Family at the lakeside beach at Don Carter State Park in Gainesville, Georgia

Beach at Don Carter State Park in Gainesville, Georgia

Swimming at Georgia State Parks

The heat is on, and you're invited to cool down at Georgia State Parks with plenty of swimming options at beaches, spray grounds and natural water slides.

Beach at Fort Mountain State Park in Chatsworth, Georgia
Beach at Fort Mountain State Park in Chatsworth, Georgia

Lakeside Beaches

Nestled among the rolling hills, Fort Mountain's sandy beach and cool, refreshing waters offer an ideal summer retreat. The park features outstanding views along both challenging and easy hikes, camping and cabins, and some of the most exciting trails included in the park system's Muddy Spokes Club.

Vogel and Unicoi state parks also offer magnificent lakes surrounded by mountains near their sandy swimming beaches. Don Carter and Hard Labor Creek state parks offer lake swimming for a getaway day near Atlanta.

Bring your bikes, go on hikes, and enjoy a swim in the lake. Stay overnight in a yurt or cabin, and explore the trails in addition to swimming areas.

Little Ocmulgee
Splashpad at Little Ocmulgee State Park

Splash pads and Spray grounds

Perfect for playdates, several parks feature splash pads and spray grounds. Let the fun rain down at Magnolia SpringsLittle Ocmulgee and Jack Hill state parks. 

Look for turtles, fish and alligators in crystal clear waters from the Magnolia Springs boardwalk, and search for signs of the state reptile, gopher tortoises, on an easy hike at Little Ocmulgee.

Watson Mill Bridge State Park in Comer, Georgia

Natural Water Slides

The rock formations at Watson Mill Bridge make natural water slides. Bring a picnic to enjoy after cooling off in the shoals.

Crooked River State Park photo by Andrea, @grapes33
Crooked River State Park photo by Andrea, @grapes33

Coastal Campouts

Make a last-minute escape to camp on the coast at Crooked River and Skidaway Island state parks. Make day trips to Cumberland Island National Seashore, Jekyll and St. Simons Islands from Crooked River, or visit Tybee Island beaches and Savannah from Skidaway.

Published: April 2024
Written by: Candy Cook
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