600; dining hall only, $180)
- Pioneer Group Campground ($45)
- 4 Picnic Shelters and Barbecue Pit ($65-$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
Full Moon Kayak Tour
Saturday, Jun 22, 2013 8:30 PM to 10:30 PMSaturday, 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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Intro to Mountain Biking
Saturday, Jun 29, 2013 9 AM to 12 PM
 Basics of mountain biking, including basic maintenance of mountain bikes, and a ride on our beginners bike trails. Great way to get out on new bike trails at the park and meet other trail riders. Meet at Park Office/Trading Post. Pre-Registration required, space limited. Program fee includes mountain bike pass $5 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001. |
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Twilight Paddle
Saturday, Jun 29, 2013 7 PM to 9 PMThursday, Jul 4, 2013 6 PM to 8 PM
Friday, Jul 5, 2013 6 PM to 8 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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Fourth of July Paddle
Thursday, Jul 4, 2013 8:30 PM to 10:30 PMFriday, Jul 5, 2013 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM
| Join this guided paddle on Lake Rutledge under the star-filled night sky. Listen to night sounds, check out star constellations, and enjoy a peaceful July fourth evening. Space is limited, please pre-register. $15 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001. |
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New Moon Kayak Tour
Saturday, Jul 6, 2013 8:30 PM to 10:30 PMSaturday, 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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Atlanta Audubon Beginners Bird Walk
Sunday, Jul 7, 2013 1 PM to 3 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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Woodland Walk
Sunday, Jul 7, 2013 5 PM to 6:30 PM
| Join this relaxing hike down a 1-mile nature trail. Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes, wear insect repellent, and bring a camera to record your adventure. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001. |
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Night Sounds Kayak Tour
Sunday, Jul 7, 2013 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM
| Enjoy the music of the night while paddling on Lake Rutledge. Musicians include cricket frogs, whippoorwills, and maybe an owl or 2. Meet at the Park Office/Trading Post beforehand. Preregister; space is limited. $15 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001. |
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Morning Kayak Paddle for Begginers
Monday, Jul 8, 2013 9 AM to 11 AM
| Enjoy Lake Rutledge in the morning. Learn some basic kayak strokes, and enjoy an easy paddle on the calm water. Space is limited, please register in advance. Participants will meet at the Park Office Trading Post. $15 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001. |
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Kayak out to a Frog Slog
Monday, Jul 8, 2013 1 PM to 3 PMSaturday, Jul 13, 2013 2 PM to 4 PM
| Discover some amazing things about wetlands and the many frogs that live in them. Bring shoes and clothes that you don't mind getting muddy and wet! 15 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001. |
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Incredible Nature Crafts
Sunday, Jul 14, 2013 10 AM to 12 PM
| Make some great artwork with nature as an inspiration. Create a Pine cone Owl, Pine Staw Dolls, and beatiful leaf rubbings. Meet at the Park Office/Trading Post. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001. |
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Introduction to Archery
Saturday, Jul 20, 2013 2 PM to 4 PM
| Archery has been around for over 1,000 years. Try your skill at shooting a "Bull's Eye" and learning the basics of this fun outdoor sport. Space is limited, pre-registration required. $10 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001. |
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Nature Hike
Sunday, Jul 21, 2013 10 AM to 11:30 AM
| This ranger-led hike will lead visitors on the Lake Brantley Nature Trail. We'll see creeks, many different trees, man-made earthworks, and maybe even some of the park's wild animals. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and everyone should wear shoes fit for walking outdoors. Meet at the Trading Post. $5. 706-557-3001. |
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Junior Ranger "Get Outdoors" Day Camp
Wednesday, Jul 24, 2013 9 AM to 12 PMThursday, Jul 25, 2013 6:30 PM to 9 PM
| Earn your "Get Outdoors" Junior Ranger patch at Hard Labor Creek! Explore the park by land and on kayak as we learn how to "get outdoors" during this two-day camp. We will explore nature trails, kayak on Lake Rutledge at sunset, and document our adventures in outdoor journals. Recommended ages: 7-10. $50 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001. |
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Searching for Dragons and Damsels
Saturday, Jul 27, 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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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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