Permits for Parking & Backcountry Camping
NOTICE: Only ONE Backcountry permit (for one individual, couple or small group) will be issued for each of the 21 backcountry campsites. Reservations on-line a must. . Walk-in/non reservation permits can still be issued at the park office on first come basis/sites not reserved already. Groups can be up to capacity for a campsite and a group of 6 or more will have whole site, BUT within total tent limits on the Site Descriptions chart.
Parking Permits for Backpacking and just day hiking:
If you park anywhere within FDR State Park (roadside or in named parking areas) you must have a annual Georgia Park Pass or current daily use fee pass displayed. You can purchase a daily pass at the park office (The Park office takes cash and most debit and credit cards) or with cash or card from Self-Pay boxes located in the RV campground (and as shown as SPB on the Pine Mountain Trail map) at the WJSP-TV Tower Parking Lot (Parking anywhere at the WJSP-TV tower parking lot is within FDR State Park), Rocky Point Parking Lot, Mollyhugger Hill Parking Lot, Dowdell's Knob Trailhead and near the FDR Statue in the picnic area at Dowdell Knob and Fox Den Cove Parking Lot. NOTE: If you purchase a pass online via the link below or using the QR code on a Self-Pay box, you still have to get an envelope from the SELF PAY box and put the pass on your vehicle rear view mirror and write the online confirmation number from your online order on the envelope the pass came from before putting the envelope in the pay slot in the box. (see for purchasing online: https://gastateparks.reserveamerica.com/posProductDetails.do?id=554806&contractCode=GA )..So if you park at an area that does not have SELF PAY box, you have to drive to office or a parking area that has a box and purchase one first. The fee for regular size passenger vehicles and vans is $5.00 per day. A yearly pass available at the park office only is $50.00 for a vehicle (van/bus) up to 13 persons. For larger vans and buses fees, call the park office at 706-663-4858.
You should be aware of these fees before driving to FDR State Park. You will be asked the size of vehicle you are driving and charged accordingly. Vehicles will be ticketed by FDR State Park Rangers if found without a valid Daily Use/Parking Permit or a valid Georgia State Park yearly pass. The daily pass is just for daytime parking. Vehicles left overnight (while backpacking) must also have displayed on the dash the blue copy of your backcountry permit. The only place you don't need a parking pass is parking off park property near the west end/Mile 0 area of the trail at the Georgia DOT Trailhead parking area across from the Callaway Country Store/Kitchen. From that parking area you cross the road at the intersection of GA 190/US 27 and up GA 190 it is 380 feet to Mile 0.
If you park anywhere within FDR State Park (roadside or in named parking areas) you must have a annual Georgia Park Pass or current daily use fee pass displayed. You can purchase a daily pass at the park office (The Park office takes cash and most debit and credit cards) or with cash or card from Self-Pay boxes located in the RV campground (and as shown as SPB on the Pine Mountain Trail map) at the WJSP-TV Tower Parking Lot (Parking anywhere at the WJSP-TV tower parking lot is within FDR State Park), Rocky Point Parking Lot, Mollyhugger Hill Parking Lot, Dowdell's Knob Trailhead and near the FDR Statue in the picnic area at Dowdell Knob and Fox Den Cove Parking Lot. NOTE: If you purchase a pass online via the link below or using the QR code on a Self-Pay box, you still have to get an envelope from the SELF PAY box and put the pass on your vehicle rear view mirror and write the online confirmation number from your online order on the envelope the pass came from before putting the envelope in the pay slot in the box. (see for purchasing online: https://gastateparks.reserveamerica.com/posProductDetails.do?id=554806&contractCode=GA )..So if you park at an area that does not have SELF PAY box, you have to drive to office or a parking area that has a box and purchase one first. The fee for regular size passenger vehicles and vans is $5.00 per day. A yearly pass available at the park office only is $50.00 for a vehicle (van/bus) up to 13 persons. For larger vans and buses fees, call the park office at 706-663-4858.
