Mistletoe State Park wilderness guide
State Park · GA
Camping Guide

Mistletoe State Park

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the verdant expanses of Mistletoe State Park, where the whispers of the wilderness beckon explorers and serenity seekers alike. As you step into this Geor...

State Park1,9723+ Trails
DesignationState Park
Total Wilderness Area1,972
Elevation / TerrainDiverse Wilderness
Field Editorial Guide

About Mistletoe State Park

Mistletoe State Park is a beautiful natural area in Georgia known for its outdoor recreation, offering ample opportunities for hiking, fishing, and camping around Clarks Hill Lake.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Located in northeast Georgia, Mistletoe State Park spans the shoreline of Clarks Hill Lake, one of the largest lakes in Georgia. The park's diverse habitats include wooded areas and open fields, supporting a variety of wildlife and plant species. Established in 1970, the park offers visitors opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hiking, bird watching, and fishing. The park's historical significance is linked to the construction of the dam that created Clarks Hill Lake in the mid-20th century. Mistletoe State Park's landscape makes it an appealing destination for nature lovers, anglers, and families looking for a scenic retreat by the water. The park has a variety of trails catering to all skill levels, and several picnic areas are available for day use. Its campground allows visitors to extend their stay and fully enjoy the park's natural beauty.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Mistletoe State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Fishing in Clarks Hill Lake, known for its bass and crappie populations✦ Hiking trails with views of the lake and forest✦ The park's nature center offering educational programs✦ Picnic areas with scenic lake views
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Mistletoe State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Activity Field GuideMistletoe State Park

Camping in Mistletoe State Park

Discovering the Enchanting Wilderness of Mistletoe State Park: A Camper's Guide

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the verdant expanses of Mistletoe State Park, where the whispers of the wilderness beckon explorers and serenity seekers alike. As you step into this Georgian haven, the forest seems to breathe with life around you. Towering pines stand like ancient guardians beneath the sky, their swaying branches weaving tales of time gone by. Here, every step taken is an invitation to escape the ordinary, to wander into a realm where nature reigns supreme and adventure is merely a heartbeat away.

Camping in Mistletoe State Park offers an experience both rugged and rejuvenating. The park boasts two distinct camping areas, catering to those who prefer the comfort of modern amenities and the purists who relish sleeping under the stars. The fully-equipped campsites come with electricity and water, ideal for families or groups looking to enjoy the outdoors without forgoing convenience. For those yearning to connect more intimately with nature, the primitive camping sites offer seclusion and rustic charm, nestled along the rippling edges of Clarks Hill Lake.

As the sun begins to dip beyond the horizon, painting the sky with strokes of amber and violet, the park reveals its true magic. The gentle waves of Clarks Hill Lake lap rhythmically against the shore, a symphony that soothes and exhilarates simultaneously. In this tranquil setting, casting a fishing line has never felt more rewarding. The lake, sprawling with bass and catfish, invites anglers to test their skills and patience amidst an environment that echoes with tranquility.

The park's trail network weaves through forested corridors and alongside picturesque woodlands, offering hikers a variety of paths to tread. Each trail, marked and maintained, invites the adventurer to discover secluded groves and panoramic vistas. You might find yourself cradled by the dense embrace of oak and hickory, their leaves murmuring secrets to those who will listen. Keen observers may catch glimpses of deer grazing silently or red-tailed hawks cutting through the azure skies above.

For those who prefer their adventures on two wheels, the park offers biking paths that carve through the undulating terrain, challenging enthusiasts to feel the pulse of the land beneath their wheels. Each pedal push brings a new view: a sunlit clearing here, a shaded woodland stretch there, painting a moving picture of nature’s prowess.

Returning to camp as evening sets in, the warmth of a well-kindled fire becomes the heart of gatherings. Friends and families share stories and laughter, the crackling flames reflecting in their eyes spilling warmth and camaraderie. As twilight deepens, the call of the wild lulls guests into a peaceful rest, punctuated by the distant call of a night owl and the gentle rustling of leaves.

Preparing for a camping trip in Mistletoe State Park requires both anticipation and foresight. Packing adequate gear—whether hiking boots for the trails or lanterns for night-time illumination—is paramount. Hydration is key, especially during longer hikes. Ensuring your food supplies are secure deters curious wildlife from joining your campsite uninvited.

