Richmond Hill State Park is representative of Georgia's coast. A wide variety of communities and habitats exist where land meets water, fresh and salt waters mingle, and hardwoods, pines and palms compose forests that are bordered by salt marsh. Along the shore of the Ogeechee River, the day use area is located in a planted pine forest, typical of Georgia's tree farms. Notice the charred trunks, inclicating controlled burning to eHminate the understory. Ground fires do not damage these pines as they have a thick layer of insulating bark. Adjacent to the pines are large Live Oaks, which are officially our state's tree. They have short but thick trunks and spreading branches that often run parallel to the ground. The causeway to Savage Island crosses a saltmarsh. This type of marsh is typical of Georgia's coastal areas. They are very productive in that nutrients for many fish and shellfish are produced there, and many ocean living fish spawn there. This makes these marshes extremely important ecologic areas, which if filled, drained or polluted, would result in clisastrous, far reaching effects. The camping area is located on Savage Island where several shallow pits may be found. These were dug in Prohibition days to hide whiskey smuggled in by rum-runners from Cuba. The woodlands on the island are dominated by Spanish Moss draped hardwoods , with a mixture of Palmetto Palms and pines. Ljve , Southern Red, and Water Oaks may be found along with many Southern Magnolias which may be identified by their large, waxy, deep green leaves and splotchy Hght bark. The entire island is scented when the Magnolia's white flowers are in bloom. Hickories, Sweetgums, Wild Cherries and American Hollies are found, often with Muscacline vines climbing up into them. All of these produce nuts or berries which feed the birds, raccoons, opossums, and squirrels that abound on this plentiful isle. Smaller trees and shrubs found in the understory include Red Bay, which resembles the Southern Magnolia but has smaller leaves ; the Bayberry with its fragrant leaves and sparkle berry which provides fruit for the birds. Cypress and White Cedars are scattered about the island. Dogwoods are never found in areas that are influenced by salt water so it is not surprising that only one can be found right in the middle of the island. A few ponds allow comparison of fresh water marshes with the salt water marshes which surround the island. In areas that have been recently cleared we may find the triangular shaped Broken Fern which are very tough and have leaves which terminate in a lance shaped tip. Gel)eral Re~ulaticQs ... HOURS : State campgrounds and parks are open year round from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. The only exception is Stephen C. Foster State Park which operates from 5 a.m. to I0 p.m. March through September and from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. October through February. REGISTRATION: Registration with the Park Superintendent is required before setting up camp. No reservations for campsites are accepted before check-in, and only occupancy reserves a site. CHECK-IN TIMES: Camping permits should be obtained before 8 p.m ., and the checkout deadline is 5 p.m. No campsite may be occupied for more than 14 days . CAMPING RATES: All tent and trailer sites are $2.50 per night per site. FACILITIES : All parks have at least one comfort station ~ith flush toilets, hot showers, and wash basins located in each family camping area. Near each campsite is a water faucet, grill , and table. Most parks have electrical hook-ups and dump stations. Dishwashing isn' t permitted at the drinking fountains or in the comfort stations. Garbage should be placed in the designated receptacles. NOT ALLOWED: Alcoholic beverages of all kinds and the possession or use of drugs are strictly prohibited on park premises. Fireworks, firearms , bows and arrows , explosives, slingshots, and fishing spears, or any device capable of injuring or killing a person, or damaging personal or public property are forbidden. PETS: Dogs are the only pets allowed in any state park, and the dogs must always be kept on a leash no longer than six feet. Cottages, all park _ builclings, and swimming areas are closed to them, and they may not roam incliscriminately through the park. Horses are allowed only on trails specifically designated for their use. SWIMMI NG: Swimming is permitted in specified areas when a Hfeguard is on duty. Inflatable floats are prohibited in park pools, but are allowed in lake swimming areas. Conventional swimwear is required in the pools: cutoff jeans or similar attire isn't allowed in the pools. WILDLIFE: Both wildlife and plantUfe are protected in all state parks. Please leave them unmolested so that the next visitor may enjoy them too. MOTOR BIKES: Motorized bikes are restricted to park roads , or to lots or trails specifically designated for their use. They must comply with all state regulations governing registration and safety equipment, and must be operated in accordance with state law. The driver must be 16 years of age and have a valid driver's license; if he is not 16, he must be transported to and from the trail designated for bike use by a licensed operator. Riders must always wear safety helmets. ~ ~ G ~ ~ c "' 0 FORT McALLISTER (A restoNCI Confedlme ..,1h-'t fort Mdmu-.ml Rici,Jt?()l)d Hill _ tate Par~ Address: Richmond Hill, Ga . 31324 Superintendent's Telephone: (912) 756-3763 Size : 190 Acres Elevation : 15 feet Location : 25 miles south of Savannah, off U.S. 17 at the end of Ga. 67 Spur Distance from: Atlanta 279 Savannah -- 25 Columbus 283 Valdosta -- 142 Facilities: 30 campsites (30W/30E), dump station, picnic area, boat ramp, boat dock, fishing river, pioneer camp. - - _ ._.... _ ------- ... .... ...... ' REDBIRD CREEK '"' CREEK ~ '1Q~