You should be aware of these fees before driving to FDR State Park. You will be asked the size of vehicle you are driving and charged accordingly. Vehicles will be ticketed by FDR State Park Rangers if found without a valid Daily Use/Parking Permit or a valid Georgia State Park yearly pass. The daily pass is just for daytime parking. Vehicles left overnight (while backpacking) must also have displayed on the dash the blue copy of your backcountry permit. The only place you don't need a parking pass is parking off park property near the west end/Mile 0 area of the trail at the Georgia DOT Trailhead parking area across from the Callaway Country Store/Kitchen. From that parking area you cross the road at the intersection of GA 190/US 27 and up GA 190 it is 380 feet to Mile 0.
SHUTTLES for HIKERS AND BACKPACKERS.
There is not any of the pay for fee services in the area. FDR State Park folks don't do shuttles. Currently we do not have anyone who lives near the park/trail available to do shuttles on a regular basis, HOWEVER: Some have posted shuttle request to our PMTA Facebook page and get response from folks willing to give shuttle. These are not to be considered free, so be prepared to pay for service. NOTE: Hikers and backpackers, if a bad weather situation comes up or you are injured on hike/backpacking trip, the park rangers may be able to pick you up at a trailhead to take you off the trail. Park Emergency numbers posted on the back of the trail map and on stickers posted all along the trails.
Backcountry permits for the Pine Mountain Trail.
Even if you have reservations, you still must go by the FDR State park office at least two hours before dark (during park office hours 8-5) and fill out/receive your actual backcountry permit that is to be attached to your pack and they are issued only on the day you start out backpacking. If you don't have reservations you may call to see what is available, then you must come to the park office and see what is available at that time of the backcountry campsites which is thus "first come" basis for unreserved sites.
As you enter the park office, to the left back corner under the stairs is an area with a large trail map and blank backcountry permits. Review the map and pick out the campsite(s) where you'd like to stay if you don’t have reservation, then grab a permit and fill in your name, address and vehicle tag information only. You will need to do this even if you have reservations. Then go to the counter where the clerk or park manager on duty will tell you which backcountry sites are available or if you have site specific reservations they will help you fill in the rest of the permit including campsite and parking location (for trail entry and exit point.) You'll need the tag numbers of all vehicles you are using/driving and leaving at a trailhead to record on the backpacking permits and permit holders drivers’ license.
The individual Backcountry permit fee as of 11/1/2022 is now $12.00 per night per person up to a group of 5. For a group/family or organization permit for 5 or more the fee is $60.00 per night. In addition to the backcountry permit, you will still need to purchase a one-time daily parking permit for every car parked on park property. Thus you will only have to pay for one permit (ie $5) for each vehicle regardless if you stay one night or several days.
Backcountry camping fees are waived for Pine Mountain Trail Association Members upon presentation of a valid, active in-date PMTA membership card. NOTE: the park does not have record of PMTA members, so the membership card is a must have. PMTA members can also make site specific online reservations, and hold- charge for reservation will be backed off their credit card upon arrival at the park office. Just fill out the permit and take to the clerk on duty, tell of your reservation and show your valid PMTA membership card.
As of December 6, 2018 you can make a reservation to backcountry camp for all named sites. See SITE DESCRIPTIONS on this website for details before making a reservation so you will know/read about the various sites and if there is room for tents/hammock if you have a group. . Making a reservation on-line or by phone to the 800# still requires you to come to first come to the FDR park office the day you are to hit the trail, and tell the clerk of your reservation and they can issue your required backcountry permit based on your reservation for sites you reserved or if “walk in’ what is available at that time. You must go by the office during business/open hours and prior to two hours before dark. The FDR State Park office/visitors center is now open 8 am to 5 pm seven days a week. The 2023 PMT map and previous editions show the closing time incorrectly. NOTE: Thus, in the shorter daylight days/winter time, if dark is say 6 pm, you must make it to the park office no later than 4 pm.
You may make reservations online 24 hours a day, seven days a week at http://www.georgiastateparks.org/ or by calling 1-800-864-7275 8:00 am - 8:00 pm during the week and 9:00 am - 5:00 pm on weekends. There is no additional fee for the 800# or online service. Click here to go to Ga State Parks page for FDR.
