Last updated October 31, 2026
Tugaloo State Park is a 393-acre Georgia state park on a peninsula in Lake Hartwell at 1763 Tugaloo State Park Road in Lavonia, GA, open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, with a $10 ParkPass per vehicle for parking.
I have been to Tugaloo State Park multiple times, and it is one of my favorite lake parks for spring and summer. I have hiked the Muscadine Trail and spent time just relaxing out by the lake. If you are making a day of it, start with my Lavonia, GA small town guide, since the park is about 15 minutes north of downtown.
Here is everything you need to plan your visit.
The beach at Tugaloo State Park on Lake Hartwell
At a Glance
Address: 1763 Tugaloo State Park Road, Lavonia, GA 30553
Phone: (706) 356-4362, reservations (800) 864-7275
Hours: Park 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., office 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Parking: $10 ParkPass per vehicle per day, or $70 for an annual pass
Size: 393 acres on 55,590-acre Lake Hartwell
Trails: About 4 miles, including the 3/4-mile Muscadine Trail
Lodging: 20 cottages, 6 yurts and more than 100 campsites
Boating: A six-lane megaramp plus two more boat ramps
Rentals: Seasonal kayak and canoe rentals
Beach: The sand beach is open, but the designated swimming area is closed because of low water (as of late October 2026)
Website: Tugaloo State Park
What Tugaloo State Park Is Like
Clear water along the shoreline
Tugaloo sits on a wooded peninsula that pushes out into Lake Hartwell, so water is almost always in view. The day-use area has shaded picnic spots, lawns that run down to the shoreline, and a sandy beach looking out across the lake.
Lake Hartwell from the Tugaloo shoreline
Lake Hartwell through the trees at Tugaloo
Hiking the Muscadine Trail at Tugaloo State Park
The Muscadine Trail is the one I hiked. It is a short loop of about 3/4 of a mile that starts next to the tennis courts in the day-use area. The trail has interpretive signs about the plants and animals that live in the park, and the elevation changes by about 100 feet from the lowest to highest point, so it is an easy walk for most people.
If you want more miles, the Sassafras Trail is a loop of about 4 miles that covers most of the park, with about 150 feet of elevation change. The park has a trail map on its website.
Relaxing by the Lake
The sand beach and Lake Hartwell
After the hike, I relaxed out by the lake. The beach area is open to the public, but as of late October 2026 the park says the designated swimming area is closed because of low water levels. Check the park's alerts before you plan a swim day.
Camping and Cottages
This is a really good park to camp at. Tugaloo has 105 tent, trailer and RV campsites (some seasonal), 11 walk-in tent-only sites, a pioneer campground, 6 yurts and 20 cottages. Some cottages have private docks for overnight guests.
One of the park's cottages
What stood out to me was the condition of the cottages. They look like they were recently renovated. Overnight guests pay the $10 ParkPass once per vehicle for the whole stay, and parking is not included in the reservation.
Fishing and Boating
Tugaloo is a great place to fish. The park says fishing is excellent year-round, especially for largemouth bass. Boaters get a six-lane megaramp built for big tournaments and easy lake access, plus two more boat ramps.
Kayaks and canoes ready for rental
No boat? The park offers seasonal kayak and canoe rentals, and the boats are lined up on racks right by the water.
More to Do
A picnic shelter in the day-use area
The park also has 7 picnic shelters, a group shelter and a pavilion that each seat 60, plus miniature golf (fee required), a tennis court and a volleyball court.
The miniature golf course
Open lawn near the water
A Little History
The name Tugaloo comes from a Native American name for the river that flowed freely here before Hartwell Dam was built and Lake Hartwell filled the valley. Today the park sits on a wooded peninsula reaching out into the lake, which is popular for boating, fishing, swimming, water skiing and sailing.
When to Visit
Spring and summer. This is when I like Tugaloo best, with long days by the water and the most to do on the lake.
Check the water level. Low water can close the swimming area, so check the park's alerts first.
Rentals are seasonal. Call ahead if you are counting on a kayak or canoe.
Mistakes to Avoid
Forgetting the ParkPass. Every vehicle needs one. If you visit Georgia state parks often, the $70 annual pass pays for itself after seven visits.
Planning a swim without checking alerts. The designated swimming area can close when the lake is low.
Showing up late in the day. The park closes at 10 p.m. and the office closes at 5 p.m.
Skipping town. Downtown Lavonia is only 15 minutes away for lunch and dessert.
Booking a cottage and forgetting parking. Cottage and campsite reservations do not include the ParkPass.
How to Get There
Tugaloo State Park is about 15 minutes north of downtown Lavonia and roughly 1 hour 30 minutes from Atlanta.
From Atlanta, take I-85 North to Exit 173 (GA 17) at Lavonia, then follow the signs for Tugaloo State Park. For GPS, use 1763 Tugaloo State Park Road, Lavonia, GA 30553.
Tugaloo State Park FAQ
Is Tugaloo State Park worth visiting?
Yes, especially in spring and summer. It has a short trail, a sand beach, renovated cottages, campsites and great fishing with a six-lane megaramp for boats.
How much does it cost to get into Tugaloo State Park?
Parking is $10 per vehicle per day with a Georgia State Parks ParkPass, or $70 for an annual pass that covers every state park.
Can you swim at Tugaloo State Park?
The beach is open, but as of late October 2026 the designated swimming area is closed because of low water levels. Check the park's alerts before you go.
How long is the Muscadine Trail?
About 3/4 of a mile as a loop, starting next to the tennis courts in the day-use area.
Does Tugaloo State Park have cottages?
Yes. The park has 20 cottages, and some have private docks for overnight guests. They look recently renovated.
Can you camp at Tugaloo State Park?
Yes. There are 105 tent, trailer and RV sites, 11 walk-in tent sites, a pioneer campground and 6 yurts.
Is Tugaloo State Park good for fishing?
Yes. The park says fishing is excellent year-round, especially for largemouth bass, and it has a six-lane megaramp plus two more boat ramps.
Where is Tugaloo State Park?
1763 Tugaloo State Park Road in Lavonia, GA, about 15 minutes north of downtown and off I-85 Exit 173.
Make It a Full Day
Lunch: 211 Main Street in downtown Lavonia serves weekday lunch and a famous dessert tray. Cooking at your campsite or cottage? Stock up at Texvonia Meat Market on Grogan Street first.
Make something: Take a wheel or painting class at The Works on Grogan Street.
See the whole town: My Lavonia, GA small town guide puts it all into one day.
Add a waterfall: Toccoa Falls is about 25 minutes from Lavonia.
More state parks: See all my Georgia State Parks guides, including Tallulah Gorge.
Plan the Whole Weekend
Want a great day already planned? 5 Perfect North Georgia Saturdays ($9.99) gives you five Saturdays planned stop by stop. Want the whole weekend? North Georgia Weekends ($79) adds Friday night and Sunday plans, three places to stay and a rain plan for every stop.
Hike With Us
More in North Georgia, or find a trip by drive time.
Want to explore Georgia with a group? The Explore Georgia Hiking Club is free, and every pace is welcome.