Diamond Lure RV Resort
Diamond Lure is situated in the North Georgia mountains...and when we say, “mountains”, we mean mountains – not hills. Once you get on Rt 52, there are twists and turns and ups and downs non-stop until you get there. Its an absolutely gorgeous, scenic drive but if you are in a motorhome and/or towing just be prepared for a few “white-knuckle” moments until you get there.
Location:
Diamond Lure Campground & RV Resort, 514 Diamond Lure Rd, Ellijay, GA 30536
Reservations: Call or email
Cost $$$
Pulling in
Check in is at 1:00, and Check out is at Noon. Early check in and late check-out may be available for an additional fee.. The office to check in is at the end of the entrance road on the right, past several cabins and RV spots. It is a small cabin with an office but no camp store, though they do sell ice and firewood. When we checked in the attendant informed us that "the guys will help you into your spot". We politely declined, but they insisted, claiming, "They dont call us 'the marriage counselors’ for nothing". We found that hilarious, and an added amenity that may just get your stay off to a better start. Despite the twists, turns and hills getting in, there is a nice flat spot by the office in front of the lake where you can connect or disconnect your "toad". They do offer a free cable box, but we never hooked ours up as we don’t watch much on TV. Cell signal for Verizon and T-Mobile were acceptable. Diamond Lure is not affiliated with Good Sam, Thousand Trails or any other memberships we are aware of.
Pet Friendly
Despite what we read in some older reviews, this park is very pet-friendly. There is not only a large dog park there is a sectioned off "Dog Beach" area by the lake and a dog wash by the Bath House!
Grounds
Diamond Lure markets itself as “the best kept secret in North Georgia”. The grounds are certainly breathtaking, with several partially wooded RV loops surrounding a 15 acre lake stocked for fishing. While you are able to bring and launch your own boats or kayak on the lake, there are none for rent. A map of available sites can be found on their website.
Looking at the map, we were camped in site 38 (pictured above), listed as a “Premiere site” by the lake which has a beautiful view and came with a fire ring and picnic table. The area behind the office is in partially wooded hills, likely not the most level sites, but very peaceful. The Bath house and Laundry are clean and open, and there is even a dog bathing area just outside the building. The camping area on the right is mainly seasonal sites, many of which in the lower area are not well kept, but it is easy to enjoy your stay without venturing over there.
You can walk most of the way around the lake, but it requires a steep hike up the hill, and on the way down you run into private property so you have to turn around and go back up the steep hill. Other than the hike and other walking paths, there is not much to do on premises. There is no pool or hot tub, but there is a small playground for the kids and a pavilion and barbeque area you can use over by the “beach” which is actually a small area by the lake where they have poured sand.
Attractions
Luckily, though the area appears very rural there is a winery (cidery?)- Reece's Cider Co within a mile and a kitschy souvenir shop/cider shop called Mack Aaron’s Apple House across the street from it; Cartecay Vinyards is less than a mile in the other direction.
Downtown Ellijay (pronounced “ella-jay”) is just a quick drive down Rt 52. Ellijay is home to many apple orchards, so you will find no shortage of ciders and apples available along Rt 52. It is the quintessential small town, lined with unique boutique-y shops and a few really great restaurants. The one that caught our attention most was The Roof.
Amicolola Falls is an absolute must when you are in Ellijay. You can read all about it and see some gorgeous photos under Adventure.
Cleanliness
Facilities are kept clean, but this is not a luxury resort, it’s a campground in the woods. There will be dirt.
Security
We felt completely safe there, though the eerie quietness of the place was a bit unsettling (it was off-season). We do not consider bears a security risk, but I will mention they had a party at our picnic table one night when we left cooking utensils out.
Convenience
We were able to procure what we needed while there and though it appeared to be in the middle of nowhere in the North Georgia Mountains, the town of Ellijay can probably provide everything you need, including a UPS Store, Food Lion for groceries, Tractor Supply, several restaurants and antique shops, and a liquor store. We were even able to procure a fuel filter for the motorhome there and Steve rated the haircut he received at City Barber shop in downtown Ellijay was top-notch (and he is extremely picky about his flat-top)
! There is a WalMart and a Lowe’s outside of town if absolutely necessary, but you would much rather support small businesses in town, wouldn’t you?
Friendliness
Other than the guys who guided us in on day one, we didn’t have the opportunity for conversation with many other people. The owner checked in on us and answered questions, helping us with loading firewood and advising us of local attractions (including the Amicolola Falls) but we didn’t really see many other humans. The campground is not set up for social gatherings, most people appeared to be regulars or seasonals who kept to themselves. But again, it was early December and very off-season. We would imagine that this is a very family-friendly getaway during summer months and would recommend a stay.
