Thursday, November 1, 2012

Georgia Coastal Region Campgrounds

Travelers can find different kinds of campgrounds along Georgia's coastal region.


Campgrounds for tent and RV campers are located along Georgia's coastal region, which occupies more than half of the state's land surface. You'll find a number of campgrounds, all the way from Savannah down to St. Marys. The coast, which covers about 120 miles, is bordered by a series of barrier islands comprised of nearly half a million acres of salt marsh. Camp here, and you'll find year-round recreational opportunities.


Coastal Region Overview


The coastal region of Georgia includes the counties of Savannah, Richmond Hill, Kingsland, Darien, Brunswick and St. Marys. Also a part of Georgia's coast are the naturally preserved barrier islands that dot the coastline. The area is home to dozens of campgrounds in state parks, wilderness areas and national parks. Some of these campgrounds are in Skidaway Island State Park in Savannah, in Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge in Sapelo Island and in the Cumberland Island National Seashore in St. Marys.


Facilities and Amenities


Facilities and amenities vary depending on the campground, but most can accommodate tent and back-country campers. In Cumberland Island National Seashore, for example, visitors will find developed and wilderness camping areas. Wilderness camping areas have no facilities, but the developed campgrounds have restrooms, showers and fire rings. In Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge, accessible only by boat, only those who are licensed to hunt may camp here during the two three-day deer hunts held in October and December. The 588-acre Skidaway Island State Park offers 87 tent, trailer and RV campsites and has picnic shelters, group shelters, an interpretive center and three playgrounds.


Outdoor Activities


Outdoor recreational activities in campgrounds along Georgia's coast include beachcombing, sunbathing, swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking and boating. Most coastal parks allow the collection of sharks' teeth and unoccupied seashells. Swimming in most of these areas is at your own risk, and typically, lifeguards are not available. Another activity is watching wildlife such as deer, crabs, raccoons and migrating birds. On Cumberland Island alone, more than 335 species of birds have been recorded, as the area is a stopping point on the trans-Atlantic migratory flyway. Hiking and biking along trails are other activities you can enjoy while camping here.


Area Attractions


Georgia's coast has dozens of attractions, including King's Bay Naval Submarine Base in St. Marys; the homes of the Carnegie estate; and the sand dunes and herds of wild horses on Cumberland Island. Okefenokee Swamp Park in Waycross offers canoe rentals and guided boat tours. In the waterfront district, walk along Savannah's cobblestone streets and see restored historic buildings and homes downtown. Visit Jekyll Island's historic district to see the restored Victorian buildings and spend the day on Tybee Island's beaches.







Tags: Cumberland Island, Island National, along Georgia, Georgia coast, along Georgia coastal