Don Carter State Park

Reservations 800-864-7275
Park 678-450-7726

Check Last Minute Availability

"The Chattahoochee River, flowing from the north Georgia Mountains, meets Lake Lanier at Don Carter State Park, creating a unique opportunity for recreation and outdoor appreciation on the northern edge of metro-Atlanta."

Don Carter is Georgia’s newest state park, as well as the first state park on 38,000-acre Lake Lanier. Situated on the north end of the reservoir, the park offers outstanding recreation for water lovers. Guests can stay cool at a large, sand swimming beach with bath house. Boat ramps provide quick access to the lake, while a multi-use trail welcomes hikers and bikers to explore the hardwood forest.

This new park offers several choices for overnight getaways as well. Two-bedroom cabins are perched on wooded hillsides near the lake. One campground is designed specifically for RVs, while another primitive camping area is just for tents and hammocks. The campground and cottage loop is gated, providing access to overnight guests.

The park is named in honor of real-estate executive Don Carter who served on the Georgia Department of Natural Resources board for 29 years and worked to establish Lake Lanier’s first state park.

$5 parking. Annual passes available.
GeorgiaStateParks.org/DonCarter

Park Hours:

7 a.m.–10 p.m.

Office Hours:

8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Accommodations & Facilities:

• 1,316 Acres
• 8 Cottages ($200–$250) — #1 is dog friendly ($45/dog, 2 max)
• 44 RV Campsites ($30)
• 12 Primitive "Walk-in" Tent Sites ($20)
• 4 Picnic Shelters ($50)
• 38,000-Acre Lake Lanier
• 10.4 Miles of Shoreline
• Boat Ramps
• Docks
• Fish-Cleaning Station
• Sand Beach

Things To Do & See:

• Kayak, Stand-Up Paddleboard & Aquacycle Rentals — seasonal
• Fishing
• Boating
• Swimming
• Hiking & Biking — 4 miles of trails
• Picnicking
• Playgrounds

Nearby Attractions:

• Chattahoochee Golf Club
• Chattahoochee River
• Dahlonega Gold Museum & Historic Downtown
• Elachee Nature Science Center
• Flowery Branch Historic Downtown Shops & Dining
• Francis Meadows Aquatic Center
• Gainesville Main Street & Historic Downtown Square
• Jaemor Farm Market
• Lake Lanier Area Attractions
• Lake Lanier Islands Resort
• Lake Lanier Olympic Venue
• Lakeshore Mall
• North Georgia Canopy Tours
• Northeast Georgia History Center
• Quinlan Visual Arts Center
• Road Atlanta
• Smithgall Woods State Park

Make a Reservation

44 Campsites - Reserve
8 Cottages - Reserve
4 Picnic Shelters - Reserve
12 Primitive Campsites - Reserve

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Events

Aquacycles (Paddleboats) - Silver in the Park (Ages 50+)

Wednesday, Sep 28, 2016 10 AM

Wednesday, Oct 12, 2016 10 AM

Enjoy the lake and get some exercise at the same time using an aquacycle. Each boat holds up to 4 people (2 peddlers). Meet at beach kiosk. Bring water and sunscreen. $5 plus $5 parking. 678-450-7726.

Night Hike

Friday, Sep 30, 2016 8 PM

Let’s look for phosphorescent organisms, listen for owls, and enjoy a frog chorus. You never know what we might find in the dark. Wear closed-toe shoes. Bring a flashlight, insect repellent, and water. Space is limited, pre-registration required. Meet at the boat use area. $3 plus $5 parking. 678-450-7726.

Animals and Their Signs

Saturday, Oct 1, 2016 10 AM

Ranger lead short hike looking for local reptiles, mammals, insects and birds and the signs that they leave while living in the park. Will have discussions about their importance to the ecosystems and the symbiotic relationships they may have with other animals. Meet at the trail head parking area. $3 plus $5 parking. 678-450-7726.

Twilight Lake Lanier Paddle

Sunday, Oct 2, 2016 6 PM to 7:30 PM

Saturday, Oct 8, 2016 6 PM to 7:30 PM

Sunday, Oct 9, 2016 6 PM to 7:30 PM

More Dates...

