New Cabins, Yurts with A/C, Junior Rangers, Kolomoki Mounds

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Fishing on a lake

August 2020

Summertime at Kolomoki Mounds State Park

Kolomoki Mounds

This summer, dive into history and a lake at Kolomoki Mounds State Park. The oldest and largest Woodland Indian site in the Southeast was occupied by native populations from 350 to 750 A.D. Today, visitors can climb 82 stairs to the top of a great temple mound  explore a fascinating museum. Afterward, cool off with a dip in the lake or kick back at your campsite. Kolomoki Mounds has one of the "secret gem" beaches in Georgia’s State Parks, making it easy to social distance and relax in the sun. 

Cool New Lakeside Getaways

Red Top Mountain cabin

Lake lovers now have cool new ways to sleep soundly after a day on the water. Red Top Mountain State Park has opened new cottages on Lake Allatoona, featuring two or three bedrooms, plus porches perfect for morning coffee. High Falls State Park near Jackson has taken “glamping” up a notch by adding air conditioning to its yurts. You’ll find futons inside, firepits and grilling areas outside, and lake views from private decks. Soon, Tugaloo State Park on Lake Hartwell will also have air conditioning in its yurt village.

Earn 59 New Junior Ranger Badges

Junior Ranger badges VanPattens

Our newly revamped Junior Ranger program is perfect for families who love a quest. We’re so impressed with the VanPattens who are spending the summer earning badges all across Georgia – and they’re almost done with all 59 of them! Ten-year-old Tate says he like the animal displays best, 9-year-old Allison likes ancient pottery, and mom Michele likes spending so much time with her kids. They’ve even designed a creative way to display their badges on a bright blue banner. If your family wants to take on our Junior Ranger adventure, visit GaStateParks/JuniorRanger to begin.

Learn from Home with eRanger Videos

eRanger Videos

While many children are still learning from home, exploring can continue online. During these past few months, our park rangers have been creating educational videos on Georgia’s history and environment. Take a tour of the Okefenokee Swamp, peek into a colonial fort, or create your own birdfeeder. Find these and more educational resources on GaStateParks.org/eRanger.

Upcoming Events

Georgia’s State Parks and Historic Sites have planned guided hikes, archery classes and more programs to get you outside this summer and fall. To ensure social distancing and safety, guests must register in advance because group sizes are limited. Explore our calendar on GaStateParks.org.

Camera Scavenger Hunt by the Lake
Saturdays in August, 2020 
Florence Marina State Park - Omaha
Bring your camera and scout for items on our scavenger hunt list. Take a picture with each item, then bring your pictures to our Kirbo Interpretive Center by 4 p.m. to claim your prize. Remember, this is not a race, so have fun! $5 parking. 229-838-4706.

Camera Scavenger Hunt at FDR
Saturdays in August, 2020
F.D. Roosevelt State Park - Pine Mountain
Team up and complete in our on-site scavenger hunt with your camera or phone. Pick up the checklist and rules at our Park Office, then bring them back by 4 p.m. to win prizes. $5 parking. 706-663-4858.

Cabin Life: Adventures in Spinning
Saturday, August 15, 2020 – 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Pickett's Mill Battlefield Historic Site - Dallas
Step back into an 1850s homestead where rangers demonstrate aspects of everyday life. The feature demonstration for this day will be spinning. $5 parking. 770-443-7850

Farm Animal Fun Days
Saturday, August 15, 2020, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Hardman Farm Historic Site - Sautee Nacoochee
Over the years, Hardman Farm has been home to several species of livestock, like the cows still grazing by the Indian mound. Learn about livestock kept on the farm as we keep the American agricultural experience alive. Admission $6. 706-878-1077

Kayaking 101
Sunday, August 23, 2020, 10:30 a.m. -- Noon
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge
Learn the basics of kayaking on a safe and peaceful section of Lake Rutledge. Open to people 16 years and older who can swim and are new to kayaking. Equipment provided and sanitized. Register in advance since class is limited to 9 participants. $15 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.

Look Who’s in the News

WTOC TV Savannah -- Exploring Our Parks: Fort King George

Explore Georgia -- Surprising Cabin Getaways at Georgia State Parks

Budget Travel -- 10 Social Distance Getaways In or Near Atlanta

Golf Coast Magazine -- Georgia's State Parks are Open, Awesome and Affordable

Explore Georgia -- Spread Out at the 5 Biggest Georgia State Parks

Buzzfeed -- 19 of the Best Places to Camp in the U.S. if You're Craving Adventure

Far and Wide -- 50 Best Camping Spots in Every U.S. State