Mistletoe State Park
Mistletoe State Park things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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My husband and I had an amazing time at Mistletoe State Park! Walk-in campsite #2 was the best campsite we've ever experienced in our 30 years of hiking, camping, and backpacking. We loved that it was so private, but still a manageable walk to the car and flush toilets and showers. The location was perfect for sunsets and sunrises! The trails were wonderful for us with not too many ups and downs, but enough to give us flatlanders from Wilmington, NC a little workout. The 1st day we were there and out hiking, we wanted to get some firewood. Concerned that the park office would close before we could get back to our car, my husband and I split up. I hiked to the park office with $20, and my husband hiked back to the car to meet me as soon as he could get there. On the way, the $20 fell out of my pocket. The park ranger on duty was so gracious to buy the firewood and my water for me, so that I could pay him back the next day. This really made my day and experience at the park over-the-top! We ended up finding the $20 along the road later, so it all worked out excellently! The only improvements to the park I might recommend, would be a bridge to get from the Cliatt Creek Nature Trail Loop to the Rock Dam Trail. Though manageable the day we were out, if the water were any higher, or someone not as agile at jumping accross water and balancing on logs, this crossing would not be possible. Also, the intended water crossing along the Rock Dam Trail was only possible from the south side at the rock dam. The northern trail crossing had deep, filthy water at the crossing point. It's possible to go back to the rock dam crossing without too much extra work, but a bridge here, as well, would be a nice touch. We loved that we didn't see but a few people along the trails. It was so very peaceful and beautiful during our end of April mid-week visit. Thank you for creating a park with such beautiful and secluded walk-in campsites!!!!!! I wish more parks did likewise. The backcountry sites were fairly nice. However, if I go to the effort of backpacking my way several miles in, I would prefer sites more off-trail. Each of the 3 backcountry sites were within easy eyesight of the main trail. There were many places along the Rock Dam trail, or elsewhere this could still be done. Perhaps not as easy to maintain for park staff, but much preferable for the backpackers who have hiked in and worked hard for some privacy and seclusion...especially since there are no indoor toilets near these sites. We are always scoping out possible places to backpack with beautiful surroundings as well as privacy and seclusion from the outside world. The walk-in sites were much more private, and even offered better views and surroundings.
Katy Jean MarzolfKaty Jean Marzolf
30
Mistletoe State Park is one of our favorites so far! We have stayed at Mistletoe in the summer and fall, and both are great times to visit. You can enjoy lake activities in the summer, and enjoy the beautiful leaf colors in the fall. We have stayed at site 9, and are just returning from a stay at site 44. Site 9 is a lakeside, pull-thru site in a small cul-de-sac with great lake views. However, we have a 32’ 5th wheel and it was very difficult pulling out when we left because the cul-de-sac is small and narrow. Thankfully, all the sites across from us were empty, so we were able to manage getting out a little easier. You will need Anderson blocks to level side to side at this site. Site 44 is a long pull-thru site; however, the entrance to the site is not marked, so we missed it and easily backed into the site. Site 44 is across the street from the lake, but there is an unobstructed view of the cove and lake beyond (see pic). There is also a boat ramp at the cove, along with kayaks which I assume are for rent. The only negative to this site is that the picnic table and fire pit are not on the camping side of the rig. It was a rainy, cold weekend, so this was no big deal for us this time. We did use our Anderson blocks to level; however, we could’ve probably gotten away with not using them. The comfort stations are clean and the one near us had laundry facilities. Overall, this is a beautiful, well-kept State Park that I highly recommend!
Luci - BLuci - B
00
We love camping here, but yesterday when we arrived for the start of this years camping season we were shocked with amount of trees they cut down on the drive in to the campsites, they are literally cut down trees right next to the dump station. It used to be so dark due to the amount t of trees and foliage throughout the drive to the campsites once entering the park but now it looks like a war zone. It’s really quite shocking after you make the first turn down the main road to the campsites, what used to be thick, lush green state park forest has been leveled and destroyed. Me and my family will probably not be coming back due to this, it really takes away from the “wildness esthetic” that all state parks should have. I feel like they should have something in the office warning people that have “pine beetles” which is when they are cutting down trees everywhere, even though I think this is a play to make some extra money and sell some lumbar utilizing all of this untouched, pristine, forestry in the state park.
D FD F
00
We found Mistletoe State park when we couldn’t get into another in September. Beautiful lake, a variety of walking trails and just all around quiet, calm surroundings! Electric and water available and a decent dump station. Great sites! Lots of room to spread out! We had a wonderful mini family get together there in October and everyone loved the park! They also have cabins which are all within lake view. They have a laundry area available on both points of the park. My dogs loved swimming in the lake! The only complaint was the bathrooms. There are spider webs EVERYWHERE. I even had a spider drop down from the ceiling while showering. I know this can be rectified because I am now at Magnolia Springs, about an hour and a half away and their bathrooms are very well kept! I can’t find a spider anywhere. I gave Mistletoe a 4, but it could really be a 4 1/2. We have been there twice this fall. Would love to see them clean up the bathrooms- then it would be a 10. A definite must visit! 😀
Wendy HartmanWendy Hartman
10
The park is 1,920 acres and has a wide variety of camping facilities, from “pioneer” tent sites, to standard tent sites, RV sites with Electric & Water and RV Sites with Electric, Water & Grey-water drainage. There are 9+ miles of walking/hiking/mountain biking trails. Strom Thurmond lake is viewable from most campsites and almost half the sites are waterfront. The “comfort stations” are well equipped with toilets and showers, as well a washer & dryer, although they could be cleaner. It is a little pricey compared to the South Carolina state parks, but the addition of some grey-water sites and the washer/dryers are nice. The lake itself is the second-largest man-made lake East of the Mississippi. Because of its proximity to areas of stagnant water though, the mosquitoes at night are vicious and swarm the RV windows - many of them are small enough to get in too!
G UserG User
10
Lovely park, friendly staff. Many camp sites have direct access to the water. Your choice of shady wooded sites away from the lake, or those like the one we had, where we walk about 30 feet to swim. Trailer sites have 30 amp electric and water, there is a dump station on the drive out. There are grey water catchments scattered about as well. Like all (or at least most) GA state parks, pet friendly. Our chocolate lab also gives it 5 stars! Many tent sites, some cottages. There is a beach area for those that prefer, or for folks not camping. Several boat ramps for launching, dedicated boat trailer parking areas scattered about the park. Bath houses with laundry facilities and pavilions. Visitor Center with firewood, some camping and fishing supplies, a few grocery / snack items. We are already planning our next visit!
Chappy WolfChappy Wolf
50
Basic Info
Address
3725 Mistletoe Rd, Appling, GA 30802
Map
Phone
(706) 541-0321
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Website
gastateparks.org
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Reviews
Overview
4.7
(888 reviews)
Ratings & Description
outdoor
adventure
family friendly
Description
Mistletoe State Park is a 1,972 acre Georgia state park located northwest of Augusta, Georgia on the southern shore of Lake Strom Thurmond. The park gets its name from Mistletoe Corners, a local area where people gather to pick mistletoe during the winter holiday season.
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