Summer came late to Lake Lanier in 2013, but on Monday, July 15th, Don Carter State Park opened to the public for the first time.
One family arrived at 7 AM to hit the beach early!
A few visitors came out of curiosity, some for a walk in the woods and many brought their kids to hear a Park Ranger present a Show & Tell about snakes … followed by games on the world’s newest beach.
My legs haven’t seen the sun in 20 years, but even I wanted to toss off my boots and dive in with the happy families soaking in the sun, sand and water at Lake Lanier’s first state park.
Don Carter State Park is way up at the north end of the lake, on the Chattahoochee River. A world away from the busy crowds and raucous rowdies down by the dam, this park will soon be known as a soft spot on the heart of Lake Lanier.
Early birds on opening day were honored to meet and greet Don Carter and his lovely wife, Lucille. Mr. Carter served on the board of the Department of Natural Resources for almost 30 years.
Mr. Carter worked diligently for the park — which was established in 2002. When it was time to give the park a name “Don Carter State Park” naturally came to mind.
Mrs. Carter said, “This is a dream come true for us and for North Georgia.”
First-time visitors will be stunned at the size, beauty and amenities at Don Carter State Park. It’s a haven in North Georgia that is destined to be visited by generations of campers, hikers and outdoorsy folks from all over the world.
The lakeside cabins aren’t ready yet, but before you know it they’ll be booked solid far into the future. Each has two-bedrooms, a rocking-chair porch, a view of the lake, grills, picnic tables, parking and the best neighbors on earth.
If you think camping is best done in an RV or tent, you can start right away, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Stop by the Visitors Center for snacks, hats & apparel, park maps and free smiles. There’s a Coke machine out front too.
When you visit, bring your boat. I counted 45 spaces for boats & trailers at the main boat ramp, but there’s room for 15 more at the second boat ramp that’s just for RV and cabin visitors.
Don’t have a boat of your own? Pffft. Not a problem. Don Carter State Park has a giant fishing pier! Every kid is guaranteed to catch a big fish on every cast! (Some restrictions apply.)
Now there’s no excuse not to go fishing on Lake Lanier … with your kids or somebody else’s.
If you really do catch fish and you want to fillet them before you head home to impress you-know-who, stop by the fish cleaning station provided by the park. You only have to supply the fish and the stuff you’ll need to clean them.
While you’re getting all stinky and gooey, your friends will be basking in the sun at the beach, where there’s a convenient, clean place to change and to wash the sand off your feet before you head home … wishing the day would never end.
There aren’t any lifeguards, so you’ll have to be especially careful, but for wading and splashing and swimming in Lake Lanier, this is the place.
Parking is nearby, not a mile away and uphill both ways, as with some areas on the lake.
You will not believe your eyes when you see the beauty of Don Carter State Park.
It’s like your own bazillion-acre lake home, with a gate to keep out the riff-raff and Park Rangers to answer questions and plan cool activities, such as demonstrations about snakes.
Not a big fan of snakes? Good news. While everybody’s gawking at the slithery skulkers, you’ll have the nearby playground all to yourself!
Speaking of playgrounds, the park has oodles of them, along with four picnic shelters in the day-use area and more in the restricted portion of the park by the cabins.
Pets on six-foot leashes are welcome in the park and campground, except at the beach. Please keep in mind the fact your dog’s barking might be music to your ears, but it probably won’t be to neighbors trying to sleep nearby.
Paved walking trails give you an unforgettable view of the lake, forest and the park, unless your memory is as bad as mine.
You might also share my joy at seeing comfy benches all along the paths.
Don Carter State Park is open daily from 7 AM until 10 PM.
The Visitor Center is open daily from 8 AM until 5 PM.
We’ll let you know when they have the official grand opening later this fall.
Plan a trip to this heavenly garden on lovely Lake Lanier and bring a friend. There is no better way to spend $5.00 than a day at Don Carter State Park.
Meet some of folks who made Don Carter State Park a reality.
You cannot get lost in Don Carter State Park. Just follow the signs.
If the arrows confuse you, simply ask one of the many dedicated park professionals who are there to keep you safe and happy.
Better yet, ask a stranger for directions. You might make a new friend.
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Helpful Links
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Directions
Don Carter State Park 5000 N. Browning Bridge Rd. Gainesville, GA 30506- Located northeast of Gainesville, Georgia, on the north side of Lake Lanier.
- From Clarks Bridge Road, go south on North 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
Contact Info
- GeorgiaStateParks.org/DonCarter
- Visitor Center Phone: 678-450-7726
Park Hours
- Visitor Hours are 7 AM until 10 PM daily.
- Visitor Center Hours are 8 AM until 5 PM daily.
