Don Carter State Park

Star4.42
101 reviews
5000 North Browning Bridge Road, Gainesville, Georgia, 30506, United States
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,211 ft

Price

$20 - $200/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Georgia State Parks site

Official Website
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Don Carter State Park
$20.00 - $200.00 / night
Campsite Fees
A ParkPass is required for all vehicles, with daily fees of $5 per car, $30 for 13-30 passenger vehicles, and $70 for 31+ passenger vehicles, or an...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$30.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$20.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.42

Recommended

Based on 101 reviews

1414 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspaciouslake

Some mention

crowdedunlevel

"Overall, Don Carter State Park is highly praised for its cleanliness, well-maintained facilities, and variety of activities. It is described as a family-friendly destination with something to offer for everyone, including hikers, bikers, and water sports enthusiasts."

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Campground Map

5000 North Browning Bridge Road, Gainesville, Georgia, 30506, United States

Don Carter State Park

5000 North Browning Bridge Road, Gainesville, Georgia, 30506, United States

Driving directions85N to I-985N toward Gainesville to Exit 24 toward US-129/GA-369. Follow US-129N to GA-284N, Clarks Bridge Road. Turn right on Clarks Bridge Road. Follow to North Browning Bridge Road, about 6 miles. Turn right at North Browning Bridge Road.
Roads into the park are wide and maintained, according to user reviews. Seasonal closures or challenging terrain are not mentioned.
Nearby supplies
User reviews mention that supplies like firewood, ice, drinks, and snacks can be purchased at the visitor center within the park.

Best Time to Camp at Don Carter State Park

Experience four distinct seasons at Don Carter, where nature paints a new masterpiece throughout the year. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days with temperatures climbing to a comfortable 88°F, perfect for lake activities, though afternoon thundershowers provide dramatic skies and welcome relief. As autumn arrives, crisp mornings give way to pleasant afternoons ideal for hiking. Winter transforms the park into a peaceful retreat with temperatures dipping to 40°F, offering clear, dry days perfect for campfire gatherings and stargazing without the summer crowds.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Warm, optimal water activity conditions; peak season with crowded beaches.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Quieter season with pleasant weather for hiking and biking.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring wildflowers and pleasant weather highlighted for hiking and biking.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round; winter visits are quieter but offer fewer water activities.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Summer months are peak season, per user reviews.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round.
  • Current Alerts: Playground construction is noted in some reviews; invasive Joro spiders mentioned but no official alerts.

About Don Carter State Park

Nestled along the pristine shores of Lake Lanier, Don Carter State Park beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of waterfront adventure and peaceful camping retreats. This lakeside haven invites you to dive into crystal-clear waters for a refreshing swim, launch your boat for a day of exploration, or cast a line into waters teeming with fish. Choose your ideal basecamp from two distinct camping experiences: the fully-equipped RV campground with all the modern conveniences, or embrace a more rustic adventure in the primitive camping area where tents and hammocks sway gently beneath the canopy.
Don Carter State Park offers a mix of camping experiences, including RV sites with full hookups, tent camping, and primitive sites. Cabin lodging is also available.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
1:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
  • Check-in is at 1 PM on the day of reservation
  • check-out is at 12 PM on departure day. Maximum stay limit not mentioned.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

The park caters to a variety of outdoor enthusiasts with activities such as hiking, biking, boating, fishing, swimming, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. The recreational options make it suitable for solo adventurers and family getaways alike.
HikingHiking opportunities include well-marked, multi-use trails through hardwood forests. The paved Woodland Loop trail is particularly noted for its accessibility and features such as a 'gnome village.' Trails vary in difficulty, accommodating both casual walkers and serious hikers.
FishingFishing is permitted, with lake access provided via docks and boat ramps. Specific fish species are not mentioned, but the activity is highlighted as a popular pastime.
SwimmingThe park features a designated swimming beach with white sand and guarded buoys for safety. Some reviews noted that the beach can get crowded during peak summer months.
BikingBiking is supported on the park's paved multi-use trails. Users have described the trails as family-friendly, with moderate hills that add some challenge without being overly strenuous.
BoatingBoating is facilitated by accessible launch ramps, and the park allows various types of watercraft, including kayaks, canoes, and aquacycles. Rentals are available, adding convenience for visitors without their own equipment.
Wildlife viewingDeer are frequently sighted in the park, along with other wildlife such as turkeys, rabbits, and squirrels. Reviewers appreciated the opportunity to observe wildlife up close during their stay.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews mention copperhead snakes and train noise at night.
Active AlertsPlayground construction is noted in some reviews; invasive Joro spiders mentioned but no official alerts.

Weather at Don Carter State Park

Reviews

4.4
101 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Don Carter State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, Don Carter State Park is highly praised for its cleanliness, well-maintained facilities, and variety of activities. It is described as a family-friendly destination with something to offer for everyone, including hikers, bikers, and water sports enthusiasts.
Review Summaries
Based on 101 reviews

What Campers Love

Common praises include clean and spacious restroom facilities, well-kept trails, and beautiful lake views. Visitors also appreciated the helpfulness and friendliness of the park staff.
Based on 101 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users noted that certain tent sites are unlevel and lack lake views. Others mentioned that the park can get crowded during peak season, particularly the swimming beach. A few reviewers expressed...
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Based on 101 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Book reservations early, especially during peak times. Primitive campers should be prepared for a short walk from the parking lot to their sites. Bring your own gear for kayaking or paddleboarding,...
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Based on 101 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are the busiest, with crowded beach areas but optimal conditions for water-based activities. Fall and spring are highlighted as quieter times with pleasant weather for hiking and biking.
Based on 101 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Bathrooms are super clean, and the staff is friendly and helpful.' 2. 'The campground is very nice, large enough for us with a 37' 5th wheel.' 3. 'Primitive sites are spaced far and almost...
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Based on 101 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #1 is noted for its seclusion, being located alone and near a bathroom. Site #26 is described as unlevel but accommodating for a 40 ft camper. Site #21 is praised as a 'HUGE pull-through.'
Based on 101 reviews

Accessibility Features

ADA-accessible features such as paved trails and accessible boat ramps are appreciated by users. One reviewer highlighted how the park is stroller-friendly.
Based on 101 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed in most areas of the park but are not permitted on the beach or swimming areas. This policy is considered fair by reviewers, and the park is described as generally pet-friendly.
Based on 101 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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