Camping at Don Carter State Park
Don Carter State Park Overview
Don Carter State Park is Georgia's first state park located on Lake Lanier's 38,000-acre reservoir. It's named after Don Carter, who was instrumental in creating the Georgia State Park System. The park lies in the northern region of the state and offers a variety of outdoor activities including camping, hiking, swimming, boating, and fishing.
Location
It is situated at:
- 5000 N Browning Bridge Rd, Gainesville, GA 30506
Camping Facilities
Don Carter State Park has facilities tailored for different camping experiences:
- Campsites for RVs and Tents: The park offers campsites with water and electric hook-ups, and some campsites can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in length.
- Cottages: For those looking for a more comfortable stay, the park has fully equipped cottages.
- Primitive Campsites: For a more traditional camping experience, there are also primitive campsites available.
Activities
- Hiking: The park features multiple trails spanning over 12 miles for hiking and biking.
- Fishing and Boating: With a location on Lake Lanier, visitors can enjoy fishing for various species, and boating is popular with the boat ramp access.
- Swimming: A large swimming beach is available for those looking to cool off during the summer months.
- Picnicking: Picnic shelters and tables are found throughout the park.
- Horseback Riding: Although not available directly within the park, horseback riding is available in the surrounding area.
Important Rules and Regulations
- Reservations: Campsite reservations are recommended and can be made online or by calling the park.
- Pets: Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet and are not allowed in or around historic sites, cottages, or beach areas.
- Fires: Campfires must be confined to designated fire rings or grills, and firewood regulations are in place to prevent the spread of pests.
- Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in all Georgia state parks except by registered overnight guests in their campsite, cabin, lodge room, or vehicle.
- Quiet Hours: Be considerate of other guests with quiet hours typically enforced from 10 pm to 7 am.
Additional Information
For the most current information and to answer any specific questions, visitors should contact the park directly or visit the park's official website. Weather can affect the availability of facilities and activities, so checking the weather forecast and any potential weather advisories before visiting is recommended.
