Welcome to

Lake Meriwether

If you are having issues scheduling your visit, need a refund, or have any other questions involving our scheduling software, please call 706-977-7655 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. 7 days a week. If scheduling for our pavilion, please choose the day you wish to reserve it for as your “Arrival Date”.

Rules of Lake Meriwether

The following Rules and Policies have been established for the benefit of all patrons of Lake Meriwether Recreational Park, To ensure the fun, safety and well being of everyone in your group and to ensure that the park remains beautiful, please abide by these rules. All patrons agree to abide by the park rules upon entry to the site. These park rules and policies are posted at the Park Office.

In case of an Emergency, please call 911 and also notify the park office at 706-912-3737.

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR ALL PARK PATRONS:

Patrons fishing will pay a $3.00 per day fee.

• Kayaking and/or canoeing will pay a $3.00 per day fee for each craft.

• The use of a set hook/ bank pole, trotline, fish basket, bow and arrow, float, jug, seine, wading, swimming or bathing is not permitted at Lake Meriwether.

• Pets are welcome at Lake Meriwether and must be on a leash no longer than 6' and accompanied by an adult at all times.

• Pets are not allowed in any park building.

• Pet owners are required to clean up after their pets.

• Service Animal Information:

-Service animals in a working capacity are allowed in all areas of the park and overnight accommodations when accompanied by a visitor with a disability; and,

-Service animals shall be harnessed, leashed or tethered unless such devices interfere with the service animal's work, or if the visitor's disability prevents the use of these devices. In that case, the visitor must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal or other effective controls.

Please be considerate of other guest at all times.

-Parents are responsible for their children's behavior.

-All minors must be accompanied by an adult

-Disorderly, ill mannered conduct or profanity will not be tolerated at any time, (Law Enforcement will be called and you will be escorted out of the park if necessary)

Intoxicants:

-Consumption or use of alcoholic beverages or intoxicants is prohibited on Meriwether county property.

Smoke-Free Facilities:

-Please be advised that smoking is prohibited in all enclosed facilities, including buildings, owned, leased or operated by Meriwether County.

All trash and other debris must be placed in the waste receptacles. Please do not leave trash anywhere on park property.

•Camping:

-All campsites shall be kept in a clean, neat and orderly fashion.

-Campfires must be kept in designated areas such as the metal fire rings at various locations,

-DO NOT remove fire rings or burn trash in them.

-Never leave a campfire unattended.

-Campfires must be out by midnight

-No Generators are allowed in the camping area.

All wildlife, plant life, artifacts and any other natural or man-made features are protected and may not be disturbed or removed. Please do not carve, chop or deface the plants and trees. Leave these items for others to enjoy.

• Metal detecting equipment use in the park is prohibited.

Weapons:

- Bows and arrows, explosives, fireworks, slingshots, fishing spears or any devise that discharges projectiles by any means is prohibited. Firearms must be unloaded, cased and stored, unless a person possesses a valid weapons-carry license for a firearm that is valid in Georgia. A person possessing a valid weapon-carry license to carry a firearm valid in this state may carry such firearm on Meriwether County Government property, except on sites where carrying such firearm is prohibited by federal law,

-Reciprocal Firearm Agreements-Some states have reciprocal firearm agreements with Georgia, and their citizens may possess a firearm as long as they possess a valid weapons-carry permit from their respective state. Please research states that have reciprocal agreements with Georgia.

ATV's:

-ATV's, UTV's, 4 wheelers, and all motorized non- licensed off road vehicles are prohibited from use on Park property. Non-motorized and licensed motor vehicles are allowed on paved areas of the park unless otherwise prohibited, and shall be subject to all local, state and federal laws, as well as Park Rules and Regulations as established by Meriwether County.

Golf Carts:

- Golf Carts are treated as motor vehicles and must abide by the same rules and regulations as such., Max speed 15 MPH. Registered campers and current residents of Lake Meriwether Road may use golf carts within the park, but not on designated trails or in restricted areas. Driver/ operator of cart must be 18 years of age or older with a valid driver's license.

Camping Policies:

-Reservations may be made in advance by contacting 706-912-3737 (Park Caretaker) or by clicking the link at the top of the page

- Length of stay-maximum stay is 30 days

-Check-in and check-out times -all must be checked out by 3pm

-Quite hours are from 10pm until 7am -please be courteous of other park users.

Radios, television, musical instruments, etc. must be used in a manner as to not disturb other guest

•Walking Trail Policies:

-Walking trails are open from 8am until 1 hour before sunset. Please be mindful of your time so that you can exit the trail before park closure.

- Please stay on designated trail area -there are portions of the trail near private property and trail users are prohibited from trespassing onto private property.

-Please be mindful of mile markers along the trail route.

-Pets must remain on a leash at all times and owners are expected to clean up any animal waste.

-Please do not feed or harass any animal wildlife that you may encounter.

-Please do not pick or disturb any vegetation along the trail.

-All minors must be accompanied by an adult

-Please bring extra water, bug spray and sunscreen.

-Please do not throw trash on the trail.

-Trail maps are available at the park office.

Disc Golf Policy:

-A portion of the disc golf course is also used for a walking trail, be courteous in sharing the space.

-Never throw a disc when other players or park users are in site, Always give park users the right of way.

-Remain quiet and avoid unnecessary movement when other players are throwing.

-Stand behind the player who is throwing until their throw is complete.

-Allow faster groups to play through when possible.

-Do not throw trash on the course; as a courtesy to others please pick up any trash that you see and dispose of it in the receptacles.

-Do not alter the course in any way.

Drone Use:

-Drone operation is prohibited in Lake Meriwether Park. However, occasionally waivers may be approved for professional projects which may generate revenue or in other ways help promote the park. In these cases, prior approval is required from the Meriwether County Commission. A commercial film/ photography request application detailing the project description, specific site location requested and exact dates and times of drone use needs to be submitted along with the FAA registration and documentation of operator competency (pilot license preferred). Blanket request will not be approved and drone use is not allowed over day use areas or private property.

Special Events:

-Special events, such as festivals in which large crowds may be expected require an Application for Permit to use county owned public spaces and facilities to be filed with the Meriwether County Office of Community Development.