Local parks in Royston include the Royston Wellness and Community Park, which offers 1.2 miles of trails, picnic areas, a playground, and a nine-hole disc golf course.
Royston is only a few minutes from Lake Hartwell and the county’s other state park, Tugaloo State Park. Visitors to 56,000-acre Lake Hartwell enjoy all types of water sports including skiing, boating, sailing, jet skiing, and canoeing. The natural sand beaches along the shoreline are perfect for swimming, picnicking, or just relaxing. Lake Hartwell is also a fantastic place for birdwatching. More than 250 species of birds inhabit the area regularly. You can see anything from wild turkey and Canadian geese to the endangered peregrine falcon and American bald eagle.
Lake Hartwell is a magnet for those who love to fish for largemouth bass, hybrid bass, black crappie, rainbow trout, bream, and walleyed pike. The six-lane mega ramp at Tugaloo State Park has hosted numerous bass fishing tournaments over the years.
Situated on a wooded peninsula, Tugaloo State Park’s cottages, yurts, and most campsites offer spectacular views of Lake Hartwell in every direction. Some cottages even have private boat docks for overnight guests. Tent campers can choose between the developed campground or primitive sites a short walk from the parking area.
Four miles of trails are open to hikers at the park. Both the 3.6-mile Sassafras and 0.7-mile Muscadine hiking trails at Tugaloo State Park wind through oak, walnut, mulberry and cherry trees. Other activities at the park include geocaching, horseshoes, mini-golf, tennis, and volleyball. Kayaks and canoes can be rented at the park on a seasonal basis.