Best Campgrounds near Folkston, GA

Campgrounds near Folkston, Georgia center around the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, with options ranging from primitive sites to full-service RV parks. The landscape includes established campgrounds like Okefenokee Pastimes Cabins and Campground directly across from the refuge entrance, and Traders Hill Campground along the St. Mary's River. Accommodation types vary from tent camping and RV sites to cabins and glamping facilities. Several camping areas provide convenient access to the Okefenokee Swamp ecosystem, allowing visitors to explore this unique wetland environment.

Seasonal considerations affect camping in this region, particularly regarding wildlife activity and water levels. Summer brings hot, humid conditions with abundant mosquitoes, while winter offers milder temperatures and fewer insects. "Great professional staff and clean bath house. Well stocked camp store," noted one visitor about Okefenokee Pastimes. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, though spring and fall typically provide the most comfortable camping weather. Road access to established campgrounds is generally good, with paved approaches to major facilities, though some primitive areas may require careful navigation during wet periods. Cell service varies throughout the region, with better coverage near Folkston proper and diminished signals within the refuge boundaries.

Water access represents a significant draw for campers in the Folkston area, with St. Mary's River and the Okefenokee Swamp offering paddling and fishing opportunities. A camper described Traders Hill as having "woodsy sites" with "good access to east side Okefenokee for kayaking." Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with alligators, wading birds, and other swamp species readily observable from boardwalks and water trails. Campground amenities vary widely, from basic primitive sites with minimal facilities at Traders Hill to full hookup RV sites with electric, water, and sewer connections at Okefenokee Pastimes. Mixed-use campgrounds predominate in the region, accommodating both tent and RV campers, though some areas designate separate sections for different camping styles to minimize conflicts.

Best Camping Sites Near Folkston, Georgia (91)

    1. Okefenokee Pastimes Cabins and Campground

    14 Reviews
    Folkston, GA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (912) 496-4472

    $29 - $159 / night

    "Located right across George Highway 23 from the entrance to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, this is easy access to the facilities at the refuge."

    "Right across the street from the entrance to Okefenokee Swamp. Take the sunset boat ride…totally worth it! The campground has laundry for $3 per load."

    2. Stephen C. Foster State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Fargo, GA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (912) 637-5274

    $40 - $175 / night

    "Way out away from society. Do calculate the distance from main road to the park if you see low on gas as you have to come back out to it for closest station. Neat park with great wildlife."

    "Middle of the Okefenokee swamp, woke up to deer in the adjacent campsite. One camper said they experienced an alligator under their truck."

    3. Jacksonville North-St. Marys KOA

    34 Reviews
    Cumberland Island National Seashore, GA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (912) 729-3232

    "KOA is small but right off the highway. Easy in and out."

    "close to everything and unique sites that will please everyone. Free breakfast and super friendly staff. Would stay there again in a heart beat!"

    4. Crooked River State Park Campground

    49 Reviews
    Cumberland Island National Seashore, GA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (912) 882-5256

    $38 - $250 / night

    "Crooked River State Park is located near the town of St. Mary’s, Georgia, and very close to interstate 95. The park is very well maintained and the staff was pleasant and informative."

    "I don’t think I’ve ever come across anything quite like Crooked River State Park located in SE Georgia – and the more I poked around as I explored the massive grounds of this gem and asked from the local"

    5. Traders Hill Campground

    4 Reviews
    Folkston, GA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (912) 496-3412

    "warp (just look at the group shelter with all the picnic tables) like you just woke up in a Space Odyssey, but the primitive camping grounds are fairly excellent, flat and have some decent scenery around"

    "Good access to east side Okefenokee for kayaking. There was only 1 other camper there."

    6. Charlton County Traders Hill Recreation Area and Campground

    3 Reviews
    Folkston, GA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (912) 496-3412

    "Should you find yourself near the FL / GA line and are on the lookout for a classic natural surrounding that is unique to Georgia, check out Charlton Co Traders Hill Recreation Area & Campground for"

    "Meaning that you’ll discover here pristine natural surroundings, Spanish moss drenched ancient Oaks and Cypress, small twisting little river joints that will slowly, but uncertainly have you navigate your"

    7. Laura S Walker State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Hoboken, GA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (912) 287-4900

    $34 - $500 / night

    "This state park is typical of Georgia state parks in that it is clean, mowed and well kept. Sites are situated so there is some privacy on your table side although fairly open."

