Headed to the northeast corner of Georgia this summer? If so, you might want to consider swinging by Unicoi Springs Campground.
Established in 1983, this resort is a member-owned mountain RV resort that’s one of the best of its kind. With gorgeous natural beauty, countless amenities, and affordable rates, it’s well worth your time and money.
Referred to as a “jewel of a park” by campers who have stayed there, Unicoi Springs is more than just a campground – it’s an all-inclusive resort.
How to Get There
Unicoi Springs Campground is located just three and a half miles north of Helen, Georgia. Take GA 356 north from Helen to get there.
The campground is easy to access from Atlanta and other southern points by taking I-75 and I-85. If you’re coming from the north, take U.S. 441 and U.S. 129.
Cost to Book
Booking at Unicoi Springs Campground is slightly different than booking at any other campsite. Since Unicoi is technically a camp resort and not an RV park or campground, you will need to purchase a membership. You have a few options.
Invest in a lifetime membership, and you’ll pay a one-time fee of just $6,000. This membership entitles you to 14 days of camping each month – year-round. Do the math, and you’ll quickly realize that this adds up to just $4 per night.
Another benefit of playing for the lifetime ownership plan is that it is all-inclusive. You won’t have to worry about paying separately for any of the following services and amenities:
● Closing costs for a warranty deed for an undivided interest in the entire resort
● Annual maintenance fee (a $450 value)
● One of 300 sites with full hookups
● Cable television
● Wi-Fi
● Access to two separate swimming pools
● Lake access
● Services in the two-story log clubhouse
● Non-denominational chapel services
● Security and law enforcement
When you pay for a lifetime ownership, you don’t buy a lot outright. You instead buy the right to camp on any of the property’s 300 sites.
Don’t want to invest in a lifetime membership? You don’t have to. You can also rent a travel trailer for a spell. All travel trailers come with slide-outs that have queen beds and sleeper sofas along with a convertible table-bed. Some come with bunk beds, too. Travel trailers start at $60 per night. There is a fee increase if you only book one night on a weekend. This will cost you $70 per night.
If you wish to book a Park Model, which will have cable television, a queen bed, a sleeper sofa, and high-speed WiFi, you will pay $70 per night Sunday through Thursday or $80 per night on Friday and Saturday. If you only want to book one weekend night, you will pay $100.
There are discount rates available, too. If you are able to make a reservation for 30 days in advance and want to book for less than seven days, you will pay $490 for the week. While most reservations may be made 60 days in advance, reservations for other units can only be made 30 days out.
All rentals are smoke-free. Some are pet-friendly but you will need to pay a pet deposit. If you need to change or cancel your plans, you will need to supply a 24-hour notice of cancellation.
Major Features and Amenities
Don’t even get us started on all the amenities that Unicoi Springs has to offer! Not only will you enjoy the peace of mind that comes with camping at a campsite with a fully-secured gate entrance (protected by security guards), but you’ll also be able to camp at one of three hundred RV and trailer sites or sixteen different tent sites.
All campsites come with full hookups, including high-speed Wi-Fi, sewer, electric, cable TV, and water. When you invest in a membership, you’ll be able to rent out one of twenty-one of the park’s different rental units, too, to your guests or to other owners.
With paved roads winding through the resort, you won’t have to worry about inclement weather blocking the way to your campsite. You’ll also enjoy the convenience and comfort of level paved pads with decks and patios on all campsites.
Each RV site has its own picnic table. There’s an on-site dump station as well as a laundromat, full restrooms and showers, and facilities where you can purchase ice, propane gas, and other necessities. Unicoi Springs even has daily on-site maintenance and housekeeping to help you out if needed.
There are year-round RV and golf-cart storage here, along with a rustic clubhouse with a scenic wraparound porch. This clubhouse is a relaxing oasis no matter what the season might be. It has fireplaces both inside and outside along with billiard tables, comfortable couches, and Internet.
