Fort Yargo State Park, Winder: Hours, Address, Fort Yargo State Park Reviews: 4.5/5
Fort Yargo State Park
Fort Yargo State Park
4.5
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Fort Yargo State Park and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
82 within 3 miles

Rancho Viejo Cantina & Terrace
10
0.8 mi$$ - $$$ • Mexican

Papa Johns Pizza
1
1.2 mi
Hong Kong Restaurant
9
1.3 mi$ • Chinese

Little Italy Pizza
92
1.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Pizza • Vegetarian Friendly
ATLF34
6
1.3 miAmerican

OShucks Seafood and Grill
95
1.5 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Seafood • Gluten Free Options

Golden Corral
57
1.4 mi$$ - $$$ • American

Inoko Japanese Steakhouse
18
1.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Steakhouse • Asian

Señor Tequila Mexican Grill
13
1.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Mexican

Casey's
101
1.8 mi$ • Quick Bites • American
Attractions
8 within 6 miles

Victor Lord Park
3
1.2 miHiking Trails • Jogging Paths & Tracks
Colleen O. Williams Theater
5
1.7 miTheaters

Jug Tavern Park
1
1.6 miParks • Jogging Paths & Tracks

Veterans Commemorative Park
1
1.6 miParks

Barrow County Museum
5
1.8 miHistory Museums

City Pond Park
1
Bodies of Water • Parks

Pine Shore Park
1
Parks • Jogging Paths & Tracks

Innovation Ampitheater
4
Theaters
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
206 reviews
Excellent
114
Very good
68
Average
18
Poor
3
Terrible
3
John L
Forsyth, GA11 contributions
Family
I used to come here for mountain bike riding around 2003-07 but had never camped here. I really like this park, so when we decided to camp here I was super excited. Brought some additional family and had a great weekend. The sites are well spaced and maintained with the end result being a very quiet and enjoyable campground. Hiking, biking and lake activities are fantastic. However, the beach area could use some improvement. Apparently anyone who pays a day use fee can come to the same beach and picnic area as campers. So we had to share this area with probably around +300 other families. This was still not a deal killer as there were lifeguards and DNR officers on site, but I would have enjoyed the access to the lake a lot better if the attendance had not been so high. Maybe a separate beach area for campers only would be a solution. Anyways, great park! Plenty of outdoor activities and amenities. We will definitely be back!
Written July 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Happyness
57 contributions
Friends
The hiking trail was a bit much for me, because I was super out of shape. But other than that, the scenery was so beautiful and the air smelled sweet. I saw a turtle, spider (it was HUGE) and so many ant hills (so be careful.. You have been warned). Also, there were so many of those tiny little beetles which I thought were some kind of tick.. Thank goodness they weren't.. But there were so so so many of them. They would cling on to your clothes, hair and sometimes your face. One almost flew into my mouth. Luckily, I closed it just in time.. Eeew! The lake water is dirty, so I don't recommend swimming. Kayaking/Canoeing is fine. Fishing is ok (must have fishing license) but you can't fish on the bridge (because of the pandemic, I'm assuming). Great place for family outings and small picnics. Great place to take pictures, too. No collecting wild plants/flowers and rocks are allowed in the park. What really urked me was that people weren't being considerate.. Meaning they didn't have any face masks on. Please put them on or just don't come outside. Don't spread it! That's all.
Written October 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Itinerant_Foodies
Greensboro, NC587 contributions
This park has a very nice campground areas with quite a few that border the lake. There are wonderful hiking trails, some of which are shared with mountain bikes. We did both and the only disappointment during our visit was when we tried to bike the "yellow" trail. We were just handed a map when we checked in but it turned out that we had to switch to the blue ("experienced mountain bikers only") trail for several total miles due to construction of both land and bridge areas. Construction is fine but we wish we would have known since neither of us are super technical riders and some of the blue trail is definitely difficult. Otherwise, we had a great time and enjoyed the hiking and relaxing. Without construction, the biking trails would be excellent!
