Just north of Rome, you will discover one of the most beautiful state parks around James H. Sloppy Floyd Park and Campground. It offers so much to do and see. When we visited, I was pleasantly surprised to learn precisely how much this park provides. If you wonder about the park’s name, it was named after Democrat James H. “Sloppy” Floyd. He served in the Georgia House of Representatives from 1953 until 1974. He was from the area and was given the honor of the park being named after him. What a fantastic tribute!
The park is just outside of Rome in what locals call Taylors Ridge. It encompasses 561 acres and has two lakes. It is nestled among rolling hills.
I remember going there as a kid for day trips with my family and a picnic with the church. Four different pavilions are available to rent around the lakes. I don’t know if every pavilion had swings, but I saw several swings. The pavilions also had grills nearby.
There is also a playground there. While driving around, the playground was one of the first things we encountered before getting to the pavilions. It has a view of the lake in the background.
Two lakes are fully stocked with fish. The lakes are used for canoeing, paddle boarding, fishing, feeding the ducks, and enjoying the view. On one of the lakes, a walking bridge stretches across the lake with a spot to stop on one side of the bridge to take a break or fish. The bridge is a shortcut from the park office to the other pavilions on the far side of the lake. Also, it just looks fantastic.
The day we visited, there were just a few ducks swimming. It was the hottest part of an August afternoon, so I suspect there may have been more ducks than this relaxing in the shade somewhere.
There were also a couple of young girls paddleboarding on the lake. I would love to try paddle boarding, but seeing as swimming isn’t allowed in the lakes, that probably wouldn’t work out too well. I would probably end up headfirst with the fishies.
There are canoes and kayaks available to rent. Kayaking is very popular in this area. If you are interested in renting one, you can find more information in the park office across from the cute little shack.
Inside the park office, they have information about wildlife in the area. This is also where you register to camp. There are several options for camping. They have cabins, campsites, and primitive camping.
Outside the park office, the gardens are very serene. I couldn’t help but walk through and admire their simple beauty.
You can also find more detailed information about the walking trails inside the park office. If you take the Marble Mine Trail, you will find a waterfall. The Pinhoti Trail is a famous trail that runs through Georgia and Alabama.
The park has some great options for a day trip, but it is also an excellent place for camping. The newest addition to the park is the backcountry campsites. These are primitive campsites that vehicles cannot access, with no running water or electricity. There are four backcountry campsites. You must park and walk to the camping site to get to the backcountry campsites. They are nestled in the woods and close to the lake’s backside, surrounded by walking trails. I know this camping type has always been an option for avid campers, but it seems to have become even more popular over the past few years. It appears to be a trend among young adults to opt for primitive camping.
The second option for camping is my favorite, and that is camping at a site with water and power hookups for an RV or pop-up camper. To get to the campsites, you drive up a hill. Once you get up the hill, you will find 25 campsites leveled off. This area is the premium campground and has a bathhouse, a playground, and laundry.
The third option for camping at Sloppy Floyd State Park is unique and the only campground with cabins you can rent. There are four cabins that can sleep up to eight people. They are situated ideally on the side of the hills and have a picturesque view.
I have enjoyed getting to know this area and all the little hidden gems at James H Sloppy Floyd State Park. We have friends that camp here often, but I had never really explored what they offer. I am delighted we did. If you have ever stayed here, let us know in the comments. What is your favorite thing to do?
For more places to camp in and around Rome, Georgia, check out The best places to camp in Rome, Georgia, and the Northwest Georgia Mountains.
I have never camped here at the park only gone for picnic . I loved the pictures that you showed on your blog. A beautiful area , I will have to visit now. Hopefully to camp or rent the cabin.