Georgia's state parks system turns 75 years old this year, and there are plenty of reasons to celebrate. This statewide system offers accommodations to suit every taste, from low-cost campsites to upscale — but affordable — golf resorts.

But don't take our word for it — the parks system is letting everyone share their experiences at state parks at www.georgia

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stateparks.org/75th. Here's what Anne Prianti of Alpharetta posted:

"Although we moved here from N.Y. just three years ago, we've come to love Georgia as if we were native-born. A big part of this feeling is due to Georgia's state parks. When we first got here, we wanted to get to know our new home. We decided to camp at a state park and bought a tent. We went to Hart State Park on Lake Hartwell and met the most wonderful extended family camping just across the way from us. We had a lake-front site, and two of the kids from across the way came up to us barefooted and bare chested and very politely asked if they might be able to cross our site to use the dock to fish off of. Well, of course they could! ...

"In the four days that we were camping, we got to know Bubba and Coot (as they were called) pretty well. Although their Southern accent was so thick you could cut it with a knife, and my husband's New York accent was equally thick, we somehow managed to communicate. They helped us 'city folk' learn to fish, joined us for s'mores each evening and when it was time to leave and we couldn't get our car started, they came right over and jump-started it.

"That was just the beginning of our love affair with Georgia state parks that continues today. ... In the past three years, we've had more happy memories at more Georgia parks than I can tell."

The system began modestly in 1931, when Indian Springs State Park and Vogel State Park were merged. It now encompasses 48 state parks and 15 state historic sites. Every Georgian is within an hour's drive of one of the sites.

There are so many sites and such a variety, you'll want the "2006 Guide to State Parks & Historic Sites," free by calling 1-800-864-7275. The information is also published at www.georgiastateparks.org.

If you plan to visit the parks often this year, you'll also want the $30 annual ParkPass, which exempts visitors from parking fees at the sites and also generates about $3 million annually for improvements at state parks and historic sites. ParkPasses are available at a state park office or by calling 770-389-7401.

Membership in Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites is $40 ($60 for family membership) and includes a ParkPass, plus additional perks such as a free round of golf at one of the parks or a free night of camping. Information is at

www.friendsofgastateparks.org or by calling 1-888-948-2092.

To mark 75 years, the parks system and Georgia Public Broadcasting are producing a one-hour documentary that will premiere this summer. Also, Georgia celebrities — among them former President Jimmy Carter and comedian Jeff Foxworthy — will record television and radio public service announcements.

Visitors will be able to take part in many events at parks throughout the year, such as a historical photos contest at Kolomoki Mounds Historic Park and a half-day wilderness hike at Panola Mountain State Park. A complete listing is at www.georgiastateparks.org

/75th.

On April 29, Gov. Sonny Perdue will help kick off the 75-year celebration at the same time that Butts County cuts the ribbon on the newly renovated Indian Spring Hotel museum across from Indian Springs State Park. Other events during the day include the city of Jackson's Dogwood Festival (arts, crafts, food and historic displays); stagecoach and horse-drawn carriage parade; '50s and '60s dance at the state park's historic pavilion; fishing contest at the park and blacksmithing displays.

To plan a park visit or reserve park accommodations, call 1-800-864-7275 or see www

.georgiastateparks.org.