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Crooked River State Park

Crooked River State Park
Picture of Geoff Colmes

Geoff Colmes

Crooked River State Park

 

Crooked River State Park, located near St. Mary’s in the southeastern corner of Georgia, offers a great getaway along the coastal rivers. Known for its maritime forests, salt marshes, and excellent fishing, the park is perfect for campers, anglers, and photographers alike.

 

Excited to see this park for the first time, and after a long day of traveling with our two dogs in our Thor Compass, we rolled in. The campground is well-maintained, with huge sites offering water and electric hookups. Surrounded by pines and live oaks draped in Spanish moss, our site provided the right mix of privacy, a view of the river, and convenience.

 

Crooked River has plenty to offer for those looking to explore. We started with riding our mountain bikes along the Sempervirens Trail, an easy loop that winds through palmetto thickets and under a canopy of moss-covered trees. The park’s nature center gave us a closer look at the local wildlife and a warning about Eastern Diamondbacks residing in gopher tortoise holes.

 

We didn’t go kayaking because the park no longer rents them out. Too many people struggled to paddle back upstream against the strong current and had to be rescued, so they discontinued rentals for safety reasons. Next time, we’ll bring our kayaks to explore the river and marshes at our own pace. Instead, we hit the park’s miniature golf course – something we hadn’t done in years. It turned out to be a blast, and let’s say, our putting skills could use some work.

 

Camping in our Compass at Crooked River State Park was a great experience. The combination of well-kept RV sites, plenty of things to keep us busy, and the park’s natural beauty made it a perfect stop. Its proximity to I-95 makes it a super convenient spot for anyone looking to break up a longer road trip, heading north or south. Whether you’re looking to hike, fish, bile, paddle, or unwind, this park is worth visiting. We’ll be back!

 

Everglades National Park Entrance Fees

Everglades National Park began collecting entrance fees for all park visitors on January 10, 2019 – including anglers with licensed fishing guides, Effective January 2025, 7-day passes will be $35 per person. You may also purchase an annual Everglades National Park pass for $70. Children aged 15 and under are always admitted free.