Don Carter State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Don Carter State Park is a haven in North Georgia along Lake Lanier's picturesque shores. With its year-round mild weather and varied terrain, the park is a paradise for outdoor activities like hiking and water sports in Gainesville. Named after conservationist Don Carter, the park preserves its pristine environment and showcases a rich history of conservation efforts. Whether you want to visit the nearby charming small towns or enjoy a little piece of unspoiled nature, Don Carter State Park is an ideal destination for RV campers.
Nearby Cities:
Lula, GA
Clermont, GA
Gainesville, GA
Gillsville, GA
Spring 48-70 F
Summer 66-85 F
Fall 55-76 F
Winter 33-53 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Don Carter State Park
Campground Accommodations
Don Carter State Park
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 90 feet
Other amenities: Picnic shelters, swimming beach, grills, laundry facilities
River Forks Park & Campground
There are plenty of camping options at Lake Lanier in the region. At River Forks Park & Campground, a boat ramp with plenty of parking is available. You can also play on the 40,000-foot beach at this facility, where rates start at about $20 per night.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Boat ramp, beach, biking, and hiking trails
Duckett Mill Campground
Duckett Mill Campground is located near the middle of Lake Lanier by Springdale. Here, you can go biking, hiking, swimming, and fishing. Rates start at about $18 per night.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Lake, shower house, playground, laundry
What to Do at
Don Carter State Park
There are plenty of activities to enjoy during your next adventure at Don Carter State Park. Since it is located on Lake Lanier, boating is one of the highlights. Additionally, there are many fish species in the water, allowing you to test your luck at angling for dinner. If you want to stay on solid ground, there are many trails that give both experienced and novice hikers a chance to explore the park.
There are many activities that you can enjoy while visiting Don Carter State Park in Georgia.
Inside Don Carter State Park
About 11 million visitors head to Lake Lanier annually, and many of them stop at Don Carter State Park to go swimming on the sandy beach. Many also use the boat ramp to launch their vessel onto the reservoir, which connects to the Chattahoochee River. Visitors can also hike along many miles of trails to see stunning views of the water while staying cool under the large shade trees.
Fishing
Lake Lanier is the ideal spot for fishing. This area is known for its largemouth bass, catfish, and spotted bass. Before you hit the water, check with the office to see if you need a Georgia fishing license.
Geocaching
Geocaching is allowed at the park. However, you will want to be mindful of the local environment, whether you are placing a cache or hunting for treasure. Many of these caches can be found near the swimming beach or along various locations on the trail.
Nature Watching
Don Carter State Park is a haven for birdwatching, especially bald eagles and eastern bluebirds. You might even hear the red-bellied woodpeckers or see the wild turkeys roaming throughout the forest. Along with birds, you will want to watch out for white-tailed deer, squirrels, raccoons, and foxes.
Stargazing
Sometimes, the park will host an astronomy party led by the rangers or a local expert. If there is no event, you are welcome to view the night sky with an overnight stay. The park's open spaces are excellent spots to get an unobstructed view of the sky.
Flora and Fauna
Throughout the year, you can marvel at the dogwood trees, mountain laurels, and wild azaleas that fill the park. During the summers, you may also see butterfly weed, wild geraniums, and columbines in the valleys. If you travel farther into the woods, there are many green ferns in the more shaded areas of the park.
Hiking
If you want to take a short loop, consider the Dogwood Trail. This route is an excellent trail for families or beginning hikers. The Boundary Trail is a bit more challenging as it takes you deeper into the woods. For those who want to get a scenic view, the Overlook Trail is the best way to experience a picturesque hike.
Boating
Lake Lanier is the largest reservoir in Georgia. The lake can accommodate everything from sailboats to pontoons and motorized boats. If you have your own vessel, there are two boat ramps in the park.
Swimming
Since there is plenty of water traffic, you will want to stick to the designated areas for swimming. There is a spot along the shore that is set up for swimmers. These calm waters are a great place to splash around in the summertime.
Biking
The park has multi-use trails that can be used for bikers. These trails have moderate terrain, but they can be enjoyed by both beginning and experienced riders. Since hikers share the space, make sure to keep a safe distance and reduce speed on the path.
How to Get to
Don Carter State Park
From Atlanta, head north on I-85 then merge onto I-985 North, which will later transition into GA-365. Continue your drive along GA-365 until you approach Don Carter State Park. Keep an eye out for the signage that guides you to the park's entrance, and follow those directions to reach the park.
If your journey starts in Gainesville, begin by traveling south on GA-60, following the signs for GA-53/GA-60 S. Stay on this route until you reach GA-53 W, and then follow GA-53 W to GA-60 S/S Chestatee Street. Continue along GA-60 South, which will eventually lead you to GA-52 W in Lumpkin County. From there, follow GA-52 W until you reach J M Turk Road, which serves as the gateway to the park's entrance.
Entering Don Carter State Park
There is a $5 fee per vehicle to park.
Don Carter State Park Per Vehicle : $5.0
Don Carter State Park is a fantastic place to play on Lake Lanier throughout the year, so make this trip happen soon. When you do, be sure to do it in your RV. If you do not have one, then rent one through RVshare.com! After your trip, post your photos to your social media feed and tag us so we can see. You may also send your photos and stories to [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions About Don Carter State Park
Since the park has a lot of water activities, make sure to visit Don Carter State Park during the summer. These months usually offer warm and pleasant weather, perfect for enjoying water activities like swimming and boating. However, keep in mind that these months tend to be busier with visitors, so reservations may be necessary to ensure a hassle-free and enjoyable summer visit.
The park is home to white-tailed deer, squirrels, and various bird species, including eagles and herons. The North Georgia region surrounding the park is known for its rich biodiversity, making it an ideal location to spot a wide range of animals and birds in their natural habitats.
Don Carter State Park has 46 RV campsites with full hookups. Along with that, there are four cottages and even primitive campsites for rent. The RV sites can accommodate rigs up to 90 feet in length.
If you are traveling in the summer, you may want to reserve a camping spot in advance. These spaces, especially for RVs, can fill up fast. Most of the standard campsites start at $35 per night, and they can be reserved through the Georgia State Parks website or by contacting the office at Don Carter State Park.
Pets are allowed in certain areas of the park, such as the campgrounds and trails. All owners are responsible for their pet's behavior, and the park requires that a pet must always be leashed. Along with that, owners need to clean up after their pets and place all waste in the designated spots.