Celebrate your independence on the Fourth of July at your favorite state park in Georgia. Â Burn a couple of burgers, have an ice-cream cone and learn about our nation’s history.
Fireworks and sparklers aren’t allowed in state parks, but you won’t miss them at Fort Morris near Darien for their Colonial Faire and — ready? — cannon firings!  If you just have to see fireworks, visit Seminole State Park on Saturday, July 2nd for early festivities on the lake.
Visit a State Park in Georgia for Independence Day
July 4th weekend is always one of the busiest holidays in Georgia’s state parks, so visitors are encouraged to reserve campsites, cabins, picnic shelters and yurts in advance.  Reservations can be made up to 13 months in advance at www.GeorgiaStateParks.org.
State parks welcome visitors to come for just the day as well.  For a $5 parking fee, guests can cool off at lakeside beaches, explore hiking trails, and even fish for their dinner – all for free. Many state parks rent stand-up paddleboards, aquacycles, bikes and kayaks for a small fee.
- Find ranger-led hikes, old-timey games, firework displays and more programs atwww.GeorgiaStateParks.org/events.
- Covered picnic shelters and group shelters can be reserved for family reunions and parties.  Individuals can use picnic tables scattered throughout all of Georgia’s state parks for free.
- Lakeside swimming beaches are free once visitors pay a $5 parking fee.  Popular spots include Don Carter State Park on Lake Lanier, Tugaloo on Lake Hartwell and Hard Labor Creek near Rutledge.  More sandy beaches are listed at www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/swimming.
