Cabin camping options near Ellijay, Georgia range from rustic platform sites to fully furnished retreats in the North Georgia mountains. Located in the foothills of the Appalachians, this region sits at elevations between 1,280 and 2,500 feet, creating temperature differences of 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding lowlands during summer months. Most cabin accommodations in the area require advance reservations, especially during peak fall color season from mid-October through early November.
What to do
Hiking waterfall trails: Fort Mountain State Park offers multiple trails with varying difficulties, including paths to scenic waterfalls. A visitor noted, "The trails are great, and everything feels spread out. I loved it, as did the rest of the group." The park includes a historic stone fire tower accessible via stone steps laid by CCC workers.
Lake activities: Vogel State Park features a 22-acre spring-fed lake for swimming, fishing and boating. According to one camper, "The lake has a beach, you can rent a kayak or paddle boat. There's a beautiful waterfall and the hikes are amazing!" The lake area includes putt-putt golf courses and a designated swimming beach.
Mountain biking: Mulberry Gap Adventure Basecamp serves as a hub for both mountain and gravel biking in the North Georgia mountains. A visitor shared, "Been here several times to mountain bike, gravel bike, and hike. Great chilled facility and environment with the absolute friendliest and accommodating staff."
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Many campers appreciate the abundant wildlife around Ellijay's camping areas. At Fort Mountain State Park, one camper reported, "For our camping group, this place was amazing. We had bear visitors, something they'll warn you about upon arrival. The bears just added to the appeal of this place though."
Platform camping: Fort Mountain offers unique platform camping options away from traditional campsites. One visitor explained, "The platform sites are a short walk from a parking area near the lake so you can make multiple trips to the car if necessary, while the backcountry sites are up to a 3 mile hike in, so all gear, food, and water will need to be packed in."
Peaceful creekside sites: Under The Hemlock Campground provides quiet sites with water access. A camper noted, "Each site has electric, water, grill, and fire pit. They have a great little store where you can get snacks, ice cream, hot dogs and more. One mile from Amicalola Falls State Park, and very close to Bull and Jake Mountain trails."
What you should know
Weather considerations: Mountain elevations create variable weather patterns that can change rapidly. At Fort Mountain State Park, a visitor experienced "an early winter storm, gusty breezes, and freezing temperatures that finally gave way to beautiful crisp days."
Wildlife precautions: Bears are active in the region, particularly at Fort Mountain State Park. One camper noted, "Be mindful of wildlife as well, even in March we saw a copperhead near the creek by Platform 1." Most campgrounds provide bear-proof storage containers at platform sites.
Cell coverage limitations: Connectivity varies widely throughout the mountains. A camper at Fort Mountain reported, "We had inconsistent cell coverage even with a Winegard booster with AT&T and Verizon. Mornings were best reception and evenings were not so good."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible activities: Amicalola Falls State Park offers family-friendly attractions beyond cabin stays. A visitor shared, "This was one of the unexpected highlights of our trip to the Smokey Mountains. Amazing views, good walking/hiking. A bit strenuous climbing the 400+ steps from the base of the waterfall to the top, but well worth it!"
Educational programs: Many state parks provide ranger-led activities for children. At Vogel State Park, a camper mentioned, "Having only two nights here left a great impression. One of F D Roosevelt's Civilian Conservation Corps masterworks so important to this parks existence that they have a museum on site describing in great detail the transformation of this particular valley."
Site selection tips: Consider specific site locations when booking for families. A Red Top Mountain camper advised, "If you love twisty roads and beautiful views this is the place. The campground consists of large spacious gravel sites that are well maintained. In the winter, you have lost a lot of privacy foliage but still nicely spaced apart."
Tips from RVers
Campground access considerations: Some mountain roads present challenges for larger vehicles. A camper at Fort Mountain State Park commented, "The park is nice with plenty of amenities. I had two complaints. We stayed creekside at site 24. The site had about a 5 inch difference shopping towards the road. I used rocker blocks maxed out (about 4 inches in height) and still was not level."
Site selection strategy: Research specific site details before booking. At Red Top Mountain State Park, a camper warned, "Heavily wooded sites that are not well maintained. Very narrow roads in the campground with lots of pot holes. Not the easiest state park to pull a travel trailer in. Sites were very narrow."
Hookup availability: Most state park campgrounds offer water and electric connections. At Fort Mountain, "All sites are 30/50 amp with water. Grey water drains are located around the campground. There is a dump station. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring too."
