Best Cabin Camping near Jekyll Island, GA

We stayed here the Memorial Day week.  Great campground with spacious sites and very quiet.   Some of the sites have more privacy with the palmettos in between, but the site we were were at did not.   Sites are level, park is clean, bathhouses are clean.   Three bars of cell service at the campground.  The park has some  trails for hiking, a nature center, picnic areas, and of course access to the water for fishing and kayaking.  We rode our bikes around the park every day.  We especially liked the short river trail in the mornings and evenings - great views.   This campground is within an hour's drive of Jekyll Island and St. Simon's Island, as well as Florida beaches, which we visited.  We also took the ferry to Cumberland Island National Seashore and spent a day hiking around the island - it was amazing.  See photos below.

From hiking trails two camping fishing kayaking cycling and disc golf!!! Primitive tent camping RV camping or cozy cabins great for the whole family. Reasonably priced. The very friendly staff. A great starter camping location or Family Getaway. I give four stars because the restrooms are not up kept.

Alright, you’re not going to write long stories to remember this place by, but if you’re looking for a decent place to roll-up to with your RV after spending hours on the road and just need a simple, easy place to spend the night, one that has all the standard amenities, then Southern Retreat wouldn’t be the worst decision of your life. 

As far as the grounds go, there’s basically 3-4 lanes that encircle the place, each slot with decent space and all of the basic amenities are provided: 30 and 50 amp electrical, water, sewage, etc. There’s a few community BBQ’s we were told of, but couldn’t find. The restroom facilities are just mediocre (and could definitely do with a makeover). There is a great little pool area complete with a little Tiki Bar that serves up some OK premade elixirs, but you’ve got to bring your own Tiki music, I learned. 

Within a short distance of the place, you’ve got plenty of golf courses, tennis courts and of course all of the water sports (fishing, boating, kayaking, parasailing, etc.) that you could hope for. There’s even the Golden Isles Speedway not too far away. On the nature side of things, I recommend either Jekyll Island or Cumberland Island where there’s wild horse that run free on the beach head there. 

Insider’s tip? Head on over to Original Jay’s Fish& Chicken for just about everything fried and then head over to Boondox Tavern for a couple colds ones– ask for Loretta, who will set you up pretty nice. Also, there’s Frans, which is what you’ll first come across when entering Southern Retreat– each day/night she serves up a single dish, from fried pork chops (can’t say I had ever had one prepared this way before) to taco night, the food is actually pretty decent and the crowd nice and pleasantly Southern. 

Happy Camping!

Sometimes you need to look (and go) long and far to find the perfect slice of heaven. That would describe Deep Bend Landing – with its complete out-of-the-way location, if you weren’t careful, you’d just drive right by this hidden 100 acre campground gem. It’s a simple place, with an easy layout and the sort of down-to-earth, lovely people that will welcome you and immediately make you feel as though you belong right from the start. 

Have an RV? Well, there’s plenty of spots(and all come with 20 / 30 / 50 electrical amp, water and sewage hook-ups along with picnic table, fire ring and a proper dump station). But if you are of the ilk that needs the perfectly flat, poured concrete slab to call your home for the evening, then this place may not be for you. While immaculately maintained, the grounds are natural, so expect gravel and easy to maneuver pathways. 

Need an RV? Well, they have a few that they’ll rent you for your stay. Don’t like RV’s? They have that covered too. They’ll rent you either a river house or one of their cabins, from a traditional, rustic wooden cabin to a full-fledged 3BR house. They even offer up ‘Grandpa’s Cabin’ which could definitely qualify as ‘pioneer’ if not outright ‘primitive.’ And, if like me, you want to pitch a tent, you’ll be delighted to find tons of spots on nice flat rolling land underneath crowded ancient oaks blocking the sun from beating down on your brow. 

From an amenities standpoint, the RV designated spots have all the hook-ups you would need and every, single, spot has its own tree-lined ceiling with a natural window to see the sparkling stars each night. Oh, and there’s the alluring black waters of the Satilla River that runs through this place, of which there’s about a half dozen spots that rock up to this waterfront (including Grandpa’s Cabin), which I would highly recommend. There’s two very simple and easy small boat launches at both ends of the property that will send you off to explore an exquisite, blissful natural experience undisturbed by anything other than what God himself has planted or fowl / animal he has sent to remind you of what a slice of heaven can be on earth. Net-net, if you want to get away from it all and not hear traffic (or any noise for that matter from the modern world) or worry about getting a good cell signal (let alone WiFi connection) then this is the perfect spot for you. 

Insider’s tip? If you feel confined by the tight needle-like Satilla, I highly recommend an early morning kayak dip in nearby Kings Bay (it’s less than a 10 minute drive from the campground). And if you grow tired of dogs and beans by the fireside, I highly recommend either Scott’s BBQ & Grill, which is a must-stop for ribs, smoked chicken and potato bomb (don’t ask, just order and eat!). 

Happy Camping!

We stayed on the cabins, with the whole family. Mom's, aunt's and kids. 3 to 80 years old and all had fun.

The staff was very friendly and helpful. The little cabin was new and very nice.The pancake breakfast was a nice feature. The location was good for passing through. There were lots of activities for kids and the campground was well maintained.

We stayed in a cabin on this camping trip it is kid friendly with lots of programs for the children. We walked nature trails saw a wildlife program played putt putt and kayaked. We put in at the parks boat ramp and fished it had its own cleaning station. We swam in the springs which were not overcrowded and we even got to see manatees. It was a great trip.

If you aren’t lucky to get one of the sites right on the lake the inner sites can get a little crowded with very little privacy. One of the sites farther off the lake hugging the treeline would have been nice. Otherwise nice facilities and great playground. Swimming area and kayaks to rent. Nice cabins, but quite a hike to them if you have friends staying there.

This is a fabulous little campground! Friendly, helpful staff, clean bathrooms and showers, hot showers, golf course, trails, beautiful lake and close to Okefenokee Swamp. There's a group camp facility really cute cabins to rent, a marina and lots of waterfront picnic area. Great place for groups! I was there to see the swamp and attend an SOTF campout. Wifi is spotty sometimes. I'll definitely return if I ever get to this area again.

We spent a weekend here at crooked River State Park. The campground was clean, the bathrooms were clean. There were many amenities and lots of things to offer like fishing, hiking, putt putt as well as stores close by. The campground is open however sites are very far away from each other. There are plenty of pull through sites. The cabins looked cute and cozy although we did not stay in them. We will definitely be back with the kids.

We spent a pleasant long weekend here in this 2-br cottage with a peaceful view of the river. Full kitchen, screened-in porch, and a fire ring outside. We t in a short nature walk along the river, but this cottage made an especially great jumping off point to catch the ferry in St. Mary’s for a day trip (with bikes) to Cumberland Island. It poured the whole day, so we felt especially grateful for the dry cabin and ability to cook food upon return. Would definitely return and would bring the kayaks to use in the park next time. Be sure to also check out the tabby sugar works ruins just down the road from the park!

We stayed her in order to go to Cumberland Island but I loved this park! The roads were paved throughout which is not typical in a state park. The sites were large and we had a full hookup with sewer connection. There was a fishing pier, boat ramp and bait shop. There was also a nice mini-golf course but we couldn’t play due to COVID. The bathhouse area was nice and clean and the laundry was in the same area. There was lots of wild life around. The campground is right on the river with beautiful views. I’m addition to the campsites there were also very nice cabins for rent. My children enjoyed playing in the playgrounds and walking the trails looking at wildlife. There was a nature center on site as well.

Located in Jacksonville, Florida this state park is one of the most impressive places we’ve stayed. The surroundings make you feel as if you’re staying in a jungle. The park is massive and offers cabins, RV sites and tent sites. The bathrooms and showers are clean and well kept. The park offers a variety of activities including mountain biking trails, access to a lake and several beaches. We spent one day fishing and had a great time! Each site has a fire pit and a picnic table, along with full hook ups. The store has everything you could possibly need and sells firewood and propane. Book online to see photos of what each site looks like to make sure you get as much space as you need for your size rig.

Weary-eyed after driving up or down I-95 for countless hours, but don't want the hassle of getting too far off the interstate to find a decent place to rest your weary head… then look no further! 

St. Mary's KOA is just a stone's throw once you get off the highway (just 2 lefts and 1 right and you'll arrive at your destination). While KOA's are very well known for being family-friendly, complete with all the bells and whistles to distract the kiddos, this one offers convenience, decent amenities (although some updating of the roads and the campsites themselves are needed) and an open playground for camping. 

While the upside is its convenient on- and off-access from the interstate, that's also the downside: you'll hear traffic throughout your stay. But if you can get beyond that, then this could be a good stop, complete with a mini golf course, pool and waterslide and a number of other distractions. 

The main office has a store complete with just about anything you would need, and there's even some WigWam teepees and semi-permanent cabins on the property that you can rent.  Happy Camping!

I live close to Crooked River State Park and have visited it several times over the years. They provide bike rentals ($12) if you dont have some with you! There is putt-putt golf as well as several hiking/biking trails to explore!

For SP's like this, there should really be a 6 star rating for this park to be properly ranked! 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 rangers, the more and more impressed I became.  Whether driving an RV, toting a 5th Wheel or looking to pitch a tent, either in an established, traditional campground setting or in a primitive hike-in oasis, you won't have any issues finding the perfect spot to get lost in nature here at Crooked River SP.

While this SP lends itself moreso to the RV’ing crowd (the # of RV spots seriously outweighed the # of tent campsites), there are several very decent options for tent campers like myself, who either want to drive in or, for those who prefer to add a bit more struggle and discomfort to their nature experience, they also offer primitive or pioneer tent camping as well. Bordering the, um, well, crooked river, the campgrounds have a fantastic river view (as well as excellent water access points, for those hauling boats, flotillas and yachts behind their vehicle) – and check this out: there’s even a bait shop near the boat launch run by the SP, so no need to dig up your own bait before arriving here.

Surrounding you throughout the entire park are fantastic amounts of vegetation, trees accompanied by plenty of four-legged furry critters, high-flying foul as well as even a honey farm, where the rangers make and sell some of the most amazing honey on-premises. When is the last time you were able to buy honey from a park ranger at any state park?!

Oh, but it gets better – especially if you’re coming here in a big group: (1) You can rent the entire pioneer camp area (that’s 3 sites somewhat removed from the general population, that can easily accommodate up to 5 families; (2) There’s 5-6 group shelters (and by shelter, I don’t just mean an open-walled shelter with a few picnic tables) that look brand spanking new and come complete with a ton of amenities, including 4 walls, their own bathrooms and meeting rooms; and (3) Group activities, like visiting the Nature Center (yes, they have one of these too), the Bird Outlook Landing (for those folks that like to use their binoculars) and Miniature Golf. Wait, did he just say, Miniature Golf?!  In a State Park?!  Why yes, I did.  And the ranger I spoke of previously will rent you clubs and a golf ball at a price that is so incredibly cheap, you’ll be tempted to rent them throughout your entire stay.

For those families or groups who like the idea of going camping, but who actually don’t want to camp, but receive all of the benefits of camping and being in the middle of nature, but who want all of the uncomfortableness removed from the equation, then the SP rents either stand alone houses (I almost called them cabins, but they’re not - they’re actually houses) or duplexes. Both have access to a screened-in lanai (you know, to get away from those pesky bugs you might actually encounter out in the wild) as well as a brand new playground for the kiddos.

While we’re on the subject of "Wow, I can’t believe SP's actually have this!" line of descriptions, here I will add that the restroom facilities might be the most immaculate I have ever come aross (sorry, Van Damme in Cali, these guys here in Georgia have you beat, but just by a small bit, as they don’t charge you 5 quarters for a 5 minute shower – yes, the state actually gives you a free shower if you pay the price of admission).  

But the excitement and surprises don’t stop here.  No, things get even better!  This campground even offers a curated sunset cruise aboard one of their very own skiffs (comfortably accommodating families up to 6 people) and will let you actually bring a bit of booze on the cruise (6-pack or a bottle of wine – but I got a ‘wink wink’ when I asked about a flask of alcohol, so be discreet, homies), but be sure to tip your ranger captain, as these outdoor experts are truly in a league of their own.

