Crooked River State Park: Things to Do, Fishing, Cabins & More
Crooked River State Park: Complete Guide to Things to Do, Fishing, Cabins, Camping & More
If you're looking for things to do near St. Marys, Georgia, want to spend a day fishing the Georgia coast, or are searching for a quiet place to camp, hike, picnic, paddle or simply enjoy the marsh, Crooked River State Park is one of the coastal destinations worth putting on your list.
Located in Camden County on Georgia's Colonial Coast, Crooked River State Park sits along the tidal Crooked River and offers visitors a combination of saltwater fishing, boating, hiking trails, camping, cottages, picnic areas, wildlife viewing and family-friendly activities.
The park covers approximately 500 acres and includes 11 cottages, 63 tent/trailer/RV campsites, a pioneer campground, picnic shelters, group shelters, a boat ramp and dock, nature center, playground, miniature golf, bike rentals and the North Star Bait & Tackle Shop.
For anglers, the location is particularly interesting because Crooked River State Park provides access to tidal water and surrounding marshes, making it a natural starting point for exploring the inshore waters around St. Marys and the Georgia coast.
And if you're planning a trip to Cumberland Island National Seashore, Crooked River State Park is just a short drive from the ferry area in St. Marys.
Whether you're planning a few hours, a weekend camping trip or a longer coastal getaway, this guide covers what you need to know before visiting.
Where Is Crooked River State Park?
Crooked River State Park is located at:
6222 Charlie Smith Sr. Highway
St. Marys, GA 31558
The park is in Camden County in southeast Georgia, near the Georgia-Florida line.
It is located on Georgia's Colonial Coast and provides access to the tidal Crooked River and surrounding coastal marsh environment.
The park is also close to several popular coastal destinations, including:
St. Marys, Georgia
Cumberland Island National Seashore
Kingsland, Georgia
Fernandina Beach, Florida
Amelia Island
Camden County's coastal waterways
The Intracoastal Waterway
Crooked River State Park: Check-In Office and Gift Shop is also where visitors can get park information, maps and assistance when they arrive.
The official Georgia State Parks address is 6222 Charlie Smith Sr. Hwy., St. Marys, GA 31558.
What Makes Crooked River State Park Special?
There are plenty of Georgia state parks, but Crooked River has something that makes it particularly interesting for coastal visitors.
It's a saltwater and marsh environment.
Instead of mountain overlooks or a large freshwater lake, visitors get maritime forest, salt marsh, tidal water, coastal wildlife and access to the Crooked River.
Georgia State Parks describes the park as a place where the rise and fall of the tides shape the landscape, connecting forests, marsh views and coastal wildlife.
That makes Crooked River State Park a great destination for people who enjoy:
Fishing
Boating
Kayaking and paddling
Hiking
Bird watching
Camping
RV trips
Family outings
Picnicking
Wildlife viewing
Photography
Coastal exploration
Relaxing outdoors
You don't have to be an angler to enjoy the park.
But if you are an angler, the tidal river and marsh environment add another entire dimension to the visit.
Things to Do at Crooked River State Park
One of the biggest reasons to visit Crooked River is the variety of activities available in one location.
You can spend the morning fishing, have lunch at a picnic area, walk one of the trails in the afternoon and finish the day playing miniature golf or watching the sunset over the marsh.
Here are some of the most popular things to do.
1. Go Fishing
Fishing is one of the biggest attractions at Crooked River State Park.
Georgia State Parks identifies Crooked River as one of only three Georgia state parks offering saltwater fishing, and the park provides particularly good options for anglers fishing from shore.
Possible catches include:
Black drum
Whiting
Rays
Other inshore species
The park provides shore access around the boat ramp and courtesy dock when the dock is not being used by boaters. The River Trail also provides access to a quieter fishing area along the river.
One of the things that makes fishing here interesting is the changing tide.
The Crooked River is a tidal system, so water depth, current and access to shallow areas change throughout the day.
If you're planning to fish Crooked River State Park, don't just check the weather.
