george l. smith park

George l Smith is a small yet lovely park with 24 tent/RV sites situated along a 412 acre lake. There is one comfort station with laundry. They are clean and adequate. There is a large field with a large playground and three open air shelters. An additional closed shelter with a/c & heat is also available. They also have eight cabins available. There is a boat dock for your private boat or you can rent a kayak, canoe or paddle boat. Also available are stand up paddle boards. Down the road a bit yet still in the park is a pioneer campground. The park has a lovely gristmill from the 1800's. This is one of only two working mills owned by the State of Georgia. They do not advertise the days they will be grinding corn. There are four short hiking/biking trails. Ranging from .7 to 2.7 miles. These are easy trails. George L Smith state park does participate in the GeoCamp program. The park is only 12 miles from Swainsborough where you can get any supplies you need. Other than that there is not a lot to do in the area outside the park. I would recommend this park for any length of stay. Family reunion or event.While this is our first visit to the park it won't be our last.

As our third stop on our GA paddler's club itinerary, the kayak rentals and trails were not as great as the other 2 state parks we've visited thus far. George L Smith has ocean kayak rentals which would be really nice for the summer, but in the winter it was wet and cold! Still had a great 4 hour kayak, good scenery, didn't see any wildlife shy of a bird here and there. Enjoyable trip, but I did prefer the other 2 parks we visited to this one.

Stayed In a cottage for a weekend. We have stayed at a few other state parks here in Ga. It was a awesome stay and will be back to stay again soon. The cottage came with all the things you need for a great weekend. The park its self was neat. Great hiking trails for short hikes.

You have to pay for parking so if you're there for the day make sure you bring cash. There was a box right before the mill path that you get an envelop and drop in your cash and get your parking tag. The hiking trail is really nice, I went for a run and the paths were well marked. It had a mixed terrain so it kept it interesting. After the run I hung around the mill to take pictures. The history of the mill is well explained through signage. There's a nice gathering building you can rent if you have a group event. The kayaks all looked in excellent condition, it was a bit too cold when I went so opted out on getting on the water. I didn't drive to the camping area so I can't comment on that. It's a quiet place to visit and I will go back for some camping when it warms up.

My family has been coming here for a yearly camping trip since 2004 and we live near this park, so have been coming for functions since I was a little girl. There are 25 sites available, 20 of which are pond side. This is a lovely, calm lake with cypress trees. You can tour an old grist mill that is on site. Kayaks, paddle boats, and canoes are available for rent. There are two different playgrounds, one in view of the campground. During the fall, they stay booked on the weekend. Get here on a Thursday if you can for better site selection. Sites 3-23 are all lakeside and shaded, some more level than others. My favorites are 5-7 because they are big and separate, but not in view of the bathhouse, though all sites are within easy walking distance. One of the best is #18. It is the only pull through that faces the lake. We were at #2 - a pull-through, but no shade. Worst site if it is hot. The bathhouses aren't the greatest, but are clean enough. Washer/Dryer is available. Love this park!

This park is really pretty! My family and I visited yesterday and rented a paddle boat for an hour. It is really peaceful out on the water. There were a few other people in canoes or boats but for the majority of the time we couldn't see anyone else in any direction. I got some excellent pictures of the cyprus trees. We peddled out to the middle of the lake and let the boat drift while we ate a picnic lunch. It was one of the most relaxing moments I have had in weeks. I had heard that the cyprus trees emit something that repels mosquitos. I was suspicious about that claim so I packed a can off insect repellent in our bag but we never needed it. I didn't even see a mosquito - let alone get bitten by one. I would recommend this park to anyone - families, couples, photographers, etc.

Every year, my family comes from Jacksonville, Florida for our Georgia family reunion and we rent 4 of thier cabins, which are very nice. We usually stay 3 nites and its soo relaxing, but still close enough to go out to dinner. Great getaway but you are in the woods so its very nice. you can see deer and other small animals on trails, and you have the cotten mill to check out.

We stopped here on our way to Savannah and were happy we did. The cypress trees in the lake were absolutely beautiful to see and the covered bridge with the half-bale gin was really something unexpected.We walked a little on the Deer Run trail and it was peaceful and idyllic to us. On the way to the park you could see cotton in the fields. It almost seemed like something out of yesteryear.I'm glad the state preserves unique areas like this for people to see.

The park is not really located very convenient to anything major, but the drive out of the way is worth it for the canoeing available. The waters are calm and start-off in an open setting, but as you canoe further, the waters become more narrow and the trees begin to densely populate in and around the water as well in almost like a southern style swamp setting. The area is quiet and peaceful. Turtles and larger birds are common to be found. I have visited 4 times and always visit whenever I get to the area. Consider getting gas and eating a meal or bringing snacks and drinks prior to arriving as food and gas are available near-by but there is a relatively minimal selection.

So convenient for kayaking when you don't have to tote your boats up and down trails everytime you want to get in the water. There were only about 2 dozen campsites, and most of them are right on the water. It was really nice to jump right into the kayak for a few minutes or a few hours whenever the mood would strike. The cypress lake was really big, with plenty to explore. The whole experience was quiet and peaceful. Very remote...nearest stores and restaurants are about 30 minutes away.

George L Smith is a bit out of the way but has much to offer families whether camping or renting one of their cabins. Cabins are very clean and user friendly. Campsites are roomy The lake is interesting and has much to offer visitors

Hiked and Geocached the first afternoon and canoe the second day. This park is awesone, Great trails, uinique and fun canoeing. It is very well kept. Now it is a favorite! Thanks!

It's a great place to visit and a great place to camp out. Quite, simple and beautiful. I love the trees growing in the water. There are good shelters for picnics and nice docks to sit on.

I talked to the rangers and they were not very friendly. The weather was raining, turned cold and wing blowing for 2 days. I did get some excellent pictures of the lake and mill. The few campers that were there were friendly.

Very quaint and well maintained small and quiet campground with nice level campsites.