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Irene M.
Guide
GuideJekyll Island Campground
All the bath houses have been redone and are great. Nice camp store.
Tent Camping near Jekyll Island, GA
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Cumberland Island National Seashore offers some of the most pristine tent camping opportunities near Jekyll Island, Georgia. The island features several tent-only campgrounds including Sea Camp, Stafford Beach, and wilderness sites like Hickory Hill, Yankee Paradise, and Brickhill Bluff. Access to these campgrounds requires advance planning as visitors must take a ferry from St. Marys to reach the island, with limited daily visitors allowed. Tent campsites here range from developed spots with cold showers and restrooms to fully primitive backcountry sites with no amenities.
Tent campers should be prepared for primitive conditions, especially at the backcountry sites. Sea Camp offers cold showers, potable water, and restrooms, while Stafford Beach has non-potable water that requires treatment. The wilderness sites have minimal amenities and require hikers to carry in all supplies. Each Sea Camp site includes a fire ring with grill, picnic table, and food storage cage to protect supplies from wildlife. Campfires are only permitted at Sea Camp and Stafford Beach campgrounds in designated fire rings. A visitor noted, "You are responsible for carrying all of your own gear to the campgrounds so you're want to pack it all in a backpack, bring your own wagon or hope to try and borrow one of the wagons they have at the ranger station."
The tent camping experience on Cumberland Island offers remarkable seclusion and natural beauty. Sites at Sea Camp are nestled among live oak trees draped with Spanish moss and palmetto palms, providing shade and privacy. The backcountry tent camping areas like Hickory Hill offer deeper isolation but come with challenges such as increased bug activity in summer months. Tent campers have direct access to pristine beaches, wildlife viewing opportunities including wild horses, armadillos, and various bird species, and historical sites like the Dungeness Ruins. A review mentioned, "The sites are very large with beautiful trees hanging over and providing shade. We didn't have as much of an issue with bugs as we did at Hickory Hill." For additional tent camping options, Okefenokee Wilderness offers primitive kayak-in tent sites, while Cabretta Island Pioneer Campground on Sapelo Island provides another coastal tent camping alternative.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Jekyll Island (11)
1. Sea Camp Campground — Cumberland Island National Seashore
"Nice secluded campground where each site is set back and nestled into a saw palm clearing and equipped with a picnic table, fire ring/grill and food cache box (an elevated roofed chicken wire cage)."
"Cumberland Island is a beautiful pristine National Seashore accessible by ferry off the coast of Georgia. We tent camped there in the middle of June 2021."
3 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $9 - $40 / night
2. Stafford Beach Campground — Cumberland Island National Seashore
"It is more quiet and there are less campers than Sea Camp but you still get amenities like showers, bathrooms, campfires, and a non-potable water source unlike the backpacking sites."
"Thankfully at this campground there are also restrooms, cold showers and water... Although, unlike at Sea Camp, it must be treated before drinking (boil, filter, UV, or chemical, etc...)."
Check Availabilityfrom $12 / night
3. Brickhill Bluff Wilderness Campsite — Cumberland Island National Seashore
"There are no designated sites, just a bit of a flat open area to set up camp."
"Hiking in S. Georgia is a challenge but don’t miss this if wilderness camping is your thing."
Check Availabilityfrom $9 / night
4. Yankee Paradise Wilderness Campsite — Cumberland Island National Seashore
"It's a bit of a haul down an sandy road that then turns into the Duck House Trail. Depending on how your pack your gear, this could be a pleasant walk or it could be a buggy slog."
5. Hickory Hill Wilderness Campsite — Cumberland Island National Seashore
"You can only get here by boat and backpack to your site. No electricity, cell service is spotty, and when we went in the summertime I was attacked by mosquitos! But it was a wonderful trip."
6. Cabretta Island Pioneer Campground
"Plenty of trees for hammock camping, which is what I prefer, as well as many options for tent set ups. They do have Adirondacks on site for camping."
"Absolutely beautiful, complete with bathrooms and many adirondacks to keep supplies dry, the campsite is a 3 to 5 minute walk away from both a beautiful beach and amazing marsh. Highly recommend."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $42 / night
7. Primitive Group Campground - Fort Clinch State Park
8. Dutton Island Preserve
"There’s a covered picnic table area and a big fire ring. The only downside was that every hour, some local would drive up to the campsite and get all confused when they saw us."
"This is one of those spots that you come across and you're not sure if you want to write about it and share it with anyone else for the fear that this place will become overrun with folks that will ruin"
Check Availabilityfrom $25 - $125 / night
9. Okefenokee Wilderness Primitive Camping
"This 2 night/3 day kayaking and camping trip on the Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia was filled with surprises."
10. Pioneer Campsite — Fort Morris State Historic Site
"I didn’t get to stay there but walked around for about an hour. But it’s on my list on the way back to Pa when I go."
Check Availabilityfrom $45 / night
Drive Time
- 16 min from Brunswick, GA
- 1 hr 5 min from Jacksonville, FL
- 1 hr 14 min from Hinesville, GA
- 1 hr 18 min from Savannah, GA
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Jekyll Island, GA
13 Photos of 11 Jekyll Island Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Brickhill Bluff Wilderness Campsite — Cumberland Island National Seashore
Yankee Paradise Wilderness Campsite — Cumberland Island National Seashore
Hickory Hill Wilderness Campsite — Cumberland Island National SeashoreR
Stafford Beach Campground — Cumberland Island National Seashore
Sea Camp Campground — Cumberland Island National Seashore
Tent Camping Reviews near Jekyll Island, GA
600 Reviews of 11 Jekyll Island Campgrounds
- GGrace F.
ScoutKatherine Hannah park
Beautiful park, friendly staff, chill vibes, lots to do!
Adaya C.ScoutLaura S Walker State Park Campground
Very nice campground, decent flat spots for tents. The bathrooms were very clean and they had showers with hot water, a washer and dryer, and books to borrow. It was super quiet and very peaceful. Also only about 15-20 minutes away from Okefenokee Swamp Park, which has a lot of fun stuff to do.
- Larry A.Guide
Traders Hill Campground
Awesome
Russell B.ScoutCharlton County Traders Hill Recreation Area and Campground
greatbplace quiet family friendly couple on the grounds is wonderful
very low key not very many campers swim site is packed due to towns people other then that great place cheap rates
John W.ScoutJacksonville North-St. Marys KOA
Not up to KOA standards
I have been a KOA member for more than 20 years and have generally had very good experiences. Unfortunately, this particular KOA was a major disappointment. My wife and I brought our two grandkids on an eight-day trip and specifically chose this campground because of several advertised amenities: a pool with a slide, a game room, and a DVD player in the deluxe cabin. We paid more than$900 for our stay. When I booked, the campground disclosed that it was undergoing water and sewer upgrades and warned guests to expect construction and possible“brief water/power interruptions.” That seemed reasonable, and I had no problem with it. Unfortunately, what we encountered went well beyond a brief interruption. The DVD player in our cabin did not work. I reported it to the office and was told the owner would be notified and someone would get back to me. No one ever did. We then received a text stating that the pool slide was not operating because of electrical upgrades. When we went to use the pool anyway, there was a considerable amount of debris that looked like dirt floating in the water, and the surface underneath the water was badly peeling. My grandkids didn't want to get in. We tried the game room next. It had no electricity, none of the games were operating, there was no air conditioning, and the room was extremely hot. At that point, we decided to leave and find a hotel that actually had the amenities we had expected. For a little over$100 per night, we found a very nice hotel and stayed there instead. We returned to the campground the following Saturday for our final night, and unfortunately, the same issues were still present. In the end, we used only three of the eight nights we paid for. I understand that construction and upgrades have to happen. What I don't think is reasonable is continuing to advertise amenities such as a pool slide and game room when they are going to be unavailable for an extended period, while still charging guests the full rate. A warning about possible“brief water/power interruptions” did not accurately describe what we experienced. After returning home, I contacted the KOA. I made it clear that I was not asking for a refund for the three nights we actually stayed there. Since one night was already planned for a hotel in Orlando, I simply requested a partial refund or other reasonable adjustment for the four unused nights after we left because the advertised amenities were unavailable or unusable. I even offered to provide our hotel receipts. I have received no response from the campground's management. That may be the most disappointing part of the experience. After more than 20 years as a KOA member, I expected at least the courtesy of a response. I chose this campground because I trusted the KOA name and wanted my grandkids to enjoy the amenities that were advertised. Unfortunately, they were probably the most disappointed of all. Hopefully this helps others considering staying here. Based on our experience, this campground did not meet the KOA standards I have come to expect over the past 20+ years.
