Florence Marina State Park is small compared to other parks in the state of Georgia with only 173 acres of land. However, it makes up for it with access to the massive 45,000-acre Lake Walter F. George, which fosters the creative water adventures for all ages. Nestled on the Georgia-Alabama border, Florence Marina State Park was built to provide a recreational area and create lasting memories for RV visitors from around the country.
Each year visitors come to enjoy the cool waters of Lake Walter F. George and watch the beautiful birds in their natural habitat. The Kirbo Interpretive Center is one of the park’s most visited areas. It provides information on the local history of the land and Native American history and artifacts. There are plenty of other activities to enjoy like fishing, hiking, and water skiing in the spring and summer months. The rest of the year provides great opportunities to go geocaching, birding, and to learn more about the area from the Kirbo Interpretive Center.
The campground has exceptionally large sites with up to a 180-foot drive-through sites. There are 41 RV campsites with full hookups available and the possibility of cable access as well. The sites are paved with plenty of coverage from the sun and the unwanted attention of your neighbor. The quite parks relaxing atmosphere makes it a great place to just relax and unwind with warm summers and cool winters.
Nestled along the Georgia-Alabama state line, Florence Marina State Park provides a nice little getaway for fishermen and bird watchers. Highway 39 runs along the entrance to the park and will lead you to the nearest town about 20 miles away to stock up on fuel and groceries. The drive into the park is very smooth and the roads are well maintained. The entrance to the park has a few low hanging branches.
There are three parking lots in the park: near the campground, the marina, and the miniature golf course. You are advised to either walk or ride your bike while on your visit. Pets are allowed on the trails but not in the swimming areas.
In the event of inclement weather, due to flooding and rising lake levels, the entrance to the park may close. Before you travel, be sure to check the weather and call forward to ensure that the park remains open. If you're planning to arrive much later than expected, you can use the registration box at the entrance to the campground to check-in. The park is delighted with warm summers and cool winters.
There are 41 campsites in this campground with the ability to fit up to a 180-foot long vehicle. The sites offer full hookups and plenty of shade to protect you from the sun. There are shrubs and trees located between each campsite to provide some degree of privacy. A maximum of six people and two cars are allowed at each campsite, and additional vehicles will be charged a small fee. There is a small check-in box at the entrance to the campground for late arrivals and for other permits and information you may need.
Each site has access to hot showers, restrooms, a grill, picnic table, and fire ring. There is an even distribution of pull-through and back-in sites littered about the campground. You are prohibited from bringing your own firewood into the park and not allowed to gather firewood from your surroundings. This is to protect the natural balance of the ecosystem in the park. You can pick up firewood and ice at the park’s store. You can stay a maximum of 14 days at a time and may reserve a spot up to two months in advance in the non-peak season and up to six months in advance in peak season.
Boats are allowed on the river but you will need a permit before you are allowed to enter. In the shallows, it is recommended that you use ChatterBaits and spinners to hook yourself a largemouth bass. In the event of higher lake levels, the park may issue a warning to prevent fishermen from getting caught in unsafe waters. You are required to have a valid fishing license if you are over the age of 16. Be sure to wear sunscreen and bring a snack with you if you plan to stay out on the lake for a long time.
There aren’t many miles for hiking available in the park, but there are plenty of beautiful landscapes to stroll. Some visitors prefer to hike along the shore of the lake or walk around the remnants of the town. Pets are allowed to hike with you too. All pets should remain on their leashes at all times and you are required to clean up after them. While you enjoy your walk, remember to bring a snack and wear a pair of sturdy hiking boots.
Water sports are a huge part of why so many visitors love to visit Florence Marina State Park in their camper or rig. Water skiing has become a crowd favorite. You are required to bring your own equipment and there is no lifeguard on duty, so you are responsible for your own safety. Take extra caution if you are a beginner and remember to follow the rules and regulations of the lake. Be sure to wear a lifejacket while you are on the water and enjoy your time.
Georgia is home to over 400 birds with a large population of cardinals and sparrows. Due to the location of the park, you can find egrets, herons, and many other water birds. Be sure to pick up a birding checklist from the main office on your way into the park. Remember to bring along your binoculars and a map of the area so that you can check out all the interesting birds. A good pair of hiking boots will do you justice on your journey.
A geocaching device makes it a brand new experience when exploring Florence Marina State Park in the campervan. Geocaching requires you to have a few small things: your inner pirate, a GPS-compatible device, hiking boots, a water bottle, an area map, a pen/pencil, and your own trade treasure. Remember to leave each cache site undisturbed to keep the adventure alive.
The Kirbo Interpretive Center provides a look at local history dating all the way from the late 1700s to now. You can find artifacts left behind by Native Americans and small facts on how the area developed and was eventually abandoned. While the center is open year-round, the park gets most of its visitors in the colder months when the fish are not as active and the birds have reduced their activities.
