Cabins near Cleveland, Georgia provide access to the Chattahoochee National Forest at elevations between 1,800 and 3,000 feet. Nestled in Georgia's northeastern mountains, these accommodations experience cooler temperatures than the rest of the state, with average summer highs around 80°F. Most cabin locations offer access to trout streams and mountain hiking trails within a 15-minute drive.
What to do
Swimming and boating at Don Carter State Park: Located on Lake Lanier, this state park features a designated beach area for water activities. "There is also a beach for the kids to play at as well, very well kept. Our campsite backed up to one of the hiking trails and our little guy loved it!" notes Cameron G. about Don Carter State Park Campground.
Hiking to waterfalls: The area contains numerous accessible waterfalls within short driving distances. At Enota Mountain Retreat, Angela M. describes: "The property is well maintained and beautiful with waterfalls, streams, and a lodge. They have cabins, rv sites, and separate adulting tent camping... Locations is super close to High Shoals Falls which was a great hike."
Mountain biking and geocaching: Many state parks feature trail systems suitable for mountain biking. "There was wifi available so we were able to utilize our Fire TV without any problems. My husband loved that there were many mountain bike trails nearby as well as hiking trails," shares Ellen S. about Trackrock Campground.
Mini golf and lake activities: Multiple parks offer family-friendly recreation beyond hiking. According to Dave V., Vogel State Park has "Two 9 hole miniature golf courses next to the visitor center reminiscent of the old Putt-Putt courses of yesteryear. Bicycle and boat rentals are available during summer months for reasonable hourly, half and full day rates."
What campers like
Secluded tent camping spots: Several parks offer tent-specific areas with more privacy than RV sections. At Vogel State Park Campground, Amber C. reports: "We camped at the pioneer camp site by the creek. It has a pavilion and a creek very close by. It was a hike in but it was simply amazing! Highly recommend!!"
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Most state parks receive positive reviews for their bathhouse conditions. "The bathhouse is far from the adult camping area, but overall it was a decent camping experience!" notes Emily S. about Enota Mountain Retreat, while Timothy B. explains that at Vogel, "As with all of the Ga. state parks I've had the pleasure to visit the campground is immaculate."
Peaceful lakeside settings: Several parks feature small mountain lakes with surrounding trails. Phil K. shares about Lake Winfield Scott Campground: "The camp sites are clean, private, and great for tent campers. Not far from some gorgeous spots (we had a great time hiking Brass Bald in particular)."
Proximity to attractions: Cabins and campgrounds are strategically located near hiking trails and small towns. Jack T. notes about Unicoi State Park: "Third, there are numerous picturesque and friendly little towns nearby. The park is about 3 miles from the town of Helen, which is a pseudo Bavarian village. A little touristy but still fun."
What you should know
Bear activity in certain areas: Wildlife encounters are possible at several parks. At Unicoi State Park, Jack T. advises: "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."
Limited cell service: Many mountain locations have poor connectivity. Annell N. mentions Lake Winfield Scott "would have received 5 stars if it had a dump station and wifi (since there is no cell phone service at this park)."
Variable site spacing: Campsite proximity varies significantly between parks. At Trackrock Campground, Dallas F. notes: "Separated, serene lots... Nice and quiet site with bathrooms and showers nearby," while Maggie C. cautions about Vogel: "Sites are VERY close together. No privacy at all."
Road conditions and accessibility: Mountain terrain creates challenges for larger vehicles. About Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground, George & Patty C. warn: "The ASPHALT is part of the reason for the review's title, coupled with the fact that this is a new park and tree coverage is a bit sparse for the time being."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water access: Choose sites with creek or lake frontage for entertainment. Jennifer T. shares about Lake Winfield Scott: "Gorgeous sites, not one of them was a bad spot... Super lush so very shaded all around with spots of sunlight. It was quiet and peaceful in the evening."
Pack for variable temperatures: Mountain cabin rentals experience significant day-to-night temperature swings. Diane G. recalls at Unicoi State Park: "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."
Consider cabin options for mixed ages: Cabins provide comfort for families with very young children or elderly members. At Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground, Ashley C. recommends: "The proximity to hiking was about as close as you could get, and though we didn't make it to the beach, it was walkable distance as well."
Reserve early for holiday weekends: State park cabins book quickly during peak periods. Timothy H. advises about Black Rock Mountain: "In the summer when there are leaves and green on all the trees, it's breathtaking with the views. Once the leaves fall off, it's a bit spooky (my interpretation) and can get windy without the leaves."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Mountain campgrounds often have limited space for big RVs. At Don Carter State Park, Joel R. cautions: "They classify them as RV sites, but they are parking lots. They have water and electric, and a dump station."
Power considerations: Electric service varies by campground location. Rodrigo D. shares about Unicoi State Park: "Great campground, good access to bathhouse, where I charged my power bank and everything went amazing. Good weather, good price, it even has a laundry."
Access challenges: Mountain roads require careful navigation. Ted D. notes about Black Rock Mountain: "Staff is awesome. Any trailer longer than 25 feet is tight getting to back sites."
Hookup options: Availability of full-hookup sites varies by park. According to Frank S. at Trackrock Campground: "Water & elec. hookup (30 amp.) all worked... Bath/shower house was clean but could use an update. Gravel roads have some ruts, but posted 10mph works."
