Running along the shores of Crooked River, this little park and campground is nestled in the marshlands of Camden County, Ga., between the Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base and Cumberland Island National Seashore. A boat ramp provides easy access to angling, while the natural trails and large bird-blind create golden opportunities for wild encounters. This park offers RV and tenting campsites as well as pricey cottages. The ferry to Cumberland is nearby, as are the ruins of an early-1800s sugar mill.
Crooked River State Park
6222 Charlie Smith Sr. Highway
St. Marys, GA 31558
912-882-5256
gastateparks.org/CrookRiv
Cumberland Island is the state's largest barrier island and offers visitors a journey into nature and history. Reachable only by private boat or ferry from St. Mary's, this pristine paradise known as "America's Most Beautiful Wilderness Beach" is off-limits to vehicles but open for adventure. Explore ruins of palatial mansions, gather shrimp and crabs in the marshes, spot dolphins and manatees, or track down the island's famous feral horses. Rangers offer guided tours and programs at different spots throughout the park. Developed and back-country campgrounds offer a range of overnight experiences, but there are no stores on the island, and campers should pack accordingly. Visitors are strongly encouraged to obtain reservations for camping and the ferry far in advance of a planned visit.
Cumberland Island National Seashore
St. Marys, Georgia 31558
(912) 882-4336
nps.gov/cuis
Hikers, RV campers, and Civil War buffs will all be at home in Fort McAllister Historic Park. Just south of Savannah on the Great Ogeechee River, this state park's namesake is a well-preserved Confederate Army earthwork fort that withstood naval sieges before succumbing to General Sherman's forces. Many visitors pass through just for the historic site and distinct Civil War Museum. Outdoor activities include a nature trail through the salt marshes and a fishing pier. A spur off the nature trail ends at a primitive campsite with its own lookout tower. Developed campgrounds for RV and tent camping, as well as cottages, are also available.
Fort McAllister Historic Park
3894 Fort McAllister Road
Richmond Hill, GA 31324
912-727-2339
GeorgiaStateParks.org/FortMcAllister
This barrier island has been developed for upscale residential living outside Savannah, but there are still plenty of natural sights in this park and campground. Trails provide excellent opportunities to view migrating birds, egrets, deer and fiddler crabs, and an interpretive center offers science exhibits for children and nature enthusiasts. There are no backcountry sites in this small park, and visitors typically use the campground as a launching pad for excursions into historic Savannah.
Skidaway Island State Park
52 Diamond Cswy.
Savannah, GA 31411
912- 598-2300
GeorgiaStateParks.org/SkidawayIsland
