Chehaw Park
Tucked within 800 acres of tall Georgia pines on the outskirts of Albany, Chehaw Park is one of the South’s most eclectic outdoor destinations. Once an official Georgia State Park, the property blends a nationally recognized wildlife zoo, campgrounds, disc golf, BMX racing, and miles of nature trails into one remarkable recreational hub.
Named after the Chiaha, a band of Creek Native Americans who called this region home, Chehaw was originally established as a Georgia State Park in 1937. In 1974, the City of Albany took a 100-acre lease to develop a wild animal park — conceptualized by Albany native and Wild Kingdom naturalist Jim Fowler — which opened in 1977. Today, fully under the city’s management, it stands as a beloved multigenerational destination with something to offer every visitor, from wildlife enthusiasts to BMX racers.
Chehaw Park Quick Facts
- Location: Albany, Georgia
- Size: 800 Acres
- Established: 1937 (Originally State Park)
- Zoo: 73+ Species / 234 Animals
- Camping: 40 RV Sites + 18 Tent Sites
- Management: City of Albany
The Zoo at Chehaw
The jewel of the park is undeniably The Zoo at Chehaw. Originally opened as Wild Animal Park in October 1977 under the visionary design of Jim Fowler, the zoo was rebranded in 2016 to better reflect its modern conservation mission. Unlike traditional urban zoos, Chehaw’s exhibits are built directly into natural outdoor habitats — elevated boardwalks wind through cypress swamps, putting visitors eye-to-eye with animals in their most natural environments.
The zoo was an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) from 1997 to 2018, reflecting a long history of professional animal husbandry and scientific conservation practices.
| Animal Exhibit | Highlights | Notable Species |
|---|---|---|
| African Savannah | Open-air habitat modeled after the African Savannah. | Cheetah, Black Rhino |
| North American Woodlands | Boardwalk trails through natural cypress and pine. | Black Bear, Red Wolf, Alligator |
| Lemur Island | Semi-open exhibit showcasing Madagascar ring-tails. | Ring-Tailed Lemur |
| Meerkat Habitat | Interactive family-friendly exhibit with keeper talks on weekends. | Meerkat |
Camping at Chehaw Park
Chehaw Park offers a surprisingly complete camping setup for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you prefer pulling up in a full-service RV, pitching a tent under the pines, or retreating to an air-conditioned camper cabin, the campground caters to all comfort levels.
The campground features 40 RV sites (many with full electrical, water, and sewer hookups) and 18 tent sites with 15-amp electric hookups and water access. Primitive camping is also unlimited within designated areas, and a comfort station with laundry facilities serves the entire campground.
| Campsite Type | Capacity / Details | Hookups |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Hookup RV Sites | 40 Sites with picnic tables and fire rings. | Electric, Water, Sewer |
| Tent Sites | 18 Sites nestled under tall pines. | 15-Amp Electric + Water |
| Primitive Camping | Unlimited sites in designated backcountry zones. | None |
| Camper Cabins | Air-conditioned cabins for a comfortable Georgia night. | Full Electric |
Recreation & Outdoor Activities
Beyond the zoo and campground, Chehaw Park thrums with activity. The park is one of the few in Georgia where you can throw a round of disc golf in the morning, watch BMX racing in the afternoon, and reel in catfish at the park pond in the evening. Add a Splash Park for hot summer days and a Play Park with an elaborate playground structure, and the scope of Chehaw’s offerings becomes clear.
| Activity | Details | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Disc Golf (18 Holes) | Course weaves through mature Georgia pines. | Year-round |
| BMX Racing Track | Full competition-style BMX track with jumps and berms. | Year-round |
| RC Track | Remote control car racing track for hobbyists. | Year-round |
| Catfish Pond Fishing | Stocked pond open to the public. | April–October |
| Splash Park | Water play feature for children in summer months. | Summer Only |
| Nature Trails | Walkable through cypress wetlands and pine forest areas. | Year-round |
History of Chehaw Park
Chehaw has a fascinating dual identity — part Georgia State Park history, part civic wildlife project. The park takes its name from the Chiaha clan of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, who were prominent throughout the Flint River region of southwestern Georgia.
The land was acquired and designated as a state park in 1937 during the New Deal era. For decades it served as a traditional recreation area. The pivotal turning point came in 1974, when Albany entered a historic 100-acre lease with the state to build a world-class animal facility. Famed naturalist Jim Fowler — an Albany native best known for co-hosting Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom — designed the wild animal park concept, which officially opened in October 1977. The state eventually donated all 800 acres to the city, and Chehaw has been a city-managed institution ever since.
| Year | Historical Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1937 | Established as Chehaw State Park with 586 acres. |
| 1974 | City of Albany leases 100 acres; Jim Fowler designs Wild Animal Park concept. |
| 1977 | Wild Animal Park officially opens to the public (October). |
| 1997 | Zoo achieves AZA accreditation status. |
| 2016 | Wild Animal Park rebranded as “The Zoo at Chehaw.” |
Plan Your Chehaw Park Visit
Whether you’re here for the zoo, camping under the pines, or showing off your skills on the BMX track, Chehaw Park in Albany, Georgia is an adventure the whole family will remember.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where is Chehaw Park located?
Chehaw Park is located in Albany, Georgia, in the southwestern part of the state, within Dougherty County.
Is Chehaw Park still a Georgia State Park?
No. Although originally established as a Georgia State Park in 1937, the entire property was eventually donated to the City of Albany, which now manages it as a city park. However, many sources and visitors still associate it with its state park origins.
What animals can I see at the zoo?
The Zoo at Chehaw houses over 234 specimens from more than 73 species, including Cheetahs, Black Rhinos, Meerkats, Black Bears, Alligators, Red Wolves, and Ring-Tailed Lemurs.
Can I camp at Chehaw Park?
Yes! The park has 40 full-hookup RV sites, 18 tent sites with electric and water access, unlimited primitive camping areas, and air-conditioned camper cabins.
Is there a BMX track at the park?
Yes, Chehaw Park features a full BMX bike racing track in addition to an RC car track, making it uniquely popular with motorsport enthusiasts.
Who designed the Wild Animal Park concept?
The Wild Animal Park concept was designed by Jim Fowler, a celebrated Albany-born naturalist and long-time co-host of the television program Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom.
Can I fish at Chehaw Park?
Yes, a catfish pond on the property is open to the public for fishing from April through October.
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Explore More Georgia State Parks
Chehaw Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Georgia. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Georgia guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
