George L. Smith State Park
Explore park information, recreation, camping, maps, and visitor details.
Park overview
Its peaceful natural beauty, homely atmosphere and serene cypress filled mill pond water make George L. Smith State Park a perfect getaway for RV trips. Located four miles southeast of Twin City, off Georgia Highway 23, Georgia, this state park is a great place to create and enjoy memorable recreational and historical experiences. The park features lakeside camping units and cozy cottages that make it a well-loved destination for campers and visitors to refresh, relax and recharge.
Facilities and amenities at the 1,634-acre park include cottages, tents, trailers and RV campsites, primitive campsites, picnic shelters, pioneer campground, group shelter, playground, and a Historic Covered Bridge and Mill. Activities to enjoy at Georgia L. Smith State Park include biking, birding, boating, fishing, geocaching, hiking, picnicking, kayaking, and canoeing.
George L. Smith State Park is well known for the refurbished Parrish Mill and Pond, a combination gristmill, saw mill, covered bridge and dam built in 1880. The mill pond beckons anglers and paddlers to explore thick stands of cypress and tupelo trees draped with Spanish moss.
The park rents boats, and nearby outfitters offer guided paddle trips.
Nearby Attractions include Georgia's Classic South, Georgia Southern University, Gordonia-Alatamaha State Park & Golf Course, Magnolia Springs State Park, Mill Pond Kayak, Statesboro and Twin City.
Park map
View the park location and surrounding area.
Nearby lakes
Lakes within 25 miles of George L. Smith State Park.
Things to do
In-season activities
Popular things to do during the park's primary season.
Hiking
George L. Smith State Park features hiking trails that add up to seven miles for RV campers and visitors at the park to enjoy. These trails pass along various fascinating parts of the park, including along the shores of the lake, around the cottages and playgrounds, around the primitive campsites and pioneer camp. So, pack your hiking boots on your trip to the park to enjoy scenic views along the trails as well as diverse wildlife and resplendent flora.
Fishing
The 412-acre lake in George L. Smith State Park is open for fishing all year round. Hence, RV campers love to visit the park to enjoy angling activities. Big largemouth, crappie, bluegills, pickerel, channel catfish bass, tupelos and cypress present wonderful fishing opportunities for anglers and RV campers at the park. A fishing dock is provided in the park to enhance the catching experience. Persons aged 16 or older are required to possess a valid fishing license to catch fish in the park.
Boating
At George L. Smith State Park, RV campers can bring their private boats or rent a boat to enjoy boating on the lake. So, you can come on RV vacation with your own boat, as long as the boat complies with the State’s safety laws. Otherwise, you can take advantage of the boat rentals in the park. There is a 10-horsepower limit for private boats on the lake. All private and rental boats are required to be out of the water by sunset. Two boat ramps are available in the park.
Off-season activities
Recreation commonly available outside the primary season.
Bird/Wildlife Viewing
Various bird species are available at George L. Smith State Park offering RV campers and vacationers at the park who are lovers of birds interesting bird viewing opportunities. Some of the birds in the park include beaver dams, blue heron, white ibis and other wading birds. Additionally, while hiking on the trails in the park, RV campers get to see gopher tortoises, the characteristic reptile of Georgia's state.
Canoeing/Kayaking
RV campers at George L. Smith State Park are presented with ten miles of canoe trails to enjoy canoeing and kayaking. These trails offer wonderful opportunities to paddle across the 412-acre lake. Even more, campers can join the Park Paddlers Club and benefit from an array of opportunities and activities at the park. The club offers an abundance of scenic waterways and lakes to explore, for both seasoned paddlers and wet-behind-the-ears beginners.
Picnicking
George L. Smith features two large picnic shelters as well as two picnic small shelters available to campers and visitors to have picnics with family and friends. The picnic shelters are equipped with facilities that make the experience memorable for picnic lovers at the park.
Campgrounds
Reservable campgrounds
Sites that generally accept advance reservations.
George L. Smith Campground
George L. Smith Campground in George L. Smith State Park features 23 pet-friendly campsites available for RVs, trailers, and tents. Four of the campsites are designated as premium campsites while the remaining 19 campsites are standard campsites. One of the premium campsites is ADA accessible. All the campsites in the campground are equipped with electric and water hookups for RVs. RV length limit at the campground is 40 feet. Amenities at the campground include a fish cleaning station, comfort stations, picnic areas, playground, trailer dump station, and parking lots.
Getting there and around
Driving directions
Locate four miles southeast of Twin City, off Georgia Highway 23, George L. Smith State Park is easily accessible by RVs, trailers, and cars. Hence, you’ll be able to easily locate the park and drive around on the local paved roads that link the different areas. There are no driving restrictions within the park.
Parking
There are four parking areas in George L. Smith State Park and three of these parking lots are located at the campground. RV campers can park their rigs at their campsites while at the park. Overnight parking is available for RV campers at the park.
Public transportation
There are no public transportation facilities available at George L. Smith State Park.
Average monthly temperatures
Typical daily high and low temperatures near George L. Smith State Park.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 59° | 63° | 70° | 78° | 85° | 91° | 93° | 92° | 87° | 78° | 68° | 61° |
| Low | 34° | 37° | 43° | 49° | 58° | 67° | 70° | 70° | 64° | 52° | 41° | 36° |
Historical averages describe typical conditions and are not a weather forecast.