Fort Mountain, #8a

CAMP (Y/N?): Y (1 night, solo carcamp)
MY ACTIVITIES: Hiking
NOTES: Roomy campground; Variety of trails and views; Lake with Beach

​In late May 2019, I was in the area and had hoped to get a campsite after a day of Jeeping with my bff Leah.  I drove up and the Camp Hosts were super kind and thorough in making sure not campsite was left unfilled, but alas, they ALL were on a summer Saturday night.
I decided to then make weekday reservations for July for my explorations of Fort Mountain State Park.
Campsite #30 was my home for the night.  The campground was lush and green and the campsites felt like there was plenty of 'elbow room', so to speak.  

The campsite(s) below me had a large and loud family.  Although it was relaxing and enjoyable, this campground on this day had a feel of 1980s summer frivolity, complete with music, cardgames, playful kids and parents hollering for the kids well into the night.  I was an early riser the next morning to a quiet start to the day.  Camping alone, the quiet it easy to enjoy.  My best memory of this campsite was watching the squirrel come into camp and nibble on a couple of nearby mushrooms.
I hiked to the overlook and fire tower in the coolness of the misty morning.  Afterwards, I hiked Big Rock Trail near the Cottages at the end of the lake.  The 'big rock' is a great clue as to where the trail starts (well, so is the huge, well labeled sign, but you know... ha!).  I had brought my inflatable kayak to explore the lake, but on small lakes I tend to believe it will be pointless (maybe I should try it before I knock it?), so I simply hiked the Lake Loop Trail.  I stumbled upon a couple of young sweethearts on this day - one at the Overlook and one while on the Lake Loop.  Cue 'awww'. 
On this trip, I spoke with the Park Staff in the Visitor Center (as I always do) and told the lady about my quest to visit all the Ga State Parks within the year.  She shared some tips including that the Junior Ranger Program was open to adults (as of this year I do believe), and that there was a Parks Rewards Program where money spent could add up to free nights.  I digested the information slowly and returned to ask more questions.  For some reason, I did not think I was interested in the Junior Ranger Program (possibly because I thought of it as only a kids offering), and didn't sign up for the Rewards Program.  I truly appreciate being told about it though - just wish I would've recognized the awesomeness of these offerings immediately.