Unicoi State Park & Lodge Combines the Beach and Mountains for the Ultimate Summer Vacation

When it comes to summer vacations in the Southeastern U.S., the conversation on where to travel typically begins with something like this, “Honey, where should we take the kids this year for vacation: the mountains or the beach?” Whichever option that’s chosen will usually work out fine, but at least once on the trip, you’ll probably think, “Should we have picked the other option?”

This year you can shelve the second-guessing, because at Unicoi State Park & Lodge, family vacation planning starts with a better question: Why choose the mountains or the beach when you can have both?

Yes, you read that right. Unicoi State Park & Lodge combines the best of both worlds. Located just outside Alpine Helen in the North Georgia Mountains and featuring a wide beach on the shores of Unicoi Lake, our Park & Lodge brings together two things that commonly do not coexist on vacations. Find out why it’s not your average trip to the beach.

Same sun, lower temps

With daytime high temperatures slightly below coastal communities to the east and south, sun worshipers can get still get that golden tan without the hair-frizzing humidity. Once the sun goes down, the nighttime temps are significantly lower than typical Southern beach destinations, which means guests truly cool off from the summer heat and have a restful sleep.

Nightly accommodations play a huge role in any vacation, and the lodging options at Unicoi State Park & Lodge exist to meet the varied needs of our visitors. The comfortable lodge has cozy hotel-style rooms while the Georgia State Park cabin rentals are ideal for family or friend groups. If state park camping is more your style, our RV and tent campsites are some of the finest in the Southeast. From full RV hookups to secluded tent campsites to the distinct outdoor experience of the Squirrels Nest, Unicoi provides the natural setting you’re looking for.

Hit the water, pack a lunch

If the crisp mountain waters are calling you to explore, go beyond Unicoi Beach with our watercraft rental program. Our hourly rentals include kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, and two- or four-person pedal boats. We outfit guests with everything they need for the perfect paddling excursion. Rentals are secured on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to get yours early.

Packing a picnic lunch is another popular way to feed the family for a day on Unicoi Beach. Many of our visitors bring coolers filled with snacks, sandwiches, and drinks to keep their crew happy and hydrated all day. Nearby picnic shelters are great locations to gather and eat meals as a group.

Mountain fun everywhere you turn

Unicoi State Park & Lodge is a premier location for outdoor treks and classic family fun. With several hiking trails on the park property and dozens more within a short drive, squeezing in the mountain side of the vacation is no problem. Anna Ruby Falls, just minutes from Unicoi State Park, is a great starter trek for guests of all ages and abilities.

Daily shuttle service to nearby Helen, Ga. makes visiting one of the top tourist attractions in the state a breeze. The Bavarian-themed town has lots to do. Browse shops, play games, take old-timey photos, tube down the Chattahoochee River, enjoy the nightlife, and experience the annual festivals that make Alpine Helen a one-of-a-kind destination. Many wineries dot the map of the surrounding area as well, so sipping some North Georgia wines may prove to be an additional incentive for your mountain-beach summer getaway