Cabins near Hiawassee, Georgia range from rustic to deluxe, set against the backdrop of the southern Appalachian Mountains at elevations around 1,800 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons, with fall bringing cool temperatures in the 50s-70s°F and dramatic leaf color changes. Winter cabin rentals often remain available when seasonal campgrounds close, providing year-round accommodation options in this mountain lake region.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: Access the Appalachian Trail from Lake Winfield Scott, just 12 miles from Hiawassee. "It has a trail that connects to the AT so you may meet some hikers bound for Maine or may want to make it a stop on a longer AT hike," notes one visitor about Lake Winfield Scott Campground.
Horseback riding: Explore mountain trails on horseback at Trackrock. "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)," reports a camper at Trackrock Campground & Cabins.
Fishing and paddling: Fish for trout in nearby streams or on Lake Chatuge. A visitor to Appalachian Campground shared: "Great location, stream running right along multiple campsites. Location has bathrooms and showers. Friendly camphost. Not too far from Helen, Ga and right near multiple good trout fishing locations."
Waterfall viewing: Multiple waterfalls dot the region within a 30-minute drive. As one Enota Mountain Retreat guest noted: "The property is well maintained and beautiful with waterfalls, streams, and a lodge. They have cabins, rv sites, and separate adulting tent camping."
What campers like
Private tent sites: Several campgrounds offer secluded tent camping areas separate from RV sections. "The cabins at Bald Mountain feature double beds with additional sleeping space on futon fold-outs. We had a walk in tent site. Seemed private on the creek, but the cars coming down the road shined their headlights in the tent," shares a camper about Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground.
Rental cabins with mountain views: Cabins with scenic vistas are available at multiple locations. "We stayed in cabins. Cabins are so cozy and cute. They have a gas fireplace. Beautiful view of the lake especially cabin 2," mentions a visitor to Vogel State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Many reviewers highlight well-maintained bathrooms and showers. "Bathroom facilities are fairly clean but are in desperate need of updating. The bathhouse are not Wheelchair accessible," notes one Appalachian Campground guest, providing important accessibility information.
Family-friendly amenities: Mini golf, playgrounds, and swimming areas keep children entertained. One Unicoi visitor shared: "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."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Many campgrounds close during winter months. "Appalachian Campground operates seasonally from April through October, limiting cabin availability during winter months," states one source, while an Enota review notes: "We stayed here in the off season, so it may be different when it gets busier."
Site spacing varies: Some campgrounds have tightly packed sites while others offer more privacy. A Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground visitor explains: "Sites are close together, but terraced off because it's very steep terrain. Friendly hosts."
Elevation considerations: Higher elevation campgrounds experience different weather patterns. "Since this is literally on the top of a beautiful mountain, the sites are close in proximity to each other...Once the leaves fall off, it's a bit spooky (my interpretation) and can get windy without the leaves," observes one Black Rock Mountain camper.
Advance booking recommended: Sites fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. "From about 4am to 10pm you hear the constant traffic on the nearby highway. This highway is curvy and goes down the mountain, so when I say traffic I mean the air brakes of the trucks and the whine of all the motorcycle riders who love these curvy roads," warns a Vogel State Park visitor about noise considerations.
Tips for camping with families
Check cabin amenities: Confirm what's included in cabin rentals before arriving. "Most cabins include beds but require visitors to bring their own linens, towels, and toiletries," states one source, while a Unicoi State Park & Lodge visitor adds: "The beds were not terribly comfortable but they were serviceable. The kitchen area was extremely small and there was a terrible smell in the freezer (cleaning products I think)."
Plan for temperature fluctuations: Mountain nights can get chilly even in summer. "It was a really sweet, quiet, clean campground. I was so pleased with the site we were on, site 13, was centrally located, relatively easy to back our trailer into, and a perfect partial shade site," shares a Tallulah Gorge visitor.
Consider noise factors: Road noise affects some campgrounds more than others. "The swimming part of the lake has a small beach with sand and the lake is roped off for swimming. There is a small store that has everything, from s'mores to items you may run out of," mentions a Unicoi visitor, highlighting available amenities.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions apply: Larger RVs won't fit at all campgrounds. "Staff is awesome. Any trailer longer than 25 feet is tight getting to back sites," warns a Black Rock Mountain visitor, providing crucial information for RV owners.
Leveling challenges: Mountain terrain means uneven sites at some campgrounds. A Trackrock visitor cautions: "Very steep and unlevel roads; especially when leaving. Our camper came in contact with the side of our bed and tailgate multiple times. In the end we suffered a hole busted in our front cap from it hitting the side of the truck."
Check hookup availability: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups or 50-amp service. "There is a nice covered pavilion by us. Full hookup and wifi. Staff was very friendly and lots to do in the area. Tubing at Pappy's was very close and really fun," shares an Appalachian Campground guest.