    "The trails were always clean. The boardwalk was significantly damaged by hurricane Helene, so part of that trail is closed. It’s quiet and dark at night."

    8. Jenny Ridge RV Park

    1 Review
    Folkston, GA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (912) 496-1172

    $21 - $39 / night

    9. Kelly's Countryside RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Hilliard, FL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (904) 845-4252

    $38 / night

    "Access to the campground is very easy, just off Hwy 1. This is definitely my 1st choice. We stayed November through March."

    "Go north on the highway it's on about 5 miles to a nice Winn-Dixie grocery store near Hilliard."

    10. Okefenokee Wilderness Primitive Camping

    1 Review
    Folkston, GA
    11 miles
    Website

    "This 2 night/3 day kayaking and camping trip on the Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia was filled with surprises."

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Recent Reviews near Folkston, GA

762 Reviews of 91 Folkston Campgrounds


  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Katherine Hannah park

    Surf, Seaside, Sun & Shady Pines Camping on JAX Atlantic Coast Shore

    On the north end of Jacksonville’s shoreline, Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park blends the best of oceanside camping with a dense, wooded escape that makes you forget you’re within city limits. First impressions are impressive: over 290 sites tucked beneath a maritime hammock of pines and oaks, all within a short walk or bike ride of 1.5 miles of pristine Atlantic beachfront. The place is equal parts 'beach bum paradise' and forest retreat, which was perfect for our little family circus of six campers (my daughter Cloe, her best friend Chloe, my brother-in-law with his wife along with my wife and I). Yes, that’s right ... two girls named Cloe / Chloe, which meant every time someone yelled 'Chlo!,' we got a duet of 'What?' in stereo. 

    Facilities are solid, though they come with quirks. Most sites have water and electric hookups and while they’re roomy enough, tree roots and uneven pads will make you thankful for those leveling blocks you swore you wouldn’t need. Primitive tent sites are there for the purists, but we opted for power (you know, because teenagers don’t do 'unplugged' if they can help it!). Bathhouses are scattered around and functional, though calling them 'retro' or 'rustic' would be generous while timing a shower mid-afternoon is the trick if you don’t want to wait in line with a soap caddy. 

    Other amenities hit the sweet spot for families including laundry for sandy towels, playgrounds for younger kids, a camp store for forgotten essentials and a 60-acre freshwater lake with canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals. That lake was my brother-in-law’s favorite spot, though he spent most of his time swatting ants and muttering about their conspiracy against him. Surroundings are where Hanna Park really shines though. Direct beach access gave the girls endless room for sunrise walks, sandy selfies, and attempts at surfing that ended in more wipeouts than rides. Miles of biking and hiking trails crisscross the dunes and shaded hammocks and we discovered that mountain biking is basically a guaranteed way to test your health insurance deductible. 

    Wildlife here is abundant (and I mean more than just the infinite number of ant hills you'll encounter!) with herons, ospreys, and dolphins offshore, plus mosquitoes and sand gnats that could’ve been cast as extras in a vampire movie. Road traffic near the main entrance occasionally breaks the natural vibe, but overall the park feels like an oasis, especially when dinner ends at a Mayport seafood shack instead of my half-charred hot dogs. 

    Insider tips? Yep, here’s a handful: (1) Book early and aim for shaded sites deeper in the loops where privacy is precious when you’ve got teenagers who 'need space'; (2) Bring industrial-strength bug spray and plenty of leveling blocks because they’re as essential here as sunscreen on the beach (which you should also NOT forget!); (3) Time your showers for the afternoon lull unless you enjoy the morning bathhouse rush, which resembles a theme park line without the rollercoaster at the end and plenty of people walking around in towels; (4) Treat yourself to a meal in Mayport where Singleton’s, Sandollar and Safe Harbor all serve up amazing seafood so fresh you’ll swear it jumped on your plate; (5) Stick to the lake for calmer paddles or hit the surf if you want to watch your brother-in-law get humbled by the ocean; and (6) Walk briskly near the lake unless you want to make friends with the resident ant colonies: they’re organized, fearless and seem to work in shifts. 

