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majorgator's avatar
majorgator
Explorer
Sep 17, 2014

Unicoi State Park - UPCOMING Late October

We have reservations for Unicoi State Park late in October. Our campsite will be water and electric only, which puts us either in Laurel Ridge or Little Brook Spur sections.

We'll be arriving on a Wednesday. If I factor in stops for the kids and other misc slow-downs, it should take us about 8 hours to get there. As a result, I expect to be there between 2 & 3 PM. If that happens, then we should be able to find a good campsite pretty easily. If we arrive later, then we'll have a bit more trouble.

The whole point of this post is to gain advice for the "what if we arrive late" scenario. From those who have been there before, which of the 2 sections should I drive through first? Translated: which of the 2 sections is nicer;)

On our recent visit to Skidaway Island, we arrived early enough that this was not a problem. But my eyes were opened to this dilemma as we watched the circus from people who arrived later in the day. I certainly don't want to be in that position :S

16 Replies

  • Will they let you pick a site? The last time we stayed, we picked the type of site (we had FHU) and when we got to the Lodge to check in, they assigned us a site. We didn't get to choose one. Then again, it was pretty full and that might of been the only site available.
  • Thanks to all for their comments thus far. That's exactly the information I wanted to get:) Google Maps say the trip should take about 6.5 hours, and I've always been able to beat their estimate when driving at or slightly above the speed limit. Though in this case, I'll be about 7 or 8 MPH below the speed limit for the majority of the trip. That's how I cam up with the 8 hours. If we leave at 6 AM and get there anytime before 3 PM, I'll be satisfied.

    And yes, we had plan on taking the Macon bypass so as not to drive through Atlanta...regardless of the time of day.

    Don't know what kind of rig you have

    Its a 24' Coachmen Catalina. It used to be shown in my sig line (back when I had a sig line) before the moderators revoked that privilege due to something they thought broke a "rule". Funny how people can be mean-spirited and spew terrible vitriol toward other members on here all day long without consequence, but put a generic statement in your sig line that, if you're really stretching it, could be viewed as non-PC, then you get your privileges revoked without warning. They'll probably also delete this comment as well...

    If you have any Gator insignia, be prepared to get ribbed by UGA fans. Football is HUGE in GA.

    NEVER!!! I'm a proud and outspoken Gator Alum, and welcome any GA fans to due all the ribbing they want, even though they haven't been relevant in football since the 1980's (and never in basketball). I've been to MANY football games, and GA fans are absolutely the most obnoxious people I've ever experienced. You'd think that at some point they'd come up with a better cheer/chant than "WOOF WOOF" :R

    Arriving on Wednesday, should have several options.

    Yeah, that's what I'm hoping for. There is still availability for that day, and some on Thursday, which makes me believe that the incoming campers will be minimal.

    I grew up in Alachua/High Springs area...

    Yep, born and raised here. Originally from Alachua, now live in High Springs...I've never left. Graduated from Santa Fe HS. All my family is from here too. Sometimes, it makes me want to get up and leave LOL
  • Markiemark32 wrote:


    Arriving on Wednesday, should have several options.

    I grew up in Alachua/High Springs area, now live in Atlanta. Your estimate on time to drive it, with a RV or TT, is about right +/- a little time.

    Best way through Atlanta is 675, up to 285, to I-85 north, avoid going straight through Atlanta, the above bypass, puts in the direction of Unicoi.



    Good advice. You do NOT want to tow straight through Atlanta during rush hour (6am-9am and 4pm-7pm). If you hit it at mid-day you will probably be okay, but you might need a change of pants, LOL. I drive downtown for work several days a week, so I know the route well. I'm trying to remember how many lanes 75/85 has through downtown--7 each way? 8? It's a lot and invariably somebody has to hit something or someone else somewhere along the way. :S

    If you do elect to go through Atlanta you need one very important piece of information--when 85 and 75 split, you need to be in the LEFT lanes. When you're driving it, it seems like you should stay to the right. I see drivers ALL THE TIME who realized too late that they needed to be in that left lane and it's scary when they start valiantly trying to cross all those lanes and get into the curve at 65mph!

    Have fun at Unicoi! It's one of the nicest state parks in Georgia. The leaves should be brilliant at that time. Bring warm clothes for evening/night and layers during the day.
  • Here is a picture of Laurel Ridge sites 35 & 37, the ridge is an actual ridge, with the sites, tiered as you descend down the loop many pretty well tree'ed.

    Laurel does have some of the bigger sites, more options, and seems a little nicer (although both loops good & nice park).




    Arriving on Wednesday, should have several options.

    I grew up in Alachua/High Springs area, now live in Atlanta. Your estimate on time to drive it, with a RV or TT, is about right +/- a little time.

    Best way through Atlanta is 675, up to 285, to I-85 north, avoid going straight through Atlanta, the above bypass, puts in the direction of Unicoi.

    Have fun!
    Markiemark:C
  • We stayed in the Laurel Ridge section 2 years ago and loved it. The Little Brook sites looked a lot tighter when we were driving thru, but to each his own.
  • Don't know what kind of rig you have. Laurel Ridge sites are on high ground and are a little larger. In your place I would choose Laurel Ridge. Personally we always choose the FHU sites at Unicoi.

    As you're coming from FL, leave 2 hours earlier than you planned. It should help you miss Atlanta's traffic nightmare at rush hour which now starts to build up at 3:30pm.

    If you have any Gator insignia, be prepared to get ribbed by UGA fans. Football is HUGE in GA.

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