Crooked River State Park

Crooked River State Park is located in southeast Georgia on what is known as the Colonial Coast. It borders Florida and the Cumberland Islands National Seashore in what was once thriving colonial communities and vast plantations. The park runs along the edge of the beautiful Crooked River and provides access to the Atlantic Ocean.

The park offers guests a chance to explore backwater channels, view amazing wildlife and explore historic ruins. The many amenities that are offered at Crooked River State Park include fantastic full-facility campsites, unbelievable kayak opportunities and a nature center.

One of the best ways to explore the over 500 acres of Crooked River State Park is by foot on one-or all of the hiking trails that wind their way around the park.

The river trail is the shortest of the trails and offers visitors a chance to glimpse wood storks and herons roosting in the dead pines that overlook the Crooked River with their moss draped trees. Anglers will find fantastic shore fishing. Sharks, sheepshead, whiting, black drum and rays can all be caught from the banks of this trail.

The Bay Boardwalk Trail is an easy stroll through the bay forest ecosystem that is filled with hardwoods and evergreens. In winter months, the trail is green and full of foliage unlike the contrasting gum sloughs and cypress swamps which brown during the colder months. In summer the trail stays cooler than the rest of the park and makes for a nice stroll when the weather is warm. An observation tower on the trail is the perfect spot to view the many birds that inhabit the park.

Another great way to explore Crooked River State Park is by the water. A boat ramp at the park allows access to the Crooked River. Kayaking these amazing waters is a great way to see the dolphins that frequent the shoreline looking for a morning or afternoon meal. At low tide, paddlers can view the many tidal pools that trap a wide variety of shellfish and sea life.

Spending the night at the campground offers guests a variety of ways to camp at the park. A 62 site full-facility campground is available for tents, RV's and trailers for a $25-$28 fee. Rough it on one of the backcountry campsites with your large group for just $35 a night. No tent/RV/trailer? No worries! 11 cottages along the shores of the Crooked River are a great place to kick back at the park with all of the comforts of home. Prices range from $125-$135 a night.

For more information on directions to the park, fees and other park amenities, visit the official Georgia state park website here.