Written April 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Steve Y
Atlanta, GA157 contributions
Family
Went fishing on it’s small lake on Thursday with my son. Never could see anything alive in the lake due to poor clarity. Lots of pollen & other stuff in lake made it look a little gruesome. We caught a fairly good size catfish (18”) in the lake but that was it. Moderate activity around the lake with plenty of campers, beach goers and other tourists hiking. It is a small but beautiful park just that the lake could use a clean-up sometime soon.
Written March 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Zach D
Orange Park, FL117 contributions
Family
We stayed two nights and it wasn’t enough! When we come back next tome we will stay a minimum of three nights so we can go and do more. The new park entrance is gorgeous, as it truly sets the ton for what’s to come. The fishing was fantastic and the water was nice and cool. We can’t wait to come back next time!!
Written April 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ron
Savannah, GA630 contributions
Couples
We hiked 7 mile trail this morning. It was a fairly easy trail around the lake. Unfortunately had to share it with bikers. Our dog did not appreciate that. The log fort was a surprise. This is not how I pictured it. Quite small.
Written May 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
selbel
Atlanta, GA28 contributions
We stayed in a Yurt (like a circular tent with wooden floors, skylight, and cabin style furniture) and it was AMAZING! Yurt number 2 is right on the lake - you sit on your deck and the lake is right there, sun blazing on the water - it's so special. My 2 year old fed the fish right off our deck! (We have stayed in an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora (Tahiti) and this is as close as we'll get to that again without travelling far!!). I was blown away at how lovely this place was! It sleeps 4 comfortably and has electricity - we took the crock pot to make some meals. There is a fire pit outside for smores and a grill (but the grill was really black!) and your own table and benches to eat at - with a view to the lake. I wish there had been a fridge - we kept everything fresh in a cooler! (There are stores close by the Park to get supplies).
We did a 7 mile hike around the lake and it was beautiful - we stopped at the beach for a couple of hours - just perfect! There's a Fort to visit (although it's more like a house!) and animals and nature spotting abound! a fantastic place for a weekend or even a week!
In my opinion Yurt number 2 has the best location as you can see straight across the lake with an unobstructed view - number 1 would be fine too - just not as full a view - and number 3 has a nice outside eating area. Yurt 4 and 5 don;t have a great view - although on the water they overlook the campers on the other side of the lake (which is very narrow at this point ) - so not much privacy.
There are canoes under the Yurt which are fun to rent for $6 for the weekend - they are difficult to get out as they are heavy - but so much fun when on the water!
I would highly recommend staying in a Yurt - and we'll be back!
We did a 7 mile hike around the lake and it was beautiful - we stopped at the beach for a couple of hours - just perfect! There's a Fort to visit (although it's more like a house!) and animals and nature spotting abound! a fantastic place for a weekend or even a week!
In my opinion Yurt number 2 has the best location as you can see straight across the lake with an unobstructed view - number 1 would be fine too - just not as full a view - and number 3 has a nice outside eating area. Yurt 4 and 5 don;t have a great view - although on the water they overlook the campers on the other side of the lake (which is very narrow at this point ) - so not much privacy.
There are canoes under the Yurt which are fun to rent for $6 for the weekend - they are difficult to get out as they are heavy - but so much fun when on the water!
I would highly recommend staying in a Yurt - and we'll be back!
Written October 29, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Connie P
Buford, GA1 contribution
We camped at Fort Yargo In winder in August with our 9 grandchildren we got there on Thursday and Left on Sunday.They waited til Saturday nite to tell us we had to many kids on one site,so we had to purchase another site (for the 14 and 13 yr olds) and Pack up tents in the dark for less than 24hrs to stay on The Bees and Bugs were horrible. The Host kept comming by and telling us what we could not do.We felt like we were at a Natzi camp.It is not for Families and if you don't have a fancy RV you are shunned.I will never camp there again and will be sure to not recommend it to anyone.
