Don’t Miss These 3 Lakefront State Parks in the South

Summer still lingers and thank goodness for that. Before fall rears its head, you’ve still got time to enjoy a quick family vacation. Luckily, there are some great state parks offering lakefront fun with great beaches, beautiful scenery and plenty for families to do.

Red Top Mountain State Park, Georgia
Red Top Mountain State Park is home to Allatoona Lake, where a sandy beach is a great spot for a family swim — just be sure to check with the park first to make sure swimming conditions are safe at the time of your visit since the region is prone to algal blooms. This park is located in Bartow County, home of Cartersville, known for its many museums, so there is plenty to do before or after a visit to the park. In addition to swimming, you can also water ski and go fishing, and if you want a longer stay, you can rent one of the park’s cabins and spend some time playing tennis or practicing your swing on the putt-putt course.

Lake Louisa State Park, Florida
Lake County is known for, well, its lakes, and this state park is a great example why. There are actually six lakes at this park, along with 20 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding and biking. The park also is home to plenty of wildlife, like ospreys, bald eagles and white-tailed deer, and plenty of activities for the family. Take out a kayak for a moonlight ride at night or take lessons during the day if you’ve never done it before. You can also take a horseback riding lesson or a guided horseback tour. The park offers bike and kayak rentals so you don’t need to worry about bringing your own equipment, and admission is only $5 per vehicle.

Paul B. Johnson State Park, Mississippi
Located near downtown Hattiesburg, this park is where you’ll find Geiger Lake, a 225-acre reservoir with a private beach with plenty of space for lounging, playing and swimming. In addition to swimming, you can fish, go for a nature hike or play some disc golf. There are campsites and bathhouses with hot showers, so you’ve got all the amenities you’ll need for either a camping trip or just a day at the beach. If you want a bit more luxury, book one of the cabins for a more comfortable stay at the park. Children under 5 get in for free, while the rest of the family will only have to pay a $2 per person entrance fee.