Reviews

Renee Labombarda

This is a beautiful park. Weather was questionable, so couldn't explore very far. We are planning to return in the spring and stay at the equestrian area! We can't wait!

Ruslana Studio

Hard Labor Creek State Park in Georgia is one of those places that makes you forget about Wi-Fi and remember how good pine-scented air feels in your lungs. Nestled in a quiet forest near Rutledge, this park is a true gem for anyone who loves peace, nature, and a little adventure. The scenery is pure Georgia charm—towering pines, mirror-still lakes, and hiking trails that wind through lush, whispering woods. The park offers everything from peaceful walks and lake views to more active options like kayaking, fishing, mountain biking, and even horseback riding. If you’re into camping, the campsites are clean, spacious, and surrounded by enough trees to give you real privacy (and some good shade on those hot summer days). There’s also a golf course tucked right into the forest, which makes for one of the most scenic games you’ll ever play. One of the best parts is how calm and uncrowded it feels—even on weekends, it never loses its relaxed, nature-first vibe. Whether you come to hike the trails, photograph the sunrise over Lake Rutledge, or just sit by the water listening to frogs and crickets, Hard Labor Creek State Park delivers that perfect escape from everyday noise. A true hidden treasure in Georgia’s heartland.

DAI

Great place, not crowded at all. The downside to minimal human traffic, the spiders were next level. The worst I've ever experienced. Not something that should prevent people from enjoying an easy walk in the woods, just be prepared!!

soul6923

We spent 8 nights here. What a phenomenal park. We were so relaxed listening to the quiet and nature. We had full hook up and our site was nice and big. My husband loved we barely had any phone service, but it drived me nuts lol We were able to go up to the front store and use the Wi-Fi there. Will definitely stay again.

Scott Machen

Absolutely beautiful campgrounds. This is one of the better parks I’ve been to. Rangers where super nice one ranger drove by our campsite every morning we waved and she waved back. Most of the people in our area left Sunday so we had our area to our selves. Well kept park. It is a dead zone for T-Mobile. But other than that great place to camp for sure.

John and Jessi

It's all lovely but in regards to the Horse/equestrian Park which is where we spend most of our time: the stalls are clean, safe secure. They really put the horses first. There's an enclosure around the three stables to keep non-owners away from the horses and to make sure escape artists don't get anywhere. The camp hosts are horse people and look out for the horses and are able to assist in an emergency and answer intelligent horse questions. All that ridiculousness of non horsey people causing problems in equestrian sites campgrounds and making it unsafe for horse campers, that doesn't happen here. Everybody has to yield to the horses, per the law. Kids can't ride their bikes around horses, per the law. Everybody is kept safe. The sites are huge. All but one of them is a pull-through. The horse trails are great. Of course, there's always new trees falling everyday and it's hard for maintenance to maintain trails while there's horses on them so they just shut down and repair one section at a time. However, we've been all over the US and this is far better than most places. I'm actually going to say it's one of the better places we've ever been. I think they are over 30 miles of trails if you ride it all. The grades aren't crazy but you will wear a horse out and I would suggest shoes or boots. The bathrooms aren't new but they're always clean. There's firewood and stall bedding available to purchase right in camp so you don't have to go anywhere. The prices are super reasonable and the quality is high. IF CAMPING ISNT YOUR THING, you don't have to stay in the equestrian campground to keep your horses in the stalls. If you rent a cottage you can keep the horses in stalls. Stall locks are provided and in emergencies the camp host and emergency staff are equipped to get them to safety while you're on your way. Also, trail passes are available for purchase for day riders. There are dozens of day riders passing through but the park is big enough you rarely run into each other on the trail. I believe the day passes are like $5, but we bought annual passes that are good at every Georgia Horse Park for $70. I would guesstimate there are tens of thousands of day riders that come through here annually. Day riders are welcome to ask the camp hosts questions, use the restroom/comfort facilities in the campground, and there's water available for the horses. I recently learned the day use area is set up for a highline, although horses must be in stalls overnight. Note that no horses are permitted in the campground at any time for any reason. Apparently Georgia law is really strict on that. You can bring them up to the comfort station next to the stables and leave them at a tie post next to the mounting block but that's as far as they can go. Non-Horse people are welcome to camp here. It's super tranquil and basically everybody we've met has been super nice. Just know that you can't interact with horses that you don't own and the law says everybody has to yield to horses, even pedestrians and kids. Little known pro tip: Per Georgia law (not campground rules) failure to yield to horses results in financial and criminal liability. Just know that this campground was meant for horses and horse trailers/horse camping rigs, so sites are massive but the electric is only 30 amp. We really love it here, with and without the horses. Our dogs love it. They would stay out all day and all night if we let them. The park rangers will talk to you if your dogs are off leash or barking excessively, But that hasn't been an issue for us and the sites are far enough apart that we haven't had any problems. You really don't hear your neighbors and you barely see them.

Bethann Benson

Very nice campground! We enjoyed our time there! Very hilly and quiet! Well definitely come back! 😁

Justin Gregory

This Georgia State Park is a little off the I-20 beaten path...but worth the trip. This one is a little bit more "wooded" as there is plenty of trees covering the hiking trails. 2 lakes run through the walking trails with equestrian trails for those folks that have horses, with plenty of cottages and cabins available for overnight stays. Very kid-friendly, as there is miniature golf, a playground and plenty of covered picnic ares. For nature enthusiasts that will be in/around Atlanta, this is a MUST see....

Jim Tiller

Well-maintained park with dedicated mountain bike trails, a mini-golf course, a few spots on the water, renovated cabin, and friendly staff. Try the Caboose for breakfast nearby.

Mary Beth Hartsfield

Spent 2 days there, stayed in the campground, #38. Beautiful park, very clean. Kayaked both days. Caught a small bass my first day. Bathrooms were clean. Very well kept park. Needs to said....one bar of signal on phone service. You can text but not send pics or get internet. I had to drive to Rutledge to get any signal.