Gravel roads wind through forested hills to reach Unicoi State Park's main campground, where 51 RV sites accommodate rigs up to 30 feet with full hookups. The campground sits on elevated terrain above Unicoi Lake, requiring campers to navigate a steep grade during arrival and departure. Sites feature level gravel pads, with some offering wooden decks, and spacing varies considerably throughout the different loops.
The upper section of the campground provides more privacy between sites, though restroom access requires longer walks. Benita P. notes "The RV park and facilities are well kept and clean," with bathhouses maintained regularly and stocked with hot water. Site density creates close quarters in some areas, where diesel generators and late arrivals can disturb neighboring campers. The park operates year-round with variable pricing based on season and site selection.
Smith Creek flows from Anna Ruby Falls through the property to Unicoi Lake, creating fishing opportunities for trout along the stream corridor. The lake offers a roped swimming area with a small sandy beach, plus rental options for kayaks and paddleboards. Hiking trails connect directly from the campground to Anna Ruby Falls, administered by the Forest Service with a separate entrance fee. Zip lines cross above the lake, while the visitor center sells supplies, firewood, and local wines.
Helen sits less than one mile south, accessible via back roads that avoid the main traffic congestion during peak tourist seasons. The alpine-themed town draws heavy crowds during Oktoberfest and summer tubing season, creating parking challenges and road delays. Christa K. recommends the hiking trails but notes "they spray round up on the sites to keep the weeds down."
Reservations are recommended, especially for fall foliage season and summer weekends when the park reaches capacity quickly.
Description
Unicoi State Park & Lodge is a camper’s paradise. Nestled in the natural setting of the Appalachian foothills, Unicoi State Park & Lodge offers campers a wide range of camping options. From luxury RV hookups to secluded tent campsites to the distinct outdoor hammock experience of the Squirrels Nest, our Georgia State Park campground is designed to suit the various needs of our guests.
We have nearly 100 campsites and a variety of arrangements to choose from including ADA sites and Buddy Hook-up sites, 30-foot and 40-foot RV sites, primitive campsites and sites designed for family tent camping. All our powered sites are suitable for tent, trailer and RV campers.
As a Georgia State Park, countless guests come to explore the 1,029 acres of adventure activities and mountain marvels on their own terms. Some enjoy navigating the hiking and mountain biking trails to nearby Alpine Helen and Anna Ruby Falls. Others opt for peaceful mornings fishing on Unicoi Lake or a sandy, sun-soaked day at Unicoi Beach.
The park’s proximity to popular Helen, GA events and activities allow guests to experience one of Georgia’s top tourist attractions but still return to the natural confines of the park for rest and relaxation.
For your convenience, our campgrounds feature comfort stations, which include restrooms and showers, while campers also have access to group structures and picnic shelters.
We are a pet-friendly State Park as long as your pets are friendly and always kept on a short, sturdy leash. Please be courteous to other patrons and be responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of our park and trails by cleaning up after your animals.
For a bird’s eye view of Unicoi State Park & Lodge and campground locations, check out our Georgia State Park Map.
RV CAMPING As one of the premier Georgia State Parks with RV camping, our full hookup RV sites include water, power and sewer, a fire ring, grill and picnic table. We have many RV campsites and arrangements to choose from including ADA sites, Buddy Hook-up sites, plus 30-foot or 40-foot sites. Be sure to know your vehicle’s specifications when booking your campsite.
TENT CAMPING We also offer walk-in primitive campsites that have both privacy and convenience with comfort stations, nearby parking and a playground. Walk-in anywhere from a few feet to about 100 yards out. Sites include a fire ring, picnic table and grill top to put over fire ring for grilling.
SQUIRREL’S NEST Bring your hammock or just a sleeping bag and sleep under the stars at our one-of-a-kind Squirrel’s Nest covered primitive camping platforms. It’s a favorite spot for scouts, groups and adventurers that really want to experience the wild and do it themselves. The platforms are built up off the ground and are stacked up the side of a ridge in 3 groups of 2 and 2 groups of 5. Each platform sleeps 4 guests in sleeping bags. Air mattresses are recommended for adult guests. Tents are not allowed on the platforms or down in the hollow below. The “hollow” has grills, picnic tables and a group fire ring.
GLAMPING SITES Combining luxury and the great outdoors, our extra spacious completely furnished Safari Tents give large families or groups of friends the extra space they need to glamp in comfort. Unicoi State Park offers 4 glamping sites.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundUnicoi State Park & Lodge is located in Georgia
Directions
Located 2 miles northeast of Helen via Highway 356.
Address
1788 Highway 356 Rd
Helen, GA 30545
Coordinates
34.72029759630144 N
83.72592605656604 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 4/1/26
- Verizon5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/1/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 4/1/26
- Verizon5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/1/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
- Yurts
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly






















































