When you think of abandoned places in Georgia, your mind probably doesn’t immediately go to water parks. Like most states, we have abandoned psychiatric hospitals that were left empty as mental health care standards have changed over the last century. We certainly have stores and restaurants that have closed their doors and the buildings have grown dilapidated over the years. But water parks? Water parks in Georgia are thought of as vibrant, fun spots filled with fun and summertime joy, not creepy empty places that haven’t seen visitors in decades. Crystal Lake in Georgia was once a thriving water park near Valdosta that has now been closed for over 20 years. Let’s take a closer look at this abandoned waterpark in Georgia.

Crystal Lake was located in Irwin County and was an incredibly popular vacation spot for many decades in South Georgia.
"Crystal Lake Georgia"/SuperSinister11/YouTube
If you grew up in the 1980s in Georgia, you likely have memories of attending this popular water park.
The resort was developed in the 1920s. Water slides, a sandy beach, and more were built up along the 100-acre natural lake.
"Crystal Lake Georgia"/SuperSinister11/YouTube
The land here is allegedly cursed. It is said that the pond was the site of a Civil War-era murder of a Union sympathizer and escaped slave.
David Stanley/Library of Congress

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However, during Crystal Lake's many years of existence, it certainly didn't seem cursed. The park was one of the most popular summer destinations in the region, entertaining countless families with its slides, pools, and opportunities for fun.
"Crystal Lake Georgia"/SuperSinister11/YouTube
In the late 1990s, the park was sued by the families of several children who tragically drowned there. The cost of insuring and maintaining the park became far too high to be worthwhile, especially with the increased competition for tourism dollars in the Valdosta area, and it eventually shut down.
"Crystal Lake Georgia"/SuperSinister11/YouTube
The park now lies abandoned, the slides, lifeguard chairs, and other memorabilia still lying rotting on the beach. This is such a sad sight if you were lucky enough to enjoy summers here as a child!
"Crystal Lake Georgia"/SuperSinister11/YouTube

Check out this flyover of Crystal Lake:

Did you ever visit this abandoned waterpark in Georgia? Share your experiences in the comments! For more amazing abandoned places, take a road trip to these abandoned towns in Georgia.

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