Located on Lake Blackshear, this state park was established as a memorial and pays homage to military veterans via an indoor and outdoor museum.
By Elizabeth Castillo, F516827
March 2023
We arrived at Georgia Veterans State Park, just outside Cordele, Georgia, on April 12, 2022, after tensely navigating downtown Atlanta with our truck and fifth-wheel camper. My husband, Tony, and I were headed from Ohio to Lazydays in Tampa, Florida, for a long weekend, convenient to our granddaughter’s Tropical 7s Rugby Tournament — an Olympic scouting event.
Georgia Veterans State Park includes an outdoor museum with a collection of significant military vehicles and aircraft.
We have a standing preference for state parks wherever we go, despite our sizable RV. In 2021, we spent six months in our fifth-wheel and 20,000 miles celebrating our retirements from crime-fighting. During that long trip, we saw some wonderful state parks in this great nation and learned to seek them out when we can.
After checking the area on Campendium maps, I opted for Georgia Veterans State Park. It appeared to be along a body of water and far enough from any large thoroughfare to provide some peace and quiet. I called to ascertain availability and spoke with a representative who had a pleasantly deep Southern drawl and assured me a space was available.
The Huey helicopter on display at the Georgia Veterans State Park was involved in a campaign during the Vietnam War.
When we arrived at the park, we were taken aback by the significant military vehicle and aircraft display, protected by chain-link fence. Informative placards are posted near each piece of equipment, describing heroic acts in which they were involved before their final display at this park. We rode our bicycles around the entire area. I found myself moved by the Huey helicopter that was involved in a campaign during the Vietnam War. Having ridden and worked in patrol aircraft myself, I thought about the people who rode in that very aircraft, performing hard work far from home. I wondered about the folks who worked together to assemble this large military vehicle collection, paying homage to the veterans who spent time in them, defending our nation and its values.
Our bike ride around the park also took us to its entrance off U.S. 280. Across the lightly traveled route is Stripling’s General Store. Camping conveniences, quick sandwiches, and a broad selection of meats and beverages made this a staple to our stay. I purchased my beloved boiled peanuts and pedaled back across the road while joyfully clutching my treasure.
The entrance road is long and well-marked, taking one past Lake Blackshear Resort and Golf Club. Tony and I love to golf, and we usually travel with our clubs (but not this time). We had lunch at Cordelia’s in the resort before our departure and would recommend it. The food was good, not all fried, and we received courteous service. Breezes waft along the shore of Lake Blackshear, and the stately building boasts large columns and abundant clean windows. There’s also a marina with a bar, which was closed during our visit.
At night, there is little overhead lighting to distract from the starry sky. Being on the shore of the lake and distant from the highway, the campground was very quiet and peaceful. The hypnotic drone of bugs soon took over our ears as we sat relaxing by our campfire. Having traveled the West during the summer, when fires are prohibited, we especially enjoy a campfire now!
We relaxed in the tranquility of our campsite, knowing we would sleep well and recharge for our final drive to Tampa the following day. Georgia Veterans State Park is a gem, just far enough from the highway to make it peaceful, and just close enough to make it a worthwhile respite from a day on Interstate 75.
Info
Georgia Veterans State Park
2459 U.S. 280 W.
Cordele, GA 31015
(229) 276-2371
www.lakeblackshearresort.com/ga-veterans-park