Georgia’s oldest city is a place of cobblestoned streets, trolleys, and antebellum architecture. But Savannah’s natural beauty is just as much a part of its identity as its man-made attractions—the Spanish moss draped over centuries-old live oaks, the fields that bore the weight of Union and Confederate battles, and the winding Savannah River that once carried wooden pirate ships.

Exploring one of the South’s greatest historical cities doesn’t mean you have to shell out for a boutique bed and breakfast. There are plenty of campgrounds near Savannah, GA where you can get the best of everything: history, wilderness, and that famous Southern charm.

Settle Into the South at These 8 Campgrounds Near Savannah, GA

Whether you’re touring the old town or seeking an escape from the city crowds, there are campgrounds near Savannah, GA that will make you feel welcome in the “Hostess City of the South.”

1. Skidaway Island State Park

Image from The Dyrt camper Jason I.

Just beyond Savannah’s historic district you’ll come across the marshy waters of Skidaway Island State Park. The 588-acre state park contains six miles of hiking trails that wind through maritime forests, ending at a boardwalk that stretches into the salt marsh. You may catch a glimpse of a snowy egret, but keep an eye out for other birds too; this is one of a few campgrounds near Savannah, GA that’s on the Colonial Coast Birding Trail.

Skidaway Island State Park is a favorite for its privacy. Natural growth between campsites in addition to hanging Spanish moss make for a secluded Georgia wilderness getaway.

The campground at Skidaway Island Park has three camper cabins, three pioneer campgrounds, and 87 tent, trailer, and RV sites. The camper cabins are designed for relaxation, with a master bedroom and loft for the kids; bring your own linens, dishes, and utensils. The pioneer campgrounds are reserved for groups of ten or more. Only some of the tent, trailer, and RV sites have sewer hook-ups, so check the plot specifics when making your reservation on the Georgia State Parks website.

“The facilities in this park are also the cleanest and most modern I’ve ever encountered in a campground, and the hot showers were free!! In addition, the rangers were very friendly.”  — The Dyrt camper Ashlee L.

2. Fort McAllister State Park

At Fort McAllister State Park, you’ll be surrounded by giant live oaks that have been around for hundreds of years. Unlike other campgrounds near Savannah, GA, this location is also a historic site—Union General William Tecumseh Sherman was stopped here on his incendiary march to the sea after burning down Atlanta.

Historical reminders are prevalent at Fort McAllister, which features cannons, a hot shot furnace, bulletproof barracks, and a Civil War Museum, among other attractions. Not a history buff? The campsite is also a beautiful part of the Georgia landscape, and sits right on the banks of the Ogeechee River.

Normally there are 67 tent, trailer, and RV sites available for reservation at Fort McAllister’s campground, but at the time of writing, only 41 are available while upgrades to 100 AMP service are underway. The park also offers seven cabins built on stilts for an immersive marsh camping experience. Two backcountry camping sites are accessible via a 1.5 mile hike.

“We try to get to Ft McAllister SP as often as we can. Not too far from Savannah and also close to the other barrier islands. Large, shaded sites, with breezes off the water to keep cool even in summer.”  —  The Dyrt camper Joel R.

The Easy Way to Find Last-Minute Campsites

Did you know some campers have:

• Pre-saved lists of hand-picked free camping across the US
• Text messages for last-minute openings
• Scans set up for National Park site openings

This is the easiest, most surefire way to find last-minute campsites every time, and it’s all included in the #1 camping membership called The Dyrt PRO. It costs just $35.99 per year and is an easy way to make sure you have better camping trips every time — and that you can actually find a spot last minute.

You can check it out for free today, you can even use it for free for 7 days to make sure you like it. After the trial it is $35.99 for a full year — most campers find it pays for itself after a night or two. If you camp more than 2 times per year, it may be perfect for you.

3. Red Gate Campground and RV Resort

Image from The Dyrt camper Mary S.

Red Gate Campground is the closest RV park to historic Savannah, with as much authentic old Southern charm of all the campgrounds near Savannah, GA. The campground looks less like a place to park your big rig and more like a sprawling Southern estate, rich in green fields, lakeshores, and live oaks.

Even though it’s only 10 minutes from Savannah, you’d be forgiven for not leaving the pristine setting, especially with the range of activities offered at Red Gate Campground. Campers can saddle up and explore the land by horse, with all instruction and equipment included; prices start at $45 for a 30-minute ride. There are also fishing ponds, a saltwater pool, and a clubhouse on site. The Mackey House is another standout attraction, and wildly popular as a wedding location.

But if you are going to leave, you can schedule a trolley pick-up and head to the city on an Old Town Trolley Tour.

“We sleep here while we explore Savannah and surrounding areas, but it’s also a beautiful campground if you want to spend some time here. If you camp in an area other than the large field out front, it’s like camping on someone’s horse farm.”  — The Dyrt camper Mary S.