From well paved roads, to immaculately kept grounds, this place has so much to offer just about anyone who is looking to do some 'outdoorsing,' but wants a premium, well-groomed experience. Here's the straight truth about this Crooked environ: I can’t wait to get back to this place soon. 

Happy Camping!

By far the most clean and friendly park in Florida. Fun for every age from hiking, white sand untouched beachs, kayaking, horse back riding, cycling, history, camping, biking, Segway tours, pavilion rentals, Driftwood beaches, wildlife viewing and fishing, rich history. By far the best hidden gem Florida has to offer!

Super close to Okefenokee Swamp (actually, any closer, you’d be in it!). Strategically located right down the street to the park entrance, this is likely the very closest to camping near Okefenokee you’ll come. Of course, you could try to camp INSIDE Okefenokee, but that’s quite challenging as you’ll need to book well in advance and kayak / canoe/ boat to get to the primitive sites that are there (more on this in another review from inside Okefenokee). Here, you don’t have to think about anything. Just rock up, pitch your tent, park your RV or open the door to the wooden cabins they rent. The place is incredibly compact and tight, but if you don’t mind rubbing elbows with your neighbors in exchange for waking up early the next morning to be one of the first to get zapped by the mosquitos in the south’s most infamous swampland, then you’ve come to the right place. Great news is that you are far enough removed from civilization, you won’t miss it (or hear/ see it!), but if you do need anything, Okefenokee Pastimes has you covered with a campground store where you can find those commonly forgotten things, get snacks, drinks, candy, ice cream, ice and even trinkets from local craftsman as well as some beginner and advanced astronomy equipment from time to time as well as a view into one of the darkest, natural skies on the East cost (this place is also rated as one of the top 10 in the Country!).  And if you can't find what you need here at Pastimes, no worries, the nearby town of Folkston has you covered with its many restaurants (mostly fast food joints), gas stations, grocery stores and typical small town shopping.

Pastimes has excellent paved / milling parking pads & roads, built-in fire pits at all sites, relatively new / well-maintained wooden picnic tables as well as natural grass boundaries that both separates and surrounds all sites. There are many wildflower areas to attract pollinators and hummingbirds (with the campground's own distinct, bespoke hummingbird area), a small patio / dock area where you can feed the fish, watch the hummingbirds and / or just sit back, soak it all in and relax. A covered, lit pergola, complete with picnic tables, built-in benches and a top-end charcoal grill to cook at while overlooking the pond area.  There's also a small, fenced-in dog park that's perfect for keeping your furry friends active and engaged (they even provide pet toys!).  Nearby, there's a small playground, swing set and small yard game areas (think horseshoes, badminton, volleyball, jenga and jarts!).  Beyond playtime activities, there's a proper laundry room with 2 sets of washers and dryers (with only 1 key given to a single guest at a time, so you have a real sense of privacy. This place scores extra points for having a book exchange and even offers up DVD's and VCR tape rentals (take that Blockbuster!).  The best part about Pastimes?  Unlike many other campgrounds that are well lit, Pastimes actually has a policy where they turn off all their lights at night so as not to contribute to light pollution and to preserve the most amazing star-gazing experiences you will ever have (OK, at least hear near Okefenokee - sorry, star-gazing in the Nordics is still the best IMHO!).

Insider’s tip? You’ve made it this close to Okefenokee, it’s important that you get out early – that’s when you’ll see the gators at their most active and we’re you’ll land some great photos – albeit from the bow of a canoe or kayak, which you can easily rent at the refuge itself.  Also, while at Pastimes, do ensure you get out to spy on the many dragonflies, shouldered hawks, butterflies, squirrels, barn owls, armadillos and woodpeckers (obviously, be sure to pack your binoculars).

Happy Camping!

Camped in site 141 - Pull thru sites with Full hook up in a 24' Travel Trailer. Just a stones throw from a huge lake for kayaking and fishing. Short 10 minute walk to 2 miles of private beach. 6 miles of hiking trails and over 20 miles of Biking Trails. Just a short 15 minutes from Downtown Jacksonville and Jacksonville Beach! Full Camp store with Kayak and Bike Rentals.

Some sites are small- close together but Row I, J and K are the best!!