Valdosta sits in the heart of south Georgia and is the capital of Lowndes County. Although a small city, there is plenty of fun and recreation to be had at Valdosta Parks.
This article looks at the recreational parks near Valdosta. A water park, RV park, and various state and Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks are some of the fun choices!
Theme Parks in Valdosta
Wild Adventures Theme Park
The Wild Adventures theme park is an animal-themed amusement park in Valdosta. There are 170 acres of fun rides and activities.
The Safari Train and the Alapaha Trail feature exotic animals from all over the world. You can see black bears, capybaras, and pythons! This theme park is one of only a few “safari†experiences in the state of Georgia!
Wild Adventures Theme Park has many family rides. Try the Hoppin’ Gators or the Century Wheel!
For adults and older children, you can find more than one roller coaster. Swamp Thing and Swingin’ Safari are two to try out! This amusement park is a great choice for thrill-seekers, families, and animal lovers.
More can be found here on their website. And if you’re interested in Atlanta-area theme parks, I encourage you to check out this article.
Splash Island Waterpark
Splash Island Waterpark is in Wild Adventures Theme Park and has 27 acres of land with water slides and rides! You can beat the summer heat of southern Georgia in their cool pools!
Or splash and float around in the 20,000 sq. ft. pool Catch-A-Wave-Bay. You can enjoy the cool water of the wave pool while thrill-seekers test the Bonzai Pipelines!
Check out their website here to learn more about this great place!
Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks & Recreation
Drexel Park
Home to the annual Azalea Festival, Drexel Park is situated in downtown and a short walk from Valdosta State University’s campus. In addition to the green space, this pretty park features swingsets and slides for children.
Afterward, take a walk over the creek and find some time to relax at the picnic shelters.
Location Link: 1401 N Patterson St, Valdosta, GA 31601
Freedom Park
Freedom Park has baseball fields, a disc-golf course, basketball courts, and a large soccer field! It is a large, 250-acre park and there is something for everyone!
Kids can enjoy playing on a softball field while you head to the walking track! There is also a dog park with obstacles and clean restrooms by the walking track.
Location Link: 3795 Guest Rd, Valdosta, GA 31605
John W. Saunders Memorial Park
Ideal for large gatherings, this park has covered picnic shelters that can accommodate dozens of guests. There is also a splash pad, two basketball courts, and a shaded nature trail!
Location Link: 1151 River St, Valdosta, GA 31601
North Lowndes Park
Here you will find a skate park with ramps and grind rails! There is also a playground and a multipurpose field. A perfect place for a fun day!
Location Link: North Lowndes Park, Sonney Rodgers Memorial Drive, Hahira, GA 31632
Scott Park
If you’re looking for a place with a regulation-size football field, Scott Park is the place for you! It also has outdoor basketball courts, tennis courts, and a paved walking path.
Location Link: 900 Old Statenville Rd, Valdosta, GA 31601
McKey Park (H.B.A. Tennis Center)
McKey Park has shaded playground areas, a tennis complex, and a sand volleyball court! With 18 tennis courts, this is the perfect spot for athletics.
There is also a pro shop and a creek that runs through the park area.
Location Link: N Oak St, Valdosta, GA 31602
Valloten Youth Complex
Valloten Youth Complex has three soccer fields and 7 youth baseball fields! There are also concession stands, clean restrooms, and a playground area.
Location Link: 700 Woodlawn Dr, Valdosta, GA 31602
Orris Blackburn Memorial Park
Orris Blackburn has a large fishing pond and boat ramps for small boat access. The 5-acre pond is a great place to fish and then picnic with friends and family!
Location Link: 5750 Madison Hwy, Valdosta, GA 31601
RV Parks Near Valdosta
Valdosta Oaks RV Park
The Valdosta Oaks RV Park offers 100 pull-thru sites. Included with your stay is electric, water, and sewage hookups. There is also a dump station and nearby group meeting facilities.
Check out their website for photos, amenities, and rates!
Location Link: 4630 N Valdosta Rd, Valdosta, GA 31602
Lake Park RV & Campground
This park over 121 RV sites available, along with two cabins. Amenities include a pool and lake, paddle boats, playground, and dog park.
A club house can also be rented for events.
Drive Time from Valdosota: 20+ minutes
Location Link: 5300 Jewell Futch Rd, Lake Park, GA 31636
State Parks Near Valdosta
Here are four state parks that are within a 2-hour drive from Valdosta. If you’re interested in the complete guide to camping in GA State Parks, check out this article on our site.
Reed Bingham State Park
Reed Bingham is known for the thriving wildlife and beautiful tupelo trees! Visitors can see species like gopher tortoises, yellow-bellied sliders, and alligators in the 375-acre lake.
Other popular activities here include:
- fishing (bass, bream, crappie, catfish)
- boating and waterskiing
- canoe and kayak rentals
- wildlife observation
- beachside pavilion and picnic areas
Drive Time from Valdosota: 40+ minutes
Location Link: 542 Reed Bingham Rd, Adel, GA 31620
General Coffee State Park
General Coffee State Park is the perfect location for hiking, horseback riding, and overnight stays! There are four hiking trails and a 12-mile equestrian trail.
A beautiful 4-acre lake provides a great backdrop to the Burnham Cottage & Hawksnest House, cottages, and tent and RV campsite.
Drive Time from Valdosota: 1 hour, 20+ minutes
Location Link: 46 John Coffee Rd, Nicholls, GA 31554
Little Ocmulgee State Park & Lodge
This park is an ideal spot for a weekend getaway! There is a main lodge with 60 rooms and 10+ cabins for rent. Additionally, you’ll find campsites for tents, RVs, and trailers!
The Fairway Restaurant and Mulligan’s Grille are two on-site places to eat. Other activities to consider include:
- Playing golf on the Wallace Adams Golf Course
- Hiking on 2.6+ miles of trail
- Swimming Pool
- Lake beach area and swimming
- Miniature Golf & Splash Pads for Kids
- Hosting Events at the Lodge
Drive Time from Valdosota: 2 hours
Location Link: 80 Live Oak Trail, McRae, McRae-Helena, GA 31037
Laura S. Walker State Park
The Laura S. Walker State Park is near the Okefenokee Swamp.
It has sites for RVs, tents, and cottages for rent. Check out these featured video from the Georgia State Parks Youtube Channel to see more!
Drive Time from Valdosota: 40+ minutes
Location Link: 5653 Laura Walker Rd, Waycross, GA 31503
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
Located in Folkston, GA, the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is 102 miles from Valdosta and roughly a 2-hour drive.
Once you arrive, explore the natural wonders and abundant wildlife of the Okefenokee Swamp. This wildlife refuge is incredibly popular and known for many outdoor activities.
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Camping
- Boating
- Picnicking
- Wildlife Photography
A large picnic pavilion comfortably fits 30 people, complete with picnic tables and seating. You can find additional picnic areas near the visitor center and onsite concession. For special events, you can rent the picnic pavilion for the day for a nominal fee.
If you prefer to hike, there are miles of trails to explore with easy access for park visitors! Okefenokee is the perfect spot for those wanting a huge National Park experience and lots of activities.
Drive Time from Valdosota: 2 hours
Location Link: 4155 Suwannee Canal Road, Folkston, GA 31537
I hope this has been a helpful guide on finding parks near Valdosta! If you enjoy National Geographic’s guides, this is one of my favorites on State Parks here on Amazon.
And as I visit state and national parks, I like having a passport book to stamp along the way!