Mistletoe State Park is more than just a destination; it’s a spirited adventure waiting to unfold at every turn, a place where the rhythm of life slows and the boundless beauty of nature refreshes the soul. Whether you seek a lively reunion under the stars or a solitary retreat amid the trees, this captivating enclave delivers a unique tapestry of experiences to satisfy the heart of every explorer.

Other Available Activity Guides in Mistletoe State Park:
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Mistletoe State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

State park fee or Georgia State Parks pass required

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Mistletoe State Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Mistletoe Campground

Located near the lake, offering electric and water hookups, as well as access to restrooms and showers.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Mistletoe State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Evans, Georgia
⌖ 16.67 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Evans, Georgia

Evans, Georgia offers a peaceful outdoor escape with riverside paddling, easy hiking trails, and vibrant community parks. Perfect for families and outdoor lovers seeking a low-key southern adventure just outside Augusta.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Grovetown, Georgia
⌖ 17.25 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Grovetown, Georgia

Grovetown, Georgia is a quiet town perfect for easy hiking, biking, and paddling near the Savannah River. With greenways and parks close by, it’s great for outdoor lovers seeking low-key water and land adventures.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
North Augusta, South Carolina
⌖ 26.16 miles
Gateway Basecamp

North Augusta, South Carolina

North Augusta offers easy access to river trails, paddling, and green park spaces perfect for family-friendly outdoor adventures. Its riverside vibe and mild seasons make it ideal for hiking, biking, fishing, and birding.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Edgefield, South Carolina
⌖ 28.11 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Edgefield, South Carolina

Edgefield, SC offers a quiet outdoor escape with hiking, biking, and paddling along scenic rivers and trails. Enjoy bird watching, fishing, and camping in this historic town surrounded by rolling countryside.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Hephzibah, Georgia
⌖ 28.32 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Hephzibah, Georgia

Hephzibah, Georgia offers quiet outdoor adventures with hiking, paddling, and fishing in a rural setting near the Savannah River. Ideal for travelers seeking less crowded nature experiences in spring and fall.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Graniteville, South Carolina
⌖ 33.83 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Graniteville, South Carolina

Graniteville is a quiet South Carolina town offering peaceful paddling on the Savannah River, easy hiking trails, and friendly bird watching spots. This historic mill town suits travelers seeking calm outdoor escapes with a touch of local history.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Mistletoe State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Swimming Pool
ADVEXPEDITION
Augusta, Georgia
Water ActivitiesADV Bookable

Swimming Pool

Looking for a refreshing water adventure in Augusta? Enjoy flexible hours at an Olympic-sized swimming pool with expert lifeguards, perfect for both exercise and relaxation.

Water ActivitiesTotal Capacity: 115 People • 3, 6, 9, and 12 Hour Options • Certified Adult RequiredCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Spanish Exploration & European Settlement Tour
ADVEXPEDITION
Augusta, Georgia
History TourADV Bookable

Spanish Exploration & European Settlement Tour

Experience Augusta’s Savannah River like never before on a thrilling 2.5-hour jet ski tour exploring Spanish and Civil War history. Join an expert guide for captivating stories and stunning views.

History TourUp to 2.5 hours • Up to 3 people per jet skiCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Let’s Just Ride
ADVEXPEDITION
Augusta, Georgia
Photography TourADV Bookable

Let’s Just Ride

Experience the thrill of a private jet ski photography tour on the scenic Savannah River in Augusta, Georgia. Capture breathtaking moments while enjoying an exclusive, guided ride.

Photography TourUp to 1 hour • 3 people per jet skiCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Behind The Scenes At The AMH
ADVEXPEDITION
Augusta, Georgia
Guided TourADV Bookable

Behind The Scenes At The AMH

Step beyond traditional museum visits with an exclusive look at artifact care at the Augusta Museum of History. Discover how archives preserve family treasures and historical relics during intimate backstage tours.

Guided TourCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
1860s Candlelight Christmas at the Boyhood Home of Woodrow Wilson
ADVEXPEDITION
Augusta, Georgia
History TourADV Bookable

1860s Candlelight Christmas at the Boyhood Home of Woodrow Wilson

A seasonal walk-through of the Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson in Augusta, decorated with candles, music, refreshments, and children’s activities — this guide lays out what to expect at the Candlelight Christmas event.

History TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip