6 Surprising Places To Sleep At Georgia State Parks

By Author: AKM
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Historic parks in Georgia reimagine what it means to spend the night in the great outdoors.

Prepare to be pleasantly surprised if you think staying at one of Georgia's 63 state parks and historic sites means roughing it. Instead of just one expected option (camping), many parks offer lodging as diverse as the state's topography, vegetation, and wildlife. These accommodations retain the rustic charm of their surroundings, but they enchant in unexpected ways. Georgia State Parks have something for everyone, whether you want a cabin with a hot tub, a backcountry lodge, or your own private island.

Amicalola Falls State Park, Dawsonville
Whether you're hiking the 2,181-mile Appalachian Trail or admiring Amicalola Falls, you'll appreciate a cozy night at the Len Foote Hike Inn, which is a five-mile hike from the falls' top. Your stay includes a hot shower, a home-cooked dinner, and a hearty breakfast. While there are fresh linens, fluffy pillows, a library, plenty of board games, and a wrap-around porch for stargazing, there are no outlets for charging electronics. After all, it's time to disconnect and enjoy the ...
... moment.

Stephen C. Foster State Park, Fargo
The Okefenokee, North America's largest blackwater swamp, isn't as scary as it sounds, especially when guests are tucked into one of eight cozy cottages in the sprawling Suwannee River Eco-Lodge nearby. Though the lodge's name is a bit misleading (it's in the woods), it keeps overnight visitors to Stephen C. Foster State Park close to nature. The cottages sleep two to eight people and feature many home comforts such as kitchens, screened porches with views of the woods, vaulted ceilings, and barbecue grills. Though there is Wi-Fi, we're sure you'll be too enamored with the natural surroundings to connect.

Smithgall Woods State Park, Helen
Consider this: You sink into your own private hot tub after a day of canoeing, fishing in a premier trout stream, and hiking. You're not imagining yourself at a posh mountain resort; instead, you're in one of Smithgall Woods State Park's six cottages. The quaintly decorated cottages are located on land that was once the private retreat of conservationist and businessman Charles A. Smithgall Jr. Each is distinctive, with some featuring stream-front views, expansive decks, the aforementioned hot tubs, televisions, and stone fireplaces.

Tugaloo State Park, Lavonia
Leave your bulky tent at home and stay in a circular permanent tent that can accommodate up to six people. (Nothing says rustic luxury in the woods like a structure that requires no assembly!) All lucky guests staying in one of Tugaloo State Park's six new yurts on the banks of Lake Hartwell need only bring linens and perhaps some delicious food to cook over the fire pit right outside. Each yurt has wooden floors, canvas walls, a skylight, a cozy heater, cabin-style furniture, electricity, and nearby bathhouses.

Reed Bingham State Park, Adel
Do you want your own private island? You can, however, rent one at Reed Bingham State Park. It's surrounded by a large lake and can only be reached by canoe, which you can rent from the Georgia state historic sites. Prepare your guests (the island can accommodate up to 30 people) for pioneer-style camping (read: no facilities other than a fire ring and grill) and prepare to truly unplug. Keep your eyes open for bald eagles.

Watson Mill Bridge State Park, Comer
It doesn't get much better for horse enthusiasts than riding 14 miles of scenic trails before sleeping in a log-cabin bunkhouse near your equine best friend. You can do just that at Watson Mill Bridge State Park. Book a stall for your trusty steed and a bunkhouse for yourself, complete with air conditioning and a small refrigerator. The lodgings are rustic but comfortable, with access to a nearby bathhouse, fire rings (s'mores, anyone?) and picnic tables for dinner under the stars.