Written August 14, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
sweetsoutherngirl
Atlanta, GA5 contributions
Family
Stayed in yurt 3 for two nights. Yurt 2,3,4 have the best views. Yurt 2 is out on a point which has the best views. Avoid yurt 5. Very close to the entrance and overlooks shallow, muddy water. The grounds are beautiful, very well maintained. The cots are hard so next time I plan on bringing foam pads. We made the mistake of renting a paddle boat for $30 dollars a day but when you check in be sure to ask for the $6 dollar a day canoe that is stored under your yurt. Great little fishing lake, we caught alot of bass and had a wonderful time. You can hear trains go by every hour during the night, I loved the sound, Husband not so much. Be sure to bring a bike, the trails are amazing. I hope to return in late summer when the colors are changing.
Written June 15, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lauren M
11 contributions
Family
Came for a picnic, fishing and pedal boats. Wished I could find more information online so I posted some pictures of the rental rates they had listed. Beautiful state park for families to spend time together and get back to nature.
Written June 13, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Any bears in Fort Yargo campground? We will be in a tent.
Itinerant_Foodies
Greensboro, NC587 contributions
We never saw or heard of any while we were there but they certainly could be there. I'd suggest calling the park to check.
ladeeofthelake
Newberry, FL47 contributions
What local restaurants do you recommend?
jenlchis
43 contributions
To support the local places: O'Shuck's has great seafood and typical American food. Little Italy and Smokin' Po Boys in downtown Winder are both really good. Both Friends locations are ok. Applebees is good. Ruby Tuesday always has a great salad bar.
Do you need a fishing license
Ron
Savannah, GA630 contributions
If you are GA resident annual fishing license is very cheap.
Don’t count on no one checking.
It once almost cost me $200. I got away with warning since it was July 4th.
Shellyspoeth
6 contributions
Do they rent life jackets?
Erika O
Dacula, Georgia22 contributions
Yes they do.
Is there electricity at the tent sites? We need our fan to sleep!
Erika O
Dacula, Georgia22 contributions
Yes
tknatt1
Loganville, GA
Do we need our own sheets for yurts? What size for yurt number 1, traveling this weekend
Susan H
1 contribution
How long can you stay in a particular camp spot?
metflorida
Bradenton, FL70 contributions
I looked it up on Georgia State Parks web-site. Its 14 days. you must leave for 3 days and then you can stay another 14 days.
jessi b
Atlanta, GA43 contributions
Do any of the pet friendly adventure cabins have a lake view?
PizzaAndBeerLovr
Bethlehem, GA
You may be able to see the lake through the trees from some of them, but they are a hundred yards or so from the lake, with some woods between the cabins and the waterline. Cabin #13 probably has the best view of the lake. If you are going soon, say hi to the awesome hosts, James and Cheryl. They can tel you where everything is, and give directions to anything else in the area you may want to see,or point you to the better grocery stores.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fort Yargo State Park
- Fort Yargo State Park is open:
- Sun - Sat 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- We recommend booking Fort Yargo State Park tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Fort Yargo State Park tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Fort Yargo State Park:
- (1.69 mi) Holiday Inn Express Bethlehem, an IHG Hotel
- (9.90 mi) Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Braselton, GA
- (1.90 mi) Quality Inn
- (1.58 mi) Jameson Inn Winder
- (9.95 mi) Holiday Inn Express & Suites Braselton West
- Restaurants near Fort Yargo State Park:
- (1.76 mi) Casey's
- (0.81 mi) Rancho Viejo Cantina & Terrace
- (1.73 mi) Speedy Burrito
- (1.77 mi) Smoking Po Boys BBQ Restaurant
- (1.52 mi) OShucks Seafood and Grill
- Attractions near Fort Yargo State Park:
- (1.18 mi) Victor Lord Park
- (1.68 mi) Colleen O. Williams Theater
- (1.63 mi) Jug Tavern Park
- (1.64 mi) Veterans Commemorative Park
- (1.77 mi) Barrow County Museum