Very quaint and well maintained small and quiet campground with nice level campsites.
George L Smith is a bit out of the way but has much to offer families whether camping or renting one of their cabins. Cabins are very clean and user friendly. Campsites are roomy The lake is interesting and has much to offer visitors
You have to pay for parking so if you're there for the day make sure you bring cash. There was a box right before the mill path that you get an envelop and drop in your cash and get your parking tag. The hiking trail is really nice, I went for a run and the paths were well marked. It had a mixed terrain so it kept it interesting. After the run I hung around the mill to take pictures. The history of the mill is well explained through signage. There's a nice gathering building you can rent if you have a group event. The kayaks all looked in excellent condition, it was a bit too cold when I went so opted out on getting on the water. I didn't drive to the camping area so I can't comment on that. It's a quiet place to visit and I will go back for some camping when it warms up.
We stopped here on our way to Savannah and were happy we did. The cypress trees in the lake were absolutely beautiful to see and the covered bridge with the half-bale gin was really something unexpected.We walked a little on the Deer Run trail and it was peaceful and idyllic to us. On the way to the park you could see cotton in the fields. It almost seemed like something out of yesteryear.I'm glad the state preserves unique areas like this for people to see.
My family has been coming here for a yearly camping trip since 2004 and we live near this park, so have been coming for functions since I was a little girl. There are 25 sites available, 20 of which are pond side. This is a lovely, calm lake with cypress trees. You can tour an old grist mill that is on site. Kayaks, paddle boats, and canoes are available for rent. There are two different playgrounds, one in view of the campground. During the fall, they stay booked on the weekend. Get here on a Thursday if you can for better site selection. Sites 3-23 are all lakeside and shaded, some more level than others. My favorites are 5-7 because they are big and separate, but not in view of the bathhouse, though all sites are within easy walking distance. One of the best is #18. It is the only pull through that faces the lake. We were at #2 - a pull-through, but no shade. Worst site if it is hot. The bathhouses aren't the greatest, but are clean enough. Washer/Dryer is available. Love this park!
Stayed In a cottage for a weekend. We have stayed at a few other state parks here in Ga. It was a awesome stay and will be back to stay again soon. The cottage came with all the things you need for a great weekend. The park its self was neat. Great hiking trails for short hikes.
I talked to the rangers and they were not very friendly. The weather was raining, turned cold and wing blowing for 2 days. I did get some excellent pictures of the lake and mill. The few campers that were there were friendly.
George l Smith is a small yet lovely park with 24 tent/RV sites situated along a 412 acre lake. There is one comfort station with laundry. They are clean and adequate. There is a large field with a large playground and three open air shelters. An additional closed shelter with a/c & heat is also available. They also have eight cabins available. There is a boat dock for your private boat or you can rent a kayak, canoe or paddle boat. Also available are stand up paddle boards. Down the road a bit yet still in the park is a pioneer campground. The park has a lovely gristmill from the 1800's. This is one of only two working mills owned by the State of Georgia. They do not advertise the days they will be grinding corn. There are four short hiking/biking trails. Ranging from .7 to 2.7 miles. These are easy trails. George L Smith state park does participate in the GeoCamp program. The park is only 12 miles from Swainsborough where you can get any supplies you need. Other than that there is not a lot to do in the area outside the park. I would recommend this park for any length of stay. Family reunion or event.While this is our first visit to the park it won't be our last.
So convenient for kayaking when you don't have to tote your boats up and down trails everytime you want to get in the water. There were only about 2 dozen campsites, and most of them are right on the water. It was really nice to jump right into the kayak for a few minutes or a few hours whenever the mood would strike. The cypress lake was really big, with plenty to explore. The whole experience was quiet and peaceful. Very remote...nearest stores and restaurants are about 30 minutes away.
Hiked and Geocached the first afternoon and canoe the second day. This park is awesone, Great trails, uinique and fun canoeing. It is very well kept. Now it is a favorite! Thanks!