Camping at Unicoi State Park, Georgia
Our family has a deep love for the beautiful Bavarian village nestled in the North Georgia Mountains; Helen. We have made the trip a half dozen times and find more reasons to love this region with each visit.
On some of our previous visits we have been through the Unicoi State Park. After Labor Day weekend we were looking to take another trip in our recently converted Chevy van. So, after a brief stay at Pine Glen in the Talladega National Forest, Alabama with friends we took a little ride to Unicoi. Located just north of Helen off Highway 356, Unicoi State Park has many different types of accommodations and plenty to do for your family.
There are bears at Unicoi, we had a run-in with one. Check out that story here.
Camping
Unicoi has many different options for camping. There are 49 tent, trailer, and RV campsites; 33 Walk-in tent sites, 16 platform camping sites (perfect for backpackers with a hammock.)
Camping Check-In
Our venture to Unicoi took a bit longer than we had initially anticipated, so we arrived to the park around 10PM. Not an ideal time for setting up camp, but since we were camping in the van we would have very little prep work when we arrived.
You can check-in at the store at the state park when you arrive, or if you are a late arriver like us; you can check in at the hotel.
When you check-in you will be given the opportunity for different type camp sites. They have tent sites that don’t have power, and will require you to walk to your site. Just backing up to your site for an easy unload isn’t really possible here.
There are camping sites that are 30 ft or some that are 40ft. You can also opt to camp at a site without sewage hook-ups and use the dump site. Since we were in a camper van we choose the cheaper option.
Camp Sites
Depending on what type/size site you paid for will decide where you stay. Different sections of the park will have electric and water and other sections with be full hook-up (electric, water, septic). We rented a 30 ft site (they are a little cheaper) with water/electric. There were few people at the park when we camped, so we were able to have our pick! The signs with the tent space number is in different colors. A white sign is for a 30ft space with water/electric. The color coded signs is such a great idea to tell which site you can use.
Each site has a fire ring (you must purchase your wood from the store, picking up dead wood on the ground is not allowed), a picnic table, and a tent or camping pad.
You can also do some glamping and book your safari tent with VRBO right here.
You can book a stay at the state park lodge on Booking here.
Comfort Station
Each section of the campground has a comfort station. The one where we were staying in Little Brook Spur was at the bottom of the hill and had 2 toilets and 2 showers. The showers are a bit small, but were clean. (As with any bathroom in the great outdoors you will have plenty of grasshoppers and spiders.)
Things To Do
The Unicoi State Park covers 1,050 acres of land. There is a 53 acre lake that has some of the clearest water I have ever seen in a lake. My husband and kids had a great time swimming here and playing in the sand on the small beach. You can rent boats, stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, canoes, and pedal boats seasonally.
One of the things that we kept noticing was the different activities that Adventures Lodges of Georgia had to offer; fly fishing, rock climbing wall, archery, and yes… even zip lining.
Our kids had a great time hiking on the lake trail and of course they enjoyed the playgrounds. There are many different events scheduled in the park, that only made my desire to return even stronger.
Near Unicoi
As I mentioned earlier, Unicoi is located just north of Helen. In Helen there is more to do than can be done in a day, at least for my family of 4. Enjoy some authentic German cuisine, get a candy apple at the candy store, and shop in the countless stores that line the streets of this beautiful town.
Located basically inside Unicoi State Park is Anna Ruby Falls. A beautiful trail will take you up to an incredible view of the amazing falls. Its a good idea to take a bottle of water when you go as there is nothing available at the falls, and no one wants to rush back because of a thirsty three year old… not that I would know about that.
I hope you have an amazing stay at Unicoi State Park. Another great park in the North Georgia Mountains is the Rocky Mountain Project camping area.
Trackbacks/Pingbacks