George Washington Carver Park

Formerly known from 1970-2016 as Bartow County’s Carver Park, George Washington Carver Park is located to the east of Red Top Mountain State Park at 3900 Bartow Carver Park in Acworth, Georgia.

George Washington Carver Park

Established in 1950 as Georgia’s first state park for African Americans, George Washington Carver Park is now managed by the Cartersville-Bartow County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

According to the Cartersville-Bartow County Convention & Visitors Bureau website:

As Allatoona Dam was completed in Cartersville in 1950, Governor Talmadge leased shoreline to create Red Top Mountain State Park, and nearby established the first “Georgia State Park for Negroes.”  The 345-acre park was named George Washington Carver Park, honoring the renowned Tuskegee Institute botanist and inventor.

Former Tuskegee Airman John Loyd Atkinson became the first Black Park Superintendent in Georgia and built a clubhouse/concession stand, playground, boat ramp, boat and fishing docks, a swim beach with diving platform and a residence.  He operated the park until 1958.  Atkinson also started a black Girl Scout Camp at Carver Park with a sub-lease on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers property.

Due to state budget cuts, George Washington Carver Park was removed from the state park system in 1970, and its operation turned over to Bartow County Government in 1975, becoming known as Bartow Carver Park.

In 2017, the park returned to its original name and was renovated under new management by the Cartersville-Bartow County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

The park has been renovated and is open daily 10 AM-6 PM, unless reserved for private functions.

The beach is open between Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day.

You are welcome to enjoy all this park offers after purchasing a one-day pass or annual pass.

We are thankful that, today, all Americans are welcome in all our parks.

Day-Use Amenities 

  • Beach Area
  • Boat Ramp
  • Picnic Areas
  • Playground
  • Mountain Bike Trails

Exclusive Park Rental Available

  • Large Indoor Event Venue
  • Large Group Picnic Shelter

Contact Information