Save
You must be signed in to save park lists.
Your Park Lists
add New List
Add Photo
You must be signed in to add photos.
state route ranger badge
Georgia
23

Georgia State Parks

responsive menu icon
USA Parks
Georgia
Georgia Coast Region
Crooked River State Park
start slideshow
Crooked River State Park View through twisted branches by St. Marys photogr © Jackie DeBusk
A view from Sempervirens trail at Crooked River State Park is framed by natures artistically twisted branches
Crooked River State Park © Claudia Merkler
Crooked River State Park Tree on Sempervirens Trail by Saint Marys, GA Phot © Jackie DeBusk
Distinctive tree contrasted with palmettos stands out on Sempervirens Trail at Crooked River State Park
Search
Availability
Calendars
Availability Search
CROOKED RIVER STATE PARK
CROOKED RIVER STATE PARK
6222 Charlie Smith Sr. Highway
St. Marys, Georgia   31558

Phone: 912-882-5256
Reservations: 800-864-7275
Located on Georgia?s Colonial Coast, this park offers cozy facilities in a beautiful setting. Campsites are surrounded by Spanish moss-draped oaks, while cottages are set near the river. A nature trail winds through maritime forest and salt marsh, and hikers may see gopher tortoises, fiddler crabs, herons and other coastal birds. The park?s nature center features fish, snakes, turtles and other animals native to this part of Georgia. A boat ramp is popular with anglers who often take to the water before sunrise. Birding enthusiasts will enjoy the large bird blind that provides close views of painted buntings, redwing black birds and other species. Visitors may venture to the nearby ruins of the tabby ?McIntosh Sugar Works? mill, built around 1825 and later used as a starch factory during the Civil War. Nearby is the ferry and visitor center for famous Cumberland Island National Seashore known for wild horses and mansion ruins.
History of the Area
Located in St. Marys, Georgia, the park was established in 1985 and spans over 500 acres of coastal land. It is named after the Crooked River which it borders on its western side.

The area has a rich history with evidence suggesting Native American habitation dating back thousands of years before European settlers arrived.

In colonial times, this region became part of British territory following their victory against Spain for control over Florida during Queen Anne's War (1702-1713).

During World War II, nearby areas were used as naval bases due to strategic location near Atlantic Ocean shipping lanes.

Today the park offers various recreational activities including camping sites and hiking trails while preserving local wildlife habitats.

Camping
- Tent Camping: The park offers 62 tent campsites with water and electricity.
- RV Camping: There are 50 pull-through sites for recreational vehicles, all equipped with full hookups.
- Pioneer Campground: A primitive camping area is available for large groups up to 150 people.
- Camper Cabins: Six fully-equipped camper cabins can accommodate six persons each; pets allowed in select units only.
- Cottage Rentals: Park has three-bedroom cottage rentals that sleep eight comfortably; two of them allow dogs.


Boating
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. There is an on-site boat ramp that provides easy access to the river, perfect for those who bring their own boats or kayaks. Boat rentals are also available within the park if you don't have your own equipment. For fishing enthusiasts, there's ample opportunity with plentiful saltwater and freshwater species in the area.

Fishing
Anglers can enjoy saltwater fishing, targeting species like red drum, flounder and spotted sea trout. Freshwater options include catfish and largemouth bass. Fishing from the shore or a boat is possible with two boat ramps available for use. A pier extends into the river providing another great spot to cast your line.


Location
Crooked River State Park is located near Fernandina Beach, Kingsland and Saint Marys

Picnicking
Crooked River State Park offers picnic tables, grills and pavilions. Enjoy a meal surrounded by nature's beauty and wildlife.
Bicycling
Cycling enthusiasts can enjoy 4 miles of paved roads. Be cautious, as these paths are shared with motorists.

The park also offers a dedicated bike trail for off-road biking. It's important to wear helmets and follow safety guidelines here.

For those seeking more adventure, the Sandhill Trail is an option but requires advanced cycling skills due to its rugged terrain.

Remember that wildlife encounters may occur during your ride so always be alert and respectful towards them.

Ensure you have adequate water supplies before embarking on any rides in this area due to hot weather conditions often experienced there.

Please note: all cyclists must adhere strictly to the park rules at all times for their own safety.

Trails
PALMETTO TRAIL

This 1.5-mile trail introduces you to the south Georgia Pine Flatwoods. An ecosystem whose 98% decline is one of the most severe of any ecosystem on earth. Fire is essential for maintaining this rare ecosystem dominated by Longleaf Pine, Saw Palmetto, and Wire Grass. Its plants and animals are well adapted to periodic low intensity fires. The open woods are ideal for bird watching in early morning and before sunset while the sandy soil is great for tracking wildlife. Common birds are Eastern Towhee, Blue Birds, Nuthatch, Osprey, many woodpeckers, and warblers. Many fruit bearing plants can be found in the understory such as Blueberries, Muscadine Grapes, Catbrier, Sparkleberry, Wax Myrtle, and Gull Berry. Endangered species such as the Gopher Tortoise and the Eastern Indigo Snake depend on this habitat for survival.

