 Okefenokee Swamp Campground Re-Opens
If you love wildlife and water, we have great news! Nature enthusiasts, photographers and anglers can once again camp at Stephen C. Foster State Park in Fargo. Serving as the western entrance to the beloved and mysterious Okefenokee Swamp, this remote park offers 52 campsites, including 19 with full hook-ups and three ADA sites with easy access to comfort stations. During the day, visitors can take guided boat tours, go fishing, or rent a kayak to look for alligators and other creatures that call this enormous wetland home. At night, listen for owls, watch bats soar overhead, and admire some of the darkest skies in the U.S. (Check out this video of a rare alligator congregation last month!) Stephen C. Foster State Park continues to upgrade its facilities, including cottage renovations which are currently underway.
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Fort Mountain State Park in Chatsworth has re-opened their popular horse trails. A new parking lot and two-mile connector mean that equestrians can explore more than 27 miles of trails. Visitors will cross several small streams and take in mountain vistas while riding through one of northern Georgia’s most beautiful parks. Chatsworth Ford and the Bronco Wild Fund helped make the trail project possible. For those wanting to enjoy equestrian camping, riders will find trails, stables and nearby campsites at A.H. Stephens, Hard Labor Creek and Watson Mill Bridge state parks. Learn more about equestrian facilities in Georgia's State Parks.
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Friendly farm animals are just some of the reasons kids love General Coffee State Park in southern Georgia. Visitors can also explore a corn crib, cane mill, log cabin and wetland boardwalk where carnivorous pitcher plants grow. Stay a few days in the campground, cottages or historic Burnham House to also go biking, fishing, kayaking and looking for wildlife. The park’s manager, MiKayla Spencer, recently talked with The Parks Podcast about General Coffee’s history and activities visitors will find today.
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Calling all budding artists! Show off your creativity for a chance to have your artwork featured on table-top displays at the Georgia State Capitol in 2026. Georgia high school students are invited to create a drawing or painting showcasing a landscape, historic site or natural feature that captures the beauty and value of Georgia’s State Parks and Historic Sites. The deadline for submissions is October 31, 2025. Last year's winner was Stella White with her painting of Amicalola Falls State Park. Enter your artwork here.
 Adaptive Golf for All Abilities
Thanks to a partnership with the Georgia State Golf Association, golfers can now use specialized adaptive equipment during free clinics held in Georgia’s State Park courses. The adaptive carts make it possible for those with mobility challenges to experience a beautiful day out on the course along with a little friendly competition. To find a course near you, visit GaStateParks.org/golfing and for a list of clinics, visit gsga.org/play/adaptive-golf.
August 2025 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.
Survival Shelter Building – August 9 and 15, Red Top Mountain State Park, Lake Allatoona
White Oak Trail Hike – August 9, 16 and 23, Kolomoki Mounds State Park, Blakely
Painting with Nature – August 10 and 23, Fort Mountain State Park, Chatsworth
Heritage Farm Tours – August 10 and 24, General Coffee State Park, Douglas
Paddling Under the Perseids – August 11 and 13, Hard Labor Creek State Park, Rutledge
Moth Hike – August 15, High Falls State Park, Jackson
Radical Reptiles – August 16, Tugaloo State Park, Lavonia
Tree ID Hike – August 17, A.H. Stephens State Park, Crawfordville
Space-Themed Campfire – August 23, Don Carter State Park, Lake Lanier
Sunset Paddle – August 23 and 30, James H. Floyd State Park, Summerville
Wild Georgia Hike – August 30, Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site, Cartersville
Miami Herald -- More Than 100 Alligators Gather at Stephen C. Foster State Park
Cruise America -- Top 25 Campgrounds of 2025
WNEG - Georgia State Parks Reveal Best Spots for Leaf Peeping in 2025
WZQZ -- Sloppy Floyd One of Four State Parks with New GRIT Chairs
WSB-TV -- Head to Dillard, North Georgia for Summer Fun
WNEG -- Submit Photos to the 2025 America’s State Parks Photo Contest
Family Destinations Guide -- 8 Underrated State Parks In Georgia That Are Absolutely Worth The Road Trip
Weird South -- Shooting the 'Hooch in Georgia
WLAQ -- Plan for Fall Now
Only in Georgia -- The Biggest Surprise I Came Across While Hiking This Incredible Trail in Georgia
Only in Your State -- Full Moon Hike at Tallulah Gorge
All On Georgia -- Fall in Full Color
Presley Production Company YouTube -- Chief Vann House Day 2025
Golf Central -- For Golf Course Superintendents, Every Day is Different
 Hepatica at Cloudland Canyon State Park by WrayK2. (Thank you for sharing your photo!) Do you take beautiful images? We would love to see your adventures on Facebook and Instagram. Tag us #GaStateParks.
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