One of Georgia’s smallest state parks is the James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park, located in Summerville, in the northwest portion of the state. The park is a quiet getaway, and it is easily accessed from some of the area’s major cities and towns. The park, known for its lush green countryside, is surrounded by the Chattahoochee National Forest and is the ideal location for quiet recreation and RV or tent camping.
The park’s facilities will help make any RV trip unforgettable, but the name also reminds visitors of this little Georgia state park. The park was named for Representative James H. “Sloppy” Floyd who served nineteen years in the Georgia House of Representatives from 1953 until 1974. Floyd served in the Army Air Corps during World War II, and he was known for his colorful character and his involvement in state issues that dealt with the military and the military draft. The park honors his name so people won’t forget his service to the state.
The park’s facilities help make RV camping comfortable and worthy of a multi-night stay. Guests have access to water and electric hookups, hot showers, clean restrooms, a concession stand, and even a laundry area. There are two playground areas where kids can play, and there are plenty of activities to entertain both kids and adults.
The James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is located in the northwestern portion of Georgia, close to major cities outside of the state. From Chattanooga, Tennessee, the park is 50 miles south. From Huntsville, Alabama, the park is 96 miles southeast. From Atlanta, Georgia, the park is 90 miles northwest of the city.
All guests entering the park must pay a daily entrance fee. Overnight guests only pay one fee for the duration of their stay. Daily passes are valid at all state parks visited on the same day. Season passes are available for guests who plan on staying at many different Georgia parks throughout a season.
The park is open from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm year round.
The James H. "Sloppy" Floyd State Park campground is a beautiful waterfront facility. The campground operates year round, and campers may choose from premium sites with views of the water or standard-style sites. Both premium and standard sites have the same amenities, but the premium spaces have better views and more maneuverability. The packed gravel spaces accommodate RVs and trailers up to 50 feet in length, with choices of back in or pull through driveways, and each space has 30-amp electrical service, water hookups, a picnic table, fire pit, and grill. The campground provides comfort stations with flushing toilets and hot showers as well as a sanitary dump station. Noise-making devices should remain silent during the park’s quiet hours, between 10:00 pm and 7:00 am.
Geocaching is a fun, family-friendly activity that sparks adventure for people of many ages and abilities. Georgia State Parks participate in the Parks GeoTour and permit over 40 hidden caches in and around historic sites and state park lands. To take part in the electronic treasure hunt, you will need a GPS enabled device, and an account prepared with the world-wide Geocaching website. The park doesn't provide GPS units, so make sure you bring yours with you! Rules and general information are posted on the Georgia Geocaching website.
Georgia’s birding is some of the best in the south because the state rests within many birds’ migratory routes. No matter the time of year, the birdwatching is spectacular. Bring your binoculars, cameras, and your bird guides and spend time next to the water searching for bluebirds, egrets and other birds passing through the area. For the best bird watching location, walk the Upper Loop Lake Trail and across the boardwalk. This pathway takes birders between the two lakes, over the water, and close to areas of the park that shelter and protect birds.
The park caters to guests, inviting them to spend time outdoors enjoying Georgia’s scenic views and the pleasant year-round weather. The two lakes both have outdoor eating areas with shelters that are close to restrooms, hiking trails, and boat launches. The park also has two playgrounds, a concessions area, and a boardwalk for people who don’t want strenuous hikes. Spending time outside doesn't have to include physical activity; it can be as simple as walking, looking for wildlife, and enjoying the green grass and the park's tree-shaded areas.
The two lakes, Upper Lake and Lower Lake together have a surface area of 51 acres, making the water a favorite source of activity at the park. Each lake has a boat launch for electric boats, so guests don’t have to travel far to access the water. If you prefer to cruise the water slowly, then consider renting a pedal boat, canoe, or kayak, and take in nature out on the lakes away from all of the mainland sounds. Contact the park for pricing and more detailed rental information.
Portions of Georgia are known for excellent fishing, especially bass fishing, and although the two fishing lakes in the James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park aren’t famous for fishing, it doesn't mean that the fishing isn’t great! The lakes are stocked with channel catfish, bass, and bream, and anglers may fish year round from sunrise to sunset. Bring your fishing gear, and fish from one of the park’s two fishing docks, or rent a Jon boat from the rental facility to fish from the lake. If you bring a boat or rent a boat, there are two launches for your convenience. Don’t forget your fishing license! All people 16 and older must have a valid resident or non-resident fishing license to fish.
When you enter the park, pick up a park map, and plan to see the park by foot. The park offers several hiking trails that wind around the lakes. The longest trail, the Pinhoti Trail, is part of a 330-mile National Scenic Trail that stretches from Alabama through Georgia. Only a half a mile runs through the park, but the short trail is strenuous and a good workout for hikers. Two half-mile trails follow along the upper and lower lake area, and the Marble Mine Trail takes hikers to an abandoned mine and connects to the Pinhoti Trail. The hiking trails only permit foot traffic, so hikers don’t have to worry about moving out of the way for equestrians or bikers.
