Don Carter State Park
A serene Georgia State Park on Lake Lanier, offering hiking, swimming, camping, and cabin rentals amidst natural beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather for hiking
Don Carter State Park
Best Time
Pleasant weather for hiking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Georgia State Park on Lake Lanier, offering hiking, swimming, camping, and cabin rentals amidst natural beauty.
"Beautiful space with deer casually strolling by and a nice beach."
Book campsites early
Popular sites fill up fast, especially on weekends. Reserve your spot online well in advance to avoid disappointment. :ticket:
Check ice availability
The ice cooler can be temperamental. Call ahead to confirm if ice is available before you arrive. :ice_cube:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lake Lanier Beach
Beach Area
Relax on the sandy shores of Lake Lanier, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. A refreshing escape with beautiful water views.
Hiking Trails
Various trailheads
Explore scenic trails winding through forests and along the lake. Options range from easy strolls to more moderate hikes.
Campsites & Cabins
Campgrounds and cabin loops
Enjoy overnight stays with well-maintained campsites and cozy cabins, offering a true nature immersion experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Times
Prepare for Limited Services
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book campsites early
Popular sites fill up fast, especially on weekends. Reserve your spot online well in advance to avoid disappointment. :ticket:
Check ice availability
The ice cooler can be temperamental. Call ahead to confirm if ice is available before you arrive. :ice_cube:
Pet-friendly trails
Dogs are welcome on trails and in most areas (leashed), but not on the beach. Enjoy walks with your furry friend! :dog:
Bring water shoes
The beach area can have rocky patches. Water shoes are recommended for comfortable swimming and exploring. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book campsites early
Popular sites fill up fast, especially on weekends. Reserve your spot online well in advance to avoid disappointment. :ticket:
Check ice availability
The ice cooler can be temperamental. Call ahead to confirm if ice is available before you arrive. :ice_cube:
Pet-friendly trails
Dogs are welcome on trails and in most areas (leashed), but not on the beach. Enjoy walks with your furry friend! :dog:
Bring water shoes
The beach area can have rocky patches. Water shoes are recommended for comfortable swimming and exploring. :athletic_shoe:
Visitor center helpful
Staff at the visitor center are generally nice and helpful with park information and any issues. :information_desk:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Don Carter State Park is praised for its beautiful location on Lake Lanier, clean facilities, and family-friendly amenities like the beach and playground. Visitors appreciate the natural setting and the opportunity for outdoor activities. However, some guests have encountered issues with campsite size and less-than-ideal check-in experiences.
"Beautiful space. Would have rated it higher but every day of our stay the host repeatedly used a leaf blower until afternoon, including before we were checked out. They had to return our children’s toys to us after they realized we were still down by the lake and only one person went on an errand with our vehicle (10:30, when check out isn’t until noon). Our lake view included some giant metal trash. My kids had fun throwing acorns at it though. Beautiful facilities. Visitor center staff was nice and helpful."
Eliz Anderson
"A nice park with deer casually strolling by, clean restrooms/showers, great staff, and secure. They have a nice beach with a refreshments shack, two nice boat launches (we used them for kayak launching), nice dump sites (with a hose that doesn't have a crushed end), dumpster corral, the main lodge/check-in, firewood, and ice (which was not available at the time due to a temperamental ice cooler). As for the lack of ice, call before you get there to check on their ice supply as the nearest gas station is not near. Our site (#30) was very small (narrow) but nice. If you're bringing a big show, you may want to call to make sure that you'll get the space you need. All in all, it's a nice park that is a bit off the beaten path."
Ken Kirby
"We had such a great experience at Don Carter State Park! It was the perfect staycation: peaceful, fun, and really well maintained.
The beach area was beautiful and relaxing, and the trails were easy to navigate and made for a really enjoyable walk. The swing coaster playground was a big hit too. It’s a great spot for kids to have fun.
One thing that really stood out was how clean everything was, from the restrooms to the picnic areas. You can tell the staff takes pride in keeping the park nice for visitors.
We brought our dog along and appreciated that the park is pet-friendly. While dogs aren’t allowed on the beach, they are welcome on the trails and in other areas as long as they’re leashed.
Overall, it was a very positive experience and we’re already looking forward to coming back again! Highly recommend if you’re looking for a simple but refreshing getaway close to home."
