James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is a 561-acre Georgia state park in Chattooga County, near Summerville. Its two stocked lakes, trails and rural setting offer a choice of fishing, boating, hiking or camping in Georgia’s Ridge and Valley region.
- Location: 2800 Sloppy Floyd Lake Road, Summerville, GA 30747
- Setting: Rural countryside beside the Chattahoochee National Forest
- On the water: Fishing, private boats with electric motors, and rentals
- Park access: Open year-round; a ParkPass is required for vehicles
Where Is James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park?
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is in Chattooga County, about three miles southeast of Summerville. The park’s address is 2800 Sloppy Floyd Lake Road, Summerville, GA 30747, and its countryside setting meets the Chattahoochee National Forest. Paradise Garden is another attraction in the Summerville area.
The park is named for James H. “Sloppy” Floyd, who served in the Georgia House of Representatives from 1953 to 1974. The site became Chattooga Lakes State Park in July 1973; after Floyd died in 1974, the park was dedicated to him. An additional 276 acres were purchased in 1996.
What Can You Do at the Park?
The park’s two stocked lakes support fishing and boating. You can bring a private boat, but only electric motors are permitted; pedal boats, canoes and kayaks are available to rent. The park also has two boat ramps and a boardwalk.
For a walk, the one-mile Marble Mine Trail follows an old road to a marble mine and is rated moderate. Spring and winter rainfall can send water over the marble outcropping as a small, 35-foot waterfall.
The 335-mile Pinhoti Trail crosses half a mile of the park. You can reach it from the Marble Mine or Jenkins Gap trails. Jenkins Gap is strenuous and climbs Taylor Ridge from the Pinhoti Parking Lot; together, Jenkins Gap, Marble Mine and the Pinhoti make a 2.9-mile loop, with shorter connector trails available.
Trails, Lakes and Visitor Access
James H. Floyd State Park has facilities for day visits and overnight stays, including 24 tent, trailer and RV campsites, four backcountry campsites, four cottages, a pioneer campground, four picnic shelters and two playgrounds.
The shelters can be reserved for $35 per day and hold approximately 55 people each; they have water, at least two wall plugs and one grill. Check the Georgia State Parks reservation listing for current shelter details.
The Georgia State Parks accessibility page identifies the fishing pier, cabin 2, campsite 11, the campground comfort station, day-use restrooms, picnic shelters 1 and 4, docks and playgrounds as accessible facilities.
A GRIT Freedom Chair is available for the Lower Lake Trail by reservation. Each rider must be accompanied by an adult in good physical condition who can assist and navigate the terrain. Contact the park at 706-857-0826 to ask about the chair and access arrangements.
Hours, Fees and Park Rules
The park is open year-round, and a ParkPass is required for all vehicles. Overnight guests pay one ParkPass fee for the duration of their stay. The available fee information conflicts, so confirm current pass requirements and charges with Georgia State Parks before setting out.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 8 AM–5 PM
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Private boats are permitted only with electric motors. You can check the official site before you go for current access, reservation and fee details.
How Do You Get to the Park from Summerville?
From Summerville, head southeast on Sloppy Floyd Lake Road via U.S. Highway 27; the park is about three miles from town. If you’re driving from Coach Inn - Summerville, allow about 40 minutes by car. The inn offers guest rooms for a visit to the park.
Paradise Garden is another Summerville-area attraction.
FAQs
Can you bring a boat to James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park?
Yes. Private boats are allowed on the lakes, but only electric motors are permitted. Pedal boats, canoes and kayaks are also available to rent.
How long is the Marble Mine Trail?
The Marble Mine Trail is one mile long and rated moderate. It follows an old road to a marble mine, with a small waterfall that can flow after spring and winter rainfall.
Is there camping at the park?
Yes. The park has tent, trailer and RV campsites, backcountry campsites, cottages and a pioneer campground. A ParkPass is required for vehicles, including for overnight stays.
What can you see in Summerville city centre?
The guide to Summerville city centre covers local sights.