Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites
Planning Your Visit

Things to Know
  • Annual ParkPass & Historic Site Pass

  • Park Rules and Regulations
     
  • Hiking Safety Tips
     
  • Natural Georgia
     
  • Local Air Quality
     
  • Reservation Policies at State Park Lodges
     
  • Park Histories
     
  • Senior & Disabled Veteran Discounts
     
  • Don't Move Firewood
  •  
  • Camping
     
  • Cottages
     
  • Lodges
     
  • Traveling with Pets: Fido-Friendly Policy
     
  • Accessibility
     
  • Photography & Filming Requests
     
  • Hunting & Fishing Licenses
     
  • Third Party Website Content


  •  

    ParkPass & Historic Site Pass

    You can help support state parks by buying a ParkPass.  Upon arrival, state park visitors pay a parking fee that helps fund campground renovations, group shelter construction, dock replacements and much more.

    The daily fee is $5 and annual fee is $50. The daily ParkPass is valid at all state parks visited the same day, and overnight guests pay only one fee for the duration of their stay. 

    Wednesdays are free days. 

    Since the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Areas, Stone Mountain, Corps of Engineers lakes, Jekyll Island and Lake Lanier are not state parks, they are not covered by the ParkPass.

    Frequent park visitors can SAVE MONEY with a $50 Annual ParkPass that exempts them from paying the daily parking fee. To purchase an Annual ParkPass, visit any state park office, call 770-389-7401 or send an email with your name, address and daytime phone number to Jeannene_Woodruff@dnr.state.ga.us

    Discounts of 50% for seniors 62 and older, plus 25% for active military and veterans, are available.

    OR join the Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites and get a FREE Annual ParkPass and a FREE Historic Site Annual Pass plus many additional benefits.

    History buffs can save money with the purchase of a Historic Site Annual Pass. This pass gives unlimited admission to all of Georgia’s state historic sites. Passes may only be bought at historic sites and are $35 per family (limit 6 people), $20 per adult and $15 per youth (17 and younger). Senior citizen discounts are not available on Historic Site Annual Passes.

    Library Loan Program:  Save even more money by checking out a ParkPass or Historic Site pass from your local library.  It's just like checking out a book.  Show your valid library card at Georgia's public libraries and you can have free access to all 63 sites in Georgia.

    * ParkPass Exceptions:
    Organized school groups, diners in lodge restaurants and attendees of day-long lodge meetings are exempt. Golfer parking is included in greens fees. Large vans with a capacity of 13 to 30 passengers pay $30 per day or may purchase an Annual ParkPass for $75. Buses or motorcoaches with a capacity of more than 30 passengers pay $70 per day or may purchase an annual pass for $250. However, those vehicles carrying overnight guests pay only the regular daily parking fees.

     


     

    Senior & Disabled Veteran Discounts

    Seniors 62 and Older
    Annual ParkPass discounts of 50% are available for senior citizens who present a copy of their drivers license. Seniors receive $20 off individual or family membership in Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites, plus 20% off:

    • Cottage rates (Sunday - Thursday, December 1 - March 31). Not valid with any other promotions or discounts. Limited to one cottage per stay.
    • Campsite rates (year-round). Not valid for group camping. Discount applies ony when vehicle is registered to a senior. Limited to one campsite per senior.
    • Individual lodge room rates (year-round). Limited to one room per stay.
    • Golf green fees.

    Disabled Veterans
    Disabled veterans who are Georgia residents and present a Certificate of Eligibility from their Veterans Benefits Coordinator are entitled to a 25% discount on Annual ParkPasses, Individual or Family Friends Memberships, lodge rooms, campsites, cottages, mini-golf, golf fees, swimming pools and historic site admission.

    Please Note: When making online reservations, the full fee will be charged to your credit card. Upon check-in and presenting proof of eligibilty, you will be reimbursed for your discount.

     


     

    Camping

    Don't Move Firewood
    Camping Tips
    - (word download)

    Minimum Stay: A two-night minimum is required for weekend reservations, and a three-night minimum is required for Memorial Day, Labor Day, Independence Day (depending on weekday holiday falls) and Thanksgiving weekends.

    Deposits and Cancellations: A deposit equal to the minimum stay is required. Deposits not received within seven days will result in automatic cancellation without notification. Cancellations made at least three days prior to arrival will receive a refund of all but $10 cancellation-handling fee. No refunds are made when the stay is shortened to less than the required minimum. Campers must pay the full balance of their reservation upon check-in. This also applies to equestrian-area campers and horse stalls. Because deposit restrictions may apply to reservations of 7 to 14 days, campers should confirm cancellation policies when making a reservation.