Tammy Cha
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Don Carter State Park is located at 5000 Dooley Road, Gainesville, GA 30506. It's accessible by car via GA-369 and GA-53. GPS navigation is recommended as it's a bit off the main roads.
Public transportation options are very limited for reaching Don Carter State Park. It is best accessed by private vehicle.
The primary access roads are GA-369 and GA-53. Follow signs for Don Carter State Park from these highways.
Yes, ample parking is available at various points throughout the park, including near the visitor center, beach, and trailheads.
Yes, Don Carter State Park is about an hour's drive northeast of Atlanta, making it a feasible day trip or weekend getaway.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Georgia State Parks typically have a modest entrance fee per vehicle. Check the official Don Carter State Park website for the most current fee structure.
Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially for campsites and cabins, as they are very popular and book up in advance.
Park hours generally run from early morning to late evening. Specific hours for the main gate and facilities like the visitor center can vary, so check the park's official website.
While cash may be accepted for some transactions, it's always best to have a credit card on hand, especially for online reservations or if self-pay stations are in use.
Georgia State Parks often offer various passes or discounts. Inquire at the visitor center or check the website for any resident-specific benefits.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming at the beach, boating and kayaking on Lake Lanier, hiking on scenic trails, fishing, picnicking, and camping. There's also a playground.
Yes, the park features a nice beach area on Lake Lanier, perfect for swimming and relaxing.
Yes, Don Carter State Park offers a variety of trails, including some that are less technical and suitable for beginners or those looking for a more relaxed walk.
Dogs are welcome at Don Carter State Park on trails and in other designated areas, provided they are kept on a leash. They are not permitted on the beach.
Campgrounds offer electrical hookups, barbecue grills, and access to clean restrooms and shower facilities. Some sites may be narrow, so check dimensions for larger RVs.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The park has a refreshments shack near the beach for snacks and drinks. For full meals, you'll need to venture outside the park to nearby Gainesville.
Absolutely! Don Carter State Park has designated picnic areas with tables and grills, making it a great spot for a family meal outdoors.
The park offers firewood and ice for sale, but it's not a full-service grocery store. It's advisable to bring most of your food and supplies with you.
The closest town, Gainesville, offers a variety of restaurants, from fast food to local eateries. Plan for a short drive to access these.
Yes, most campsites are equipped with barbecue grills, and you are welcome to cook your own meals at your site.
📸 📸 Photography
The beach area with Lake Lanier in the background, scenic overlooks along the hiking trails, and the diverse wildlife (like deer) offer great photo opportunities.
Both sunrise and sunset can be beautiful. Sunrises over Lake Lanier can be stunning, while sunsets cast a warm glow on the water and trees.
Explore the various overlooks along the lakefront trails for expansive water views. The visitor center area also offers pleasant scenery.
Keep an eye out for deer, various bird species, and other small mammals that inhabit the park's natural environment.
Yes, the park's location on Lake Lanier provides numerous opportunities for capturing beautiful lake photography, especially from the beach and shoreline trails.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that while dogs are allowed on trails, they are not permitted on the beach. The park's clean facilities and picnic areas make it easy to manage meals and breaks. Booking campsites or cabins in advance is highly recommended to ensure a spot for your family getaway.
🏕️ Campers & RVers
While check-in procedures can sometimes be a point of frustration, planning ahead and confirming details can smooth the process. The natural setting and lake access make it a worthwhile destination for those looking to camp in the Gainesville area.
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Lovers
Keep an eye out for local wildlife, as deer are often spotted casually strolling through the park. The peaceful atmosphere, especially during weekdays or off-peak seasons, allows for a more immersive nature experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Campsite Hassles
Despite these potential hiccups, many find the campgrounds to be clean and well-maintained once settled. The key seems to be thorough preparation and clear communication with park staff prior to arrival, especially if you have specific needs regarding your RV or arrival time.
Family Fun at Don Carter
The park's hiking trails are generally easy to navigate, making them suitable for family walks. The clean facilities, including restrooms and picnic areas, add to the overall positive family experience. The pet-friendly nature of the park (with leash rules) also means families can bring their furry companions along for the adventure.
Exploring Lake Lanier's Shores
While the lake is a highlight, it's worth noting that some reviews mention the presence of trash in the lake view, which can detract from the scenery. However, the overall experience of being by the lake, whether for swimming, boating, or simply enjoying the views, remains a strong positive for many visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit