The northeast Georgia town of Helen is a popular destination throughout the year, but especially in the fall and winter months for residents of the southeast United States. About an hour and a half northeast of Atlanta, the mountain city of Helen offers camping within miles of the German-decorated downtown shopping district and near hiking, tubing and other activities.
Geography
Helen is located along state highway 17 in the foothills of the Chattahoochee National Forest in northeast Georgia’s White County, an area home to several types of campsites with mountain views. Downtown Helen, which is near a few campgrounds, is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, part of the eastern mountain chain of the Appalachians. Outside of town are such areas as the Smithgall Woods-Dukes Creek Conservation Area, the Chattahoochee River, Unicoi Lake and Anna Ruby Falls, which are closer to more campsites.
Weather
Georgia typically carries mild temperatures throughout the year, making camping pleasant most of the time. While the mountain regions of Georgia can get warm to hot in the spring and summer months, this area typically stays cool to warm at nighttime. You might want to pack some extra clothes or covers during the fall and winter, when you should expect cool to cold temperatures, with light to moderate snowfall, especially in the higher elevations during the middle of winter.
Camping
Although the city boasts several hotels, camping in an RV, tent or trailer in the mountains will allow you to experience the natural beauty of Helen. Check out Unicoi Springs Camp Resort or Unicoi State Park camp sites with amenities like electric and sewer hookups, picnic tables, cable and Internet availability, outdoor sporting areas and restrooms. Nearby campsites include Creekwood Resort Campground & Cabins in Sautee and Yonah Mountain Campground in Cleveland.
Cabins
Staying in a mountain cabin in Helen still will give you the camping experience with a few more amenities than at a campsite. You can find several companies that rent out area cabins near the Alpine Village and attractions, including A-1 Vacation Rentals and Georgia Mountain Rentals on Main Street or Alpine Mountain Cabins on Highway 75. Many cabins come with cable and Internet access, hot tubs, grills and fireplaces.
Activities
Expect to spend most of your time outside while camping in Helen. Visit Anna Ruby Falls for hiking in the Chattahoochee National Forest and Unicoi State Park for hiking and water sports. Go tubing down the Chattahoochee River with Cool River Tubing Company in downtown Helen, or get in a golf game at the public Innsbruck Golf Club.
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