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The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Coastal Resources Division (CRD) announces the official reopening of the James Allen Williamson Park & Boat Ramp at the Champney River following completion of major renovations designed to improve boating access, fishing opportunities, and public safety.
A free public ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, May 1, 2026, at the boat ramp, approximately 2.5 miles south of downtown Darien on U.S. Highway 17. Georgia DNR Commissioner Walter Rabon will provide remarks. Members of the public are invited to attend.
The $2.5 million renovation project significantly upgrades the popular boating access site, which is frequently used by recreational boaters, anglers, and waterfowl hunters.
Improvements include:
- Two new double-lane boat ramps, replacing one previous double-lane ramp
- Improved boating service docks for safer launching and loading
- A new ADA-accessible fishing pier to expand public fishing access
- A reconfigured dock system featuring a 30-foot by 10-foot near-shore fishing pier and a 60-foot dock extending approximately 70 feet into the river
- A new 100,000-square-foot parking area raised approximately three feet to remove it from the floodplain
Funding for the project came from multiple partners. Major funding was provided through a $1.1 million grant from the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program, along with a grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Wildlife & Sport Fish Restoration Fund, through CRD and its sister DNR division, Wildlife Resources Division.
Approved by Georgia voters in 2018 with 83 percent support, the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program provides dedicated funding to support parks and trails and to protect lands important for wildlife habitat, clean water, and outdoor recreation.
Additional support included a $35,000 contribution from Ducks Unlimited, donations from several private individuals, and signage materials donated by Cherokee Brick Company.
The project was originally expected to take approximately six months to complete. However, construction challenges resulted in unforeseen delays that extended the construction timeline.
McIntosh County will manage ongoing maintenance of the park and boat ramp.
The James Allen Williamson Park & Boat Ramp provides important public access to the Champney River and surrounding coastal waters and serves as a key access point for boating, fishing, and seasonal waterfowl hunting activities.
For more information about CRD boating access facilities, visit CoastalGaDNR.org/AllBoatRamps.
About the Coastal Resources Division
The mission of the Coastal Resources Division is to balance coastal development and protection of the coast's natural assets, socio-cultural heritage and recreational resources for the benefit of present and future generations.
Media Contact
Tyler Jones
Public Information Officer
Coastal Resources Division
Georgia Department of Natural Resources
tyler.jones@dnr.ga.gov
912-264-7218
