Costley Mill Park — Attraction in Georgia

Y'all ready need to start taking card as soon as possible or at least update your website to say CASH ONLY. Your entrance sign is confusing on where to park (two roads on the left next to sign), parking is extremely limited so if you drive a truck, good luck getting in or out (the road is extremely narrow), you have to walk all the way down a large hill just to get to the general store to pay to swim. They also only take cash and can't break a 20$ bill forcing me to leave twice and come back after looping around the area 2 times just to get cash back from a gas station that only allows me to use their ATM and then break the bills into exactly 6$ just so I can come back to their limited parking and find out that there are no spots back. Once I finally got parked, I come back to swim and get told that there is a 45 minute no swimming break. I had to go through all of that, wasted 45 minutes of going back and forth to get cash and figure out that I can't swim once I get back. I understand that life guards needs breaks especially in this horrid heat but this is honestly ridiculous. This is a beautiful gem to be at and I love the atmosphere here but I had to go on a miniature wild goose chase just for 12$ exact because I live in Walton county. I shouldn't have to do this, especially when my knees already hurt... Sorry.

Maybe try a card swiper on your phones?

{Update} - Parking did slowly clear out and it was also labor day weekend (combined with reserved parking) so parking is understandably hard to find. They also opened up additional parking which helped. Still a bit narrow none the less but just a bit limited.

The life guards are extremely friendly and reasonable on their rules. The beach is nice and warm while the sand itself is a bit grainy. It was also not too busy while the water was nice and cold for a hot, humid day. There is a nice pavalion to use with many fans and tables under it to cool you off while you relax. There is a 45 minute break every 2 hours which kind of sucks but is reasonable for safety and health of swimmers and life guards. Food and drinks are allowed on the beach (though I'd watch out for glass and cans. They are sometimes left out). Dogs are also allowed from what I can tell.

The bathrooms, wash station, and general store/main building are nice with vintage design, decorations, and decor. Makes it feel very comforting to be there. I know it's a smaller, growing park but having a concessions stand or snack/drink set up in the general store would be a lovely idea. Same with maybe having a changing area for those who change at the park.

TL:DR it was an amazing experience being here, just needs some adjustments made to the park itself along with...

We moved to Conyers last July from Birmingham, AL. I just discovered Costley Mill Park after being here almost a year.

I saw a Facebook event for the season opening which was this past Sunday, May 26. I checked the website and their Instagram/Facebook pages and it says dogs are welcome, as long as they are leashed. Nowhere does it say they are not allowed on the beach, or in the water. My husband and I were so excited to try this place, as we have struggled to find dog friendly places in the area or a place we can bring them to swim. We followed the google maps directions and rolled up to the public entrance. There was a woman with a vest on who shook her head at me and said “nope. Backup”. I told her it’s my first time here and I was following directions & asked where to go. She just said to go back to the main road. She was not friendly or helpful.

We finally found another entrance which was off of Salem Rd but it said event parking only. We drove up the the booth and the guy said they are using the entrance as the exit for today & that dogs are not allowed anywhere near the water or on the beach and continued to tell us how dangerous it is because they have water moccasins, runners, vultures, etc. I’m just thinking…okay…but that’s safe for children?

They need to update their signage because it was very confusing on where to go/park. Also, if dogs are only allowed on your less than 1 mile trail, please update your website/socials to specify that they are not allowed on the beach, so people like me don’t drive all the way there with their dogs to swim only to be told they’re actually not allowed there. I had high hopes for this place, but will not be returning due to the several rude staff members I encountered. You’d think they’d want to welcome newcomers, but...

This is a beautiful park. When I was a kid it was closed to the public and had to be reserved for events to gain access. This is now open to the public and is free to visit (pay to swim during the summer)

There is a very clean playground right next to a large covered pavilion complete with public bathrooms that are well maintained.

Perfect location to take pictures with the family and in the summer there is a small beach to swim at. Professional photo shoots must be planed ahead time with the management staff. They are quite pickey as the park is now maintained by the county.

The foundation for the old Mill is there as well as a path that leads under a man made waterfall as seen in the photos. You will get a bit wet.

CAUTION!! Be careful when near the old Mill and near the water ways. There is not a proper fence to keep small children from falling into the flowing water. This area is far away from the playground but if you choose to explore the Mill keep an eye on your children as there is a drowning hazard. There are clearly posted signs in these areas.

There is a paved walking trail here that is about 1.5 miles long.

General parking area is quite small however, if you schedule an event here there is a large amount of parking in the back.

I love to take my 4 year old daughter here to play. The park so far is generally not too crowded and I usually run it to more more than two other families at the playground at one time.

Would rate 5 stars but I haven't attended an event here yet, and they built a new building on the property that I have yet to visit.

I also have not yet brought my family here to swim so I cannot comment on...