Top state parks
State ParkCentennial Olympic Park
State ParkNew Echota
State ParkKolomoki Mounds State Park
State ParkGeorge T. Bagby State Park
State ParkSweetwater Creek State Park
State ParkA. H. Stephens State Park
State ParkFort Morris Historic Site
State ParkFort Mountain State Park
State ParkDahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site
State ParkGeorgia Veterans State Park
State ParkHard Labor Creek State Park
State ParkFort McAllister Historic Park
All state parks (18)
| Name | County | Elevation | Nearest town | Sky |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Centennial Olympic ParkMartin Luther King, Jr. | Fulton County | — | Atlanta | 7 |
| New Echota | Gordon County | — | Calhoun | 4 |
| Kolomoki Mounds State Park | Early County | — | Blakely | 3 |
| George T. Bagby State Park | Clay County | — | Fort Gaines | 2 |
| Sweetwater Creek State Park | Douglas County | — | Lithia Springs | 6 |
| A. H. Stephens State Park | Taliaferro County | — | Union Point | 3 |
| Fort Morris Historic Site | Liberty County | — | Midway | 3 |
| Fort Mountain State Park | Murray County | — | Chatsworth | 4 |
| Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site | Lumpkin County | — | Dahlonega | 5 |
| Georgia Veterans State Park | Crisp County | — | Cordele | 3 |
| Hard Labor Creek State Park | Morgan County | — | Social Circle | 4 |
| Fort McAllister Historic Park | Bryan County | — | Montgomery | 4 |
| Fort Yargo State Park | Barrow County | — | Winder | 6 |
| Stephen C. Foster State Park | Clinch County | — | Folkston | 3 |
| Hamburg State Park | Glascock County | — | Sparks | 2 |
| Watson Mill Bridge State Park | Madison County | — | Comer | 3 |
| Pickett's Mill Battlefield Site | Paulding County | — | Dallas | 5 |
| Tallulah Gorge State Park | Habersham County | — | Clayton | 3 |
Sky = estimated Bortle class (1 darkest – 9 brightest).
Map
How to photograph state parks
State parks often protect a signature feature — a gorge, lake or overlook — that is best in early morning before visitors and harsh light arrive.
- Check park hours: many state parks close at dusk, which affects sunset and night shooting.
- Ask rangers about photography permits for commercial work, models or drones.
- Weekday mornings are the least crowded at popular viewpoints.
- Trail maps often mark overlooks — combine them with the sun azimuth to plan.
- Day-use fees or passes are common; buy them online before arriving.
Season: Spring wildflowers and autumn color are peak seasons in most parks.