ATLANTA — Just in time for sleeping-under-the-stars season, Georgia’s State Parks are offering a chance to make outdoor getaways even more exciting.
Now through May 25 park visitors who spend a night in a lodge room, cottage, campground or yurt are entered for a chance to win a Coachman Spirit of America RVI from Mid State RV Center in Byron or camping gear from outdoor specialty store REI.
"Spring is the season when people start thinking about outdoor getaways, so we wanted to make it easy for state park visitors to stay overnight and enjoy even more of the great outdoors," park system’s marketing and communications manager Sally Winchester said. "With a wide range of affordable accommodations, we have something to suit every family member, even the family dog."
The Get Outdoors Getaway promotion is part of the park system’s Get Outdoors Georgia program. Launched in 2008, it encourages citizens to get off the sofa and into the great outdoors. Park visitors will get a chance to tour the travel trailer, win REI camping gear and learn about Georgia’s recreational offerings at family-friendly events this spring:
• This Saturday’s Earth Fest at Skidaway Island State Park in Savannah will include a river cleanup, recycling games and prizes for kids, hayrides, a scavenger hunt, crafts, music, green vendors and more.
• May 2 at George T. Bagby State Park & Lodge in Fort Gaines you can enjoy boating and fishing without the crowds on sparkling Lake Walter F. George.
• May 9 at Little Ocmulgee State Parks & Lodge in Helena, go birding along a pretty lake or tee off at the park’s golf course.
• May 16 at F.D. Roosevelt State Park in Pine Mountain, explore creeks, boulders and scenic overlooks along the Pine Mountain Trail, then visit the former president’s favorite picnic spot, Dowdell’s Knob.
• May 22 at Red Top Mountain State Park & Lodge in Cartersville, Kicks 101.5 FM will broadcast live from 5-7 p.m. and visitors can win memberships to Friends of Georgia State Parks, overnight stays, annual passes and more.
Georgia’s 48 state parks are operated by the Department of Natural Resources and offer 2,476 campsites, 414 lodge rooms, 30 cottages and 12 yurts. Reservations can be made at www.GeorgiaStateParks.org or by calling 1-800-864-7275. "Get Outdoors Getaway" contest rules and entry information can be found at www.GeorgiaStateParks.org.