When most people think of spending the night in a state park, the first thing that comes to mind is a tent and hotdogs on the fire. While there are many great spots for camping, Georgia State Parks also have more unique and cozy options as well. From renovated cabins overlooking a lake, atop a mountain or with a coastal breeze, Georgia’s State Parks are the perfect spot to plan your next vacation. And with travel prices on the rise, it’s good to know that Georgia State Park cabins have no additional cleaning fees, and you’re guaranteed to be surrounded by outstanding recreation.
Marshside Cottages – Fort McAllister State Park, Richmond Hill
These beautifully decorated, well-appointed cottages will create the perfect low country getaway. Sitting on stilts overlooking the palm trees, palmettos and saltmarsh below, guests will enjoy sipping their morning coffee on their private screened in porch at this peaceful retreat less than an hour south of Savannah.
Mountain Cabins – Smithgall Woods State Park, Helen
Treat yourself to an elegant mountain retreat at Smithgall Woods State Park near Helen. The park features six private cabins, some with hot tubs and others sitting right above trout-filled Dukes Creek. Considered by many to be the most elegant cabins in Georgia’s State Park system, guests enjoy hiking and fly-fishing right outside their door, plus private access to Dukes Creek Falls Trail.
Yurt Villages – Six State Parks
Take camping to a whole new level with “glamping” yurts. These canvas and wood tent-cabins have beds inside, a picnic table and grill outside, a relaxing porch with incredible views and hot showers just a short walk away. A new yurt village just opened at Red Top Mountain State Park, sitting above Lake Allatoona. Five more can be found at Cloudland Canyon State Park, High Falls State Park, Tugaloo State Park, Sweetwater Creek State Park and Fort Yargo State Park. Insider tip: only yurt #1 at Fort Yargo State Park is dog-friendly.
Historic Farmhouse – General Coffee State Park, Nicholls
One of southern Georgia’s “best kept secrets,” General Coffee State Park is known for agricultural history shown at Heritage Farm, with log cabins, a corn crib, tobacco barn, cane mill and other exhibits. Guests can truly immerse themselves in the experience by renting the 19th-century Burnham House. Three bedrooms can accommodate up to eight people and the house has a small kitchen with rocking chair porch. The house is a step back in time with today’s modern conveniences.
Bunk Houses – Watson Mill Bridge State Park, Comer
Located about 30 minutes from Athens sits Watson Mill Bridge State Park. While it’s best known for its historic covered bridge, many people don’t realize three log cabins are tucked back into the park. It’s hard to imagine a cozier place to sit than around a fire beside an A-frame cabin in the woods. They sleep six and come with air-conditioning, electricity and a small refrigerator each. While there are no bathrooms inside the cabins, a bath house is less than 100 yards away.
Fisherman’s Cabin – Mistletoe State Park, Appling
Located on the shores of 71,000-acre Clarks Hill Lake — which is not only Georgia’s largest reservoir but also one of the best bass fishing spots in the nation — Mistletoe State Park is an angler’s haven. Along with five log cabins, there is also a quirky Fisherman’s Cabin. This dog-friendly option sits directly on the banks of the lake and features one bedroom with a full-size bed and queen size sleeper sofa and a private dock optimal for those early risers hoping to reel in the big one.
The Barrel Cabins – Unicoi State Park, Helen
For a truly unique experience, sleep in cabins made from retired wine barrels at Unicoi State Park in Helen. These come with king or queen options, full kitchens, living areas and porches overlooking the woods. The cabins are located near Unicoi Lake with easy access to recreation activities like hiking, fishing, geocaching and ziplining.
Historic Stone Cabins – F.D. Roosevelt State Park, Pine Mountain
Built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), these four stone cabins feature a breathtaking mountaintop view over the Pine Mountain Valley. The quaint, rustic cabins have a retro feel, each offering a different floor plan, different furnishings and its own unique character and charm. Hikers enjoy easy access to the 23-mile Pine Mountain Trail. Insider tip – book cabin #1 for the ultimate view from above!
Reynolds Mansion – Sapelo Island
For small groups with more lavish taste, the Reynolds Mansion is a historic getaway located on Sapelo Island. After arriving by ferry, guests can marvel at features such as marble sculptures, an ornately decorated Circus Room, murals by Athos Menaboni, a bowling lane, billiards, library and more, all while enjoying the privacy of this secluded barrier island. The mansion is open to groups of eight to 25 with meals provided. Spend days beachcombing or biking and evenings connecting with friends or family.
Len Foote Hike Inn – Amicalola Falls State Park, Dawsonville
As the name suggests, you have to work a little to reach this escape in the woods. The easy-to-moderate five-mile hike begins near the Appalachian Trail and leads you to the Hike Inn’s secluded location in the mountains. Its four main buildings offer 20 private guest rooms, hot showers, fresh linens and home-cooked meals.
In addition, Georgia State Parks are making improvements to their campgrounds and have several unique spots to sleep under the stars. Vogel State Park, Cloudland Canyon State Park and Red Top Mountain State Park are in the process of adding full hookups, utility upgrades and more RV pull-throughs. Black Rock Mountain State Park just completed gorgeous renovations on mountaintop cottages, and Tugaloo State Park just completed similar renovations on lakeside cottages.
No matter where you want to explore, Georgia State Parks have the perfect spot to spend a few days. Unlike most vacation rentals, there’s always a ranger available in the park to offer helpful advice on what to see and do. Learn more at GaStateParks.org.