    Happy Camping!

  • Krystal T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Ocean Pond Campground

    Great for a weekend getaway

    We stopped here as the last long leg of a 2500 mile journey. We checked in online so didn’t speak to the host as we got in after dark. We stayed in spot 39. The site is a bit of a squeeze for a bigger rig and full size suv. We were close to the bathrooms and beach access/gazebo. We were in the side closest to primitive camping so people were sparse but it had everything we needed. The washer and dryer came in clutch and we were the only ones utilizing the beach area which was super small. But worked great for a family of 3 such as ourselves. We didn’t use the shower house but they seemed clean and well maintained when checking them out. Our spot had water and electric with a fire pit and picnic table. Lovely grounds, would probably come back.

  • Z
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Griffis Fish Camp

    History and peaceful

    With a good collection of history and a story. Really a super nice place to stay.

  • Darren F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park

    Didn't like it at all

    When you come in, they give you your site number and a convoluted map no direction at all. Smell sewage as soon as you roll your window down to check in. Whenever you do find your site, it might be really tight. Mine was on a curve from the road. Once I got into the muddy pit, I had to sqeezed my vehicle between my rig and a tree to park so as not to block the curve. The sewer line was 4 inches off the ground, and at a 90-degree angle, gravity doesn't work well with this setup. I left the park and spent the night at a rest stop, instead of where I felt safer. Also, finding your way out is a challenge. I saw 1 exit sign after driving in seemingly circles for 20 minutes. It's a cheap rental but you understand why after being there for more than 10 minutes. Will NOT go back.

  • B The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Atlantic Beach Campground — Fort Clinch State Park

    Lovely beach camping, good bathrooms, watch out for cacti and locked gates

    Stayed for three nights at the upper Fort Clinch sites, there are six tent sites and a good number of RV spots.

    Check-in is 3 PM but the ranger station closes at 5 and gates lock shortly after. I called in advance and received a gate code. Ranger station only opens at 10:30 so I didn't see them for my entire stay, but very nice folks on the phone.

    Tent sites provide water no power. RV sites are a mix, have to check individual site description. Free dump site.

    Bathrooms are big, clean, with toilet paper and hand soap.. Showers are free and decent. Coin laundry available.

    Tent site was relatively level, be careful to stay inside the "corral," I went out (but not past the protected area sign) and got bit by cacti.

    Beach is lovely and quiet.

    Heat index was over 100 so didn't do much hiking, but this was a really nice place to spend a few nights. I do wonder if the river campsites on the other side of the park might be cooler and offer hammock opportunities.

    Park is huge, lots to explore when weather permits.

    Lots of bugs but basic precautions handled it. There was also a turtle burrow behind the tent site, and saw a bunch of little deer!

  • Colin R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 27, 2025

    Atlantic Beach Campground — Fort Clinch State Park

    Great tents sites

    I really like this State Park for tent camping. It's right next to the beach, very clear facilities, and great (unshaded) tent sites.

    Will definitely stay here again.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 22, 2025

    Little Talbot Island State Park Campground

    Beachfront Bliss But Swamplike Campground

    There’s very few SPs in Florida that will put you right on or near the ocean as Little Talbot Island SP does. And to be clear, this CG isn’t RIGHT on the beach, but you’ll just have to cross the street, after hiking or biking 100 yards from the campground, to reach the amazing white caps here. As my post from 2½ years ago provided quite a bit of detail on this campground, I’m following up on that review by sharing more fotos as well as providing a topline update:

    Highlights: (1) Very quick access to the Atlantic Ocean – and the beaches here are not crowded and incredibly well-maintained - some of the cleanest I've ever encountered; (2) Solid peace & quiet surrounded by ancient live oaks just dripping with Spanish moss; (3) Amazing kite-surfing just due south of here at Huguenot Memorial Park; (4) The SP Rangers are incredibly friendly, helpful and very professional; (5) Approximately 4 miles of excellent paved biking / walking on the Timucuan Trail that runs parallel to A1A; (6) For anyone wanting to take iconic photos next to the ocean, go check out Boneyard Beach that has hundreds of salt-washed skeletons of live Oak, Cypress and Cedar trees; (7) Call upon Kayak Amelia for a guided tour of the estuaries; (8) Key-coded security gate provides solid safety, especially being located right next to A1A, where the opportunity for random, wandering visitors exist; (9) Bring your own kayak and canoe as there are access points to launch from right near the campground; and (10) Should you want to ‘get off the reservation’ you just need to head north to Amelia Island where you’ll have no shortage of AMAZING restaurants to choose from and there’s also a well-appointed Harris Teeter that has wood and ice for sale as well as just about anything you might need to stock up on