Join a ranger-led sunset outing to look for wading birds and raptors. Open to anyone who can swim. Kids must be 8 or older and with an adult. Bring your own kayak/canoe or rent here, limited rentals available, so register in advance. Meet at the boat ramp, bring water and a flashlight. $15 with personal kayak/canoe - $25 with rental. $5 parking. 678-450-7726.

Let’s Go Birdwatching - Silver in the Park (ages 50+)

Wednesday, Oct 5, 2016 10 AM

We will go for a short birdwatching hike, and then learn some local bird calls. No pets please. If you want, bring a lunch picnic and enjoy the park. Wear closed-toe shoes, bring water, and insect repellent. Meet at the trail-head parking (fish cleaning station). $5 plus $5 parking. 678-450-7726.

Introduction to Kayaking

Friday, Oct 7, 2016 6 PM to 7:30 PM

Friday, Oct 14, 2016 6 PM to 7:30 PM

Learn the basics of kayaking on a safe and peaceful section of the lake. Open to people 16 years and older who can swim and are new to kayaking. Equipment provided. Bring water and sunscreen. Meet at the Boat Ramp. Pre-registration required. $25 plus $5 parking. 678-450-7726.

Flat Creek Kayak Adventure

Saturday, Oct 8, 2016 10 AM to 1 PM

Join in us on this 2–3 hour excursion to the one of the wildest parts of the lake! This rigorous trip will take us to Flat Creek Island, the northern-most island on Lake Lanier. Bring food and water for this trip, it takes a lot of energy. $20 with personal kayak/canoe
$30 with kayak rental $5 parking. 678-450-7726.

Reptiles of North Georgia

Saturday, Oct 8, 2016 3 PM

Join us as "Ranger Nick" from the Georgia Farm Monitor TV show educates folks about Georgia's wonderful reptiles. We will have live NON-venomous snakes as well as live turtles. Learn the difference between venomous and non-venomous snake species of North Georgia. Meet at shelter 1. $5 parking. 678-450-7726.

Huckleberry Loop Hike

Saturday, Oct 15, 2016 10 AM

Join our naturalist for a hike around Huckleberry Point Loop. This easy walk takes you to a wooded area which hugs the shoreline of the lake. Along the way we will identify some native plants and look for wildlife. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, comfortable clothing, and bring water. Pre-registration required, space limited. Meet at boat ramp parking. $5 parking. 678-450-7726.

Lost Cove Creek Kayaking

Saturday, Oct 15, 2016 2 PM to 3:30 PM

This guided paddle trip will take us to a secluded and rarely visited area of Lake Lanier. If the water level is high, we may even see a beaver lodge and/or a beaver dam. Bring your own kayak/canoe or rent from us; limited rentals available, so register in advance. Meet at the boat ramp; bring water and water shoes. $15 with personal kayak/canoe
$25 with rental $5 parking. 678-450-7726.

Full Moon Paddle

Saturday, Oct 15, 2016 7 PM to 9 PM

Enjoy a relaxing paddle on Lake Lanier led by the naturalist as the full moon reflects off the water. Space is limited, so register in advance. No pets; kids must be 8 or older. Meet at the boat ramp. Bring a flash light, insect repellent, and water. $15 with personal kayak/canoe
$25 with rental $5 parking. 678-450-7726.

Powerwalk – Silver in the Park (ages 50+)

Wednesday, Oct 19, 2016 10 AM

Seniors are People with Power! Join us for a guided power-walk along the Woodland paved loop trail (1 mile). Meet at the trailhead parking. Wear close-toed shoes and bring water. $5 parking. 678-450-7726.

Fishing at the Lake - Silver in the Park (Ages 50+)

Wednesday, Oct 26, 2016 10 AM

Fish from the pier or the shore. Fishing poles and bait provided. No experience necessary. Fishing license required. Meet at the Visitor Center 15 min before the program starts. Wear light clothes and bring water. $5 plus $5 parking. 678-450-7726.

Address/Directions

Don Carter State Park
5000 North Browning Bridge Road
Gainesville, GA 30506
Hall County

GPS Coordinates:

N 34.3876220 | W -83.7464620

Located northeast of Gainesville, on the north side of the lake. From Clarks Bridge Road, go south on N. Browning Bridge Road. At the “Y,” take the left fork and continue for one-half mile to the park entrance.

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Don Carter State Park
5000 North Browning Bridge Road
Gainesville, GA 30506 View Details

34.387622
Don Carter State Park