    Occupancy: To protect park resources, campsite occupancy is limited to one of the following combinations:

    • One motor home, two additional automobiles, and one tent.
    • One automobile with pop-up trailer/travel trailer, one additional automobile, and one tent.
    • One pickup truck with mounted camping rig, two additional automobiles, and one tent.
    • Two tents and two automobiles.
    • One boat trailer is also allowed at each site provided that the site is large enough. Campsites have a six-person occupancy limit, and tents must fit on designated tent pads. Tents erected off designated tent pads are subject to removal. Camping between designated sites is prohibited. When camping areas are filled to stated capacity, no other campers will be allowed. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days at any one park. Visitors using a campsite for 14 nights must vacate the park for at least three nights before returning.

    Check-In:
    Check-in is between 1 p.m. and 10 p.m. and check-out is before 1 p.m. Campers must register and present a reservation confirmation before setting up. Both the reservation and deposit fee are forfeited if the camper does not check in by 10 p.m. on the scheduled arrival date. A current camping receipt displayed on the campsite post shall constitute occupancy until 10:00 p.m. However, it is strongly recommended that camping equipment or personal belongings be made visible to other prospective campers. Most park gates are locked at 10 p.m. Tents and other personal property left overnight in an unoccupied campsite are subject to removal and fees will be forfeited. “Saving” sites for late-arriving guests is prohibited.

    Hook-ups and Amenities: RV sites and most regular campsites offer electrical and water hookups, grills or fire rings, and picnic tables. Sewage hookups are provided only at select sites at Florence Marina, Gordonia-Alatamaha, Hart and Victoria Bryant state parks. Modern comfort stations with hot showers, flush toilets and electrical outlets are conveniently located. All campgrounds have dump stations, and several offer cable TV hookups.

    Rules: Pets are welcome in campgrounds if kept on a six-foot leash and attended at all times. Campers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Since organized groups are not eligible to occupy regular tent/trailer/RV sites, group camps and pioneer camping areas are available and offer more privacy.

     

    Cottages

    Don't Move Firewood

    Minimum Stay: Most parks require a two-night minimum with advance reservations; however, some may accept walk-ins for one night. Many parks require a five- or seven-night minimum June 1 through Labor Day. Shorter stays are allowed for reservations made less than 30 days in advance. A three-night minimum is required for Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and Thanksgiving weekends.

    Deposits and Cancellations: A deposit of one night’s lodging is due within seven days of making a reservation. Deposits not received within seven days will result in automatic cancellation without notification. Deposits may be refunded if a minimum of 72 hours notice is given; however, a $10 per unit cancellation fee will be deducted. If a deposit was paid by check, the deposit receipt must be returned to the Reservation Center for a refund. Any unused portion of a reservation may be refunded only if minimum occupancy has been met. Because deposit restrictions may apply to reservations of 7 to 14 days, guests should confirm cancellation policies when making a reservation.

    Occupancy: Visitors occupying a cottage for 14 nights must vacate the park for at least four nights before returning. Cottages may not be used to accommodate more than their stated capacities.

    Check-In: Check-in is between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m., and check-out is 11 a.m. A reservation confirmation must be presented at check-in. Guests must pay the full balance of their reservation upon check-in. No refunds are made when the stay is shortened to less than the required minimum. Both the reservation and deposit are forfeited if the guest does not check in by 10 p.m. on the scheduled arrival date. Most park gates are locked at 10 p.m. A late fee will be charged after 11 a.m. unless a check-out extension is permitted by the Park Office. Dishes should be washed and put away and the cottage left in good condition.

    Pet Policy:  FIDO-FRIENDLY COTTAGES Dogs are allowed ONLY in cottages designated as "Fido-Friendly." Pets will not be allowed in or around any other cottages, and they cannot be left unattended at anytime. When outside the cottage, dogs must be on a 6' leash. Guests are responsible for any damage caused by their dog and may be asked to leave if the dog disturbs other guests. A non-refundable $40 fee (per dog) will be collected at check-in. Two dogs max. Guest is responsible for ensuring their dog has the most current vaccinations, is free of fleas, ticks or mange, and is not in heat.


     

    Lodges

    Occupancy: Occupancy is limited to four in double rooms and suites, and six in loft rooms.

    Check-in: Check-in is 4 p.m. and check-out is 11 a.m.

    Deposits and Cancellations: A deposit of the first night’s fee is refundable with no penalty if a cancellation is made 72 hours in advance. Reservations are held for guest arrival; therefore, no-shows are charged for one night’s lodging plus applicable taxes.

