Georgia: Unexpected Delights and Southern Charms

(The whole day through) Just an old, sweet song, Keeps Georgia on my mind... (Georgia on my mind)

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Williue Nelson...And Others....

When you hear that iconic tune, who do you hear? For me, it’s Willie Nelson, his distinct voice ushering me across the Florida-Georgia Line and into a state that absolutely blew my expectations out of the water! Major spoiler alert: Georgia surprised me to the upside in a major way. In fact, of the eight states I’ve traveled to so far, Georgia has soared to my second favorite, right behind the ever-amazing Colorado!

Georgia Van Life Table of Contents

Watch My Complete Georgia Trip on YouTube!

What Made Georgia So Special?

Georgia truly has it all! I fell in love with its:

  • Beautiful biking and hiking trails.
  • Incredibly friendly people.
  • Fantastic food.
  • Rich history.
  • Noteworthy and attendance worthy tourist attractions.
  • Diverse culture.
  • And, believe it or not, stunning beaches!

Yes, you read that right – beaches and mountains only separated by a few hours! Why yes, you can have both! You can hit the beach. Hit the Mountains. Or immerse yourself in a culturally vibrant major city with awesome tourist attractions. All within a few hours of each other. And on top of all that – the state as a whole is at least medium Van Life friendly – if not super van life friendly.

I spent almost an entire month exploring Georgia, and honestly, I wish I had more time. I barely scratched the surface and didn’t even get to explore some incredible areas.

Mountain Biking in Georgia: A Beginner's Paradise

Lush Landscape in Jake and Bull Trail System an IMBA Epic Mountain biking destination.

“Georgia? Mountain biking? But Ty… You’re from Colorado!” I know, I know. As a beginner myself, I write this blog from that perspective, not as an expert offering professional advice. So, why Georgia for mountain biking? Simple: its beautiful, lush forests and temperate spring weather create perfect conditions when Colorado is still thawing out. 

 

Plus, the great Appalachian Trail starts in Georgia, and the state offers numerous mountain biking opportunities and many of those are van life friendly!

I’ve already dedicated an entire post to mountain biking, which you can ACESSS HERE, but here’s a brief overview of my beginner-friendly adventures in Georgia:

COMPLETE GEORGIA BEGINNER MOUNTAIN BIKING GUIDE.

Aska Trails System: Flowy Fun for All

Part of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, the Aska Trail System provides 17-20 miles of multi-use trails. Easy to access, not super crowded, and boasts a wonderfully flowy feel. I tackled two trails: an intermediate one and the “Mac-daddy Black.” You can do Aska in a solid day, but I’d recommend breaking it into two.

Aska – Flat Creek Loop (Intermediate – Approx. 6 miles)

Very flowy. Few decent-sized tree roots and rocks to navigate, but nothing super challenging. Downhills are not overly steep. Recommended counter-clockwise direction. Great beginner trail for practicing gear shifting. Not crowded; mixed use with nice people.

Aska – Stanley Gap (The Mac Daddy – Approx. 9.6 miles, 2300 ft elevation gain)

A big, enjoyable ride and my first black-rated trail. Some sections required walking due to blended rocks/tree roots. Nice ledges/plateaus for catching your breath after climbs. Limited views, but a potential break in the trees towards the end.

Mulberry Gap: More Than Just Trails

A unique place run by a friendly husband and wife team. Offers cabins, campsites, day use, clean showers/bathrooms, hot tubs, and food service. Shuttle service to trails available. Owners’ and staff’s local knowledge and kindness truly set it apart. Detailed maps were a lifesaver for my geographically challenged self! I also worked with certified mountain bike Coach Misty, which was incredibly helpful for a beginner. The trails below are convenient to Mulberry Gap Adventure Basecamp and I recommend you consider staying there. 

Mulberry – Pinhoti 2 (Approx. 6.5 miles, 825 ft elevation gain)

A local favorite with some climbing and nice flow sections. You climb, then get a straightaway to catch your breath. Took my first fall towards the end, possibly due to tiredness.

Mulberry – Bear Creek Loop (15.5 miles, 1800 ft elevation gain when combined with Pinhoti)

Loved this loop; it was lovely and flowy. No notably hard features to navigate. Many water crossings with the gorgeous sound of the creek. Ascents weren’t bad on an e-bike. High ready position saved me from a washed-out section. This is usually paired with Pinhoti 1 and 2 to make a massive ride – which is actually how I rode it. But the Bear Creek section was my absolute favorite.

Bull Mountain: Appalachian Awesomeness

Part of the Jake and Bull Mountain trail network, located at the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Includes over 50 miles of great riding, including an IMBA Epic route. My ride covered 12.5 miles with 1788 feet of elevation gain – a good ride with some nice flow sections. I thought the ride was scenic and not overly technical. I didn’t feel out of control and I don’t recall any super complex rock or root complexes to navigate. 

My Bull Mountain Route (12.5 miles, 1800 ft. elevation gain)

Start at Bull MTB parking lot. Ride by sign and ride up. Follow 223 around. Pass 223a and keep going to 223b. Re-merge onto bottom of 223a. Follow to Big Creek crossing. Cross creek. Take the small path furthest right, which goes up (223c/”whoop-do-dos trail”). Follow that back to 223, then back to parking lot!

Van Life Notes for Mountain Biking In Georgia.

Unlike man other states, Georgia is overall friendly to Van Lifers and I found that to be very true in the mountain biking destinations. While I generally discourage sleeping at trail head parking lots because it doesn’t feel to be “the right” thing to do – I slept in the Bull Mountain Parking Lot (after confirming it was acceptable with the Forest Service). My Van has a 360 Degree Camera system. In two days in captured two other vehicles – one forest service truck and one person utilizing the trail. The parking lot is easily the size of a football field.

And while I stayed at Mulberry Gap Adventure Basecamp and would highly encourage you to do the same for all the reasons listed in my Geogria Mountain Biking specific post (click here to read), there were plenty of boondocking opportunities close by. Same with Aska. 

Nevertheless, here are a few resources for you all:

Beyond the Trails: Georgia's Other Gems.

Beyond mountain biking, Georgia offers so many compelling opportunities that anyone can find something to love! Here are some of the other awesome things I experienced:

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Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island, Georgia.

Jekyll Island: History, Beaches, and Turtles!

Jekyll Island is part of the Golden Isles, a chain of islands off the coast of Georgia. A resort community where you can bike around and enjoy the village or some lovely beach time.

  • Dogs allowed on the beach.
  • Sea turtle center.
  • Bike around the island.
  • Driftwood Beach.
  • $10 per day “parking”.
  • Campground on island is the only place to stay (a bit pricey but worth it for 2 nights).

Recommendation: I wouldn’t spend more than 2-3 days on Jekyll Island.

Example of architecture Savannah, Georgia

Savannah: Southern Charm and Delicious Bites

Next, I ventured to historic Savannah! You can tour historic buildings and truly let history come alive, or simply walk around and enjoy amazing historic architecture. RVers can park right next to the museum in designated spots – a great, convenient place to tour downtown.

  • Ice cream at Leopold’s (seriously, the lemon custard is an old recipe and to die for!).
  • She-crab soup (anywhere!).
  • The beautiful Basilica.
  • Museum is interesting but quick.
  • Trolley tour is useful for a quicker overview and spotting smaller, cool things. (Note: sometimes not enough trolleys running, leading to lines).

Some Van Life Notes on Savannah:

  • The Parking lot by the Museum is also next to the first stop of the trolley tour and has specific spots for RVs. I’m not sure whether or not you can overnight there. But it’s convenient parking for the day. Address is 301 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
  • I stayed at Skidaway Island State Park which was lovely and quiet. It was about 25 minutes outside Savannah so an easy commute and 25 minutes to our next destination: Tybee Island. Although – the park isn’t near a beach..

Tybee Island: Beachy Vibes with a Parking Predicament​

Tybee Island offers good food, a nice beach, and a cool lighthouse. However, be warned: parking enforcement is ridiculous, and they are openly hostile to vans. 

Even if you’re the only vehicle in a lot on a random Tuesday at the far end of the island, “no RV parking” includes anything with a “living space.” The meter maid, while nice, still made it clear. That having been said. Tybee Island is a nice stop and worth some time despite the fact that it is not van life friendly. I enjoyed biking around the island for a bit and I love lighthouses. Of particular note – stop and enjoy a local “boil” at Stingray’s. You won’t regret the choice!!!

Tybee Island Beach
Tybee Island Lighthouse
Tybee Island Lighthouse
Tybee Island Lighthouse
Tybee Island Boardwalk
Tybee Island Boardwalk
Stingray's Local boil

Atlanta: A City Break

Atlanta is a vibrant city with plenty to see!

Some cool attractions include:

  • The Georgia Aquarium
  • The World of Coca-Cola Museum
  • Olympic Park

I parked at a marshalling yard. Desolate at night, about a 0.5-mile walk to the major tourist attractions. Locals told me I was nuts to park there after dark, but I felt fine. In fact, I didn’t see another human all night and had a direct line of sight to Mercedes-Benz Stadium. 

 I woke up the next morning and took Odie for a run, never feeling in danger or unsafe. 

 

The cost was $30, but it covered from arrival until noon the next day – which I felt was worth it for being so close to the attractions. Additionally, I did stay in the parking lot of the Walmart in Roswell for several nights as I was waiting for a repair to be done on my bike. It was also very Van Life friendly and felt safe!

I have to say: As a SCUBA Instructor and avid diver, the Georgia State Aquarium blew me away. As in mind blown people. Whale Sharks, Beluga Whales, and some fun shows as well as great information and learning opportunities made the Georgia State Aquarium my top destination. And conviently, its a half a mile walk from where I told you to park!! 

 

Thousand Trails: Carolina Landing (A Necessary Evil?)

While not in Georgia, Carolina Landing is less than two hours from Atlanta and only about two hours from Bull Mountain, making it a convenient stop. It’s not a destination I’d visit just for fun, though it’s on Lake Hartwell and offers decent boating and hiking. It’s also relatively close to other hiking trails.

Carolina Landing gets a bad rap from many in the Thousand Trails community, and somewhat justifiably if you have a larger rig – the sites aren’t big, and the area is very hilly and uneven. The park is dated, and amenities are just okay. However, it offers everything a van lifer needs and since we don’t have as big of a concern for level sites – I found the park to be just fine for my purposes.

But, the staff is super friendly (they even held a package for me after I left until I could return a few days later!). It’s also clean and comfortable. I personally think the park is fine for what I use Thousand Trails for: a few down days to kick back, relax, handle logistics, and plan. I would absolutely stay here again – nice camp, nice people. Just something to be aware of, not a deterrent.

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Thousand Trails is a membership camping program that gives members unlimited access (with some restrictions) to a network of hundreds of campgrounds across the United States for a set monthly fee.  Depending on your membership level, you may spend as little as $5.00 per  night to camp. How awesome is that? 

Want to know more? Ready My Blog Post on How I use Thousand Trails As My #VanLife BaseCamp by clicking here.  Or Check Out My Ultimate Thousand Trails Resource Page by Clicking here! 

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A Suggested Georgia Itinerary (Southern Entry)

I entered Georgia from the South after a month in Florida and thoroughly enjoyed my time. If you’re coming from the South and want a similar itinerary, I’d recommend something along these lines:

  • Jekyll Island: 2-3 nights. This gives you time to enjoy the beach, experience Driftwood Beach, bike around the island, and maybe explore a nearby island for a day.
  • Savannah/Tybee Island: 4-5 days. You can do Savannah as a quick pass-through, but the historic homes and tours can easily take two days. Tybee Island is worth a day, if only to see the lighthouse and enjoy some seafood (hint: the local “boil” at legendary Stingray’s is worth every penny, and you’ll have leftovers!).
  • Mountain Biking Expedition – Bull Mountain: 3-4 days. I’d then start your mountain biking adventure at Bull Mountain. You can stay in the Bull Mountain parking lot or find other dispersed camping options.
  • Atlanta: 3 days (maybe less). After Bull Mountain, head to Atlanta for a well-deserved break and enjoy some tourist destinations.
  • Aska Trail System: 2-3 days. From Atlanta, head to the Aska Trail system. While it can be done in one day, I prefer a slower pace.
  • Optional Branching Out: From Aska, you’re about 2.5 hours from the Great Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge (Dollywood, anyone?!), and a whole host of other options within a few hours. These are all great options if you need a break from mountain biking.

