When it comes to state parks, Georgia is blessed with almost 50 fantastic destinations to visit.
Offering a wide range of diverse landscapes, they include everything from gorgeous lakes, pristine beaches and stunning waterfalls, to picturesque meadows, rugged caves and dense woodlands.
Perfect for day trip visitors, as well as those who want to stay for a few days, these locations provide plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, swimming, kayaking, biking, photography, geocaching and loads more outdoor recreational activities.
If you live in or around Columbus and are looking to reconnect with nature there are plenty of awesome state parks you can check out. Below is a list of five of the ones we most recommend.
Map of State Parks Near Columbus, GA
Here is a map of the state parks in Georgia covered by this post:
List of State Parks Near Columbus
The five state parks near Columbus showcased below all provide plenty of camping and other types of overnight accommodation options. They can also all be reached within two and a half hours of driving from the city.
1. Providence Canyon State Park
Distance from Columbus: about 28 miles south of Columbus (straight-line).
Location: 8930 Canyon Rd, Lumpkin, GA 31815
Renowned for being Georgia’s ‘Little Grand Canyon’ the Providence Canyon State Park lies about a 50 minute drive south of Columbus.
One of the best spots for star gazing in the whole of the state, the park features a spine tingling terrain of huge chasms and gullies that extend for a depth of over 150 feet.
Perfect for exploring and photographing, the orange, red, pink and purple hues of the canyon are simply breath-taking. They also feature rare foliage, like the magnificent Plumleaf Azalea, that only blooms in July and August.
Many visitors to this 1003 acre parks enjoy the views of the canyons from the rim trails, whilst experienced hikers delight in venturing deep into the canyons.
Backpackers can sleep overnight at 6 backcountry campsites or 3 pioneer campsites, both of which wind through the forest and canyons.
See our full Providence Canyon State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
2. Chewacla State Park
Distance from Columbus: about 29 miles west of Columbus (straight-line).
Location: 365 days a year
Getting There
Chewacla State Park
124 Shell Toomer Parkway
Auburn, AL 36830
Chewacla State Park is a public recreation area occupying 696 acres (282 ha) below Interstate 85 on the far south side of Auburn, Alabama.
Highlights associated with Chewacla State Park include waterfall scenery, beach access, and lake recreation.
See our full Chewacla State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
3. F.D. Roosevelt State Park
Distance from Columbus: about 30 miles northeast of Columbus (straight-line).
Location: 2970 GA-190, Pine Mountain, GA 31822
Located just 40 minutes north of Columbus, the F.D. Roosevelt State Park is one of the most famous parks in Georgia.
At 9,049 acres it is also the state’s largest state park too, offering a wide range of activities including bird watching, fishing, horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking and hiking. The latter of which is an especially popular activity, with more than 40 miles of trails snaking you through two lakes, as well as creeks, hardwood and pine trees and quaint waterfalls.
One of the main highlights of the park is Dowdell’s Knob, a beautiful spot amongst rolling mountains where President Franklin D. Roosevelt regularly picnicked and contemplated national and world affairs. A life-size sculpture of him presides over visitors to the lookout now.
For those looking to stay a few nights, the park offers 21 cottages, as well as 115 Tent, Trailer & RV Campsites. It also has 16 backcountry campsites as well as a group camp and 5 pioneer campgrounds.
See our full F.D. Roosevelt State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
4. Lakepoint State Park
Distance from Columbus: about 33 miles south of Columbus (straight-line).
Location: 104 Lakepoint Drive
Eufaula, AL 36027
Lakepoint State Park is a public recreation area located on the far north side of the city of Eufaula.
Highlights associated with Lakepoint State Park include beach access, lake recreation, and river access.
Visitor facilities listed for the park include a campground, rental cabins, a marina, and playgrounds.
See our full Lakepoint State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
5. Florence Marina State Park
Distance from Columbus: about 41 miles south of Columbus (straight-line).
Location: 218 Florence Rd, Omaha, GA 31821
If you are a fan of water based recreational activities you will love Florence Marina State Park.
Nestled at the northern end of the 45,000 acre Lake Eufaula, this tranquil park is only 40 minutes south of Columbus. So it is a convenient day trip or longer stay destination for those who love swimming, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, boating and paddle boarding.
Once home to Native Americans, the 173 acre park is situated right next to a natural deep-water marina which boasts a popular fishing pier, as well as boat slips and a boat ramp.
Away from the water, the park accommodates a number of forested walking trails, many of which showcase birds like egrets, herons and bald eagles.
If you would like to stay overnight there are plenty of accommodation options to choose from. This includes 7 fully equipped cottages, as well as 8 small efficiency units. It also has a contemporary campground with 41 tent, trailer and RV campsites, that also features two children’s playgrounds.
See our full Florence Marina State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