    Rules: Pets are not allowed in or around any state park lodges. Kennels are not provided. Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

     


     

    Accessibility

    Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites are committed to making facilities and programs accessible to everyone. All lodges have accessible rooms, meeting facilities and restaurants. Most parks offer accessible cottages, campsites, fishing piers, nature trails and picnic areas. The Will-A-Way Recreation Area at Fort Yargo State Park, operated by Camp Twin Lakes, is a fully accessible group camp accommodating up to 250 people. Since degrees of accessibility vary among the sites, visitors may find it helpful to call the park or historic site they plan to visit to ensure their needs can be met. Overnight guests should be specific about needs when making reservations.

    Reservation Policies at State Parks with Lodges

    Park Rules and Regulations

     


     

    Photography/Filming


    Individuals or companies applying for approval of photography or film shoots should obtain an Application for Photography/Filming from the state park or historic site intended as the shooting location.  Location fees may apply.
    Click here
    to download instructions.
    Click here to download a the Film Request Application.

    Application Instructions for Photography/Filming
    The State of Georgia has identified the film industry as an economic stimulator. It is the desire of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to provide for the use of its facilities to accommodate photography and filming at the state parks and historic sites when practicable. In determining whether to authorize the use of parks and historic sites for commercial photography and filming, primary consideration will be given to protecting the natural and cultural resources, reducing disruption of normal public use and recovering expenses incurred by the department. For commercial photography or film ventures, it also will be the department’s intent to generate revenues from location fees or to benefit in other ways from the promotion of the photography or filming through partnerships with the photographers or producers. It is up to the site manager’s discretion to waive fees based on promotional value to the department. Legitimate news coverage will not be assessed a fee.


    1) Application - Individuals or Companies applying for approval of photography or film shoots should obtain an Application for Commercial Photography/Filming from the state park or historic site intended as the shooting location. At a minimum, page 1 of the application must be completed and submitted to the site manager for approval.

    Depending on the scope of the photography/filming project, it may be necessary to complete the entire four-page application. This generally includes those shoots which impact site visitors by restricting access or closing public use areas or facilities; require access to restricted areas or facilities; require special hours; require site staff supervision or oversight; require restoration of site resources; involve the use of artifacts or historic structures (see note on historic sites below); have potential liability issues; or have the potential for profit or commercial gain. It is up to the discretion of the site manager if all four pages are to be completed.

    The completed application is to be returned to the site manager for approval. Due to the time it may take to process, the application should be returned a minimum of one week prior to the requested shoot date. More involved projects, especially those involving a contract, should be returned at least six weeks prior to the requested shoot date.

    2) Site Manager Approval - The site manager has the authority to approve certain types of requests after notification of the region manager and is responsible for notifying the applicant of the status. The site manager has the authority to shut down shoots that violate conditions of use.

    3) Headquarters Approval and/or Preparation of Contract - Depending on the scope of the photography/film request, it may require approval from headquarters and/or a separate contract. For this reason, requests should be submitted well in advance of the shoot date.

    4) Historic Sites, Artifacts or Structures Applications that involve historic artifacts or structures must approved by the division headquarters’ Resource Preservation & Interpretive Services Unit. Depending on the scope, other requirements may apply to photography or filming that involves historic sites, artifacts or structures.

    5) Location/Shooting Fees - Commercial photography or film shoots often require fees to be paid to the department, based on certain guidelines. Fees, if charged, will fall into two categories: location fees and shooting fees, and must be collected by the site manager in advance. Shooting fees are assessed to recover expenses related to use of the site, such as any use requiring site staff supervision or oversight. It is up to the department’s discretion to waive fees based on promotional value to the department.

    (Updated 4/03/07)


     

    Hunting & Fishing License

    In January 2009, the Wildlife Resources Division of DNR implemented a new hunting and fishing licensing system called Electronic Georgia Licensing (EGAL) system. This system provides Internet purchases or visitors can call 1-800-366-2661.

     


     

    Third Party Website Content

    In an effort to foster confidence in government through openness to the public, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources provides opportunity through this web-site for viewing information or comments related to Department activities that is submitted by third-parties who are not associated with the Department. All such third-party submissions posted on, transmitted through, or linked from this web-site are the sole responsibility of the persons from whom the content originated. The Department shall not be liable for such third-party content, including situations where it may be erroneous, offensive, or controversial. The Department reserves the right to refuse to post or to remove third-party content from this web-site at its sole discretion. However, the Department is not obligated to remove third-party content and is not responsible for any failure or delay in removing. Any third-party submission that is removed from this web-site is available for public inspection at the Department’s offices in accordance with the Georgia Open Records Act.

     




    print version
      ZIP SEARCH: