Park Rules & Regulations | Department Of Natural Resources Division
Source: https://gastateparks.org/ParkRules
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:26
Park Rules & Regulations | Department Of Natural Resources Division
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Park Rules & Regulations
Park Rules & Regulations
Rules and regulations are posted at site offices and must be observed by all guests and their visitors.
Smoke-Free Facilities
Please be advised that smoking is prohibited in all enclosed facilities, including buildings owned, leased, or operated by the State or local governing authorities. This includes all lodge rooms and facilities, park cottages, group shelters, group lodges, group camps, Chattahoochee Bend Adirondack Campsites, Mistletoe Tent Cabin, Seminole Treehouse Camping, Watson Mill Log Cabin Bunkhouses and yurt camps.
Pets
Pets are welcome at state parks and campgrounds if leashed (no longer than six feet) and accompanied by the owner at all times. Some dog-friendly cabins are available. Pets are not allowed in state park and historic site buildings, lodges, yurts, group camps, swimming areas, beaches, or some trails at Panola Mountain and Tallulah Gorge. Kennels are not available. Owners should clean up after pets.
Explore nature with your four-legged best friend
Reserving Your Cottage
You must request a dog-friendly cottage prior to arrival. Reservations are strongly encouraged.
A fee of $50 per dog (limit 2) will be collected at check-in and covers the duration of your stay.
Cottage Rules
A maximum of two dogs per cottage is allowed, regardless of size.
Dogs may not be left unattended at any time, either in the cottage, your vehicle or the park.
Dogs must be kept on a 6-foot leash at all times when not inside cottages.
Dogs may not be tied up to trees, fences or anchored to the ground.
Guests are required to clean up after their dogs.
Dogs may not be taken into cottages that are not designated “dog-friendly.”
Service Animal Policy
Department of Natural Resources Service Animal Policy
Georgia State Parks welcomes visitors with service animals. Service animals are “dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities,” according to the Revised Americans with Disabilities Act Service Animal Requirements. Our Pet Policy applies to service animals with the following exemptions:
Service animals in a working capacity are allowed in all areas of the park and overnight accommodations when accompanied by a visitor with a disability; and,
Service animals should be harnessed, leashed or tethered unless such devices interfere with the service animal’s work, or if the visitor’s disability prevents the use of these devices. In that case, the visitor must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal or other effective controls.
Please Note:
Guests will be asked to vacate their cottage if their dogs disturb other guests.
Park management reserves the right to prohibit any dogs on the premises that may pose a risk to guests or staff, or has a history of causing trouble.
Extra fees will be assessed when extra cleaning is required or if there is damage to the cottage or fixtures. Park management will assess damage fees based on materials and labor required to make necessary repairs.
Kennels are NOT provided. Do not leave pets unattended in vehicles.
Intoxicants
Consumption or use of alcoholic beverages or intoxicants is unlawful in any public-use area.
Firewood & Campfires
Tree-killing insects and diseases can hide in firewood. While these pests can't move far on their own, they can travel hundreds of miles when people move firewood. Pest infestations are a serious problem that destroy our forests and property values, and are very expensive to control. Please contact the state park directly about not moving firewood and finding local sources of wood.
All campfires must be kept in designated areas such as a fire ring. Never leave a campfire unattended. Smaller fires with coals (rather than large flames) are better for campfire cooking and toasting marshmallows.
Don't Move Firewood - Find Out Why
Weapons
Bows and arrows, explosives, fireworks, slingshots, fishing spears or any device that discharges projectiles by any means is prohibited. When a person is a lawful weapons carrier as defined in O.C.G.A. §
16-11-125.1
, that person may carry a handgun or a long gun (as defined in O.C.G.A. §
16-11-125.1
), in all parks, historic sites and recreational areas, except in places where prohibited by federal law.
Firearms except those that are unloaded, cased and stored are not permitted on sites that are leased, federal Army Corps of Engineers property, including:
Red Top Mountain
Seminole
George T. Bagby
Don Carter
Florence Marina
Tugaloo
Hart
Bobby Brown
Richard B. Russell
Elijah Clark
Mistletoe
Collecting & Defacing
All wildlife, plant life, driftwood, artifacts and any other natural or man-made features are protected and may not be disturbed or removed. Please do not leave painted rocks or other structures in parks. Painting, carving or vandalizing rocks, structures or other natural resources is not allowed. Please leave wildflowers for other visitors to enjoy. Possession of metal detecting equipment is prohibited.
Motor Vehicles & Golf Carts
All vehicles entering the park must display a valid ParkPass and adhere to the license and safety requirements set by the Georgia Department of Public Safety. Please note, ATVs and UTVs are not allowed in state parks, except for authorized personnel.
Golf Carts
Golf carts are considered motor vehicles and must display either a daily or annual ParkPass. Drivers are required to have a valid driver’s license. Golf carts are only allowed on roads with speed limits of 25 mph or less and must stay on established roads. They are not permitted on park trails or in areas where motor vehicle access is restricted.
The golf cart needs to have the following standard safety equipment on the vehicle:
A braking system sufficient for the passenger capacity of the vehicle
Reverse warning device functioning
A main power switch that can be turned on and off
Front and rear lights
Reflex reflectors
A horn
A rearview mirror
Safety warning labels
Hip restraints and hand holds
Noise Levels
Please be considerate of guests who are visiting state parks for a quiet, natural experience. Radios, televisions, musical instruments and all other noise-making devices are not to be used between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. and must be kept at low volumes during other times.
Visitors
Visitors to cottages, campsites and lodge rooms are welcome; however, the number of visitors and registered guests must not exceed the stated capacity at any time. Visitors must leave prior to closing times.
Group Activities
All group gatherings must conclude before 10 p.m.
Drones
Drone operation is prohibited in Georgia’s State Parks and Historic Sites. However, occasionally waivers are approved for professional commercial projects which may generate revenue or in other ways help promote the sites. In these cases, prior approval is required from the Division Director. A
commercial film/photography request application
detailing the project description, specific site location requested, and exact dates and times of drone use needs to be submitted along with the FAA drone registration,the name of the pilot, and proof of FAA Small UAS Certification or Part 107. Blanket requests will not be approved and drone use is not allowed over populated areas that may put park guests at risk.
View film information
.
Reservation Policies
Locations
Reservations
Park Accessibility
Events
Activities
Field Trips
Gatherings
Things To Know
Volunteer
Archaeology
Golfing
Gift Cards
State Parks & Historic Sites Park Guide
The Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites Park Guide is a handy resource for planning a spring break, summer vacation or family reunion. The free booklet is filled with tips on the best hiking trails, fishing spots, cabins, wedding venues and campsites.
Request a free copy by mail
or pick one up in any park office.
View Park Guide Online
Request a Free Copy
featured destination
New Cottages at "Chatt Bend"
Chattahoochee Bend State Park just opened three additional cottages, making it easier than ever to spend a few days exploring the park’s trails and river. All have screened porches, fire pits and grills.
Georgia's Great Places
Discover more great Georgia destinations to visit this fall and winter.
Campers Return to Seminole State Park
Campsites have officially reopened at Seminole State Park, featuring a brand-new comfort station and all new electric and plumbing for RVs.
1
2
3
Skip to main content
An official website of the State of Georgia.
State Organizations A-Z
Department of Natural Resources
Wildlife Resources
Law Enforcement
Environmental Protection
Coastal Resources
Search :
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Temporary Fire Bans
View Information
State Park Golf Cup
Sign Up Now
Plan Your Weekend
View weekend availability
America's 250th
Commemorative ParkPass
Brand New
Specialty License Plate
Park Clubs
Choose your adventure
Spring Break
Find Your Next Adventure
Previous
Next
1
Previous
Next
Home
Park Rules & Regulations
Park Rules & Regulations
Rules and regulations are posted at site offices and must be observed by all guests and their visitors.
Smoke-Free Facilities
Please be advised that smoking is prohibited in all enclosed facilities, including buildings owned, leased, or operated by the State or local governing authorities. This includes all lodge rooms and facilities, park cottages, group shelters, group lodges, group camps, Chattahoochee Bend Adirondack Campsites, Mistletoe Tent Cabin, Seminole Treehouse Camping, Watson Mill Log Cabin Bunkhouses and yurt camps.
Pets
Pets are welcome at state parks and campgrounds if leashed (no longer than six feet) and accompanied by the owner at all times. Some dog-friendly cabins are available. Pets are not allowed in state park and historic site buildings, lodges, yurts, group camps, swimming areas, beaches, or some trails at Panola Mountain and Tallulah Gorge. Kennels are not available. Owners should clean up after pets.
Explore nature with your four-legged best friend
Reserving Your Cottage
You must request a dog-friendly cottage prior to arrival. Reservations are strongly encouraged.
A fee of $50 per dog (limit 2) will be collected at check-in and covers the duration of your stay.
Cottage Rules
A maximum of two dogs per cottage is allowed, regardless of size.
Dogs may not be left unattended at any time, either in the cottage, your vehicle or the park.
Dogs must be kept on a 6-foot leash at all times when not inside cottages.
Dogs may not be tied up to trees, fences or anchored to the ground.
Guests are required to clean up after their dogs.
Dogs may not be taken into cottages that are not designated “dog-friendly.”
Service Animal Policy
Department of Natural Resources Service Animal Policy
Georgia State Parks welcomes visitors with service animals. Service animals are “dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities,” according to the Revised Americans with Disabilities Act Service Animal Requirements. Our Pet Policy applies to service animals with the following exemptions:
Service animals in a working capacity are allowed in all areas of the park and overnight accommodations when accompanied by a visitor with a disability; and,
Service animals should be harnessed, leashed or tethered unless such devices interfere with the service animal’s work, or if the visitor’s disability prevents the use of these devices. In that case, the visitor must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal or other effective controls.
Please Note:
Guests will be asked to vacate their cottage if their dogs disturb other guests.
Park management reserves the right to prohibit any dogs on the premises that may pose a risk to guests or staff, or has a history of causing trouble.
Extra fees will be assessed when extra cleaning is required or if there is damage to the cottage or fixtures. Park management will assess damage fees based on materials and labor required to make necessary repairs.
Kennels are NOT provided. Do not leave pets unattended in vehicles.
Intoxicants
Consumption or use of alcoholic beverages or intoxicants is unlawful in any public-use area.
Firewood & Campfires
Tree-killing insects and diseases can hide in firewood. While these pests can't move far on their own, they can travel hundreds of miles when people move firewood. Pest infestations are a serious problem that destroy our forests and property values, and are very expensive to control. Please contact the state park directly about not moving firewood and finding local sources of wood.
All campfires must be kept in designated areas such as a fire ring. Never leave a campfire unattended. Smaller fires with coals (rather than large flames) are better for campfire cooking and toasting marshmallows.
Don't Move Firewood - Find Out Why
Weapons
Bows and arrows, explosives, fireworks, slingshots, fishing spears or any device that discharges projectiles by any means is prohibited. When a person is a lawful weapons carrier as defined in O.C.G.A. §
16-11-125.1
, that person may carry a handgun or a long gun (as defined in O.C.G.A. §
16-11-125.1
), in all parks, historic sites and recreational areas, except in places where prohibited by federal law.
Firearms except those that are unloaded, cased and stored are not permitted on sites that are leased, federal Army Corps of Engineers property, including:
Red Top Mountain
Seminole
George T. Bagby
Don Carter
Florence Marina
Tugaloo
Hart
Bobby Brown
Richard B. Russell
Elijah Clark
Mistletoe
Collecting & Defacing
All wildlife, plant life, driftwood, artifacts and any other natural or man-made features are protected and may not be disturbed or removed. Please do not leave painted rocks or other structures in parks. Painting, carving or vandalizing rocks, structures or other natural resources is not allowed. Please leave wildflowers for other visitors to enjoy. Possession of metal detecting equipment is prohibited.
Motor Vehicles & Golf Carts
All vehicles entering the park must display a valid ParkPass and adhere to the license and safety requirements set by the Georgia Department of Public Safety. Please note, ATVs and UTVs are not allowed in state parks, except for authorized personnel.
Golf Carts
Golf carts are considered motor vehicles and must display either a daily or annual ParkPass. Drivers are required to have a valid driver’s license. Golf carts are only allowed on roads with speed limits of 25 mph or less and must stay on established roads. They are not permitted on park trails or in areas where motor vehicle access is restricted.
The golf cart needs to have the following standard safety equipment on the vehicle:
A braking system sufficient for the passenger capacity of the vehicle
Reverse warning device functioning
A main power switch that can be turned on and off
Front and rear lights
Reflex reflectors
A horn
A rearview mirror
Safety warning labels
Hip restraints and hand holds
Noise Levels
Please be considerate of guests who are visiting state parks for a quiet, natural experience. Radios, televisions, musical instruments and all other noise-making devices are not to be used between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. and must be kept at low volumes during other times.
Visitors
Visitors to cottages, campsites and lodge rooms are welcome; however, the number of visitors and registered guests must not exceed the stated capacity at any time. Visitors must leave prior to closing times.
Group Activities
All group gatherings must conclude before 10 p.m.
Drones
Drone operation is prohibited in Georgia’s State Parks and Historic Sites. However, occasionally waivers are approved for professional commercial projects which may generate revenue or in other ways help promote the sites. In these cases, prior approval is required from the Division Director. A
commercial film/photography request application
detailing the project description, specific site location requested, and exact dates and times of drone use needs to be submitted along with the FAA drone registration,the name of the pilot, and proof of FAA Small UAS Certification or Part 107. Blanket requests will not be approved and drone use is not allowed over populated areas that may put park guests at risk.
View film information
.
Reservation Policies
Locations
Reservations
Park Accessibility
Events
Activities
Field Trips
Gatherings
Things To Know
Volunteer
Archaeology
Golfing
Gift Cards
State Parks & Historic Sites Park Guide
The Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites Park Guide is a handy resource for planning a spring break, summer vacation or family reunion. The free booklet is filled with tips on the best hiking trails, fishing spots, cabins, wedding venues and campsites.
Request a free copy by mail
or pick one up in any park office.
View Park Guide Online
Request a Free Copy
featured destination
New Cottages at "Chatt Bend"
Chattahoochee Bend State Park just opened three additional cottages, making it easier than ever to spend a few days exploring the park’s trails and river. All have screened porches, fire pits and grills.
Georgia's Great Places
Discover more great Georgia destinations to visit this fall and winter.
Campers Return to Seminole State Park
Campsites have officially reopened at Seminole State Park, featuring a brand-new comfort station and all new electric and plumbing for RVs.
1
2
3