Don Carter State Park
Georgia’s newest state park and among its prettiest, Don Carter State Park is a furrific choice for your next Fido-friendly outdoor adventure! It’d be a real faux-paw to try to explore the whole place in one day, and the good news is that you don’t have to -- the campground welcomes wagging tails with open arms. You won’t need to sacrifice too many of your creature comforts during your stay, either. You’ll find showers and flush toilets on-site, and many sites offer water and electric hookups. There’s even free cable TV!
Not only that, but it’s in a pretty peaceful location. Sites are tucked in among the rolling hills and perched on the shores of the serene Lake Lanier, and most are well-shaded by stately, mature trees. There’s a trade-off for keeping cool, though -- the tree cover means that no sites have full lakeside views, though there are plenty where you can catch a glimpse!
Don Carter offers campers several ways to stay. Aside from the hook-up sites, there are areas set aside especially for tent campers, so there’s no need to deal with vehicle noise creeping in through the canvas. A couple of two-bedroom cottages are also available, one of which is fur-friendly. Don Carter State Park grows more paw-pular by the week, so it’s best to make your reservation early, particularly if you’ll need to stay at one of the campground’s accessible sites. There's a $5 entrance fee to the park, and sites start at $20.
You and your buddy won’t be long looking for something to do! If casting a line is your idea of a good time, you’re in luck. Lake Lanier offers some of the finest bass fishing in the Peach State, and you can cook your catch on one of the grills provided with each site. Hound-dog hikers should also be well entertained! While there are no serious endurance treks, the park boasts around twelve-and-a-half miles of seriously scenic trails. Laid-back lapdogs looking for a sedate stroll should check out the very short, wildflower-lined Overlook Trail, while fitter furry friends might enjoy the Chattahoochee River Loop.
WiFi isn’t available at Don Carter, but most cellular networks should receive at least some coverage. Fires are permitted, and you’ll find drinking water available on-site. Remember to bring waste bags for your doggo, and have a grrr-eat trip!
