The historic Hard Labor Creek State Park in Rutledge, Georgia will reopen to the public on July 1, boasting several new renovations.

Just in time for Fourth of July festivities, visitors will be able to experience newly modernized campsites, cabins and other amenities across the park, which sits on 5,804 acres and features two lakes: Lake Rutledge and Lake Brantley.
On the campgrounds, the park added two new comfort stations and full-hookup service stations at 12 campsites. In addition to upgraded water and electrical service, the park also re-paved the roads around the 51-site campground and improved landscaping for both visual appeal and safety.

In 2015, the park renovated eight of its 20 cabins. The refurbished cottages include two bedrooms and two bathrooms, as well as new furniture, screened porches complete with picnic tables and spacious kitchens. Each cabin comes with a fireplace, flat-screen televisions, wooded views and an outdoor fire ring or grill. One cottage has also been made dog-accessible for families traveling with pets.

Also new to Hard Labor is the ADA-accessible 18-hole miniature golf course, which opened on April 1 and is a right across from the Visitor Center. This is in addition to the 18-hole golf course, a 24-mile equestrian trail system, and 16 miles of bicycle trails that Hard Labor.

Hard Labor, which is said to have received its name from slaves who worked the rocky soil planting cotton or by American Indians who found the creek difficult to ford during times of heavy rain, is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It was constructed as a Recreation Demonstration Area by the Civilian Conservation Corps between 1934 and 1941 and has been open to the public ever since.

Those looking to getaway to the park for the holiday weekend can reserve cabins for $145 to $160 per night, as well as campsites for $26 to $32 per night. Overnight guests can utilize the miniature golf course for a $5 fee or utilize the 12 tent/RV campsites and 30 horse stalls in the equestrian area.

For reservations, call 1-800-864-7275 or visit GaStateParks.org/HardLaborCreek. The Visitor Center can be reached at 706-557-3001.