July News from Georgia's State Parks & Historic Sites Georgia Department of Natural Resources sent this bulletin at 06/29/2016 02:05 PM EDT Celebrating our 85th Anniversary in 2016 July 2016 Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. > IN THIS ISSUE: New Cabins, July 4th, Camping Discounts, Site-Specific Reservations Celebrate the 4th of July in Georgia's State Parks From cookouts to campouts, we'll help you celebrate Independence Day in a big way. Rent a cabin or campsite and you can spend the long weekend enjoying Georgia's beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. You'll find events such as old-timey games and musket firings, plus sandy swimming beaches to keep you cool. You can even hear a reading of the Declaration of Independence at Jarrell Plantation. Remember that fireworks are not allowed inside state parks, but many parks are near community fireworks. Panola Mountain State Park has planned a July 4th night hike to enjoy Atlanta-area fireworks from atop the granite mountain (reservations required). Park Activities Instagram Contest Start snapping and you could win a two-night camping getaway. Our new Instagram contest invites you to post photos of Hidden Gems found in Georgia's State Parks and Historic Sites. Tag #GeorgiasHiddenGems and #GaStateParks plus include the park location. A winner will be chosen September 1. To start your photo quest, pick from this list of Georgia State Park Hidden Gems, like the Mayflower at Roosevelt's Little White House or the marble mine at James H. Floyd. New Cabins & Campsites Hard Labor Creek State Park in Rutledge boasts newly renovated cabins and campsites, plus a new, accessible mini-golf course. Visitors can explore many miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Laze away at the sandy swimming beach or test your skills on the challenging golf course. Reservations are being accepted now for getaways to this park just east of Atlanta. (If Lake Allatoona is more your style, check out the new cabin at Red Top Mountain State Park.) Park Paddlers Club Ready for a water-soaked challenge? Join our Park Paddlers Club and you'll explore six beautiful waterways, from the marshes of Crooked River to the mysterious Okefenokee Swamp. Get your membership card punched after paddling each trail and you'll earn a members-only t-shirt. Kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards are available for rent at most of the state parks, and members can bring their own as well. Upcoming Events July 4, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Cannons Across the Marsh Join the garrison for a day of artillery drills, musket firings and soldier's life activities in honor of Independence Day. Free watermelon and lemonade will be served at the oldest English fort remaining on Georgia's coast. From 1721 until 1736, Fort King George was the southern outpost of the British Empire in North America. $4.50-$7.50. 912-437-4770 Fort King George Historic Site, Darien July 4, 11 a.m. 3 p.m. Independence Day Colonial Faire Celebrate the 4th of July with colonial games and skills, prizes, music, musket and cannon firings, and family friendly activities. You'll also learn about this fort's importance during the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and other conflicts. $1 $4.50. 912-884-5999 Fort Morris Historic Site, Midway Saturday, July 16, 1:30 - 3 p.m Liberty Bell Pool Party: FDR's Hidden Gem Bring your swimsuit to this historic pool built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Drop by the park ranger's Discovery Table to learn about area history and wildlife, then join a hunt for hidden rock treasures. Additional July events include swimming lessons, frog hikes, kids' fishing days and more. $5 includes swimming, plus $5 parking. 706-663-4858. F.D. Roosevelt State Park - Pine Mountain Featured Deal Save 50% on Camping This August Georgia's State Parks are offering a 50% discount on RV and tent camping this August. Campers who stay in June or July get a promo code to redeem later this summer. It's a great excuse to explore a new part of Georgia. The offer cannot be combined with any other discounts but can be used at any participating Georgia State Park. Dog lovers, your family pet is welcome in our campgrounds. Insider Tip: Site-specific reservations will be available at four state parks beginning August 1. Soon you'll be able to request your favorite campsite number and be sure it's still available when you arrive. The entire campground at James H. Floyd (Summerville) and Richard B. Russell (Elberton) will be site-specific, while select sections of Reed Bingham (Adel) and Laura S. Walker (Waycross) will be site-specific. Mark your calendars for August 1 to make new reservations.