By Lili DeBarbieri
Georgia attracts outdoor and adventure enthusiasts with pristine pine forests, haunting mountain scenery, secluded islands and vast expanses of coastline. One of the original U.S. colonies, Georgia is also steeped in history. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources states that more than 1 million acres of land is available for public recreation. Families and singles alike can enjoy many opportunities to tent camp in one of Georgia's 41 state parks.
The Georgia Coast
Skidway Island State Park is a barrier island comprised of both saltwater and freshwater estuaries and marshes.The park has a variety of camping options to select from. Nature trails throughout the park offer visitors a chance to view and observe rare wildlife. The park's nature center displays educational exhibits such as a replica of a giant ground sloth, a birding station, and a reptile room for kids young and old to enjoy. The city of Savannah is a good jumping off point to this park.
Skidaway Island State Park
52 Diamond Cswy
Savannah, Georgia 31411
(800) 864-7275
Park (912) 598-2300
High Country
Cloudland Canyon State Park is situated on 3,485 acres of the western edge of Lookout Mountain in the extreme northern part of the state. According to Georgia State Parks, its campsites provide exceptional privacy for tents. Nature lovers can choose either walk-in or backcountry campsites. Rim and gorge trails offer sweeping views of the canyon, waterfalls and forests.
Cloudland Canyon State Park
122 Cloudland Canyon Park
Rising Fawn, Georgia 30738
Reservations: (800) 864-7275
Park: (706) 657-4050
Southern Georgia
Lake Seminole State Park features one of the largest Longleaf Pine forests in a Georgia state park according to Georgia State Parks. Campsites are located near the edge of the lake. Water skiing, tubing, swimming, wildlife viewing, and deer and duck hunting are all available at this park. Nearby attractions include Gulf Coast beaches and Tallahassee, Florida.
Seminole State Park
7870 State Park Dr
Donalsonville , Georgia 39845
Reservations: (800) 864-7275
Park: (229) 861-3137
Resources
About the Author:
Lili DeBarbieri is a freelance writer specializing in travel, environmental issues and wildlife. Her writing and photography have appeared in dozens of publications worldwide including "Earth Island Journal," "Terrain Magazine" and "E/The Environmental Magazine." Based in Arizona, she is a frequent contributor to "The New Southwest" and a contributing editor of "Ethical Traveler."
