Factory Shoals Park

This park seems to be improving consistently, and we really appreciated it. There is a new walking path that has been installed, and there is always plenty of parking. During the summer it is a great spot to go with family to swim and enjoy a warm afternoon.

We've been coming here since we were kids. We raised our kids in this river and taught them the rules and etiquette. When Ranger Mike left, it was a pretty rough blow to the park. The new Ranger tho. He's proving to be just as dedicated and "married" to his post as Mr. Mike was. The changes he's made, along with his constant maintenance of the facilities and campsites make this a magnet for anyone seeking some just the basics kid friendly camping. The rates have been increased this year to $20/p/night and they still fall under( by a good $10 a night) less than anywhere in a 45 mile radius We love this park, we come often and look forward to our many more visits. Great work Ranger!

If you're a nature and/or history lover, this is a beautiful place to visit. The sound of the river is so pleasant while you're walking the trail. There are some steep, slippery spots, so wear appropriate shoes.You can walk both sides of the river, and the remains of factories built as early as 1830 can be seen. Pick up a history packet at the entrance booth. You can see wildlife, like deer, chipmunks, turtles, and snakes. There are huge pines, large farkleberry bushes, and native plants such as alumroot (heuchera), and thistle. In many places the river roars over the rocks, but there is also a shallow, calm spot for wading. You have a large choice of picnic tables throughout the park, a restroom, a small children's playground, and a large, open field. I did not see any signs prohibiting dogs, and saw one dog on a leash in the park. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and will be back!

Note to future campers: the campground is NOT located at the address provided. This is the recreational park. The campground is actually up the road, on the opposite side of the park, at the entrance of the graveyard. This campground is first come, first serve. It is $15 dollars a night. Some of the sites are waterfront. There is a bathroom with a shower that was kept up with and stocked with toilet paper and paper towels. There is also a water spigot near the bathroom and electrical outlets in the bathroom. We arrived late at night and didn’t see how to pay for the campground so we just set up but the next morning, the campground manager, Raymond, stopped by to welcome us and take our payment. He was very nice and helpful, keeping up with the grounds and the bathroom, and answering any questions we had. We lucked out and got a waterfront site (site 4) due to the fact somebody checked out early. We had a happy little bonus of getting to watch the beavers play in the river early in the morning. Each of the sites have a raised gravel platform for tents, a grill, and a fire pit. The campground was full on Saturday when we arrived but cleared out during the week. All in all, we enjoyed our stay and would definitely be back if we ever come back to the area. Thanks again, Raymond, for all that you do to keep up with the place and make it an enjoyable experience for campers like us! The recreational park was nice, with some good trails to hike, pretty views, and water that you could get in to if you wanted. On a final note: this campground is definitely set up for primitive camping, focusing more on tents. We have a 10 foot trailer. We were able to back in to our spot with no problem. The site was not level but that wasn’t a big deal for us in our rooftop tent. We didn’t check out the other sites but an RV would probably have a hard time setting up here.

Love this new found glory! I’ve brought friends and family back since finding it a few weeks ago. The trials all interconnect and lead to the water- love it. So many places to duck off along side the water to enjoy the rapids (or streams) depending on where you are. Picnic tables near parking areas (on the travel) with background soundscapes of the water to enjoy a meal, or walk down to the water and enjoy a getaway. Be careful going down the rocks (path depending) if knees or ankles need extra attention. The same for being near the water, it’s slippery and rapid, especially after a fresh rain. Depending on what parts of the trail, you get areas of elevation that can over look the water vs being in it. People come to fish, canoe, boat, fly fish, and swim in the water. They have camping. Primitive camp sites on the water (lazy river type, no shoals so no tranquil water sounds) but near water nonetheless. 7 sites on water, 2 across. Restrooms in camp area. Didn’t go in so not sure how they are inside. Overall, I always enjoy Factory Shoals and it’s low trafficked easy access to nature and water right in Newton County.