Check the tide.
Understanding the difference between high tide, low tide, incoming tide and outgoing tide can help you understand what the water is doing.
For more information, read our complete guide:
Tides 101: How to Read a Tide Chart, High Tide, Low Tide & Fishing Tides
And if you're new to inshore fishing, start with:
[Inshore Fishing 101: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started]
2. Bring Your Boat
Crooked River State Park has a boat ramp and dock, making the park useful for boaters who want to access the tidal waters surrounding the park.
Private boats are permitted on the waters bordering the park.
The park's location gives boaters access to a coastal environment of tidal creeks, marshes and surrounding waterways.
For anyone who regularly fishes the Georgia coast, this makes Crooked River more than just a place to visit.
It can be a launching point for an entire day on the water.
However, remember that tidal rivers can change dramatically.
Pay attention to:
Tide levels
Current
Wind
Weather
Navigation hazards
Shallow areas
Oyster bars
Boat traffic
Georgia State Parks notes that water skiing is not recommended because of hazards in the river and currents encountered during ebb tides. All boats must comply with Georgia boating laws and park rules.
3. Visit North Star Bait & Tackle Shop
Here's one of the features that anglers will appreciate.
North Star Bait & Tackle Shop is located inside Crooked River State Park near the boat ramp.
That means you don't necessarily have to load the boat, drive around looking for bait and then return to the park.
You can stop at the park, get your fishing supplies and head toward the water.
The bait shop is especially convenient for visitors who may not know the local area.
If you're unfamiliar with the Crooked River, asking local staff or bait-shop personnel about current conditions, bait and what's being caught can be helpful.
Because store inventory and operating hours can change, it's a good idea to confirm current hours before making a special trip.
4. Explore the Hiking Trails
You don't have to be fishing to enjoy Crooked River State Park.
The park has approximately four miles of trails according to the current Georgia State Parks listing.
The trails take visitors through several different coastal habitats.
You'll encounter:
Pine flatwoods
Maritime forest
Hardwood forest
Salt marsh
River views
Wetland habitat
Coastal wildlife
Palmetto Trail
The 1.5-mile Palmetto Trail passes through south Georgia pine flatwoods.
The area supports longleaf pine, saw palmetto and wiregrass and provides habitat for wildlife including gopher tortoises and a variety of birds.
Sempervirens Trail
This trail passes through older hardwoods and provides opportunities to see large trees and coastal wildlife.
Birders may see:
Great egrets
Great blue herons
Osprey
Pileated woodpeckers
Warblers
Other coastal and woodland birds
A birding platform provides an additional place to look for wildlife.
River Trail
If you're interested in fishing or water views, don't overlook the River Trail.
The short trail follows the bluff and reaches the marsh along Crooked River.
Georgia State Parks identifies this area as a spot for fishing and bird watching.
Species that may be caught from shore include sheepshead, whiting, trout, black drum, rays and small sharks.
Bay Boardwalk Trail
The Bay Boardwalk Trail provides a completely different environment, taking visitors through a wetland forest.
The shaded environment can be a welcome change during hot Georgia afternoons.
5. Visit the Nature Center
Crooked River State Park also has a nature center where visitors can learn more about coastal Georgia's wildlife and environment.
The nature center features animals native to coastal Georgia, including fish, snakes and turtles.
For families visiting with children, this can be an especially good stop.
Instead of simply walking past the marsh and wondering what lives there, the nature center provides a chance to learn about the animals and ecosystems you're seeing throughout the park.
6. Have a Picnic
Crooked River State Park is also a great place for a family picnic.
The park has four picnic shelters and two group shelters, in addition to picnic areas.
The larger group shelters can accommodate bigger gatherings, while regular picnic areas work well for families and smaller groups.
Pack a cooler, bring lunch and make a day of it.
A picnic is an easy way to combine several activities:
Hike → picnic → fish → explore the park.
Shelters may be reservable, so check availability before planning a large gathering.
