Rules and regulations are posted at site offices and must be observed by all guests and their visitors.

Pets:  Pets are not allowed in or around any cottages except those designated as "dog-friendly"  (additional fee charged). Pets are welcome at state parks and campgrounds if leashed (no longer than six feet) and accompanied by the owner at all times; however, they are not allowed in or around historic sites, lodges, group camps, swimming areas, or Panola Mountain's trails. Kennels are not available. Owners should clean up after pet

Intoxicants: Consumption or use of alcoholic beverages or intoxicants is unlawful in any public-use area.

Campfires: All campfires must be kept in designated areas such as a fire ring.

Weapons: Firearms, bows and arrows, explosives, fireworks, slingshots, fishing spears or any device that discharges projectiles by any means is prohibited.

Collecting: All wildlife, plant life, driftwood, artifacts, and any other natural or man-made features are protected and may not be disturbed or removed. Please leave wildflowers for other visitors to enjoy. Use of electronic devices for "treasure hunting" is prohibited.

Motor Vehicles: Park roads are public roads. All vehicles are subject to license safety requirements and regulations of the Georgia Department of Public Safety. Off-road vehicles and ATVs are not allowed in state parks.

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 by 10 p.m.

• One motor home, two additional automobiles, and one tent.
  
• One automobile with pop-up trailer/travel trailer, one additional automobile, and one tent.
  
• One pickup truck with mounted camping rig, two additional automobiles, and one tent.
  
• Two tents and two automobiles.

One boat trailer is also allowed at each site provided that the site is large enough. Campsites have a six-person occupancy limit, and tents must fit on designated tent pads. Tents erected off designated tent pads are subject to removal. Camping between designated sites is prohibited. When camping areas are filled to stated capacity, no other campers will be allowed. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days at any one park. Visitors using a campsite for 14 nights must vacate the park for at least three nights before returning.

Check-In: Check-in is between 1 p.m. and 10 p.m. and check-out is before 1 p.m. Campers must register and present a reservation confirmation before setting up. Both the reservation and deposit fee are forfeited if the camper does not check in by 10 p.m. on the scheduled arrival date. Most park gates are locked at 10 p.m. Tents and other personal property left overnight in an unoccupied campsite are subject to removal and fees will be forfeited. "Saving" sites for late-arriving guests is prohibited.

Hook-ups and Amenities: RV sites offer electrical and water hookups, grills or fire rings, and picnic tables. Modern comfort stations with hot showers, flush toilets and electrical outlets are conveniently located. All campgrounds have dump stations, and several offer cable TV hookups.

Rules: Pets are welcome in campgrounds if kept on a six-foot leash and attended at all times. Campers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Since organized groups are not eligible to occupy regular tent/trailer/RV sites, group camps and pioneer camping areas are available and offer more privacy.

Things to Know about Cottages

Minimum Stay: Most parks require a two-night minimum with advance reservations; however, some may accept walk-ins for one night. Many parks require a five- or seven-night minimum June 1 through Labor Day. Shorter stays are allowed for reservations made less than 30 days in advance. A three-night minimum is required for Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and Thanksgiving weekends.

Deposits and Cancellations: Cancellation or changes to an online Reservation must be made by calling the Georgia State Parks Reservation Center at 1-800-864-7275(Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Saturday - Sunday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. EST).
A one-night deposit is required to make online reservations. Deposits may be refunded if a minimum of 72 hours notice is given; however, a $10 per unit cancellation fee will be deducted. Any unused portion of a reservation may be refunded only if minimum occupancy has been met. Because special deposit restrictions may apply to reservations of 7 to 14 days, guests should confirm cancellation policies when making a reservation.

Occupancy: Visitors occupying a cottage for 14 nights must vacate the park for at least three nights before returning. Cottages may not be used to accommodate more than their stated capacities.

Check-In: Check-in is between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m., and check-out is 11 a.m. A reservation confirmation must be presented at check-in. Guests must pay the full balance of their reservation upon check-in. No refunds are made when the stay is shortened to less than the required minimum. Both the reservation and deposit are forfeited if the guest does not check in by 10 p.m. on the scheduled arrival date. Most park gates are locked at 10 p.m. A late fee will be charged after 11 a.m. unless a check-out extension is permitted by the Park Office. Dishes should be washed and put away and the cottage left in good condition.

Rules: Pets are not allowed in or around any cottages except those designated as "dog-friendly"  (additional fee charged). Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Furnishings and linens may not be carried outside cottages. Occupants will be charged for damaged or missing items. Small groups such as scouts may occupy a single cottage during a park's off-season provided the group is properly chaperoned and capacity is not exceeded.

Things to Know about Group Shelters and Picnic Shelters

Group shelters and picnic shelters are open 10 a.m. - 9:45 p.m. Events must end by 9:45 p.m.

All vehicles in the group must display a ParkPass. A ParkPass is the daily parking fee (usually $5) required at all Georgia State Parks.

Sweetwater Creek and Panola Mountain state parks limit group shelter and picnic shelter reservations to 2 shelters per day.

Cancellations: Cancellation or changes to an online Reservation must be made by calling the Georgia State Parks Reservation Center at 1-800-864-7275(Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Saturday - Sunday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. EST).
Shelter fees will be refunded, minus a $10 fee, if cancelled at least 30 days in advance. Reservation dates may be transferred once with no additional fee, provided a 30-day notice is given. Any changes or cancellations made within 30 days of arrival will result in loss of deposit. 

Things to Know about Accessibility

Georgia's State Parks & Historic Sites are committed to making facilities and programs accessible to everyone. All lodges have accessible rooms, meeting facilities and restaurants. Most parks offer accessible cottages, campsites, fishing piers, nature trails and picnic areas. The Will-A-Way Recreation Area at Fort Yargo State Park is a fully accessible group camp accommodating up to 250 people. Since degrees of accessibility vary among the sites, visitors may find it helpful to call the park or historic site they plan to visit to ensure their needs can be met. Overnight guests should be specific about needs when making reservations.