Georgia’s state parks charge a parking fee, called the ParkPass. It is not complicated, but a few details trip people up: it does not cover historic sites, discounted passes must be bought in person, and an annual pass ordered online can take weeks to arrive. Here is how it works, according to Georgia State Parks.

Daily ParkPass: $10

The daily pass costs $10 per vehicle. You can buy it at kiosks inside the parks, by QR code when you arrive or at the park office. Your email confirmation is your receipt.

A daily pass is good for the day of purchase only, but it can be used at more than one state park that same day. So a morning at Fort Mountain and an afternoon at another state park cost $10 total.

Annual ParkPass: $70

The annual pass costs $70 and is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. Georgia State Parks offers:

  • 50 percent off for seniors 62 and older
  • 25 percent off for active military and veterans

Discounted passes must be bought in person at a park office.

Online orders take time. The parks say to allow 7 to 10 business days for shipping, and also warn that delivery may take two to three weeks. If you are going soon, buy the annual pass at the park office when you arrive.

Lost annual passes can be replaced for $20 by calling 770-389-7286. Bulk annual passes, sold for corporate wellness programs and gifts, can save up to 75 percent.

Is the annual pass worth it?

At $10 a visit, the $70 pass pays for itself on the eighth day. If you live in the region or plan several trips to places like Fort Mountain, Vogel, Amicalola Falls or Black Rock Mountain, it adds up quickly. Revenue from the pass goes to park infrastructure such as water and septic systems, boardwalks, bridges, roads and trails.

Staying overnight

If you are camping or renting a cabin, you pay the daily ParkPass fee only once per stay, no matter how many nights. Parking is not included in the reservation price itself.

Where the ParkPass does not work

  • State historic sites. These charge separate admission. That includes New Echota and the Chief Vann House; see our Cherokee history guide. If you visit historic sites often, the Historic Site Annual Pass costs $30 for one adult or $50 for a family of up to four.
  • Wildlife Management Areas and Public Fishing Areas. These are covered by a hunting or fishing license or a Lands Pass from the Wildlife Resources Division.
  • Places that are not state parks, including Corps of Engineers lakes such as Carters Lake, Lake Lanier, Stone Mountain, Jekyll Island, Kennesaw Mountain and the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.
  • National forest sites such as Anna Ruby Falls or Lake Conasauga, which have their own fees.

Large vehicles

Vans holding 13 to 30 passengers pay $50 per day or $90 for an annual pass. Buses and motor coaches holding more than 30 pay $100 per day or $275 per year. School groups and diners at lodge restaurants are exempt.

Bringing a dog

Pets are welcome at state parks if they stay on a leash no longer than six feet. Our guide to North Georgia with dogs covers the rest of the rules.

Sources and further reading

Facts in this article were checked against these sources on October 30, 2026. Hours, fees and seasons change, so confirm before you go.