7. Play Miniature Golf
Crooked River State Park has an 18-hole miniature golf course.
Mini golf is available for an additional fee.
This can be a fun option for families when everyone isn't interested in fishing or hiking.
It also gives kids something to do while adults enjoy the park's other activities.
8. Go Bird Watching
Crooked River State Park is part of Georgia's Colonial Coast Birding Trail.
The combination of pine forest, hardwoods, salt marsh and tidal water creates habitat for a wide range of birds.
Depending on the season and conditions, visitors may see:
Herons
Egrets
Osprey
Woodpeckers
Warblers
Hawks
Owls
Other coastal birds
Bring binoculars if you have them.
Early morning is often an excellent time to explore because temperatures are cooler and wildlife can be active.
9. Go Kayaking or Paddling
Crooked River State Park's location along tidal water makes it an interesting starting point for paddlers.
The park offers guided kayak trips and participates in the Park Paddlers Club.
However, visitors should remember that this is tidal coastal water.
If you're paddling, understand:
The tide
Current direction
Wind
Weather
Your route
Your turnaround point
A calm-looking creek can behave very differently when the tide is moving strongly.
If you're new to coastal kayaking, our Inshore Kayak Fishing Setup for Beginners guide can help you understand the basics before heading out.
10. Stay in a Cottage at Crooked River State Park
One of the best ways to experience Crooked River State Park is to stay overnight.
The park currently offers 11 cottages located near the tidal river.
That means you don't have to drive home after spending the afternoon fishing or exploring.
You can wake up near the water, grab your fishing gear and be on the river early.
Georgia State Parks cottages generally offer comfortable accommodations with kitchens, linens, heat and air conditioning, although exact amenities vary by property.
For current availability, prices and cottage-specific information, use the official Georgia State Parks reservation system rather than relying on an old blog or third-party listing.
Cottage rates can vary based on the location, size and season.
11. Go Camping
If you'd rather sleep under the stars than stay in a cottage, Crooked River has plenty of camping options.
The park currently lists 63 tent, trailer and RV campsites, plus a pioneer campground.
Camping is a great option for anglers who want to fish early in the morning without having to make a long drive before sunrise.
It's also a convenient way to turn a simple day trip into a coastal weekend.
Imagine:
Friday: Set up camp
Saturday morning: Fish the Crooked River
Saturday afternoon: Picnic and hike
Saturday evening: Explore the park
Sunday: Breakfast and another morning on the water
That's the kind of coastal weekend that makes a state park worth returning to.
12. Bring the Family
Crooked River State Park is not just an angler's destination.
Families can combine several activities without ever leaving the park.
Kids can enjoy:
Nature center
Playground
Miniature golf
Hiking
Wildlife watching
Fishing
Boating
Picnicking
Camping
The park also hosts ranger-led educational and recreational programs throughout the year.
Event schedules change, so check the official Georgia State Parks event calendar before your visit.
How Much Does It Cost to Visit Crooked River State Park?
This is an important question for anyone planning a trip.
Crooked River State Park is a Georgia State Park, so visitors should understand Georgia's ParkPass system.
As of 2026, the standard daily ParkPass is $10 per vehicle.
Georgia also offers an Annual ParkPass for $70, valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.
The annual pass can be used at more than 60 Georgia State Parks.
That can make the annual pass particularly useful if you plan to visit multiple Georgia state parks throughout the year.
The ParkPass revenue helps support maintenance and improvements throughout the state park system, including infrastructure, trails, docks, boardwalks, picnic areas and other facilities.
Current ParkPass prices
Daily ParkPass: $10 per vehicle
Annual ParkPass: $70
Georgia State Parks also offers certain discounted annual passes for eligible seniors, active military members and veterans. Discounted passes must be purchased in person.
Do You Have to Pay Every Time You Visit?
If you don't have an Annual ParkPass, you'll generally pay the daily ParkPass fee when visiting.
The good news is that the $10 daily pass is per vehicle, rather than per person.
