Crooked River State Park - St. Marys, Georgia





Rating

Overview
Located on the south bank of the Crooked River, this park offers fine facilities in a beautiful coastal setting. A boat ramp is popular with anglers who often take to the water before sunrise. Visitors may venture to the nearby ruins of the tabby "McIntosh Sugar Works" mill, built around 1825. The mill later was used as a starch factory during the Civil War. Swimming, fishing, miniature golf and nearby attractions make this a wonderful park to explore while visiting Georgia’s Colonial Coast.

The park is composed of 500 acres of varied forest on a very flat coastal area with extremely sandy soils. Within the park are pure stands of longleaf pine, coastal hardwood and mixed pine hardwood. These various environments provide habitat for a variety of birds and other wildlife, including osprey, fox, feral hog, deer, bobcat and other species. The park is bordered by vast areas of salt marsh and very productive salt water fishing areas.

Crooked River State Park sits on Elliot's Bluff, which overlooks the Crooked River, a salt water river which empties into Cumberland Sound approximately eight miles east of the park.

Activities & Amenities

	Hiking Trails		Picnicking		Tent, RV & Pioneer Camping
	Fishing		Telephones		Restrooms
	Visitor Center		Boat Ramp		Boating, Canoeing, Kayaking
	Swimming Pool		Miniature Golf		Amphitheater
	Cottages

Hiking
The hiking trail at the park is very easy and only about 1.5 miles long. The trail is rather flat and takes you through beautiful pine and hardwood coastal forest and some salt marsh areas. While at the park I did spot some deer and raccoon.

Camping
The park offers 60 combination RV and tent sites with water and electrical hook-ups and a sanitary disposal station. There are two comfort stations with toilets and hot showers.

Boating
Private boats are permitted on the waters bordering the park. A boat launch is available. There are no horsepower limitations. Water skiing is not recommended due to hazards in the river and currents. All boats must comply with Georgia Boating Safety Law.

Swimming
An Olympic sized pool is available to all visitors. A nominal fee is charged. Cottage guests swim free. Hours of operation are Tuesday - Thursday 11:00am-6:00pm, Friday - Sunday 11:00am-7:00pm. The pool is closed on Mondays except on legal holidays.

Miniature Golf
An 18-hole miniature golf course is located adjacent to the swimming pool. Hours of operation are the same as the pool hours.

Fishing
Park waters, both fresh and salt, are open for legal fishing throughout the year. A fishing dock and boat launch area are provided for access to Crooked River. Must have a Georgia Salt and Fresh water fishing license.

Cottages
There are 11 cottages for rent. No pets are permitted.

Nearby Attractions
Cumberland Island National Seashore
Jekyll Island Historic Area and Beach
Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation Historic Site

Park Times and Information
7:00am - 10:00pm
Office Hours: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Address:
3092 Spur 40
St. Marys, Georgia 31558
(912) 882-5256


Park Fee Information
A $2 daily or $25 annual parking fee is required.  The ParkPass is valid at all state parks visited that day, and Wednesdays are free days.   Annual ParkPasses are sold at park offices (senior discounts available) or by calling (404) 657-9851.

Some information has been provided by GA State Parks Dept.