Unicoi Springs also has five comfort stations along with a tennis court, pickleball court, miniature golf, and playground with unique special needs equipment. It even has two pools and a five-acre fully-stocked lake with all kinds of fish for boating and angling. There’s a picnic pavilion with fire rings along with facilities for shuffleboard and basketball, too.
The campground is also home to an activity center that has a full kitchen and a barbeque smoker. Here, regular events are offered, such as summer day camps, cookouts, and even Easter Egg hunts!
You can even access Sunday services in the nondenominational chapel from April through October!
Nearby Attractions
With all the things there are to do, see, and enjoy at Unicoi Springs Campground, it’s a wonder you would ever want to leave! However, if you decide to venture away from the resort, you’ll find plenty of local attractions for you to experience.
Not only is Unicoi Springs Campground close to the gorgeous north Georgia mountains, but it’s also within a short driving distance of hundreds of hiking trails. The resort is surrounded by thousands of acres of National Forest land.
There are also plenty of opportunities for other outdoor activities, such as horseback riding, fishing, white water rafting, golf, and mountain biking.
The north Georgia mountains are also home to some of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls. From Minnehaha, Dick’s Creek, Martin Creek, Mud Creek, and Becky Branch Falls, there are plenty of opportunities for you to catch a glimpse at some must-see waterfalls.
Minnehaha Falls is one of the most notorious. This waterfall is located slightly south of Lake Burton in Rabun County, consisting of falling and hosting cascades nearly 100 feet high.
If you’re interested in a quick day hike, head on out there. The trail slopes through gorgeous outcroppings of mountain laurel and rhododendron! You can also take short, 1.2 mile hikes into Angel/Panther Falls and High Shoals Falls, both of which are found on the High Shoals Creek. These waterfalls are easy to walk into and sit on more than 170 acres of scenic trails.
If you’re looking for an indoor excursion on a rainy day, you won’t be disappointed either. There are dozens of shops, galleries, and restaurants along these scenic Highway 197. This highway windows through the mountains and provides easy access to more populated areas. Just a few miles from Unicoi Springs is Alpine Helen, an eclectic shopping village with restaurants and countless outlet stores.
Some of the state’s best pizza joints can be found just a short distance from Unicoi Springs, too (and some deliver). Make sure you check out local favorites like Nacoochee Village Pizzeria!
Why It’s Awesome
Unicoi Springs Campground is more than just a campground – it’s an all-inclusive resort. For minimal ownership costs, you’ll be able to spend more than half of the year camping and enjoying the scenery in this gorgeous mountain escape.
You’ll be more than just a guest here, too. When you pay for a membership, you automatically become part of the owner’s association. This association encourages owners to have a voice in how the park is managed and operated.
With a main office that’s open every day of the week, along with nightly security detail, this resort is one of the safest you will find. Even pets are allowed here!
Although the campsite is child-friendly, it tends to attract older residents more often by far. Campers are cordial, and you’ll benefit from a variety of services when you pay for a membership.
When you stay at Unicoi Springs, you’ll be doing so much more than camping – you will be vacationing in style.
What to Be Aware Of
There are very few complaints about Unicoi Springs, but it’s important to be aware of those that do exist before you decide to book.
Most of these have to do with the layout of the park. Some campers have stated that some of the campsites can be difficult to maneuver if you have a large RV. make sure you arrive long before dark to set up, as it can be charging to get into areas with low-clearance or tight corners if you have a large vehicle.
Another issue to be aware of is that you can only occupy a single site for 14 days at a time. You don’t necessarily have to leave the resort, but you will need to move to another campsite. You cannot stay in one place the entire time you are there.
How to Make a Reservation
To make a one-time reservation, you will need to call 706-878-2104. You can also complete an online reservation form by visiting this link. When you reserve, you will need to indicate whether you would like to reserve a rental or a site, and how many people you will be traveling with. If you’ve camped with Unicoi Springs before – or know the layout of the park – you can even request preferred sites.