That means a car full of family members can visit under the same daily vehicle pass.
If you plan to visit Crooked River several times or explore other Georgia State Parks during the year, the $70 Annual ParkPass may be worth considering.
Georgia State Parks also notes that annual passes are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.
What About the ParkPass If You're Staying Overnight?
Overnight guests have a different parking arrangement.
Georgia State Parks states that overnight customers pay the daily ParkPass fee only once during their stay, regardless of the length of the stay.
The ParkPass is not automatically included in the reservation fee.
The reservation policies state that a ParkPass is required for vehicles and can be purchased at the visitor center during check-in.
Is Crooked River State Park Worth Visiting for Fishing?
For anyone interested in saltwater fishing near St. Marys, Georgia, Crooked River State Park deserves a look.
The combination of:
Tidal river
Salt marsh
Boat ramp
Courtesy dock
Shore fishing
Bait shop
Nearby coastal waters
Access to surrounding marshes
makes it a useful fishing destination.
Georgia State Parks lists potential catches including redfish, seatrout, flounder, black drum, sheepshead and whiting.
If you're fishing from shore, pay attention to the tide.
Incoming water can change access to shallow areas.
Outgoing water can drain marshes and creeks.
Structure, current and bait movement all become part of the equation.
For a deeper look at how tides affect fishing, read:
Tides 101: How to Read a Tide Chart, High Tide, Low Tide & Fishing Tides
Do You Need a Fishing License?
For saltwater fishing, Georgia's regulations apply.
The park's official fishing information states that persons 16 or older must have a valid resident or non-resident fishing license for saltwater fishing.
Fishing regulations can change, so always verify the current Georgia Department of Natural Resources requirements before your trip.
And remember that specific species may have additional size, possession or seasonal regulations.
Crooked River State Park and Cumberland Island
One of the biggest advantages of visiting Crooked River State Park is its location.
The park is close to the ferry area for Cumberland Island National Seashore.
That means visitors can combine a Crooked River trip with a Cumberland Island adventure.
You could spend one day exploring the state park and another exploring Cumberland Island's beaches, maritime forest and historic sites.
For anglers, the entire area provides opportunities to explore the coastal environment around Camden County and Northeast Florida.
Read more:
[Cumberland Island Fishing: A Complete Guide]
Crooked River State Park and St. Marys
Crooked River is also part of the larger St. Marys coastal experience.
If you're visiting the area, don't limit your trip to the park.
Explore St. Marys.
Walk the waterfront.
Check out the local restaurants and shops.
Visit the Cumberland Island National Seashore visitor area.
And, of course, spend some time on the water.
Our [Best Places to Fish in St. Marys, Georgia] guide covers additional fishing opportunities around the area.
If you're searching online for "fishing near me" around St. Marys, Crooked River should be one of the locations you consider.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Crooked River State Park?
There's no single perfect time to visit.
Every season offers something different.
Spring
Spring can be excellent for hiking, bird watching, fishing and spending time outdoors before the hottest part of the year.
Summer
Summer is popular for boating, fishing, kayaking, camping and family trips.
Just remember that coastal Georgia can be hot and humid.
Bring water and insect repellent.
Fall
Fall can be a great time for hiking, camping and fishing as temperatures become more comfortable.
Winter
Winter can provide cooler hiking conditions and a different look at the coastal landscape.
For anglers, winter also provides opportunities for species that remain active throughout the cooler months.
What Should You Bring to Crooked River State Park?
What you bring depends on what you're doing.
For a day trip
Bring:
Water
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Hat
Comfortable shoes
Cooler
Picnic food
Binoculars
Camera
Fishing gear if you're fishing
For fishing
Consider:
Saltwater rod and reel
Appropriate line
Hooks
Leader
Bait or lures
Pliers
Fishing license
Measuring device
Landing net
Cooler
Tide information
For kayaking
Bring:
Properly fitted PFD
Paddle
Water
Sun protection
Dry bag
Phone or communication device
Navigation equipment
Tide information
Weather information
Don't Forget the Bugs
Crooked River is a coastal marsh environment.
