Unicoi Campground

When you park your RV rental at Unicoi Campground, you'll be minutes from the breathtaking Smithgall Woods State Park. This 5,000-acre state park consists of dense forests and mountainous hills coupled with the peaceful Dukes Creek. It's one of the most popular catch-and-release trout fishing spots in Georgia, and anglers flock from across the state to fish here. There are five miles of walking trails and 18 miles of roads, which offer hikers an opportunity for some magical views of the surrounding mountains and forests. If you want to enjoy a meal with a view, there are two picnic shelters where you can have a bite to eat.

Another stunning state park tucked away in the mountains of northern Georgia is Tallulah Gorge State Park. This 2,000-acre park features Tallulah Gorge, a 1,000-foot-deep gorge that runs for over two miles, providing one of the most amazing canyons in the eastern United States. Hiking is the most popular activity at this park, and 20 miles of trails allow you to hike along the edge of the gorge and cross a suspension bridge that affords vistas of the river and waterfalls below. If you feel extra adventurous, you can obtain a permit to hike to the bottom of the gorge and experience the ravine's beauty from below. Pets are allowed on the park's trails, but are not permitted on the gorge floor or suspension bridge and must be kept on a leash.

Slightly deeper into the mountains is Moccasin Creek State Park. This 30-acre state park features the vast Lake Burton, which is a favorite location for locals and tourists looking to engage in watersports. Boating is a popular pastime at this 2,700-acre lake, and kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards can be rented from the park office during summer months. Fishing is also popular thanks to an abundance of trout in the lake. There are also three miles of hiking trails that will take you along the lake, through forests, and by picturesque waterfalls.

Helen campers will be well-positioned to explore some of Georgia's best cities. Atlanta is less than two hours' drive away and is Georgia's capital and biggest city. The High Museum of Art is one of the best art museums in the southeastern United States and contains roughly 15,000 pieces in its collection. This collection contains some world-famous painters, including works by Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro, and Ralph Earl.

Alternatively, you may be looking for a family-friendly activity in Atlanta. The Georgia Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the world and features over 100,000 individual creatures. There's a wide variety of critters on display, including whale sharks, southern sea otters, and African penguins. If you feel like splashing out, the aquarium offers some added extras, including encounters with dolphins, beluga whales, and seals, as well as being able to swim with sharks and rays.

Campers visiting Atlanta may also want to plan a visit to the World of Coca Cola. This Willy Wonka-style museum will be sure to amaze both kids and adults with a sweet tooth. Various exhibits tell the history of this popular soda, including a Coca-Cola theater, a bottling facility, and The Loft, which is full of artifacts and memorabilia. In The Lobby, visitors can even try out several of Coca-Cola's most famous products to see why this soft drink is one of the most popular in the world.