Once on this page on the left you will see a box. Under LOOP, click and choose BACKCOUNTRY CAMPSITE -Leave SITE # blank. - Under LOOKING FOR, then choose TENT. Enter how many occupants. Go down to ARRIVAL DATE and choose a date. Go to LENGTH of STAY and put in number of nights you wish to stay. Then Click on SEARCH…..Then you can scroll down and see a list of all the campsites by name and number and how many campers it will hold. The sites are now listed in the order west to east as they are on the map. The AVAILABLE ones will have a dark blue small box with a tent symbol and word "map". Choose then from an available site. NOTE: Before choosing a site, you can look at photos and read directions to each site on our website SITE DECRIPTIONS page. Any questions? Call Jim Hall with trail association for clarification. 706-325-4113
*NOTE: Arriving two hours before dark also applies to ALL in a group. No one may come late and catch up/hit the trail later. Idea per park rule: Is get all in a group on the trail, to their campsite BEFORE dark. No hiking after dark.
Park rules state that each site can have a certain number of persons/tents per site per night. See our SITE DESCRIPTIONS section on this website for how many each site will hold. NOTE: if you are a Scout unit and say have 25 boys, be prepared to split up into two sites if available (unless you choose NEW Turtle Hollow Campsite and it is available. ).
There is not any of the pay for fee services in the area. FDR State Park folks don't do shuttles. Currently we do not have anyone who lives near the park/trail available to do shuttles on a regular basis, HOWEVER: Some have posted shuttle request to our PMTA Facebook page and get response from folks willing to give shuttle. These are not to be considered free, so be prepared to pay for service. NOTE: Hikers and backpackers, if a bad weather situation comes up or you are injured on hike/backpacking trip, the park rangers may be able to pick you up at a trailhead to take you off the trail. Park Emergency numbers posted on the back of the trail map and on stickers posted all along the trails.
Backcountry permits for the Pine Mountain Trail.
Even if you have reservations, you still must go by the FDR State park office at least two hours before dark (during park office hours 8-5) and fill out/receive your actual backcountry permit that is to be attached to your pack and they are issued only on the day you start out backpacking. If you don't have reservations you may call to see what is available, then you must come to the park office and see what is available at that time of the backcountry campsites which is thus "first come" basis for unreserved sites.
As you enter the park office, to the left back corner under the stairs is an area with a large trail map and blank backcountry permits. Review the map and pick out the campsite(s) where you'd like to stay if you don’t have reservation, then grab a permit and fill in your name, address and vehicle tag information only. You will need to do this even if you have reservations. Then go to the counter where the clerk or park manager on duty will tell you which backcountry sites are available or if you have site specific reservations they will help you fill in the rest of the permit including campsite and parking location (for trail entry and exit point.) You'll need the tag numbers of all vehicles you are using/driving and leaving at a trailhead to record on the backpacking permits and permit holders drivers’ license.
The individual Backcountry permit fee as of 11/1/2022 is now $12.00 per night per person up to a group of 5. For a group/family or organization permit for 5 or more the fee is $60.00 per night. In addition to the backcountry permit, you will still need to purchase a one-time daily parking permit for every car parked on park property. Thus you will only have to pay for one permit (ie $5) for each vehicle regardless if you stay one night or several days.
Backcountry camping fees are waived for Pine Mountain Trail Association Members upon presentation of a valid, active in-date PMTA membership card. NOTE: the park does not have record of PMTA members, so the membership card is a must have. PMTA members can also make site specific online reservations, and hold- charge for reservation will be backed off their credit card upon arrival at the park office. Just fill out the permit and take to the clerk on duty, tell of your reservation and show your valid PMTA membership card.
As of December 6, 2018 you can make a reservation to backcountry camp for all named sites. See SITE DESCRIPTIONS on this website for details before making a reservation so you will know/read about the various sites and if there is room for tents/hammock if you have a group. . Making a reservation on-line or by phone to the 800# still requires you to come to first come to the FDR park office the day you are to hit the trail, and tell the clerk of your reservation and they can issue your required backcountry permit based on your reservation for sites you reserved or if “walk in’ what is available at that time. You must go by the office during business/open hours and prior to two hours before dark. The FDR State Park office/visitors center is now open 8 am to 5 pm seven days a week. The 2023 PMT map and previous editions show the closing time incorrectly. NOTE: Thus, in the shorter daylight days/winter time, if dark is say 6 pm, you must make it to the park office no later than 4 pm.
