For SP's like this, there should really be a 6 star rating for this park to be properly ranked! I don’t think I’ve ever come across anything quite like Crooked River State Park located in SE Georgia – and the more I poked around as I explored the massive grounds of this gem and asked from the local rangers, the more and more impressed I became. Whether driving an RV, toting a 5th Wheel or looking to pitch a tent, either in an established, traditional campground setting or in a primitive hike-in oasis, you won't have any issues finding the perfect spot to get lost in nature here at Crooked River SP.
While this SP lends itself moreso to the RV’ing crowd (the # of RV spots seriously outweighed the # of tent campsites), there are several very decent options for tent campers like myself, who either want to drive in or, for those who prefer to add a bit more struggle and discomfort to their nature experience, they also offer primitive or pioneer tent camping as well. Bordering the, um, well, crooked river, the campgrounds have a fantastic river view (as well as excellent water access points, for those hauling boats, flotillas and yachts behind their vehicle) – and check this out: there’s even a bait shop near the boat launch run by the SP, so no need to dig up your own bait before arriving here.
Surrounding you throughout the entire park are fantastic amounts of vegetation, trees accompanied by plenty of four-legged furry critters, high-flying foul as well as even a honey farm, where the rangers make and sell some of the most amazing honey on-premises. When is the last time you were able to buy honey from a park ranger at any state park?!
Oh, but it gets better – especially if you’re coming here in a big group: (1) You can rent the entire pioneer camp area (that’s 3 sites somewhat removed from the general population, that can easily accommodate up to 5 families; (2) There’s 5-6 group shelters (and by shelter, I don’t just mean an open-walled shelter with a few picnic tables) that look brand spanking new and come complete with a ton of amenities, including 4 walls, their own bathrooms and meeting rooms; and (3) Group activities, like visiting the Nature Center (yes, they have one of these too), the Bird Outlook Landing (for those folks that like to use their binoculars) and Miniature Golf. Wait, did he just say, Miniature Golf?! In a State Park?! Why yes, I did. And the ranger I spoke of previously will rent you clubs and a golf ball at a price that is so incredibly cheap, you’ll be tempted to rent them throughout your entire stay.
For those families or groups who like the idea of going camping, but who actually don’t want to camp, but receive all of the benefits of camping and being in the middle of nature, but who want all of the uncomfortableness removed from the equation, then the SP rents either stand alone houses (I almost called them cabins, but they’re not - they’re actually houses) or duplexes. Both have access to a screened-in lanai (you know, to get away from those pesky bugs you might actually encounter out in the wild) as well as a brand new playground for the kiddos.
While we’re on the subject of "Wow, I can’t believe SP's actually have this!" line of descriptions, here I will add that the restroom facilities might be the most immaculate I have ever come aross (sorry, Van Damme in Cali, these guys here in Georgia have you beat, but just by a small bit, as they don’t charge you 5 quarters for a 5 minute shower – yes, the state actually gives you a free shower if you pay the price of admission).
But the excitement and surprises don’t stop here. No, things get even better! This campground even offers a curated sunset cruise aboard one of their very own skiffs (comfortably accommodating families up to 6 people) and will let you actually bring a bit of booze on the cruise (6-pack or a bottle of wine – but I got a ‘wink wink’ when I asked about a flask of alcohol, so be discreet, homies), but be sure to tip your ranger captain, as these outdoor experts are truly in a league of their own.
From well paved roads, to immaculately kept grounds, this place has so much to offer just about anyone who is looking to do some 'outdoorsing,' but wants a premium, well-groomed experience. Here's the straight truth about this Crooked environ: I can’t wait to get back to this place soon.
Happy Camping!
