trees reflected in the water at a state park near columbus georgiaWhen 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. F.D. Roosevelt State Park

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.

2. Providence Canyon State Park

trees surrounding a canyon in a state park near columbus georgia
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.

3. Florence Marina State Park

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.

4. Seminole State Park

Location: 7870 State Park Rd, Donalsonville, GA 39845

Over in southwest Georgia, some 2 hours and 15 minutes south of Columbus, lies the wonderful Seminole State Park.

Situated on the beautiful Lake Seminole, a splendid 37,500 acre reservoir, the park frames a small cove which features a stunning sandy beach for swimming, tubing and water skiing.

There is also excellent potential for fishing, boating and wildlife spotting too, as well as hiking. With trails leading to one of the biggest longleaf pine forests in Georgia.

Spread over 604 acres, the park also has 4 picnic shelters, as well as a number of other popular picnic spots that offer outstanding views of the lake. You will also find 3 boat ramps, a fishing dock, playground and even mini-golf here too.

For those wanting to stay overnight there are 14 fully furnished cottages, as well as 50 campsites for tents, trailers and RV’s for you to use.

5. Reed Bingham State Park

Location: 542 Reed Bingham Rd, Adel, GA 31620

Reached via a 2 hour and 30 minute drive southwest of Columbus, the Reed Bingham State Park is another popular destination for those who love recreational activities that take place around water.

Centered around a fabulous 375 acre lake, the park providers anglers with excellent opportunities to hook some bream, catfish, bass or crappie. In addition to fishing, kayakers, paddle boarders, canoeists and other types of boaters are well catered for too.

Lined with gorgeous, aromatic water lilies and stunning Tupelo trees, the lake also features a beachside pavilion, 7 picnic shelters and 4 group shelters for picnics, birthday parties or other types of get togethers.

The park is also well known for its vibrant wildlife, with the likes of gopher tortoises, nesting bald eagles, American alligators and indigo snakes being among the many different species you may see.

Encompassing some 1,613 acres, the park also provides 46 tent, trailer & RV campsites, as well as a pioneer campground, and primitive paddle-in island campsite which sleeps 30 people, for those wanting an overnight stay.