An official website of the State of Georgia.
As spring awakens, Georgia’s great outdoors bursts to life with vibrant wildflowers, active wildlife, and perfect temperatures for adventure. From paddling alongside alligators to spotting migrating birds in full color, Georgia State Parks offer unforgettable encounters for nature lovers looking to celebrate the season.
Alligator Encounters at Stephen C. Foster State Park
Spring is the perfect time to explore the Okefenokee Swamp, where alligators bask in the warming sun and birds return to their nesting grounds. Visitors can take a ranger-led boat tour or paddle through the mirrored waters to spot wildlife emerging from winter slumber. Overnight guests can enjoy cabins or the Suwanee River Eco Lodge.
Learn more: GaStateParks.org/StephenCFoster
Black Bear Sightings at Fort Mountain State Park
As wildflowers bloom across the North Georgia mountains, black bears become more active, foraging along wooded trails. Lucky visitors occasionally spot them during their adventures. Hikers can also explore the park’s historic stone firetower for panoramic views, then unwind in a cozy cottage or peaceful campsite surrounded by spring’s fresh air.
Learn more: GaStateParks.org/FortMountain
Gopher Tortoise Trek at Reed Bingham State Park
Spring sunshine brings Georgia’s state reptile out of its burrow at Reed Bingham, where visitors can spot gopher tortoises slowly traversing sunlit trails. Boating through the park’s cypress-lined lake offers glimpses of alligators and softshell turtles making their first seasonal appearances. Lakeside campsites provide an immersive overnight experience.
Learn more: GaStateParks.org/ReedBingham
Coastal Birding Hotspot at Crooked River State Park
Spring transforms Crooked River into a birding paradise, with Painted Buntings, Great Egrets, and Ospreys in abundance. Visitors can enjoy the park’s bird blind and scenic salt marsh trails before retreating to a fully equipped cottage or spacious campsite.
Learn more: GaStateParks.org/CrookedRiver
Atlanta’s Hidden Birding Retreat at Panola Mountain State Park
Just outside Atlanta, Panola Mountain offers a springtime escape with its "Power of Flight" area, which attracts songbirds like Indigo Buntings and Yellow-Throated Warblers. Guests can take guided nature walks and camp near the park’s peaceful pond for a serene spring getaway.
Learn more: GaStateParks.org/PanolaMountain
Deer and Wildflower Meadows at Hard Labor Creek State Park
Spring paints the meadows of Hard Labor Creek in bright hues, making it a prime spot for spotting grazing deer in the golden light of dusk. Hikers can explore the tranquil Brantley Trail, enjoy a quiet paddle on Lake Rutledge, and stay overnight in cottages or secluded campsites.
Learn more: GaStateParks.org/HardLaborCreek
Accommodations for Every Adventure
Whether you prefer a cozy yurt, a fully equipped cottage, or a peaceful campsite under the stars, Georgia State Parks offer a variety of lodging options for every type of traveler. Many parks provide RV-friendly sites, walk-in tent campsites, and unique accommodations like yurts and group lodges, ensuring a comfortable stay surrounded by nature’s beauty.
Explore More: GaStateParks.org