You may make reservations online 24 hours a day, seven days a week at http://www.georgiastateparks.org/ or by calling 1-800-864-7275 8:00 am - 8:00 pm during the week and 9:00 am - 5:00 pm on weekends. There is no additional fee for the 800# or online service. Click here to go to Ga State Parks page for FDR.
Once on this page on the left you will see a box. Under LOOP, click and choose BACKCOUNTRY CAMPSITE -Leave SITE # blank. - Under LOOKING FOR, then choose TENT. Enter how many occupants. Go down to ARRIVAL DATE and choose a date. Go to LENGTH of STAY and put in number of nights you wish to stay. Then Click on SEARCH…..Then you can scroll down and see a list of all the campsites by name and number and how many campers it will hold. The sites are now listed in the order west to east as they are on the map. The AVAILABLE ones will have a dark blue small box with a tent symbol and word "map". Choose then from an available site. NOTE: Before choosing a site, you can look at photos and read directions to each site on our website SITE DECRIPTIONS page. Any questions? Call Jim Hall with trail association for clarification. 706-325-4113
*NOTE: Arriving two hours before dark also applies to ALL in a group. No one may come late and catch up/hit the trail later. Idea per park rule: Is get all in a group on the trail, to their campsite BEFORE dark. No hiking after dark.
Park rules state that each site can have a certain number of persons/tents per site per night. See our SITE DESCRIPTIONS section on this website for how many each site will hold. NOTE: if you are a Scout unit and say have 25 boys, be prepared to split up into two sites if available (unless you choose NEW Turtle Hollow Campsite and it is available. ).
Each vehicle left overnight anywhere within FDR State park must have a copy of the backcountry permit (blue copy) on the dash of the vehicle in plain view (last name and phone number written on back must be visible). and a valid daily use fee parking permit or Georgia Park Pass. If you travel to FDR in two or more vehicles, ask the clerk at the park office for a duplicate of the copy of your backcountry permit for each additional vehicle. The white original copy of your backcountry permit is to be fastened to the backpack of the person who obtains the permit.
Important things to note:
Most parking areas are patrolled by both the FDR State Park Rangers and the local county sheriff.
Important things to note:
- Permits must be obtained about 2 hours before dark (this is so you get on the trail and hike to your campsite before dark).
- You must be 18 years old or older to obtain a backpacking permit, so there must be at least one person in the group 18 or older who actually goes backpacking and whose name is on the permit as responsible for the campsite. Permit holder thus must also actually be with the group at all times.
- BACKCOUNTRY PERMITS are for backpackers hiking in with their gear on their backs and making it to a campsite in one trip. NOTE: Nothing with wheels is allowed on trails (no carts, wagons, wheeled coolers, strollers). If you can’t carry in gear on your back in one load…..Ask for a RV Campground or pioneer drive up site.
- You must park where your backcountry permit says and use only the designated named backcountry campsites you have a permit for as noted on the handout you will be given with your permit.
- It is up to the permit holder to R-E-A-D the handout given with your backcountry permit and make sure all with you understand what it says. Permit holder is responsible for all with him. . .
Most parking areas are patrolled by both the FDR State Park Rangers and the local county sheriff.
- If your group wants to camp out together and not hike in to a backcountry site, the FDR State Park has a Pioneer Camping area away from the Pine Mountain Trail near the RV campground. This is a drive up primitive area. Some scout units use this area for their younger scouts and another leader or two take the older ones backpacking on the Pine Mountain Trail.
- Contact the FDR park office for fees to camp in the Pioneer area. This area is not part of the Pine Mountain Trail backcountry.
- Like all Georgia State Parks, there is a "quiet time" to be observed starting at 10:00 pm. This applies to the FDR RV campground, Pioneer area, and at the PMT backcountry campsites. Adult leaders of groups backpacking on the PMT, please note this and be considerate of other backpackers you may share a site with.