Bulloch County shuts down Savage Trails ATV Park over permit and environmental violations

BULLOCH COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - Just as hundreds of residents were preparing to visit Savage Trails ATV Park for Labor Day, Bulloch County issued a cease-and-desist order Friday, closing the park immediately.

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County officials say the closure comes after multiple county permit and code violations were identified.

The action follows months of investigation and comes just days after a report by WTOC highlighted ongoing concerns.

James Pope, Bulloch County Planning and Development Director, explained that additional land had been cleared for a campground without approval.

“It became apparent that additional acreage was cleared for the purpose of a campground, and that’s what you see today with campers in excess of what was approved by the board of commissioners,” Pope said.

Officials also say they are working with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, which found that the park was causing extensive damage to nearby wetlands.

“If you intend to destroy wetlands, then you get a permit through the Army Corps of Engineers. I am not aware of any case in this area that has happened like this,” Pope added.

Several neighbors told WTOC they have reported drunk driving and property damage linked to park visitors since Savage Trails opened in 2022.

Some said they confronted the park owner multiple times and expressed concern for their safety after being threatened or intimidated.

In response to the closure, Savage Trails has posted a petition on Facebook seeking public support to remain open.

The park stated it hopes to provide an update later this week and thanked its supporters.

WTOC reached out to EPD to find out more details on the damage done to the wetlands around the property and we are waiting to hear back.