For the first time ever, summer begins on July 15th! That’s when Don Carter State Park opens, at the northern tip of Lake Lanier on the Chattahoochee River.
The boat ramps are ready, along with the walking and bicycle trails. You can set up a tent or park your RV and spend a night or two at Lake Lanier’s only state park.
Go fishing, boating, have a cookout or just hang out with old friends or the new ones you’re bound to meet at Don Carter State Park.
Later in the summer two-bedroom cabins will be available for rent.
A Grand Opening Ceremony will be held later in the year as well.
Activities on July 15, 2013, When Don Carter State Park Opens
Ranger-Led Half-Mile Hike at 10:30 AM
- Take an easy/moderate half-mile hike with friendly Rangers. They’ll guide you through the rustic tent camping area, down to the lake and through a shady forest. It’ll be first-come, first-served for a total of 30 guests. All hikers should meet at the Trailhead parking area.
Snake Program at 11:30 AM
- Learn about cold-blooded creatures native to Georgia. (In this particular case, the cold-blooded creatures are snakes, not you-know-who’s family.)
- Guests should meet at Picnic Shelter #2 for this presentation.
- Please do not bring your own snakes. Thank you.
Recreation Station: Beach Games from 1-2 PM
- Meet at the new swimming beach to enjoy games such as ladder golf, bag toss and croquet. Don’t forget your swim suit and beach towel. Enjoy the world’s newest sandy beach!
You might have to do a bit of planning when you visit Don Carter State Park. Meals are not for sale and restaurants are several miles away.
You’re welcome to launch your boat for fishing, skiing or sightseeing. There is parking for about 45 trucks & trailers at the park’s main boat ramps, and room for 15 more in the area set aside for folks camping in RVs or renting the park’s cabins. Gas your boat up before you arrive; there are no marinas nearby.
Snacks are available at Don Carter State Park’s Visitor Center and there’s a Coke machine outside by the rest rooms.
Walk all day or sit on a bench and watch the walkers. Whatever makes you happy.
Fish, nap or fly a kite with the kids. Swim or sunbathe. All that and free birdwatching are included in the $5.00 daily parking fee. Save a bunch of money and get an annual pass!
Campsites range from $15 to $29 per night. Leashed dogs are welcome on trails and in the campground, but not in the Visitor Center.
Covered picnic shelters rent for $45. They’re perfect for family reunions, birthday parties and casual receptions.
Don Carter State Park will soon be your favorite park. See you there!
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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 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
Contact Info
- GeorgiaStateParks.org/DonCarter
- 678-450-7726
