 Richard B. Russell State Park
At more than 26,000 acres, Lake Russell is a hotspot for fishing and boating in the Southeast. For the perfect lake vacation, book a cottage or campsite at Richard B. Russell State Park. Most sites are on or near the water’s edge, offering gorgeous views and cool breezes. This park includes a sand swimming beach, boat ramps, hiking and biking trails, kayak rental, geocaching and disc golf. The park’s Arrowhead Pointe Golf Course is known for challenging play and scenic views. Book your lake getaway or tee time today.
What do you get when you mix golf with a game of Frisbee, then add in a little hiking? Disc golf! The rules are similar to regular golf, except you throw discs into metal baskets – usually for 18 “holes.” It’s a fun game that can be played by all ages, plus it's a great excuse to spend time together outside. Disc golf is offered at Richard B. Russell, Cloudland Canyon, Fort Yargo and Georgia Veterans state parks. All four parks offer camping and cottages as well.
Congratulations to all the 2025 graduates! Our group shelters are perfect places to celebrate accomplishments while surrounded by friends and family. You’ll have plenty of tables and chairs for everyone, plus a large kitchen and beautiful view. One great choice is George L. Smith State Park’s shelter, with a deck overlooking the covered bridge. Need gift ideas? Annual ParkPasses, historic site passes and gift cards will help your new graduate start their next adventure.
 Shellebrate World Turtle Day
Coming across a turtle is a fun encounter while hiking or paddling in state parks. Some south Georgia campers even see gopher tortoises lumbering past their RVs. On May 23, join our rangers in celebrating World Turtle Day. At 10 a.m. Etowah Indian Mounds will offer a hike to look for river species, and at 3 p.m. Panola Mountain will introduce you to their ambassador Box Turtle, Frank. Cloudland Canyon offers a Turtles of Georgia program several days throughout May. Book a campsite and find more ranger programs on GaStateParks.org.
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Treat Mom to getaway where she can enjoy fireflies, wildflowers and beautiful views. Georgia State Park gift cards can be used for cottages, campsites, yurts, picnic shelters, historic site admission, hiking sticks, t-shirts, books and more. Rangers have planned a Mother’s Day weekend full of programs like archery at F.D. Roosevelt, a guided hike at Fort McAllister, card making at Victoria Bryant, and crafts at both Don Carter and High Falls. Make reservations and find events on GaStateParks.org.
May Ranger Programs
Our program theme for 2025 is “Wild Georgia," highlighting Georgia’s conservation efforts and the State Wildlife Action Plan. Find a complete list of programs on GaStateParks.org.
Fireflies in the Night – May 3, Laura S. Walker State Park, Waycross
Pewter Pour – May 3, Red Top Mountain State Park, Lake Allatoona
Birding – May 3, 10, 17 and 24, Magnolia Springs State Park, Millen
Bear Creek Hike – May 8, 19, 23 and 28, Cloudland Canyon State Park, Rising Fawn
Sunset Swamp Cruise – May 9 and 23, Stephen C. Foster State Park, Okefenokee Swamp
Birding Walk with Bill Elliott – May 10, Don Carter State Park, Lake Lanier
Yoga on the Beach – May 12, Elijah Clark State Park, Lincolnton
Snakes of Skidaway – May 13, 16 and 27, Skidaway Island State Park, Savannah
Beekeeping – May 20, Mistletoe State Park, Appling
Mushroom Hike – May 24, High Falls State Park, Jackson
Memorial Day Commemoration – May 24, Fort Morris Historic Site, Midway
All on Georgia -- 25 for 2025: The Ultimate Georgia State Parks Bucket List
WCLK Clark Atlanta -- Georgia State Parks Offer Plenty for Spring and Summer
Atlanta Journal Constitution - Georgia gathers at Little White House on 80th anniversary of FDR’s death
Newnan Times Herald -- Warm Springs to host 80th commemorative ceremony for FDR
WLAQ AM/FM -- Springtime in Georgia's State Parks
Visit Chattanooga -- Accessible Outdoor Adventures Near Chattanooga
Online Athens -- Top 12 Lake Fishing Parks
10Best USA Today -- Best Public Golf Courses: Richard B Russell
Golf Central Magazine -- The Georgia Golf Trail
 During spring and summer, it's not unusual to come across young wildlife. DNR offers advice on what to do if you find animals that might appear to be abandoned.
Fawn by @jtcashphoto. Top image of Black Rock Mountain State Park by @dstaiculescu. (Thank you for sharing your photos!) Do you take beautiful images? We would love to see your adventures on Facebook and Instagram. Tag us #GaStateParks.
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