The seasons have changed and winter has arrived, which means that Georgia State Parks has one for the birds—the sun-seeking snowbirds, that is. It’s time for the annual migration when residents from points north seek southern sunshine. This year Georgia State Parks is offering deals to RVers to nest for a while in the Peach State by offering a 50 percent discount off the regular campsite rates of $25 to $32 per night with a minimum of a 30-day stay from now until February 28, 2014. To take advantage of this fine-as-a-feather offer when making reservations, use promotional code SnowBird50%. For additional details, visit www.gastateparks.org/snowbird.

This snowbird of happiness half-off special discount is valid for campsites at six participating state parks peppered across Georgia, including Florence Marina, Kolomoki Mounds, Magnolia Springs, Reed Bingham, Seminole, and Stephen C. Foster. The parks offer unparalleled natural surroundings, quietness and serenity, historical perspectives, and something uniquely different about each one for discerning cold-weather escapees.

On the western edge of Georgia lies Florence Marina State Park in Omaha. While its primary design is for water lovers and water sports, it offers a natural deepwater marina, boat slips and boat ramp, and a fun fishing pier where the fishing is as fabulous as the birding. Campers will enjoy Kirbo Interpretive Center, which showcases local history and flora and fauna. Discounted rates range from $12.50 to $14 per night. Farther south is Kolomoki Mounds State Park, a historically significant park near Blakely that is the oldest and largest Woodland Indian site in the Southeast. For the outdoors, it’s all here, from fishing and boating to hiking and photography. Discounted rates are $12.50 to $13.50 per night for fall and winter.

Wedged between Interstates 16 and 20 is Magnolia Springs State Park in Millen. While it is primarily known for its wildlife and crystalline springs that gush an astounding 7 million gallons per day, the dramatically beautiful site is historically significant in that it was once a Civil War stockade. Relive history here at rates of 50 percent off: only $12.50 to $14 per night. Near the major north-south corridor of Interstate 75 is Adel’s Reed Bingham State Park, another veritable zoo of rare and endangered wildlife such as gopher tortoises and indigo snakes. The park is also home to one of Georgia’s most bizarre natural spectacles when thousands of buzzards congregate here to roost for the winter and is truly a sight to behold. Buzz on in for discounted rates of $12.50 to $16 per night.

On the 37,500-acre Lake Seminole in the far southwest corner of Georgia close to Donalsonville is Seminole State Park, which has the distinction of having one of the largest longleaf pine forests in a Georgia state park. The park is the place for myriad opportunities for boating, fishing, birding, and wildlife watching. Discounted rates are an affordable $12.50 to $14 per night. For a taste of the enigmatic, darkly beautiful Okefenokee Swamp, an array of wildlife not found elsewhere, and melodic folk music, Stephen Foster State Park near Fargo is a remote and rare jewel. Here the nights are dark and quiet so that stargazing is an unreal experience. Wing in with Snowbird rates of $12.50 to $15 per night.

At Georgia State Parks, it’s all about the outdoors for singles, couples or families. For an extended stay with great rates, everyone can easily escape the cold and bask under the Georgia sun with a wide range of activities. For a complete listing of all that’s available at each park, visit www.GaStateParks.org. For additional details on the discount, visit www.gastateparks.org/snowbird.

Logo courtesy Georgia Department of Natural Resources State Parks and Historical Sites