You’re driving through the rolling hills of Carroll County, thinking you're headed to a standard-issue Georgia state park. You've got the cooler packed and the sunscreen ready. But when you pull up to the gates of what everyone still calls John Tanner State Park Georgia, things look a little different than the brochures for Sweetwater Creek or Cloudland Canyon.
The biggest surprise? It’s not actually a state park anymore.
Since 2010, this 138-acre slice of West Georgia has been under the wing of Carroll County. The state handed over the keys, but the "State Park" label stuck like old Georgia clay. Honestly, most locals don't care who signs the paychecks as long as that massive sand beach stays open. And man, is it a beach.
The Florida "Fringe" in the Middle of Georgia
Most people think "man-made lake" and imagine a bit of red mud and some gravel. John Tanner, the local businessman who started this whole thing back in 1954, had a different vibe in mind. He basically wanted to bring a piece of Florida to Carrollton.
Back in the day, he literally hauled in eight train-car loads of white Florida sand. He planted palm trees. He even draped Spanish moss from the native oaks to fake that tropical humid feel.
The palm trees are long gone—Georgia winters aren't kind to tropical imports—but that beach remains the largest sand swimming beach in the entire Georgia state park system (or former system, if we're being technical). It’s huge. It feels out of place in the best way possible.
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Why the History Still Matters
You can still see the bones of the old 1950s resort culture here. It wasn't just a place to dip your toes; it was a destination. Famous Carrollton native and Oscar-winning actress Susan Hayward used to frequent the park. Imagine that: Hollywood royalty lounging on a beach in the middle of a Georgia cow pasture.
Today, that glamor has faded into a more comfortable, "worn-in" family atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where the bathhouses are a bit dated, but the water in the showers is actually hot. You’ve got two lakes here:
- The Upper Lake (16 acres): This is the hub. This is where the beach is, where the kids scream on the pedal boats, and where the 1.1-mile paved walking trail loops around.
- The Lower Lake (12 acres): Much quieter. It’s surrounded by a 0.8-mile natural foot trail and is the go-to spot for people who actually want to catch a fish rather than dodge a rogue inflatable swan.
Camping and Staying Overnight: The Real Scoop
If you’re planning to bring the RV or a tent, you need to know that John Tanner doesn't play by the usual "ReserveAmerica" rules you see at other Georgia parks. You can't just hop online at 2:00 AM and snag a spot three months out.
You have to call them. Like, on a real phone.
The park office (770-830-2222) handles everything. It’s a bit old-school, but it keeps the vibe local. They have 32 sites. Most are your standard water and electric deals, but they’ve added some 50-amp full hookup sites recently that are much easier for the big rigs to maneuver into.
Wait, there’s a motel?
Yeah, sort of. They call them "efficiency units." Think of a 1960s-style motor lodge right on the lake. They aren't luxury suites, but they have kitchens and AC. If you’re traveling with someone who hates the idea of a sleeping bag, it’s a solid compromise.
Note for 2026 travelers: While many state-run parks in Georgia hiked their daily parking fees to $10 this year, John Tanner is currently holding steady at the $5 county rate. It’s one of the few places where a five-dollar bill still gets a whole family through the gate for the day.
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The Tri-the-Parks Connection
If you happen to be at the park on September 12, 2026, don't expect a quiet nap on the sand. That’s when the Tri the Parks John Tanner Fall Sprint takes over.
It’s a massive event. Hundreds of people in spandex swimming 600 meters in the lake, biking 13 miles through the Carroll County backroads, and then finishing with a 5K run that circles the lake trail. If you aren't racing, it’s a blast to watch from the beach with a coffee, but maybe don't plan your "peaceful nature retreat" for that specific Saturday.
Misconceptions and Local "Rules"
People often complain that the park gets crowded. Well, yeah. When you have the biggest beach in the region and it’s 95 degrees in July, it’s going to be packed.
If you want the "secret" John Tanner experience, go on a Tuesday morning in late September. The water is still warm from the summer sun, but the crowds are back at school. You’ll have that entire Florida-sand beach almost to yourself.
A few things that trip people up:
- Electric Motors Only: Don’t bring your gas-guzzling bass boat. Only electric trolling motors are allowed on these lakes. It keeps the water clean and the noise down.
- No Lifeguards: This is a big one. You are 100% swimming at your own risk.
- No Alcohol: It’s a county park. They are strict about this. Don't be that person.
- Quiet Hours: 10:00 PM is the cutoff. The park rangers and camp hosts take this seriously. If you’re looking for a late-night rager, this isn't your spot.
Is It Worth the Drive?
If you’re coming from Atlanta, it’s about an hour west. Is it worth the gas?
If you have kids, absolutely. Between the miniature golf, the pedal boats (which are about $5 per person), and the playground, you can kill an entire day here without breaking the bank. For the solo hiker, it might feel a bit small. The trails are short—roughly two miles if you combine the upper and lower loops.
But for a picnic? It’s hard to beat. There are four picnic shelters and two massive group shelters. People have been holding family reunions here since the Eisenhower administration, and for good reason.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
Don't just wing it. If you want the best spot, follow this checklist:
- Call Ahead for Rentals: Pedal boat availability fluctuates wildly based on staffing and maintenance. Call the office before you leave the house if your heart is set on paddling.
- Bring Your Own Shade: While there are massive trees near the picnic areas, the actual sand beach is wide open. A pop-up canopy is a lifesaver.
- Check the Event Calendar: Beyond the 2026 triathlon, they host "A Very Carroll Christmas" and "Halloween Heyday." These are huge local draws that can make parking a nightmare if you aren't prepared for the crowd.
- Pack the Fishing Gear: The lakes are stocked with bass, bream, and catfish. Just make sure you have your Georgia fishing license if you're over 16.
- Arrive Early: On summer weekends, the parking lot often hits capacity by noon. If the "Park Full" sign goes up, you're out of luck until someone leaves.
John Tanner State Park Georgia might have changed hands from the state to the county, but the core of the place hasn't budged. It’s still that quirky, sand-covered, family-centric oasis that John Tanner dreamed up seventy years ago. Go for the beach, stay for the sunset over the lower lake, and leave the Florida-sized expectations at the gate—it’s better as a Georgia original anyway.