Unicoi State Park, Helen Georgia

Misty lake surrounded by fall foliage at Unicoi State Park

Photo: Thomson200, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

This is a very popular 1,050-acre state park nestled in the north Georgia mountains. All year, the park offers programs focused on natural, cultural, historical, and recreational resources. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy hiking and biking on scenic mountain trails, especially those leading to Helen and Anna Ruby Falls. See more pictures and a video of Unicoi State Park here.

Address1788 GA Hwy 356, Helen, GA 30545
Park Hours7 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily
Office Hours8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Parking Fee$10 per vehicle (ParkPass)
Park Phone706-878-4726
Lodge & Cottage Reservations1-800-573-9659
Campsite Reservations1-800-864-7275
GPS CoordinatesN 34.723033, W -83.722300

Getting there: 2 miles northeast of Helen via GA Hwy 356. Park Facilities Map (PDF)

Park Amenities & Activities

105 tent, RV & trailer campsites
33 walk-in campsites
16 Squirrel's Nest camping shelters
100-room lodge & conference center (Wi-Fi)
30 cottages (some dog friendly)
7 picnic shelters
4 tennis courts
Bird watching
53-acre lake with beach
Canoe & kayak rental (seasonal)
Beach House / group shelter (seats 100)
ADA accessible fishing docks
8 miles of hiking trails
8 miles of mountain biking trails
12 miles of nature hiking trails
Restaurant (nightly mountain trout buffet)
Ranger programs
Team-building programs (reservations required)
GeoCaching
Playground

Mountain biking (including the Muddy Spokes Club) requires a $2 daily or $25 annual bike permit, sold at the Unicoi Lodge front desk and attached to the bike with the provided zip tie; it covers all fee-based mountain bike trails.

General Info

Individual Reservations

Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance, with a maximum of 5 lodge rooms and/or cottages.

Deposits

Deposits are required for all reservations. Credit card deposits are posted when the reservation is made.

Reservation Changes

One change is allowed at no charge, provided 3 days' notice is given. Additional changes incur a per-reservation handling fee.

ParkPass

Applies to all park and lodge activities. All vehicles must display a current ParkPass, purchased at check-in; a daily pass covers the full stay, and an annual pass is available through the park/lodge office.

Camping & Lodging

Pioneer Group & Other Camping

Check-in and check-out are both at 1 p.m. Pets are allowed on a 6' leash. Cancel at least 3 days before arrival for a refund (a handling fee applies); reservations with a minimum deposit must be canceled outside 72 hours of arrival or forfeit the deposit. One free change is allowed with 3 days' notice; additional changes incur a $10 fee. No changes inside 72 hours of arrival.

Lodge

Check-in 4 p.m., check-out 11 a.m. Pets are not allowed in or around lodges. Room rates are based on double occupancy. Cancel at least 3 days before arrival for a refund; canceling inside 3 days forfeits the first night's deposit. One free date change is allowed with 3 days' notice.

Cottages

Check-in 4 p.m., check-out 11 a.m. Cottage capacities cannot be exceeded and cannot be used for group gatherings. Dogs are allowed only in cottages designated "pet friendly" (additional fee, reservations required, dogs only). Cancel at least 3 days before arrival for a refund.

Cottage 7-14 Day Guidelines

Cancellations 30+ days out get a deposit refund minus the facility's cancellation fee. Inside 30 days but before 72 hours of arrival, request a refund; if rebooked for the same dates, you'll get a full refund minus the cancellation fee. Within 72 hours of arrival, no refund of the deposit is given.

Group & Picnic Shelters

Check-in 10 a.m., check-out 9:45 p.m. Keys are picked up at the lodge. Cancellations/transfers need 30 days' notice (a handling fee applies); reservations within 30 days are non-refundable and non-transferable. A security deposit may be required at check-in, refunded if facilities are returned as received.