Located near the northern edge of the mysterious Okefenokee Swamp, this 626-acre park is home to many fascinating creatures and plants.
Walking along the lake shore and nature trail, visitors may see alligators, carnivorous pitcher plants, the shy gopher tortoise, numerous oak varieties, saw palmettos, yellow-shafted flickers, warblers, owls and great blue herons. The 120-acre lake is popular for fishing, boating and water skiing, and golfers can play The Lakes, the park’s 18-hole course.
- Address5653 Laura Walker Rd., Waycross, GA 31503
- Park Hours7 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily
- Office Hours8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Parking Fee$10 per vehicle (ParkPass)
- Park Phone912-287-4900
- Golf Course912-285-6154 (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
- Campsite & Cottage Reservations1-800-864-7275
- GPS CoordinatesN 31.143466, W -82.214533
Driving directions: Located 9 miles southeast of Waycross on GA Route 177.
Laura S. Walker State Park Map
This is the Georgia State Parks map of Laura S. Walker 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:
- Laura S. Walker State Park official trail map (PDF) from Georgia State Parks
- Laura S. Walker State Park official park map (PDF) from Georgia State Parks
- Official Laura S. Walker State Park page for hours, fees and current closures
Park Amenities
- 626 acres near the Okefenokee Swamp
- 120-acre lake
- 44 tent, RV & trailer campsites
- 1 pioneer campground
- 1 group camp (sleeps 142)
- 6 cottages
- 7 picnic shelters
- 4 group shelters (75–165 people)
- Gazebo
- Sand swimming beach
- Boat ramp & dock, water skiing
- Kayak & stand-up paddleboard rental
- Bike rental
- The Lakes 18-hole golf course & pro shop
- 4 miles of hiking trails
- Wildlife observation boardwalk
- Dog park
- Playground
- GeoCaching
- Weddings (park approval required)
Boating note: Private boats are allowed, with motor limits that vary by time of day to allow water skiing. Check with the park office for the current rules.
Photos
Sand BeachSummer swimming on the 120-acre lake
Nature Trails4 miles through pines & palmettos
Swamp-Edge WildlifeTurtles, alligators & gopher tortoises
Photos via Flickr and Wikimedia Commons: muffinn, CC BY 2.0; muffinn, CC BY 2.0; gailhampshire from Cradley, Malvern, U.K, CC BY 2.0.
Camping
40-Foot Campsites
Sites hold 1 tent, 2 tents, a pop-up trailer, or a trailer or motorhome up to 40 feet. Water, 20- and 30-amp electric, picnic table, grill and fire ring. No cable hookups. The comfort station has a washer/dryer. Maximum 6 people and 2 vehicles per site.
Pioneer Campsite
A primitive, rugged site for groups only, 10-person minimum. Water, pit toilets, grill and picnic table. No electricity.
Pioneer Campsites A, B & C
Primitive group sites, 10-person minimum, each with an Adirondack shelter and water. All three share a full-service comfort station with showers and restrooms.
Group Camp
A group camp that sleeps up to 142 people, perfect for youth groups, retreats and reunions. Call the park for details.
Picnic & Group Shelters
All visitors are required to have a ParkPass.
Picnic Shelters #1–#7
Open-sided covered shelters, each with electricity, water, a grill and 5 picnic tables. Shelters #1 and #6 are near the playground, and #7 is near the boat ramp.
Group Shelter #1
Handicap-accessible end shelter by itself across the lake. Heat/air, stove, microwave, refrigerator, outdoor BBQ pit, tables and chairs, food prep island, restrooms and play area.
Group Shelter #2 (“BBQ House”)
Screened end shelter in the day-use area with stove, refrigerator, microwave and a large outdoor grill. Ceiling fans, no heat/AC. Tables and chairs for up to 125 people.
Group Shelters #3 & #4
Adjoining day-use shelters with heat/AC. #3, the “conference room,” has a refrigerator and microwave; #4, “the game room,” adds a stove and holds 90 people. Both have large outdoor grills.
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.
Advertise Near Here
Lodging, outfitters, restaurants and attractions: reach people planning a visit to this part of Georgia. See our advertising options or download the 2026 media kit (PDF).