Cabins near Mineral Bluff, Georgia range from basic to luxury accommodations set among the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains at elevations between 1,600 and 2,500 feet. Winter temperatures typically drop to the 20s while summer highs reach the 80s, creating distinct camping seasons. The region contains numerous small creeks and water features that flow through many camping areas.
What to do
Hiking and trails: Multiple trails at Vogel State Park Campground offer varied difficulty levels with paths around the 22-acre lake. "The hiking both from Vogel State Park and nearby are incredible. Take half a day and climb Blood Mountain along the Appalachian Trail. Views from the summit are breathtaking," notes one visitor who rated their experience 5 stars.
Lake activities: Families can enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing at the lake facilities. "During the summer they offer a beach area with peddle boats and kayaks. The lake is 22 acres with trails that go along the lake," reports a camper who visited in February.
Adventure options: For those seeking more excitement, Unicoi State Park & Lodge provides ziplines, mountain biking, and water sports. "It was a great experience, wonderful staff. A lot of activities to do! Mountain biking, hiking, zip lining, etc," explains a visitor who stayed in January.
Waterfall viewing: Multiple parks feature waterfalls within walking distance of camping areas. "A gravel walking trail circumnavigates the lake and at the far end, a trail leads down to lovely Trahlyta Falls. If you are a waterfall chaser, this immediate area boasts numerous worthy falls," shares a visitor from October.
What campers like
Unique sleeping options: The platform sites at Fort Mountain State Park Campground offer an alternative to standard camping. "There is a small trail that runs to the sites from the lakeside trail, and they start with 1 closest to the lake and head up a rather steep climb to 6," explains a camper who visited in June.
Creekside camping: Many visitors appreciate sites located near water features. "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," writes an Amber C. who visited Vogel State Park.
Animal interactions: Some locations offer unique encounters with farm animals. Candy Mountain Goat Farm allows visitors to "play with goats, ride a small zipline, relax by a bonfire, and even provide outdoor movies by request," according to a recent visitor.
Off-grid relaxation: More remote cabin locations provide quiet surroundings. "The creek runs right next to them and it was so peaceful and beautiful. The trails along the lake were nice and the dogs enjoyed it," writes a camper who stayed at Unicoi.
What you should know
Site selection considerations: Terrain can be challenging in the mountain locations. At Trackrock Campground & Cabins, "Road needs some work sites aren't super level but it was ok. There was a nice covered pavillion by us. Full hookup and wifi," reports a camper who visited in June.
Weather preparation: Mountain elevation creates temperature fluctuations. "We spent a week here in Feb. 2017 it was a bit chilly and quiet. The sites and trails are very well maintained," notes a visitor from Vogel State Park.
Noise factors: Some locations experience traffic sounds. "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 camper about Vogel.
Wildlife awareness: Bears are active in several campground areas. "I'll be honest...We had bear visitors, something they'll warn you about upon arrival. The bears just added to the appeal of this place though," states a camper from Fort Mountain.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Amicalola Falls State Park Camping provides natural features that engage children. "My teens loved it. They found all kinds of insects they had never seen even a Luna moth," shares a camper from August.
Playground access: Multiple parks feature dedicated play areas. "There are 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," notes a visitor from Fort Mountain.
Miniature golf: Some parks offer additional entertainment options. "Two 9 hole miniature golf courses next to the visitor center are reminiscent of the old Putt-Putt courses of yesteryear," mentions a camper from Fort Mountain.
Swimming areas: Family-friendly water features are available at multiple locations. "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," explains a visitor from Unicoi.
Tips from RVers
Road challenges: Mountain roads require careful driving. "Arriving in the dark for the first visit, is a bit confusing in the labyrinth of roadways (some One-way) throughout the campground," cautions a visitor from Vogel State Park.
Size limitations: Henson Cove Private Campground and similar smaller facilities work best for modest-sized RVs. "The bend halfway into the campground would be extremely difficult with much bigger than 27' camper," warns a recent Amicalola Falls visitor.
Parking considerations: Campsite layout affects vehicle positioning. "First time renting a teardrop trailer and camping in it, lot was tricky for us to back into but we managed and the set up was great with a fire ring, picnic table, potable water and hook up," shares a Trackrock camper.
Elevation impacts: Mountain climbs affect larger vehicles. "I read a lot before my trip, so I knew to except the 25% grade incline going up to the campground," notes a visitor from Amicalola Falls.