More Trip Notes & Final Thoughts.

  • iOverlander is Your Friend: This app was incredibly useful for finding accurate spots.
  • Van Life Friendly (Mostly): Overall, folks outside the immediate beach areas were super friendly to Van Lifers. Chattahoochee-Oconee seems very friendly on dispersed camping, with numerous sites/road pull-outs for vans.
  • Rest Stop Woes: Unlike Florida, which has plentiful and nice rest stops along its highways, Georgia has few. In fact, along Interstate ___, there are only two – one at the top of the state and one at the bottom. Along I-575 and other corridors, there are none. Perhaps this is because the state generally seems fairly friendly to VanLife, but interstate rest areas are often my backup to my backup plan. Not having that option is annoying, to say the least, and potentially dangerous for some.
  • Savannah Airport Parking: Parking at Savannah airport was great – easy flight, easy parking, and felt very safe parked at the end of the lot by the cabs. I left the Van for three days and all was well when I returned. I think you could also overnight there in a pinch.
  • Mountain Biking Logistics: For mountain biking, it doesn’t really matter where you start or end the rides. Most are within an hour’s drive of each other and very doable.
  • Tallulah Gorge State Park (Skip the Long Stay): I spent four days at Tallulah Gorge State Park, but I wouldn’t do it again. It’s a very popular campground because the sites are large and the Gorge itself is lovely, but there just isn’t that much to do. Two days max is plenty.
  • A Month Wasn’t Enough! There was so much in Georgia I didn’t get to see or do. A month here simply wasn’t enough. I even spent almost a week in the Atlanta suburbs for a bike repair, which wasn’t the main point of my visit, so I didn’t write about it.

My Recommendations for Mountain Biking in Georgia:

You have so many options! As of this writing, you can boondock/camp for 14 days in the Chattahoochee before you have to leave for 30 days. I highly suggest you plan to spend all those days mountain biking! You can absolutely find fun trails to ride, or take a few days break and hike. Additionally, the Georgia coast is definitely worth a visit, especially Jekyll Island and Savannah.

Suggested Additional Places to Visit in Georgia:

  • Amicalola Falls State Park: Home to the tallest cascading waterfall in Georgia and the start of the Appalachian Trail Approach Trail. Great for hiking and beautiful views.
  • Providence Canyon State Park (“Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon”): A stunning geological wonder with colorful canyons formed by erosion. Offers hiking trails and incredible photo opportunities.
  • Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge: The largest blackwater swamp in North America, offering incredible opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and wildlife viewing (alligators, birds, etc.).
  • Callaway Resort & Gardens: Beautiful botanical gardens with a variety of attractions, including walking trails, butterfly center, and a beach on Robin Lake.
  • Stone Mountain Park: A unique park featuring the world’s largest exposed granite monolith, with attractions like a scenic railroad, cable car, and laser show.
Until Next Time.
Go Well. Be Well. Live Well.
~ Ty and Odie.

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Thousand Trails stopped selling lifetime memberships in 2025 — but the USED Thousand Trails membership market didn't go anywhere. In this video I walk through the 8 real advantages of buying a used Thousand Trails membership (Platinum, Alliance, Elite, Odyssey, Adventure) over the new Journey / Explore / Adventure term product, what a used membership actually costs, and the honest list of when new is still the right call. Not a reversal. I've always said every camper should measure every membership against their own travel style — new is still great for a lot of people. But resale prices have come down while new pricing has gone up, and that moves where a lot of people land. 📖 THE FULL ARTICLE (with the calculator): https://livefreerv.com/advantages-of-a-used-thousand-trails-membership/ 🏕️ BROWSE USED THOUSAND TRAILS MEMBERSHIPS FOR SALE — The Thousand Trails Exchange, the free board I run. Real memberships from real owners, every listing personally reviewed, no broker in the middle: https://livefreerv.com/exchange/?src=yt Nothing that fits yet? Set a free buyer alert on the same page. 🔔 SELLING? List your Thousand Trails membership free: https://livefreerv.com/exchange-list/?src=yt 📞 WANT ONE I'VE PERSONALLY VETTED, or just want to talk it through? Book a call: https://livefreerv.com/consult/?src=yt ➤ Still leaning new or upgrading? Upgrades can only come from Thousand Trails, and new is the right answer for plenty of people. My referral link connects you with a membership specialist I trust who can usually beat the website price. The channel receives a small referral fee at no cost to you: https://livefreerv.com/talk-to-a-specialist/?src=yt ➤ Not sure which one you are? Start here: https://livefreerv.com/start-here/?src=yt 📚 MORE THOUSAND TRAILS GUIDES How much does a used Thousand Trails membership cost: https://livefreerv.com/how-much-does-a-used-thousand-trails-membership-cost/ How to buy a used Thousand Trails membership (due-diligence guide): https://livefreerv.com/buying-a-used-thousand-trails-membership/ Every Thousand Trails membership type explained: https://livefreerv.com/thousand-trails-memberships-understanding-the-multitude-of-options-and-choosing-the-perfect-membership-for-you/ Thousand Trails Alliance membership explained: https://livefreerv.com/thousand-trails-alliance-membership/ Journey vs Explore vs Adventure: https://livefreerv.com/thousand-trails-journey-vs-explore-vs-adventure/ The Ultimate Thousand Trails Resource Hub: https://livefreerv.com/the-ultimate-thousand-trails-resource-hub/ I'm Ty — full-time RVer, former trial lawyer, and I read Thousand Trails contracts for fun. I live in the system 150+ nights a year and I've reviewed hundreds of these contracts. Everything here is my honest opinion; I'm not employed by Thousand Trails. #ThousandTrails #UsedThousandTrailsMembership #ThousandTrailsMembership #RVLife #FullTimeRV #RVMembership #CampingMembership #ThousandTrailsExchange Go Well. Travel Well. Do Well. — Ty & Odie Are Used Thousand Trails Memberships Better Than New Ones?
Hey YouTubers, join me as I talk about my stay at Thousand Trails Morgan Hill, a beautiful campground located in California. This park offers an awesome location for day trips, bridging the Central Coast and Bay Area, making it a prime spot for RV travel. I'll share my experiences and show you everything I did while staying at Thousand Trails Morgan Hill! This is your ultimate planning tool for your RV trip to the Bay Area, Central Coastal California, and/or Morgan Hill. I talk about visiting including San Jose, Japantown, the Egyptian Museum, downtown Morgan Hill, the Farmers Market, Santa Cruz, scenic drives, wine country, and so much more!!! 📍 THE FULL MORGAN HILL GUIDE — day trips, wine, mountain biking, and my honest park review: https://livefreerv.com/thousand-trails-morgan-hill-review/ Thinking about a Thousand Trails membership — new, used, or upgrading what you've got? Which one is right for you comes down to the same things it always has: how long you'll realistically keep it, how you travel, and what you can put down today. Those questions haven't changed. The prices you plug into them have — resale has come down while new pricing has gone up — and that moves where a lot of people land. ➤ Buy used — The Thousand Trails Exchange, the free board I run. Real memberships from real owners, every listing personally reviewed before it goes live, no broker in the middle: https://livefreerv.com/exchange/?src=yt ➤ Why used might be the better deal — the 8 real advantages, and when new still wins: https://livefreerv.com/advantages-of-a-used-thousand-trails-membership/?src=yt ➤ Buy new or upgrade — upgrades can only come from Thousand Trails, and new is still the better answer for plenty of people. My referral link connects you with a membership specialist I trust who can usually beat the price listed on the Thousand Trails website and get you promotions that aren't public. The channel receives a small referral fee at no cost to you: https://livefreerv.com/talk-to-a-specialist/?src=yt ➤ Not sure which one you are? Start here — I lay out both sides: https://livefreerv.com/start-here/?src=yt ➤ Already own one you're not using? List it on the Exchange free: https://livefreerv.com/exchange-list/?src=yt Want to see all my Thousand Trails content? Check out my Ultimate Resource Guide: https://livefreerv.com/the-ultimate-thousand-trails-resource-hub/ Get vidIQ to grow your channel faster! 