Camping. . .just up the road at F.D.R. State Park
During the weekend of Nov 1-3, my husband and I took our two girls and camped in our travel trailer at FDR State Park.
Did you know that Georgia’s largest state park is just up the road approximately 30 minutes from Columbus? F.D. Roosevelt State Park is home to variety of hardwood and pine trees, trails, creeks, small waterfalls, and 23-miles of the popular Pine Mountain Trail. If you enjoy hiking, camping, or are looking for some great educational programs to enjoy with your family, you should take advantage of the state park that is in your back yard.
We enjoyed several programs during our stay in the park:
A bird walk is offered each Saturday morning starting at 9:00 a.m. Bird watchers can bring their own binoculars or borrow a set from the park.
After lunch, we headed over the the Group Shelter below the dam within the campground for an interactive program titled “Have You Thanked A Tree Today?” My husband, our 7 and 9 year-old girls and I met up with Amy Waite, Park Naturalist to learn all about the trees within the park and in our region. During the hour and a half program we identified local tree species, learned how to read the rings of a tree, and enjoyed a short walk. At the end of the program everyone in the group picked out a unique tree “cookie” medallion to take home. The tree “cookies” were cut from uprooted trees within the park that were damaged during the F2 tornadoes that ripped through the region in November 2011.
Saturday evening we left our campsite and drove over to the Stone Amphitheater next to the park office for the “Creek Indian Campfire with Billy Winn”. Mr. Winn is a Columbus native, historian, and author. During his one-hour presentation, he shared his knowledge about the daily lives of the Creek Indians that lived throughout the area. Attendees were welcome to sit on the rock seating or bring a camping chair. The park provided a fire pit, marshmallows, and roasting sticks or you could bring your own. Nature provided the fall view and beautiful sunset from atop the mountain.
Sunday morning was time to wrap up our weekend getaway but not before heading back over to the park office for the Corn Shuck Doll Craft. Once again, we met up with Amy, the park naturalist and she helped us with the step-by-step process of making a primitive toy, the corn shuck doll. My daughters were so proud of their finished products and have shared them with grandparents and their classes at school.
Never been camping before but want to give it a try? Don’t own a tent? You’re in luck! F.D.R. State Park is one of 8 state parks offering the First-Time Camping Program. Even if camping doesn’t interest you but you love the outdoors, FDR State Park offers the opportunity for the perfect day trip. They have numerous events planned between now and the end of the year. Plan it just right and you can spend the entire day and on into the evening!
MORE THINGS TO DO & SEE:
• First Time Camper Program
• Hiking and Backpacking – 42 miles of trails, including Pine Mountain Trail
• Fishing – boat rental
• Canoe and Kayak Rental
• Picnicking
• Playground
• Pool Swimming (seasonal)
• Horseback Riding – stables, trail rides, 28 miles of trails
– Rules of Stable & Equestrian Trail Use
– Roosevelt Riding Stables brochure
– Stables are open 7 days a week, but may close due to weather or for periodic maintenance, so please call ahead. Reservations are required at 706-628-7463.
• GeoCaching
• Stargazing
• Birding
• Ranger Programs — guided hikes, crafts and more
• Visit Roosevelt’s Little White House Historic Site
• Visit Callaway Gardens
• Weddings(park approval required)
Location:
F.D. Roosevelt State Park
2970 Ga. Highway 190
Pine Mountain , GA 31822
Located just off I-185 near Callaway Gardens, west of Warm Springs on Ga. Route 190, or south of Pine Mountain off U.S. Hwy. 27.