    Lowlights: (1) While functional and fairly clean, the restroom and shower facilities are in dire need of refurbishment; (2) The sites are fairly unlevel with roots from the ancient and live Oaks popping up here and there making it very difficult to find a decent level patch of ground to set up camp; (3) Some of the sites have dips and depressions in them, making those particular areas prone for flooding – which happened to us; and (4) Mosquitos, midges and bugs exist here in swarms that never go away … so bring your repellent as well as smoke fogger machine!

    Happy Camping!

  • Denis P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 14, 2025

    Crooked River State Park Campground

    Great for Starlink and power — perfect overnight stop

    We stayed one night with a tent, and our main priorities were having a reliable Starlink connection and 110V power at the site. This campground delivered both— no issues with connectivity.

    I specifically chose a site with a clear view of the sky to the NNE, and it worked perfectly. The tent sites are definitely oversized and offer zero privacy, but for our needs— a quick overnight stop with internet and power— it was a great fit.


Guide to Folkston

Camping near Folkston, Georgia, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet getaway or an adventure-filled trip, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Explore the Beaches: Visit the stunning beaches at Fort Clinch State Park. One reviewer mentioned, "The beach access point has a very nice, well-maintained beachwalk offering both a shower for rinsing that sand and salt off after you leave the beach."
  • Hiking and Biking: Check out the trails at Crooked River State Park Campground. A camper shared, "Tons of walking and biking. Sites are gravel and very level."
  • Wildlife Watching: At Stephen C. Foster State Park Campground, you can spot various wildlife. One visitor noted, "Saw tortoises, armadillos, snapping turtles, and alligators."

What campers like:

  • Privacy and Space: Campers appreciate the spacious sites at Blythe Island Regional Park. A review stated, "Even though the sites are close to each other, there is a decent amount of vegetation to give some privacy."
  • Clean Facilities: Many visitors enjoy the cleanliness of the campgrounds. One camper at Jacksonville North-St. Marys KOA mentioned, "Bath house is clean and easily accessible."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often rave about the helpful staff. A review for Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park said, "The staff are very helpful and friendly."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Sea Camp Campground, have very few amenities. A camper warned, "There are no markets or vending machines, but the park is active during the day with park rangers."
  • Bugs Can Be Bad: Be prepared for bugs, especially in the summer. One visitor at Little Talbot Island State Park Campground noted, "It’s very buggy in the wooded camping area, so bring your bug spray."
  • Access Challenges: Some campgrounds require a bit of effort to reach. A review for Cumberland Island National Seashore mentioned, "You will need to wheel your supplies on the ferry, which requires careful planning."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like Jacksonville North-St. Marys KOA, which has a "jump pad, playground, and dog park."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring enough food and snacks, especially if you're camping at places like Stephen Foster State Park Campground, where the nearest store is about 18 miles away.
  • Nature Exploration: Encourage kids to explore nature. One camper at Fort Clinch State Park said, "The lush tropical vegetation and nearby incredible beaches make it a great experience."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check the size of the sites before booking. A review for Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park mentioned, "A little bit of an obstacle course for bigger RVs with all the trees and narrow roads."
  • Use Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups, like Crooked River State Park Campground, which offers "water, electric, and sewage."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Be aware of dump station availability. A camper at Blythe Island Regional Park noted, "The dump station was convenient and well-maintained."

Camping near Folkston, Georgia, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Folkston, GA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Folkston, GA offers a wide range of camping options, with 91 campgrounds and RV parks near Folkston, GA and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Folkston, GA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Folkston, GA is Okefenokee Pastimes Cabins and Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 14 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Folkston, GA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Folkston, GA.

What parks are near Folkston, GA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 parks near Folkston, GA that allow camping, notably Cumberland Island National Seashore and Osceola National Forest.