Lake Lanier fans can
look forward to a new place to play this summer when Don Carter State Park
opens on July 15. Georgia’s first state park on the 38,000-acre reservoir will
feature camping, boat ramps, fishing, picnicking, playgrounds, hiking and a
large swimming beach. Parking is $5 and most day-use activities are free.
Situated on the north
end of the reservoir, the 1,316-acre park offers access to a quiet section of
the normally busy lake. Swimmers will enjoy the large beach with sloped lawn
and bath house. New boat ramps provide quick access to the lake, and anglers
can prepare their catch at a fish-cleaning station. A 1.5-mile paved trail
welcomes hikers, bikers and strollers to explore surrounding hardwoods, while a
two-mile trail can be explored on foot.
Don Carter State Park
offers overnight getaways as well. A modern campground with hot showers
accommodates RVs, while another camping area is reserved just for tents and
hammocks. Although the park will soon accept reservations, campsites will be
offered on a first-come, first-served basis during the first few weeks of
opening.
Those who prefer a soft
bed over a sleeping bag can look forward to the eight rental cabins, opening
later this summer. The two-bedroom cabins are perched on wooded hillsides near
the lake, with rocking-chair porches and fully equipped kitchens.
Don Carter State Park
offers a bargain getaway on Lake Lanier. Visitors pay $5 for parking, and most
activities including swimming are free. Campsites range from $15 to $29, and
cabins will be $110 to $160. Leashed dogs are welcome on trails and in the
campground, but not in the visitor center and most cabins. Covered picnic
shelters rent for $45 and are perfect for family reunions, birthday parties and
casual receptions. Georgia’s newest state park is named in honor of Don Carter,
the longest serving member of the Georgia Department of Natural
Resources board.
Although the park
officially opens July 15, the state will host a grand opening ceremony later
this fall. To learn more, visit GeorgiaStateParks.org/doncarter
or call 678-450-7726 after July 15.
Don Carter State Park -- At A Glance
Located northeast of
Gainesville, on the north side of Lake Lanier. From Clarks Bridge Road, go
south on N. Browning Bridge Road. At the Y, take the left fork and continue for
one-half mile to the park entrance. Coordinates: N 1596520, E 2423230
Accommodations &
Facilities
1,316 Acres
8 Cottages—still under construction ($110-$160)
46 Tent, Trailer, RV Campsites ($25-$29)
12 Walk-in Tent Sites
($15)
6 Picnic Shelters ($45)
39,000-Acre Lake Lanier
Things To Do & See
Fishing ramps, fish-cleaning station
Boating ramps and docks
Lake Swimming—large sand beach
Hiking and Biking—1.5-mile
paved multi-use trail and 2-mile hiking trail
Picnicking
Playgrounds
Park Hours: 7 a.m.—10 p.m.