Cabin camping options near Clarkesville, Georgia range from 1,700 to 3,600 feet in elevation across the mountainous northeastern region. This area receives approximately 67 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush forest conditions around cabin sites. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F while winter months can see freezing temperatures, especially at higher elevations.
What to do
Tackle challenging staircases: Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground features a descent involving 1,099 stairs to reach the canyon floor. "It is 1099 stairs to the bottom of canyon! Campground was nice. Sites are open and unlevel but most were a good size. Sites are gravel with table, grill, water, and electric," reports Rachel G.
Tube in the river: River Falls at the Gorge offers tubing directly from campsites. "The river is perfect for tubing. It is just a 30 min drive to Helen Ga which is a very popular area for tourism," explains Matt and Tabatha C. Clay M. adds, "Tubing the river is great fun and easy to do without leaving the campground."
Explore hiking variations: Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground provides multiple trail difficulty levels. "Lots of hiking trails, 11 miles or so. Great spot for tent camping down below from the RV spots which is nice," notes Natalie B. The Tennessee Rock Trail offers more challenge: "It was NOT as easy as we expected... its narrow and very slippery in spots, with more elevation changes than you expect," reports Mark D.
What campers like
Secluded cabin options: At Lake Russell Recreation Area, cabins offer more privacy than state park alternatives. "Not as cramped & crowded as State parks. First loop is first come first serve, with sites closer to the beach side of lake. However, the reserved sites on 2nd loop are more private & some offer good lake views," explains Elizabeth W.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple cabin sites near Clarkesville offer wildlife observation opportunities. At Unicoi State Park & Lodge, Jack T. shares, "If you are camping in the tent area, I can almost guarantee you'll see a bear because they come out almost every night. Keep all of your food in the bear boxes."
Water-adjacent cabins: Tugaloo State Park Campground features cabins with direct water access. "We were lakeside on a pull through that was a bit short for us. The site was amazing we could kayak up to our site," notes Clay M. Another camper adds, "Most sites are right on the lake. It's very popular in summer and reservations are necessary."
What you should know
Elevation considerations: Black Rock Mountain sites sit at Georgia's highest state park elevation. "The highest state park in Georgia has two general camping sections with power and water. Since this is literally on the top of a beautiful mountain, the sites are close in proximity to each other," notes Timothy H.
Seasonal operation: Some cabin sites close during winter months. "When the leaves fall off, it's a bit spooky (my interpretation) and can get windy without the leaves," explains a camper at Black Rock Mountain, which operates from March 16 to December 17.
Bathroom variations: River Campground, LLC offers both indoor and outdoor shower options with their cabins. One camper notes, "They also offer indoor and outdoor showers and have a recreation building along with a park for the kids."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Vogel State Park Campground features multiple play areas for children. "Two separate children's playgrounds exist, not too far from one another. One near a small kids ball field...the other near a very nice volleyball court, permanent corn hole pit and state of the art outdoor exercise machine area," a visitor observed.
Cabin selection for kids: Look for cabins near beach areas with shallow water entry. "The location in Don Carter has a nice sandy beach with sand and the lake is roped off for swimming," one camper mentioned. Another noted, "From 6 in the evening and beyond you will find deer grazing in late summer and early fall."
Family activities: Unicoi State Park offers numerous family-friendly options beyond hiking. "My kids and I went camping at Unicoi Park in the summer and there is plenty to keep them busy. They played in the creek, on the swing set and walked the trail to the swimming section of the lake. The swimming part of the lake has a small beach with sand," shares Diane G.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many cabin camping areas near Clarkesville have uneven terrain. At Tallulah Gorge, "Sites are close together, but terraced off because it's very steep terrain. Friendly hosts," notes Vince M.
Hookup locations: Don Carter State Park Campground offers full hookups but design limitations exist. "We had a full hookup site but our sewer hook up was not where we could access it so only had water/electric," one RVer noted. At River Falls, a camper mentioned, "The only reason I don't give them 5 stars is almost every lot is tight and they are not level."
Road access considerations: Some cabin areas have challenging access roads. "The road is a steep grade up to the campground. There are several overlooks on the way," explains Katrin M. about Black Rock Mountain. Another camper adds, "Any trailer longer than 25 feet is tight getting to back sites."
