Monday, March 8, 2010

Spring and summer break in Georgias State Parks

Tight finances don’t mean families have to give up a spring break vacation. Parents who plan ahead can take advantage of affordable accommodations located throughout Georgia’s 48 state parks. Once settled in, they’ll find a mini-resort outside their door, with a range of amenities such as nature trails, playgrounds, fishing docks, ranger programs, disc golf and more.

For about $24 per night, families can pitch a tent under the stars and toast marshmallows by a campfire. All state park campgrounds have bathhouses with hot showers, and some even have laundry facilities. Campers at Stephen C. Foster State Park can rent kayaks or boats to explore well-marked trails in the Okefenokee Swamp, while those at Kolomoki Mounds Historic Park can learn about early Indian civilizations during their hikes.

Seminole State Park cottageWant more comforts? Fully equipped cottages with up to three bedrooms average around $100 to $140 per night, depending on park location. Families can save money by cooking their own meals in the cottage kitchens. Several state parks are on large lakes, such as Seminole and Clarks Hill, so cottages are perfect for families with boats. For great hiking, families can rent cottages at Cloudland Canyon, Hard Labor Creek, Fort Mountain, Vogel and several other state parks.

Finally, those who prefer hotel-style accommodations can still wake up surrounded by beautiful park scenery. Lodges with restaurants can be found at Amicalola Falls, Red Top Mountain and Unicoi in north Georgia, and George T. Bagby and Little Ocmulgee in south Georgia. Lodge rates begin at $69 during the week, and details can be found atwww.GeorgiaStateParks.org/springbreak.

Accommodations book quickly during spring break and summer, so reservations should be made in advance. Call 1-800-864-7275 or visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org for more details.

5 comments:

Unknown said...

Camping in state parks is fun. We've done it many times. It's especially fun when you have a group of folks to share the cooking--at least enough people to make two teams and play volleyball!

Carolyn Howard-Johnson said...

Loved finding this through the blog chain! I'm going to the Himalayas. To the base camp, even. Now, that will be an outdoor adventure! (-:

Best,
Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Blogging at Writer's Digest 101 Best Websites pick www.sharingwithwriters.blogspot.com

Nancy Kelly Allen said...

I'm back at your blog for a second look, and I'll visit again. You have so much information on travel. Love your 10 tips. The photos of the water makes me want to jump in. Ahhhh, after this long winter, I need a vacation to Georgia or Florida. Great blog

Nancy Kelly Allen said...

Love your blog. Georgia is a beautiful state with outdoor adventures for one and all. The photos are beautiful.

Nancy Kelly Allen
Blog--http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/
Website--http://www.nancykellyallen.com/

Dennis Sidney Martin said...

One of my fondest memories from childhood (this goes back quite a few years) was visiting Vogel State Park. It had everything an active child could hope for.