Elijah Clark State Park
🏠 Trusted Guide to Georgia’s Revolutionary War Heritage – Updated 2025
A Colonial Hero’s Lakeside Legacy
On the western shore of Clarks Hill Lake (71,100-acre reservoir) in Lincoln County, Elijah Clark State Park spreads across 447 acres of rolling Georgia Piedmont where Revolutionary War hero Elijah Clarke once made his home. The park combines lakefront recreation — sandy beach, fishing pier, and boat ramps on one of the South’s largest lakes — with colonial Georgia history through a replica of Clarke’s 1780 log cabin home, now a museum with period furnishings. With 20 lakeside cottages, 172 campsites, and warm-water swimming, this is classic Georgia outdoor recreation steeped in history.
Clarks Hill Lake Recreation
- Sandy Beach: Designated swimming area open seasonally — warm Georgia water from May through September
- Fishing: 71,100-acre reservoir teeming with largemouth bass, striped bass, crappie, and catfish
- Boat Ramps: Full-service ramps plus an accessible fishing pier
- 20 Lakeside Cottages: Two-bedroom units (sleeps 8) with full kitchen — many right on the water’s edge
- 172 Campsites: Tent, trailer, and RV sites with water/electric hookups and waterfront views
Colonial History
The park’s log cabin museum (replica of Clarke’s 1780 home) showcases period furniture, tools, and utensils — open weekends April through November. The graves of Elijah and Hannah Clarke are within the park, making it a pilgrimage site for Revolutionary War history enthusiasts. Clarke led Georgia’s militia against the British and was one of the most daring frontier commanders of the war.
Practical Tips
- From Augusta (45 miles): Take I-20 West to US-378 West through Lincolnton
- Entry fee: $5 per vehicle (Georgia State Parks)
- Cottages book fast for summer — reserve months ahead for lakefront units
- Clarks Hill Lake is massive — a GPS/fish finder is recommended for fishing trips
- The museum is weekends only (April-November) — check ahead for special events
- Combine with Mistletoe State Park (also on Clarks Hill Lake, 30 miles south) for extended lake adventures
Things to Do
Georgia parks showcase Blue Ridge Mountains to coastal barrier islands. Activities include hiking the Appalachian Trail approach, kayaking cypress swamps, camping, fishing, mountain biking, and exploring Native American mounds and Civil War sites.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall are premier. Summer is hot — head to mountain parks or rivers. Winter is mild in southern and coastal parks.
Visitor Tips
A $5 daily ParkPass is required. Annual pass $50. Advance reservations recommended. Insect repellent essential in swamp parks during warmer months.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Georgia ParkPass cost?
A daily ParkPass costs $5 per vehicle. An annual ParkPass costs $50 and covers unlimited visits to all Georgia state parks and historic sites. The pass can be purchased at any park entrance or online.
What are the best state parks in north Georgia?
Top north Georgia parks include Amicalola Falls (tallest cascading waterfall in the Southeast), Cloudland Canyon (dramatic gorge), Tallulah Gorge (one of the deepest canyons in the eastern US), and Vogel (alpine lake setting).
Can I hike to the start of the Appalachian Trail from a Georgia state park?
Yes, Amicalola Falls State Park is the official southern approach to the Appalachian Trail. The 8.5-mile Approach Trail connects the park to Springer Mountain, the trail’s southern terminus.
Are there yurts at Georgia state parks?
Yes, several Georgia state parks offer yurt and glamping accommodations, including Cloudland Canyon, Sweetwater Creek, and Red Top Mountain. These are popular alternatives to traditional tent camping and should be reserved well in advance.
Explore More Georgia State Parks
Elijah Clark 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.
Wildlife & Nature
Elijah Clark SP — 447 acres on Clarks Hill Lake — honors Elijah Clarke, a Revolutionary War hero who led Georgia militia in battles against the British. The park’s lake, pine forest, and reconstructed colonial log buildings support bald eagles, osprey, and white-tailed deer. Largemouth bass and catfish fill the lake.
Nearby Attractions
Lincolnton — adjacent. Bobby Brown SP — 15 miles north. Augusta — 40 miles south.
