Photo: Alan Wilson, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Established as a memorial to U.S. veterans, this 1,308-acre park features a museum and outdoor displays of aircraft, armored vehicles and artillery, including a B-29 Superfortress, jets, tanks and a helicopter.
An 18-hole golf course and pro shop, along with Lake Blackshear (about 8,500 acres), make this one of Georgia’s most popular state parks. The park and its Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club are operated for the state by the North Georgia Mountains Authority and Coral Hospitality.
Lodging: Cabins, Camping & New Villas
The resort’s original lodge rooms and villas closed in December 2022 after structural problems were found. The resort has since built new lakeside villas, each with four separately bookable rooms, and began taking bookings for stays from July 2026. The 10 lakeside cabins, the campground and glamping safari tents remain open. Call the resort at 229-276-1004 to confirm what is available before you book.
- Address2459-A U.S. Hwy. 280 W, Cordele, GA 31015
- Visitor CenterSun – Thu 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Fri & Sat 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Entrance Fee$10 per car
- Park Phone229-276-2371
- Resort Phone229-276-1004
- Campsite & Cottage Reservations1-800-864-7275
- GPS CoordinatesN 31.968020, W -83.912300
Driving directions: Located 9 miles west of I-75 Exit #101 near Cordele on U.S. Hwy 280.
Georgia Veterans State Park Map
This is the Georgia State Parks map of Georgia Veterans State Park from 2008, kept in our archive. It shows the park’s roads and main facilities as they were laid out then, so newer buildings, campsites, trails and closures will not appear on it. Before you go, check the current maps below.
Current maps:
- Georgia Veterans State Park park map from Lake Blackshear Resort
- Official Georgia Veterans State Park page for hours, fees and current closures
Military Museum & Aircraft
The Georgia Veterans Memorial Military Museum carries the motto “Serve the Living: Honor our Heroic Dead.” Along with uniforms, weapons, medals and other items indoors, the grounds display a B-29A Superfortress, jets, tanks, artillery and a helicopter. Call the park office for museum hours.
Photos
Lake BlackshearSunset from the pavilion dock
Veterans MemorialA park built to honor U.S. veterans
Tanks & ArtilleryOutdoor military displays
Photos via Wikimedia Commons: Dsdugan, public domain; Dsdugan, public domain; Dsdugan, public domain.
Park Amenities
- 1,308 acres on Lake Blackshear
- Tent, RV & trailer campsites with cable TV hookups
- Pioneer campgrounds
- Cottages
- Lakeview Pavilion
- Picnic shelters
- Group shelter (seats up to 150)
- Sand swimming beach
- Marina, boat ramps & courtesy docks
- Kayak & boat rentals
- Fishing for bass, crappie, catfish & bream
- Georgia Veterans Memorial Golf Course
- Disc golf
- 4 miles of nature trails
- R/C model airplane flying field
- Birding
- Playground
- Ranger programs
- GeoCaching
- Restaurants at the resort
SAM Shortline: The historic SAM Shortline Excursion Train makes day trips from the park. Call 877-427-2457 or visit samshortline.com for schedules.
Camping
50-Foot Campsites
Sites hold 1 tent, 2 tents, a pop-up trailer, or a trailer or motorhome up to 50 feet. Water, electric, picnic table, grill, fire ring and cable hookup. Comfort station with washer/dryer. Maximum 6 people and 2 vehicles per site.
Pioneer Campsite #1
A primitive, rugged site near the lake for groups only, 10-person minimum. No water or electricity; covered picnic shelter and pit toilet. Room for 10+ tents.
Pioneer Campsites #2 & #3
Primitive, rugged group sites, 10-person minimum, each located by itself. No water or electricity; covered picnic shelter and pit toilet. Room for 10+ tents.
Pavilion & Shelters
All visitors are required to have a ParkPass. Renters must check in at the office, and a security deposit may be required.
Lakeview Pavilion
Large open shelter near the playground, overlooking the lake near the beach, with picnic tables, ceiling fans, a large grill, electricity and water. By reservation only.
Group Shelter
Enclosed shelter across the road from the Visitor Center with folding tables and chairs for 150, electricity, heat/AC, ceiling fans, stove, refrigerator and a covered BBQ pit. Accessible restrooms attached.
Picnic Shelters
Open-sided covered shelters near the Visitor Center, playground, beach and beach house, each with 4 picnic tables, a grill, electricity and water.
Reservations & Cancellation Policy
Cancellation of a reservation must be made at least 3 days prior to arrival to receive a refund; a cancellation/handling fee per reservation will be charged. Changing your arrival date less than 3 days before the scheduled arrival counts as a cancellation and forfeits the deposit.
7–14 Day Cottage Reservations: Cancellations 30+ days in advance receive a deposit refund minus a cancellation fee. Cancelling less than 30 days but before 72 hours of arrival: request a refund in writing; if the cottage is rebooked for the original dates, you’ll receive a full refund minus a cancellation fee. Cancelling within 72 hours of arrival forfeits the one-night deposit. Deposits are required for all reservations and are posted when the reservation is made.
Check-In/Check-Out: Check-in is between 1 p.m. and 10 p.m.; check-out is before 1 p.m. Campers must register and present a reservation confirmation before setting up. Not arriving on the first night of your stay counts as a no-show – your reservation is cancelled and the deposit forfeited.
Reservation Changes: One change is allowed at no charge with 3 days’ notice; additional changes incur a per-reservation handling fee.