Jackson County, GA Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- March/Oct-Nov hours
- 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- April-Sept hours
- 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Open days
- Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday
- Max fine
- $1,000
- Max jail term
- 60 days
Summary
Bear Creek Reservoir is open to the public only on posted days and hours, such as 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. in March and 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. from April through September, under Sec. 28-31. Sec. 28-31(d) makes it unlawful to be on the property outside those hours.
(a)The Bear Creek Reservoir is open for public access according to the following schedule: March Wednesday 6:00 a.m.—6:00 p.m. Saturday 6:00 a.m.—6:00 p.m. Sunday 6:00 a.m.—6:00 p.m. April through September Wednesday 6:00 a.m.—8:00 p.m. Saturday 6:00 a.m.—8:00 p.m. Sunday 6:00 a.m.—8:00 p.m. October through November Wednesday 6:00 a.m.—6:00 p.m. Saturday 6:00 a.m.—6:00 p.m. Sunday 6:00 a.m.—6:00 p.m. Holidays Memorial Day 6:00 a.m.—8:00 p.m. July 4 th 6:00 a.m.—8:00 p.m. Labor Day 6:00 a.m.—8:00 p.m. ... (d)It shall be unlawful for any persons other than authorized employees of the authority and the county while on active duty to be present on the Bear Creek Reservoir property at any time Bear Creek Reservoir is not open for public access with the exception of adjacent property owners who have purchased a yearly pass for their boat from the authority or its representative.
Full Breakdown
Sec. closing on Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day. Subsection (b) lets the county operate the boat ramp facilities and adjacent areas on other dates, within normal hours, at its sole discretion for special events and holidays, and subsection (c) requires the county to report its operating schedule, including special events, to the Upper Oconee Basin Water Authority annually. Subsection (d) is the enforcement teeth: it is unlawful for anyone other than authorized authority or county employees on active duty to be present on the reservoir property when it is not open to the public, with a narrow exception for adjacent property owners who have purchased a yearly boat pass from the authority or its representative. Sec. 28-32 layers on a separate entrance-fee and permit requirement, reviewed annually by the authority, and Sec. § 15-10-60.
Violations & Fines
Being on Bear Creek Reservoir property outside the posted hours, or entering without the required entrance permit, is prosecuted as a misdemeanor under Sec. 28-61, punishable by a fine up to $1,000, up to 60 days in jail, or both, under O.C.G.A. § 15-10-60, with each day of violation a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Bear Creek Reservoir's public hours in Jackson County?
Can I be on the reservoir property after closing time?
What happens if I'm caught at the reservoir when it's closed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Jackson County
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