Fishing - Don Carter State Park | Department Of Natural Resources Division

Welcome to Idlewilde Event Center at Indian Springs State Park

Conveniently located near I-75 in middle Georgia, Indian Springs is one of the oldest state parks in the United States and a popular spot for outdoor recreation.

Idlewilde Event Center at Indian Springs State Park is available for reservations. The name is derived from the majestic house on the property that serves as the park office and visitor center; and is on the National Historic Register. With another nod to past, the individual rooms in the center are even named after the historic hotels that once thrived in the village of Indian Springs. Idlewilde has 20,000 square feet of event space including a massive lake side porch with beautiful views of the water. With a capacity of 500 people, Idlewilde can accommodate a variety of events, from birthday parties and family reunions, to weddings and corporate retreats. Additional features include a catering kitchen and audio visual capabilities in every room.

For inquiries or to join the Idlewilde Event Center waiting list, please contact us on 470-707-8071.

Operated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources

Available event hours: 8:00AM – 10:00PM

Total footprint 19,557 square feet

Opened September 2018

Fishing - Don Carter State Park

Positioned on Lake Lanier, this park offers a variety of warm water species. The reservoir is best known for its spotted and striped bass fishing. The upper end of the lake also offers good options for largemouth bass. The best time for targeting striped bass is in the spring when they are making their spawning runs up the Chattahoochee River. Target rocky shorelines in the spring for the spots, and summer through fall they are likely to be in open water chasing blueback herring or shad. For largemouth, boating anglers can target downed trees, especially in coves. Don Carter has four paddling trails offering access to bass, bluegill, catfish, crappie and more. Kayaks are available for rent. Shore-bound anglers have plenty of fishing access as well.