Inns, Lodges, Resorts
April 2020
Photos courtesy of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites Division
When targeting the fishing in Watson Mill Pond, it likely will make you want to stay and experience that magical place for more than just a day. Fortunately, the accommodations at George L. Smith State Park can make that a reality.
In the park’s full-service campground with 24 RV/tent sites providing water and electric hookups, you’ll also find restrooms with flush toilets, showers and even a laundry. The campground is open year-round and sites can be reserved.
If camping is too rustic for your tastes, no problem. The park also boasts eight rental cottages as well. They have a living room, dining area, two bedrooms with linens, two full bathrooms and a kitchen equipped with a stove, toaster, microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker with filters and all cooking utensils. Central heat, air conditioning and fireplaces also are provided. Firewood can be purchased at the park office.
Each cabin also has a screened back porch, picnic table, and backyard grill. If you are not trying to get away from civilization, you have Dish Network TV and a DVD at your disposal.
Four of the cabins are conveniently located near the park office, while the others are near the new boat ramp on the upper portion of the mill pond, offering a more secluded feel. Two cabins are ADA accessible, while two others are maintained as dog-friendly.
The close proximity to the shore of the pond of all of the cabins provides great views of cypress filled waters. That makes the screened porches ideal places to unwind after a day on the water. Each of the cabin bedrooms features two beds. Thus, they can accommodate four individual anglers, four couples or larger family groups.
Other attractions within the park are hiking and mountain biking on the 3.3-mile Deer Run Trail or 2.7-mile Upper Loop Trail, doing a bit of geocaching heading out for bit of birding or taking a canoe, kayak or Aquacycle for a ride on the mill pond. You might want to also wander through the old mill display within the covered bridge at the pond dam.
The best way to get the full experience at George L. Smith is to take advantage of the accommodation options, while including a day of enjoying the park with a few days of fly fishing on the historic old mill pond.
