 Boating, Camping & Cottages on Lake Lanier
Sitting on the water’s edge, where the Chattahoochee River meets Lake Lanier, is Don Carter State Park. It’s the perfect summer escape, with boat ramps, cottages, campsites, kayak rental, a playground, sandy swimming beach and spacious picnic shelters. More than 14 miles of trails are open for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Don Carter is the only state park on Lake Lanier, offering a slower pace than much of the bustling, 38,000-acre reservoir. Book a cabin or campsite today.
 New Beach Opens at Fort Yargo
Just in time for summer, Fort Yargo State Park's renovated swimming beach is now open. You'll find a new mini-golf course, more than 70 picnic tables and relaxing hammock poles. The park has new kayaks for rent and significantly expanded parking. A new Trading Post offers a wide selection of snacks, drinks, sandwiches, ice cream, and souvenirs. For those wishing to extend their visit, Fort Yargo also features new cottages and a spacious campground.
National Fishing and Boating Week returns June 1–8, inviting you to experience the joys of getting out on the water. On May 31 and June 7, Georgia residents can fish license-free, creating the opportunity to discover the thrill of reeling in a big one. Many state parks rent kayaks and boats, and several have planned family-friendly fishing programs. Find the perfect lake or stream for your next outing.
Create Father’s Day memories while fishing, boating, camping or simply grilling in the park. Georgia’s State Parks offer picnic shelters, kayak rental, disc golf, history museums and even golf courses. Some parks have planned Father's Day programs like an archery class at Elijah Clark or rim hike at Cloudland Canyon. Outdoorsy dads will appreciate gift cards that can be used for cabins, yurts, boat rental, tee times and more. Photo by @wanderingwknds.
To enhance visitor safety this summer, stair access at Tallulah Gorge State Park will be restricted when the heat index reaches the “Extreme Caution” category, as defined by the National Weather Service. Because the heat index considers both temperature and humidity, there is no single temperature that triggers closure. Notices will be posted by 5 p.m. daily on Facebook for the following day, or visitors may also call 706-754-7981 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. for updates. Rim trails will remain open on these days. Visitors can also look for ravens soaring over the gorge during early summer. Learn why birders are flocking to see its ravens.
June 2025 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.
Tails on Trails Dog Hike – June 4, Cloudland Canyon State Park, Trenton
Birding Basics – June 5, Crooked River State Park, St. Marys
Junior Fishing Rodeo – June 7, A.H. Stephens State Park, Crawfordville
National Trails Day Hikes – June 7, Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site, Cartersville
Beach Bash Tournament – June 7, Don Carter State Park, Gainesville
Firefly Walk – June 7, 14 and 21, Hard Labor Creek State Park, Rutledge
Wilderness Survival for Women – June 12, Chattahoochee Bend State Park, Newnan
Archery in the Pines – June 21, Laura S. Walker State Park, Waycross
How Moths Influenced Perfume – June 13, 15 and 29, Sweetwater Creek State Park, Lithia Springs
Summer Solstice Celebration – June 19, Black Rock Mountain State Park, Clayton
Pine Needle Weaving – June 27, Fort King George Historic Site, Darien
WTOC -- Skidaway Island State Park gearing up for Junior Ranger camps this summer
FOX5 Atlanta -- Georgia's best waterfalls explored
Mommy Poppins-- 18 Swimming Lakes and Beaches near ATL for GA families
365 Atlanta Traveler -- The Ultimate 2025 GSPHS Bucket List
Jeff Davis Ledger -- National Fishing and Boating Week
SavannahNow.com -- Wormsloe State Historic Site named one of USA TODAY’s best scenic views in America
10Best USA Today -- America's Best State Parks: Stephen C. Foster
Atlanta Journal Constitution -- How those with mobility issues can enjoy the outdoors
Modern Campground -- The Ultimate 2025 Bucket List
Columbus Ledger-Enquirer -- Stop! That baby animal doesn’t need your help, GA experts say
 Reed Bingham State Park at sunset by @TheGeorgiaPhotographyFanatic. (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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