Camping in Vogel State Park

For Independence Day in 2021, we took a trip to Vogel State Park (in Georgia). This park has a beach on a lake, boating, and mountainous hiking.

The temperatures averaged around 70 degrees during the day and 50 degrees at night, which was a nice departure from the Florida summer heat. The breathtaking views were more than worth the 8 hours of driving.

The Camp Site

Our campsite was on a small loop and had access to water and electricity. The first thing we did when we got there was set up the tent. You do have to have your tent on the graveled platforms.

At the campsite, we did the typical and fun things: roast marshmallows for s’mores, chill in our hammocks, popped popcorn, and since it was cold at night, drank hot chocolate and coffee. Since it was the 4th of July, we also lit sparklers.

Here is the packing list we used for our trip…

Within the Park

The first hike we did was the easiest. It was the Lake Trahlyta Trail, a 1.1 mile loop around the lake with an optional side trail down to viewing platforms of the waterfalls on Wolff Creek. We actually did this hike twice.

After the hike, we went to the Visitor Center and paid the $5 per person for a ball and club to play their mini golf games. This was the first time Jonah played and remembered it. He was hooked.

Saturday morning, we hiked Blood Mountain. When we got back we rested at the campsite for a bit and then headed down to the lake for a swim. There were platforms and pavilions for guests not wanting to be in the water. The water itself was a good temperature and the shoreline was gradual, which was nice with younger kids.

Local Hikes

Our big hike for the trip was Saturday morning: Blood Mountain via the Byron Reece trail. This out and back hike is labeled as hard with a change in elevation of 1,446 feet. I ended up carrying Jonah down the mountain on our way back.

The climb was well worth the work for the views at the summit, the highest point of Georgia’s portion of the Appalachian Trail. At the summit, we took pictures and enjoyed a picnic.

Sunday morning before we left, we hiked the Bear Hair Gap Trail, a moderate 4.1 mile loop with beautiful overlooks of Lake Trahlyta.

Shirts

Of course, we had to commemorate our trip with a souvenir. Not being sure if the giftshop would be open (these were Covid times), we made our own shirts. I purchased raglan tees and then used this Cricut Design Space link  to cut and press the vinyl.

Overall, it was a wonderful trip. I can definitely see us returning for another summer trip, or perhaps, a fall leaf-looker visit.