Camping near Townsend, Georgia offers access to coastal marshlands and tidal waterways where the elevation rarely exceeds 15 feet above sea level. The subtropical climate creates year-round camping opportunities with winter temperatures typically ranging from 40-65°F, making it suitable for off-season visits when insects are less prevalent. Campsites in this area often feature sandy soil that drains quickly after coastal showers.
What to do
Fishing from campground docks: At Belle Bluff Island Campground, the large dock on White Chimney River provides excellent fishing access. "My son fished from the dock the entire time we were there and loved it," notes one visitor who stayed during July 4th weekend.
Paddling the waterways: The interconnected river systems around Townsend allow for extensive kayaking opportunities. At Lake Harmony RV Park, campers can access both lake and pond paddling options. One camper observed, "You could kayak in the lake and our site was right on the water so we were able to get kayak right from the site."
Wildlife viewing: The coastal ecosystem supports diverse wildlife watching opportunities. "Deer and other wildlife are seen every day," mentions a visitor to Skidaway Island State Park, while others note abundant small animals throughout the region, particularly at dawn and dusk when activity increases.
What campers like
Waterfront views: Many campsites in the region offer direct water access. At Mcintosh Lake RV Park, "Lake side grassy sites, with plenty of room" provide scenic views. Another camper described it as a "Beautiful lakeside hideaway" where "nearly every site has a view of the largeish fishing lake."
Access to boat launches: Several campgrounds feature convenient boat access points. One reviewer at Altamaha Regional Park described it as "Convenient to river for boating/fishing. Most camping spots have shade and RV sites have full hookup with concrete pads."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses remain important to campers. At Blythe Island Regional Park, visitors appreciate the "clean and well maintained" grounds with "several picnic pavilions, boat and kayak rentals and fishing gear are available."
What you should know
Campground closures: Always check current status before planning trips. Barrington County Park is currently closed for maintenance, with one local noting in February 2024: "Great spot, however maintenance is starting 2/12/24. Not sure how long this will last, but park will be closed for some time."
Insects vary seasonally: Coastal Georgia insects include mosquitoes and biting midges (no-see-ums). Consider bringing appropriate repellents, particularly during warmer months. Many campers recommend using indoor facilities during evening hours when insects are most active.
Winter camping advantages: Off-season camping provides more availability and fewer insects. November through February offers mild temperatures while avoiding summer humidity. Campgrounds maintain year-round operation but with reduced occupancy during winter months.
Gate hours: Some campgrounds enforce strict gate closure times. As one camper at Skidaway Island State Park noted: "Gate locks at 10 pm which really is not enough time if you want a night downtown."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. At Altamaha Regional Park, a visitor mentioned, "Play ground was fun plenty of areas to explore with kids. Overall a great site and I will return."
Swimming options: The region offers various swimming locations, though not all are traditional swimming areas. One family noted at Altamaha Regional Park: "Swimming area really fun. Only downside was boat ramps were unusually busy so the swimming area was a bit exhaust filled for a little while."
Wildlife education: Coastal Georgia provides excellent opportunities for children to observe small wildlife. A camper at Jekyll Island Campground mentioned, "The island is not over developed but still has a few restaurants, stores and places to have a few drinks. The campground is very shady and has a lot of beautiful oak trees."
Tips from RVers
Site sizes and layouts: RV site configurations vary significantly between campgrounds. At Inland Harbor RV Park, "Nearly all of the sites are pull through, some have shade. The area was clean except for the 10-12 permanent residents who clutter their sites."
Drainage considerations: Sandy soil helps with drainage, but some campgrounds have issues after heavy rain. At Skidaway Island State Park, one RVer observed: "It was pretty muddy...people were getting mud all over because of the snow. Not their fault but a hard rain would do the same. Poor drainage."
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds may present challenges. A visitor to Mcintosh Lake RV Park noted: "Cute, clean campground with little lake for fishing. Able to accommodate larger rigs. We stayed there twice with our 37' fifth wheel. Free WiFi but signal is spotty."
