15 Dog-Friendly Outdoor Spots in Georgia
From Atlanta to Savannah, Rome to Athens, every corner of Georgia has a little something to offer you and your dog. Check out the spots below, and find even more trip ideas on Explore Georgia's pet-friendly travel page.
Briar Patch Trail Park in Eatonton, Georgia
Briar Patch Trail in Eatonton
You and your pooch can stay right on the shoreline of Lake Sinclair in Eatonton at Lawrence Shoals Campground, where you'll have easy access to fishing, boating, and nature trails. For a colorful burst of nature, leash up and head to the Briar Patch Trail Park and Butterfly Habitat.
Chattahoochee Bend State Park in Newnan, Georgia. Photo by @olivergoesoutside
Chattahoochee Bend State Park in Newnan
Nestled into a bend of the Chattahoochee River in Newnan, the wooded trails and river at Chattahoochee Bend State Park are a paradise for dogs. All campsites are dog-friendly, and bathhouses with hot showers are a short walk from the campsites.
Crooked River State Park in St. Marys, Georgia. Photo by @grapes33
Crooked River State Park in St. Marys
Salt marshes teeming with trees decked out in Spanish moss set the stage for a scenic waterfront adventure in St. Marys. Boat-loving pups can explore Crooked River State Park by boat alongside you, and the park offers four dog-friendly cabins.
Pool at F.D. Roosevelt State Park in Pine Mountain, Georgia. Photo courtesy @gastateparks
F.D. Roosevelt State Park in Pine Mountain
The largest state park in Georgia, F.D. Roosevelt State Park is also one of the dog-friendliest. With more than 40 miles of hiking trails, there is plenty for you and your pup to explore in Pine Mountain. Camping and some cottages are open to dogs, and at the end of every swimming season, the park hosts a big pool party just for dogs!
Fort McAllister State Park in Richmond Hill, Georgia
Fort McAllister State Park in Richmond Hill
Whether you love Civil War history or nature trails, Fort McAllister State Park has something for you and your pooch to enjoy in Richmond Hill. Leashed dogs are welcome on the historic fort grounds, and the Magnolia Trail is part of Georgia State Park's Tails on Trails Club for dogs. Club members get a t-shirt and a matching bandana for their dog, and if you hike 12 of the 42 participating state parks, you get a certificate of completion.
Fort Mountain State Park in Chatsworth, Georgia. Photo by @carlosphotography
Fort Mountain State Park in Chatsworth
For a breathtaking mountain getaway, Fort Mountain State Park is the perfect excursion for you and your dog. Featuring hikes with scenic mountain views, this park in Chatsworth offers dog-friendly camping and cabins.
High Falls State Park in Jackson, Georgia. Photo by @ranger.diego
High Falls State Park in Jackson
One of the best fishing spots in the state is also the site of spectacular waterfalls: High Falls State Park. With trails traversing riverbanks, forestland, and historic ruins, this pet-friendly park in Jackson is a feast for the senses. Just make sure you reserve a dog-friendly campsite in advance.
Laura S. Walker State Park in Waycross, Georgia
Laura S. Walker State Park in Waycross
Located just 10 miles from the Okefenokee Swamp in Waycross, Laura S. Walker State Park is the perfect place to take your pup to play in the dog park and stroll along the lake and nature trails. You'll find plenty of fishing, boating, and exploring, and the park boasts at least one dog-friendly cabin.
Oconee River Greenway in Milledgeville, Georgia. Photo by @rockospawdernlife
Oconee River Greenway in Milledgeville
Smack dab in the middle of Georgia's Lake Country, you and your pup can't help but find some nature to indulge in around Milledgeville. The Oconee River Greenway offers miles of boardwalks, trails, and yes, a popular dog park.
Providence Canyon State Park in Lumpkin, Georgia. Photo by Kimberly Tannehill, courtesy of @gastateparks
Providence Canyon State Park in Lumpkin
The miniature Grand Canyon at Providence Canyon State Park is breathtaking, providing stunning hikes and day trips. Dog-friendly cabins are available at nearby Florence Marina State Park, or you can ruff it with your pup and reserve a campsite here.
Tip: Bring a towel to clean up your pup after hiking here. They'll probably get pretty muddy.
Red Top Mountain State Park in Acworth, Georgia
Red Top Mountain State Park in Acworth
From stunning hikes to secluded beaches, Red Top Mountain State Park is a treat for you and your four-legged friends. Best known for its prime location on Lake Allatoona, this park in Acworth is also popular with hikers for its 15 miles of trails winding through the forest. Reserve a dog-friendly cottage or campsite in advance.
Vickery Creek in Roswell, Georgia. Photo by @shiloh_wonderdog
Roswell
Find your home away from home at one of Roswell's pet-friendly hotels, and then set out to explore this town that loves dogs! Go hiking along the Chattahoochee River, take your dog shopping with you in Roswell's many boutiques and art galleries, and indulge in delicious meals on dog-friendly patios at restaurants throughout the city.
St. Simons Island, Georgia
St. Simons Island
A canine mecca, St. Simons Island is teeming with beaches, parks, trails, pet-friendly accommodations, and dog-centric shopping. Add outdoor dining in dog-friendly restaurants to the mix, and enjoy the best dogtastic time Georgia has to offer.
Thomasville, Georgia
Thomasville
Charming, historic Thomasville, with its brick-paved streets, is the perfect place to escape. Next to the Thomasville Rose Garden, you'll find Cherokee Lake Park with a walking path and picnic spots.
Watson Mill Bridge State Park in Comer, Georgia. Photo courtesy @gastateparks
Watson Mill Bridge State Park in Comer
Plan a picnic with your bestie beasty beside the longest covered bridge in Georgia. Watson Mill Bridge State Park in Comer, located just 20 miles northeast of Athens, has 7 miles of hiking trails and dog-friendly campsites.
No matter how much fun your vacation, leaving four-legged family members at home often feels like something is missing. Aside from the companionship they provide, a doggy sidekick also keeps us healthier and more active. Exploring Georgia's great outdoors with a furry best friend by your side is the perfect way to vacation.
