🌤 Weather at Crooked River State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 51–82 °F | 71–89 °F | 52–85 °F | 43–65 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Brunswick 23 S, 6 mi away, elevation 25 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Crooked River State Park is your gateway to Cumberland Island and Georgia’s coastal wilderness! Located on the Crooked River near the Florida border, this park features 11 cottages with river and marsh views, 62 campsites beneath Spanish moss-draped oaks, a 4-mile kayak trail, and easy access to the wild horses of Cumberland Island. Nature trails wind through maritime forests and salt marshes—pure coastal Georgia magic.
Cottages
| Cottage Type | Count | Views |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 River View | 1-5 | Direct river |
| 🌾 Marsh View | 6-11 | Marsh (river in background) |
| 🐕 Pet-Friendly | #1, 4, 10, 11 | Dogs welcome! |
| Cottage Booking | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏠 Total | 11 fully equipped |
| 📅 Reservations | Up to 13 months ahead |
Camping
| Camping | Details |
|---|---|
| ⛺ Campsites | 62 (RV and tent) |
| 🌳 Setting | Spanish moss-draped oaks |
| 📅 Open | Year-round |
Paddling
| Paddling | Details |
|---|---|
| 🛶 Cherry Point Trail | 4-mile loop (~2 hours) |
| 🚣 Cumberland Island | Launch point available |
| ⚠️ Tides | Plan with tidal charts! Strong currents. |
| 🚤 Boat Ramp | Available (private boats OK) |
| 🎣 Rentals | Guided kayak trips (no park rentals) |
Cumberland Island Access
| Cumberland Island | Details |
|---|---|
| 🐴 Famous For | Wild horses! |
| ⛴️ Ferry | From St. Marys (15 min from park) |
| 🏛️ Status | National Seashore |
Wildlife & Nature
Crooked River SP — 500 acres on the Crooked River near St. Marys. The park’s salt marsh, maritime forest, and tidal river support alligators, manatees (seasonal), and painted buntings. Loggerhead sea turtles nest on nearby beaches. Fiddler crabs cover the mudflats at low tide.
Nearby Attractions
St. Marys — adjacent — the ferry departure point for Cumberland Island NS. Cumberland Island — accessible by ferry — has wild horses and pristine beaches. Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base — adjacent. Jekyll Island — 30 miles north.
How do I see the wild horses?
The wild horses are on Cumberland Island National Seashore, not at Crooked River State Park. Take the ferry from St. Marys (15 minutes from the park) to see them. Alternatively, experienced paddlers can kayak to Cumberland Island from the park—but plan carefully using tidal charts due to strong currents!
Which cottages allow dogs?
Four cottages are pet-friendly: #1, #4, #10, and #11. Cottages 1-5 have direct river views, while 6-11 overlook the marsh with the river in the background.
What’s the best kayak trip?
The Cherry Point Kayaking Trail is a 4-mile loop that takes approximately 2 hours. The park serves as a launch point for paddling to Cumberland Island as well. Important: Plan your trip carefully according to tidal charts—strong currents are present, especially during ebb tides.
Can I rent a kayak at the park?
The park itself does not offer kayak rentals, but boat rentals are available. Guided kayak trips are offered through private operators. Bring your own kayak or arrange rentals beforehand.
Is the park open year-round?
Yes! Crooked River State Park is open year-round. In January 2026, it even served as a warming center during cold weather. Great for escaping winter up north!
🐴 Gateway to Cumberland Island
Stay in marsh-view cottages, paddle the Cherry Point Trail, and visit the wild horses of Cumberland Island. Visit the official Crooked River State Park website for reservations.
Explore More Georgia State Parks
Crooked River State 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.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Jekyll Island State Park is within about an hour’s drive, and Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation State Historic Site is within about an hour’s drive.
⛺ Camping at Crooked River State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 63 sites — 63 tent/trailer/RV sites (electric) |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 11 cottages set near the tidal river |
| Reservations | gastateparks.reserveamerica.com or 800-864-7275; overnight guests pay daily ParkPass fee once per vehicle per stay |
| Special sites | 1 pioneer campground (call for capacity); 2 group shelters (seat 80 and 135); 4 picnic shelters; boat ramp/dock, nature center |
Camping questions about Crooked River State Park
Can you camp at Crooked River State Park?
Yes. Crooked River State Park has 63 campsites. 63 tent/trailer/RV sites (electric).
How do you reserve a campsite at Crooked River State Park?
gastateparks.reserveamerica.com or 800-864-7275; overnight guests pay daily ParkPass fee once per vehicle per stay.
Are there cabins at Crooked River State Park?
11 cottages set near the tidal river.
Source: gastateparks.org (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Crooked River State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Leashed dogs are welcome in Georgia State Parks, including campgrounds and most park trails, and must be accompanied by the owner at all times.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash no longer than 6 feet required at all times; dogs may not be tied to trees or fences.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not permitted in swimming areas or on beaches.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are banned from lodges, yurts and group camps; designated dog-friendly cottages are available for a $50 fee per dog (maximum 2 dogs) covering the entire stay.
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; $50 per dog (max 2) per stay in dog-friendly cottages.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Dogs prohibited on certain trails at Tallulah Gorge and Panola Mountain; fenced dog park at Laura S. Walker State Park; 'Tails on Trails Club' rewards program.
Are dogs allowed at Crooked River State Park?
Leashed dogs are welcome in Georgia State Parks, including campgrounds and most park trails, and must be accompanied by the owner at all times. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via gastateparks.org. More: Georgia state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Crooked River State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
