Looking for a four-season camping spot that you haven’t been to before? Willow Valley RV Resort in the Northeast Georgia mountains has what you are searching for.
“We are a new campground that has only been open for three months,” owner Donna Rumsey told The Buzz.
Rabun Gap, Georgia is located in the Southern Appalachians. The Georgia Division of Tourism describes the area as “the center of farming in Rabun County because of its relatively flat topography in the river valley of the natural gap in the Blue Ridge Mountains.” It is located near Dillard, Georgia, near the Georgia- North Carolina state line, and about two hours north east of Atlanta, Georgia and a little over an hour and a half southwest of Asheville, North Carolina.
“We have four distinct seasons here in the mountains,” Rumsey said. “We will be open year-round for our customers.”
This part of the United States offers a pleasant experience weatherwise, no matter the season. In winter, Rabun County averages about 4 inches of snow per year, far less than the national average of 28 inches, and the winter-time low is about 26 degrees. Summer temperatures are cooler than other parts of Georgia with July as the hottest month and temps around 85 degrees. Fall colors are a draw to the area for many and spring wildflower viewing is also a popular seasonal attraction for the region.
Willow Valley RV Park offers 58 sites and 30/50 AMP, full-Hook up to water and sewer, six private baths, laundry facilities, a community fire pit, a pool and a wading area for younger children. Onsite is also a dog park and washing station. The RV park’s club house includes a kitchen and serves as the activity center for kids and adults, with family games, arts and crafts and bingo for all ages, among others.
Rumsey calls her RV park “kid friendly and dog friendly.”
The park may be open for guests, but Rumsey said the work on making it better continues.
Nice view from the park's lake. Willow Valley RV Resort is Northeast GA’s newest luxurious campground.
“We are always finishing up our projects,” she said. “Being brand new means always finding something else we can do. “
Future plans include a 38-site expansion, although no definite time-line for the expansion has been established.
Guests at the new resort average a three to seven-night stay. Most have come from surrounding states, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Tennessee and Georgia.
Guests can hang out at the resort and take advantage of the activities there, or venture out onto the mountain roads and into the scenic natural areas of the region. Rabun County is located within the Chattahoochee National Forest. According to information posted on the Rabun County Chamber of Commerce website, a hike on the trails of the Chattahoochee Forest leads to waterfalls and wildlife viewing that includes deer, turkey and bear.
The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests encompasses nearly 867,000 acres across 26 counties, with thousands of miles of clear-running streams and rivers, approximately 850 miles of recreation trails, and lands rich in natural scenery, history and culture.
“There are lots of things for people to do here,” Rumsey said. “We are located in a wonderful area that is close to lots of activities. We have hiking trails, waterfalls, fishing, white water rafting, zip lining and wineries to visit - all within 30 to 45 minutes from our campground.”
Three lakes - Rabun, Burton and Seed - are located nearby, as is the Tallulah Gorge, a two-mile long and 1,000-foot-deep attraction within Rabun County. As early as 1878, visitors came by train into the area to view Talluah Gap, according to area history.
At Willow Valley, Rumsey said guests can expect great customer service and a high standard of cleanliness.
“Our full-time campground host and managers work very hard and really take pride in what they do,” Rumsey explained. “We hope that people will return because of the great place we are and the service that we provide.”
Daily rates range from $35 to $65, depending on site size and season. Weekly and monthly rates are also offered. Premium sites are pull through to accommodate larger RVS.
Rumsey and the staff at Willow Valley are also playing host to events throughout the year, with special camping rates and activities on tap. Premium sites are configured for back-in set up and Super Premium sites can be back-in or pull through, depending on the location within the park.
“We want people to spread the word about our new campground,” she said.
The campground is not just about a stay in the mountains; it is also designed to accommodate rallies, reunions, and family gatherings.
Rich in history, Rabun County was originally home to the Cherokee nation, before the forced removal of the Cherokees in the 1800s. The Georgia General Assembly created the county on Dec. 21, 1819, making Rabun County the state’s 47th county. The county is named for William Rabun, who served as the 11th Governor of Georgia from his election in 1817 until his death in 1819, according to local history documentation.
Rabun County was also discovered by Hollywood, first in the 1956 Disney movie, The Great Locomotive Chase and for the filming of Deliverance in 1972. Learn even more about the local area and nearby attractions at their website.