Georgia State Parks are brimming with activities from hiking and mountain biking to exploring area history and more. But when those summertime temperatures soar, finding a swimming hole to sink into is a must.
Whether you prefer a sandy lakeside beach or the modern comforts of a swimming pool, you have plenty of options in Georgia State Parks!
Don Carter State Park
North Georgia is home to Don Carter State Park, located alongside a small portion of the popular Lake Lanier. This 38,000-acre lake makes for an ideal location to go swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking and more.
Find Don Carter State Park at 5000 North Browning Bridge Road, Gainesville, GA 30506, Hall County. GPS Coordinates N 34.3876220 | W -83.7464620
Fort Yargo State Park
Just 50 minutes east of Atlanta sits Fort Yargo, a Georgia State Park with historic features dating back to the 1700s. Today, visitors enjoy the park's incredible natural beauty and ample recreation offerings, including a 260-acre lake and large swimming area perfect for cooling off on long, hot summer days.
Find Fort Yargo State Park at 210 South Broad Street, Winder, GA 30680, Barrow County, GPS Coordinates N 33.9842 | W -83.7335
Watson Mill Bridge State Park
Getting wet at this Georgia State Park is a breeze! Home to the state's longest covered bridge spanning 229 feet across the South Forks River, visitors absolutely love rock sliding in the cool water cascading across the expansive plateau just below the bridge.
Find Watson Mill Bridge State Park at 650 Watson Mill Road, Comer, GA 30629
Madison County, GPS Coordinates N 34.025000 | W -083.074983
Hard Labor Creek State Park
Another pristine Georgia State Park featuring a lovely lakeside beach is Hard Labor Creek. This park offers something for everyone, from a modern golf course to more than 20 miles of wooded trails for hiking and horseback riding.
Find Hard Labor Creek State Park at 5 Hard Labor Creek Road, Rutledge, GA 30663, Morgan County GPS Coordinates N 33.6549850 | W -83.596848
Victoria Bryant State Park
One of the most picturesque state parks in Georgia, Victoria Bryant State Park is well-known for its crystal clear creeks and fun sliding rocks. Although a smaller state park, it packs a big punch providing nature-based fun for the whole family!
Find Victoria Bryant State Park at 1105 Bryant Park Road, Royston, GA 30662
Franklin County, GPS Coordinates N 34.296750 | W -083.160716
Unicoi State Park and Lodge
Just outside of the unique Alpine village of Helen, Georgia sits the exciting Unicoi State Park and Lodge. You can definitely check a wide variety of outdoor adventures off your bucket list with a stay at this Georgia State Park (including archery and ziplining!). Yet, a summertime favorite is playing on the beach at Unicoi Lake.
Find Unicoi State Park at 1788 Highway 356, Helen, Georgia, 30545, White County, GPS Coordinates N 34.7203 | W -083.7258
Vogel State Park
Nestled at the base of Blood Mountain in the Chattahoochee National Forest is Georgia's second oldest state park established in 1931. The beach area along Lake Trahlyta offers stunning mountain views and is the perfect spot to take a relaxing dip during the summer months!
Find Vogel State Park at 405 Vogel State Park Road, Blairsville, GA 30512, Union County, GPS Coordinates N 34.765883 | W -083.925416
Red Top Mountain State Park
Water lovers are sure to enjoy the rustic beauty of this Georgia State Park located on Lake Allatoona just north of Atlanta. The park's sand beach is tucked away in a cove surrounded by lush trees creating the perfect retreat for summertime fun in Georgia. Boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking and water skiing are popular pastimes here.
Find Red Top Mountain State Park at 50 Lodge Road SE, Acworth, GA 30102
Bartow County, GPS Coordinates N 34.142950, W -084.706700
Tallulah Gorge State Park
Home to five incredible waterfalls on the Tallulah River, this Georgia State Park is one for the books! Here you'll find plenty of opportunities to get wet, either slipping around on river rocks or enjoying a dip in the 63-acre lake following a strenuous hike to see the more than two-mile-long gorge tearing through this stunning park.
Find Tallulah Gorge State Park at 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Drive, Tallulah Falls, GA 30573, Rabun County, GPS Coordinates N 34.739750 | W -083.395233
Georgia State Parks with Pools, Splash Pads and Spraygrounds
And for those looking for a more modern approach to summertime fun, many Georgia State Parks offer some excellent swimming pools and splash pads for families to enjoy!
Here are a few you'll most definitely want to add to your summer bucket list:
- F.D. Roosevelt State Park
- High Falls State Park
- Little Ocmulgee State Park
- Victoria Bryant State Park
- Magnolia Springs State Park
- Jack Hill (Gordonia) State Park
Whether you live in the Peach State or just stopping in for a visit this summer, you'll be so grateful for the opportunity to get wet during the hot, humid Georgia summers!
Unique Experiences in Georgia State Parks
These (and all!) Georgia State Parks are full of unique experiences, dramatic views and natural wonders you simply have to see to believe.
With a Georgia State Parks Bucket Journal, you can easily keep track of your favorite overlooks, swimming holes and more—making your return trips that much more enjoyable!
Which of these Georgia State Parks will you be exploring this summer?