4. Sunshine RV Park

Amenities are nice, but they’re aren’t a must-have for all campers. If you’re satisfied with the no-frills outdoors, then Sunshine RV Park is the place for you.

There’s no pool, golf course, or horse trails, but the Sunshine RV park does have 70 full hook-up plots to reserve, and forest-lined Georgia wilderness.  What you don’t get in amenities, you make up for in cost savings and friendly staff. The daily rate here is $45 per night. Plus, it’s only eight miles to Savannah and 30 minutes to the beach—the proximity to the city while also having wilderness access makes this one of the few campgrounds near Savannah, GA that gives campers the best of both worlds.

Be the first on The Dyrt to review this campground near Savannah, GA and share your experience to earn your Pioneer Badge!

5. Little Tybee Island

Image from The Dyrt camper Rich F.

Little Tybee Island is Savannah’s little camping secret. Because it takes a canoe or kayak trip to get there, it’s usually a good place to avoid the camping crowds. Little Tybee is an uninhabited barrier island, still in its raw wilderness state.

Camping on Little Tybee is free but primitive, with unmarked sites. You can camp anywhere on the island, but pack in enough water and food for your stay, and pack everything out when you leave.

While you’ll be away from humans, you may find company in the ospreys and bald eagles that nest on the island, or catch a glimpse of the Atlantic bottlenose dolphins that somersault near the shore.

These excursions are only recommended for experienced paddlers. And once you’re on the island , you’re truly on your own. Wild raccoons, snakes, and bugs roam about, so be prepared to store your food properly, and consider a hammock so you’re sleeping off the ground.

6. CreekFire Motor Ranch Campground

CreekFire Motor Ranch Campground prides itself on creating a customizable camping experience. On the camping side, there are 103 RV sites, primitive tent sites, and seven cabins. The modern decorated cabins are a unique aspect of the camping experience at CreekFire Motor Ranch. Many are lofted, and some have the classic Southern front porch, perfect for sitting and sipping a glass of sweet tea at sunset. Three of the cabins are pet friendly.

On the resort part of the property, campers can exercise on the bocci, basketball, or tennis/pickleball courts,  lounge poolside in a cabana, or walk the nature trail bordering the lake. Kayaks are also available for rent.

“This campground has a pool, Wi-Fi, gorgeous lake, a trail around the lake, nice level sites, and they pick up your garbage. It’s absolutely picture perfect.”  —  The Dyrt camper Rachel R.

7. Savannah Oaks RV Resort

Image from The Dyrt camper Tara F.

For RV campers, Savannah Oaks RV Resort has all the ideal amenities of all the campgrounds near Savannah, GA. About 20 miles west of Savannah, this 24-acre RV resort is located right on the Ogeechee River. As the name suggests, the area is covered in stretching oaks that shade the RV sites.

RVers can enjoy free hot showers, bath houses with heating and air conditioning, free wifi, a playground, and boat ramp. Whether you’re pulling a small camper or handling a 5th wheeler, Savannah Oaks RV Resort’s pull-through sites should be able to accommodate you.

Rates are dependent upon whether you’re looking to book full hookup or just water and electric, and whether your stay is during a holiday. If you’re traveling with your canine camper, check with the resort as there are restricted dog breeds on monthly sites.

Give us the rundown on your RV trip to Savannah Oaks RV Resort on The Dyrt and earn your Pioneer Badge for reviewing!

8. River’s End Campground

Maybe you want to sleep on the beach, but you’re not looking for the intense Survivor-style experience of Little Tybee. If so, River’s End Campground is probably more your speed. Located on the main Tybee Island, River’s End Campground is only a half a mile from the beach. It’s also walking (or golf cart) distance from Tybee’s beach getaway amenities and convenience stores.

The island’s largest swimming pool is located at the campground, and even though you’re vacationing on an island, historic downtown Savannah is only a 15-minute drive across the bridge.

This site has full hook-up RV sites that are equipped with 30/50 AMP service, sewer, water, and cable. Other RV sites are suitable for smaller campers, and tent campers can choose between primitive sites or water and electric sites. During peak spring and summer vacation seasons, Tybee Island is a popular destination for visitors looking for fun and campgrounds near Savannah, GA. Make your camping reservations well in advance to secure your spot near Savannah’s beach.

“Tent sites weren’t super clearly demarcated, just kind of a zone on one side of the grounds. There has always been plenty of room (I’ve mostly been there in the summer) and it’s about a 2 minute walk to Tybee lighthouse and beach!”  — The Dyrt camper Kelly M

Related Campgrounds:

• Creekfire RV Resort, Savannah, GA

The post 8 Campgrounds Where You Can Experience the Legendary Charm of Savannah, GA appeared first on The Dyrt.

Original source: https://thedyrt.com/magazine/local/campgrounds-near-savannah-ga/