🚀 https://vidiq.com/ShiftingGearswit Explore Thousand Trails Morgan Hill on your next California road trip. See why this spot is the perfect base for your travels. Join me for a look at the Thousand Trails Morgan Hill campground. I am breaking down why this specific location is ideal for your next getaway, serving as the perfect bridge between the Central Coast and the Bay Area. Whether you are planning a longer stay or just passing through, this travel vlog highlights the beautiful scenery around the property, including a vintage house and quaint local streets that make it a standout stop. This location is a great example of what makes RV life so enjoyable. I share my personal experience staying here and how it fits into the broader RV living experience. It is all about finding those reliable spots that offer a mix of comfort and access to nearby adventures, allowing you to easily explore different parts of the region without constantly moving your setup. Subscribe for weekly updates on my travels, and let me know in the comments if you have visited this campground before. 0:00 Exploring the Morgan Hill Campground 0:59 Day Tripping to San Jose and Beyond 3:51 Coastal Escapes to Santa Cruz and Monterey 6:44 Nature Trails and Scenic Drives The Perfect Bay Area RV Basecamp? What to Do Staying at Thousand Trails Morgan Hill
Join me as I provide a detailed tour of Thousand Trails Morgan Hill, highlighting its unique location between the Santa Cruz and Diablo mountain ranges. This virtual tour showcases various amenities, including sports courts, a dog park, and laundry facilities, giving you a comprehensive look at this rv park. Discover if this rv camping spot is right for your next rv travel adventure, and get a feel for the rv life experience here. 🚐 For the Complete What To Do at Thousand Trails Morgan Hill Guide Check Out my Post here about all the fun things I did and cool things I saw: https://livefreerv.com/thousand-trails-morgan-hill-review/ Thinking about a Thousand Trails membership — new, used, or upgrading what you've got? Which one is right for you comes down to the same things it always has: how long you'll realistically keep it, how you travel, and what you can put down today. Those questions haven't changed. The prices you plug into them have — resale has come down while new pricing has gone up — and that moves where a lot of people land. ➤ Buy used — The Thousand Trails Exchange, the free board I run. Real memberships from real owners, every listing personally reviewed before it goes live, no broker in the middle: https://livefreerv.com/exchange/?src=yt ➤ Buy new or upgrade — upgrades can only come from Thousand Trails, and new is still the better answer for plenty of people. My referral link connects you with a membership specialist I trust who can usually beat the price listed on the Thousand Trails website and get you promotions that aren't public. The channel receives a small referral fee at no cost to you: https://livefreerv.com/talk-to-a-specialist/?src=yt ➤ Not sure which one you are? Start here — I lay out both sides: https://livefreerv.com/start-here/?src=yt ➤ Already own one you're not using? List it on the Exchange free: https://livefreerv.com/exchange-list/?src=yt Be sure to check out my Ultimate Thousand Trails Resource Guide: https://livefreerv.com/the-ultimate-thousand-trails-resource-hub/ For more Thousand Trails Park Reviews, check out my Honest Park Review page: https://livefreerv.com/thousand-trails-park-reviews/ Thousand Trails Morgan Hill: The Perfect Bay Area Base?
Ty Chapman relaxing for lunch during a hike at Big Bend National Park.

A Little Bit About Me.

I started writing this blog as a way to capture the adventurous and free lifestyle I’m privileged to live. I’ve traveled to over 28 countries and 35 U.S States. I’ve lived aboard in multiple countries and averaged over 100 days a year of travel for work. I’ve skied and hiked all over the world – and my new obsession is mountain biking.

 

 

 

What I bring to you isn’t AI generated. It’s based on my feet on the ground – or sometimes conversations with locals. Click here to read more about me! 

And click below to subscribe to my YouTube Channel Shifting Gears with Ty to follow the Adventure live! Join us, won’t you?

Talk To Ty · LiveFreeRV
New or used? Which membership? Get honest answers.

Spend 50 minutes on the phone with Ty — a fellow camper who reads the actual contracts. Whether a Thousand Trails membership is right for you at all, which type fits how you actually travel, what to ask before you commit, and the traps that cost people thousands. Geared entirely to YOU.

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