Best Campgrounds near Jekyll Island, GA
Jekyll Island and the surrounding Golden Isles region features a variety of established campgrounds catering primarily to RV camping with some tent options. Jekyll Island Campground offers 179 sites nestled among Spanish moss-draped live oaks within walking distance of Driftwood Beach. Nearby alternatives include Blythe Island Regional Park in Brunswick and Crooked River State Park in St. Marys, both providing more spacious sites with greater privacy between campers. Most campgrounds in the area provide full hookup options for RVs while maintaining primitive tent camping areas, though these tend to be limited in number and often resemble group camping rather than truly secluded experiences.
Camping in this coastal region requires planning for the subtropical climate and high demand. According to one visitor, "Jekyll Island is primarily an RV park... The sites are all very small and very close together, and the 'primitive' tent sites are far more similar to group camping at a state park." Most campgrounds maintain clean facilities with showers and restrooms, but site availability can be extremely limited, especially during peak seasons and special events. The $10 entrance fee to Jekyll Island itself is an additional consideration when planning a stay. Mosquitoes and biting insects are a common complaint during warmer months, with one camper noting, "The only reason I did not give it 5 stars is because of the mosquitos. At no fault to the campground, just GA blood suckers."
The camping experience around Jekyll Island centers on access to coastal attractions rather than isolated wilderness camping. Several reviewers highlight the extensive bike trail network throughout Jekyll Island as a major benefit, with one noting that the island "is very bike and runner friendly" with trails that allow visitors to circumnavigate the entire island in under two hours. Campers frequently mention using campgrounds as a base for exploring the wider region, including St. Simons Island, Cumberland Island National Seashore, and historic Brunswick. While the campgrounds themselves may not offer abundant privacy, they provide convenient access to beaches, fishing piers, historic sites, and wildlife viewing opportunities that make the Golden Isles a distinctive camping destination.