That means bugs are part of the experience.
Especially during warmer months, insect repellent can make a major difference.
Bring it.
Use it.
Keep extra in the vehicle.
If you're camping, don't assume the bugs will disappear just because the sun goes down.
A Perfect Day at Crooked River State Park
Here's one way to plan a full day.
7:00 AM — Arrive
Pay your ParkPass if needed and get ready for the day.
7:30 AM — Fish
Head toward the boat ramp, dock or another designated fishing area.
Check the tide and current before deciding where to fish.
10:30 AM — Breakfast or snack
Take a break and explore the park.
11:00 AM — Hiking
Walk one of the park's trails and look for wildlife.
12:30 PM — Picnic
Find a picnic area and enjoy lunch.
2:00 PM — Nature Center
Spend some time learning about coastal Georgia wildlife.
3:00 PM — Mini Golf
Give the kids — or the adults — a chance to play.
4:30 PM — More Fishing
Return to the water and see what the changing tide is doing.
Evening — Head Home or Stay Overnight
If you've booked a cottage or campsite, you don't have to rush home.
Stay.
Enjoy the evening.
Wake up and do it again.
Crooked River State Park FAQ
Is Crooked River State Park in St. Marys, Georgia?
Yes. Crooked River State Park is located at 6222 Charlie Smith Sr. Highway in St. Marys, Georgia.
Does Crooked River State Park have cabins?
Yes. The park currently has 11 cottages available for overnight stays.
Does Crooked River State Park have camping?
Yes. The park has 63 tent, trailer and RV campsites, plus a pioneer campground.
Does Crooked River State Park have a boat ramp?
Yes. The park has a boat ramp and dock providing access to Crooked River.
Can you fish at Crooked River State Park?
Yes. The park offers saltwater fishing, including shore fishing and fishing access near the boat ramp and river areas.
Is there a bait shop at Crooked River State Park?
Yes. North Star Bait & Tackle Shop is located near the boat ramp inside the park.
Does Crooked River State Park have picnic areas?
Yes. The park has picnic areas, four picnic shelters and two group shelters.
How much is parking at Crooked River State Park?
The current standard Georgia State Parks daily ParkPass is $10 per vehicle.
How much is the Georgia State Parks annual pass?
The current Annual ParkPass is $70 and is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.
Is Crooked River State Park good for families?
Yes. The park offers a playground, nature center, miniature golf, hiking, fishing, boating, picnic areas and camping.
Is Crooked River State Park near Cumberland Island?
Yes. The park is located near the ferry area for Cumberland Island National Seashore.
Final Thoughts
Crooked River State Park is more than just another place to stop for a picnic.
It's one of those Georgia coastal destinations where several different experiences come together.
You can launch a boat.
You can fish the tidal river.
You can buy bait at the park.
You can hike through pine forest and salt marsh.
You can watch birds.
You can take the kids to the nature center.
You can play miniature golf.
You can have a picnic.
You can camp.
You can stay in a cottage.
And you can use the park as a jumping-off point for exploring the larger St. Marys and Cumberland Island area.
For anglers, the combination of tidal water, marsh, boat access, shore fishing and nearby coastal habitat makes Crooked River especially interesting.
For families, the variety of activities means everyone can find something to enjoy.
And for anyone who simply wants to slow down and spend a day surrounded by Georgia's coastal landscape, it's a great place to do exactly that.
So the next time you're searching for things to do in St. Marys, GA, fishing near St. Marys, Georgia State Parks near the coast, or a place for a coastal weekend, put Crooked River State Park on your list.
Come for the river.
Stay for the trails.
Fish the tide.
And explore the coast.
Plan Your Visit
Crooked River State Park
6222 Charlie Smith Sr. Hwy.
St. Marys, GA 31558
Phone: 912-882-5256
For current reservations, cottage availability, camping information, events, park rules and ParkPass information, check the official Georgia State Parks website before traveling.
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