SEMPERVIRENS TRAIL

As you walk along the trail you will notice the old growth hardwoods, which give this trail the name Sempervirens. Follow the trail back and you will notice the forest becoming more dense. Large oak, cherry, and hickory trees make up the canopy along the nature loop portion of the trail. The calcium-rich soil that nurtures these large hardwoods comes from oyster shells left behind by the Native Americans of this area. Over time the oyster shells have been decomposing and depositing calcium into the soil.

Other plants and trees that grow in the rich soil include: Southern Magnolia, Godfrey Swamp Privet, Red Cedar, American Basswood, and Yaupon Holly. The Sempervirens Trail also boasts 5 Georgia State Champion trees: the Staggerbush Lyonia, Florida Soapberry, Myrtle Oak, Chapman Oak, and Carolina Holly.

As you leave the dense hardwoods and continue into the pine-oak forest, you may encounter a gopher tortoise ? Georgia?s state reptile. They prefer the sandy soils to dig their burrows and the low growing grasses to feed on. Other animals that can be spotted along the Sempervirens include: armadillos, feral hogs, raccoons, and orb weaver spiders.

The Sempervirens Trail also offers a birding platform. The platform provides a good view of the salt marsh as well as an opportunity to look for birds. Some of the birds you may see include: Great Egrets, Great Blue Herons, Osprey, Pileated Woodpeckers, White-Eyed Vireo, and Warblers.

RIVER TRAIL

This trail is short and sweet. Only a few hundred yards long it winds along the bluff and down into the marsh. It is a beautiful spot for fishing and bird watching. Wood Storks and herons roost in the dead pines overlooking the rivers edge. Sheepshead, Whiting, Trout, Black Drum, rays and small sharks can be caught from the shore. This quiet spot overlooks the Crooked River and golden marsh grasses which are famous to Georgia?s coast.

BAY BOARDWALK TRAIL

The boardwalk takes you into a Bay Forest ecosystem. This hardwood and evergreen wetland is dominated by two species of trees; Loblolly and Swamp Bay. Even during the winter months, this bay forest appears as a wall of dark green, dense foliage. Typical swamps in South Georgia contain cypress and gum trees and appear bare and open during winter months. As you enter the Bay Forest, notice how the tree canopy gets taller and thicker, shading the forest floor. During the summer months the shade provided by the trees is noticeably cooler and feels humid.

Although the creek bottom appears mucky the creek water is surprisingly clear, even after heavy rainfall. The water in the creek comes from rainfall and seepage from the surrounding sandy soil of the pine forest. The remains of decaying trees and leaf litter form a layer of peat on the forest floor. This peat layer can be many feet thick. The soil in the Bay Forest is strongly acidic, sandy and high in organic matter. It holds water like a sponge, which enables it to support the many wetland plants that are not found in the surrounding pine forest.
Birding
The park offers a variety of birding options, including the Colonial Coast Birding Trail and guided tours. It's home to diverse species such as bald eagles, woodpeckers, owls and migratory birds. The area is rich in marshlands providing excellent habitats for various waterfowl. Binoculars are available on rent at the Park Office.


Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
October 22 Amazing! by Kat
park review stars; one to five I loved Crooked River! Amazing scenery and at night the stars look truly incredible! I loved how clean everything was and how quiet and calm it was. I am definitely going there again soon!
July 6 one of our favorite!! by Missy
park review stars; one to five We have stayed at several parks and this is our favorite. It is the cleanest and offers the most. Very relaxing and has beautiful scenery. St.Mary's is a beautiful town to visit, and Fernandina is close by to visit.
May 26 Great park by savannah
park review stars; one to five Very relaxing. Enjoyed the fishing and wildlife around the park.
write a review read more reviews
Share On

Area Campgrounds
Country Oaks Campground & Rv
6 Carlton Cemetery Road
Kingsland, GA
912-729-6212
A Big Wheel RV Park
6031 Charlie Smith Sr Highway
St. Marys, GA
912-576-5386
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com
Pets
- Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet at all times.
- Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets and disposing of waste in designated areas.
- No more than two pets per campsite or cabin rental is allowed.
- All pet vaccinations should be current, including rabies shots as required by state law.
- Aggressive dogs may not enter the park; any dog showing aggressive behavior will need to leave immediately.
- Dogs cannot disturb other guests with excessive noise such as barking or howling.

Directions
Located 7 miles north of St. Marys on Ga. Spur 40 or 8 miles east of I-95 exit 3.

state route ranger badge
Georgia
23

Georgia State Parks

X