Thomas B.
RangerWalkabout Camp & RV Park
Friendly and Thorough
I enjoyed this stay quite a bit, but it was only about 24 hours for me.
Friendly staff and chickens. Lots of amenities. Easy check-in and still close to surrounding areas. Plenty to do and ample resources to reload for your next camping trip.
- RRichard A.Ranger
Dixon Memorial WMA - Hunter Camp
Peaceful site but the road in can be a challenge.
Our overnight visit was peaceful and uneventful. While there was no one else there, the area was well maintained and did see a couple of cars and a Sheriff's Officer dive by during our stay.
There were bathrooms and a cleaning station for hunters but the weather was bad (rain) so we chose to use the facilities in our trailer.
Our tow vehicle is a RAM 4x4 and we tow a small 21 foot travel trailer and found the access road a challenge in some spots. Much of the road is sugar sand and in a couple of spots found the truck and trailer swerving in the loose road.
Other than that I the site was quiet and felt safe.
It is recommended that you verify that it is not an active hunt season and be aware of the potential for hunters.
Hunting season info can be found at the Georgia Wildlife website or at this link:
https://publuu.com/flip-book/1025508/2541034
- LLarry W.
TravelerEagle Hammock RV Park
Perfect spot
Standard military entrance and security requirements. Has about 80 level full hookups, free laundry, really nice community room, stocked with everything! Very clean fully equipped restrooms, grab bars, towel racks, shower seating, bicycle and walking paths. Campsites on the lake $35, others are $32. You can check in after hours with camp host.
Guide to Jekyll Island
Tent camping options near Jekyll Island provide primitive wilderness experiences with distinctive coastal ecosystems. Most sites are accessible only via ferry or boat, creating a true disconnect from mainland amenities. Campers must carry in all supplies and be prepared for weather fluctuations typical of barrier island environments.
What to do
Beach exploration: Sea Camp Campground on Cumberland Island offers direct access to pristine beaches. "Wild horses running on the beach (and all over the island). Be sure to bring/rent a bike so you can explore all the interesting sites along the islands trails. The ruins of an old mansion look like a much older archeological site," notes Kelly M.
Kayaking: Okefenokee Wilderness Primitive Camping provides swamp paddling adventures. "This 2 night/3 day kayaking and camping trip on the Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia was filled with surprises. I knew there would be alligators but I did not expect the Okefenokee swamp to be so beautiful! Spending the night on the camping platforms under the stars was amazing," shares Randi T.
Wildlife viewing: Raccoons, armadillos, wild horses, and numerous bird species inhabit these coastal areas. At Sea Camp Campground, "The wildlife is one of the best parts of visiting Cumberland Island. The only animals we saw at the actual campsite were armadillos and raccoons, the latter of which were bold enough to walk right up to our campfire when we started cooking," reports Marian K.
What campers like
Natural isolation: Campsites offer significant separation from other campers. "Each site has a good amount of privacy and comes with a fire ring (and grill on top), picnic table, and food cage. We had one of the smaller sites - but it still had plenty of room, even with the tent and the hammock," notes a Sea Camp visitor.
Stargazing opportunities: The limited development creates exceptional night sky viewing. "What a truly unique gem of a place! Wild horses running on the beach (and all over the island)," explains Kelly M. about Sea Camp Campground.
Historical sites: Stafford Beach Campground provides access to significant historical structures. "It was such a short walk to the beach from here! This is where we saw groups of wild horses as well," notes Renee B.
Diverse ecosystems: Brickhill Bluff Wilderness Campsite showcases multiple coastal habitats. "This area is right on the water (the sound side, not the ocean side) so you can pull your boats right up on the shore. There are no designated sites, just a bit of a flat open area to set up camp," explains Sarah C.
What you should know
Ferry logistics: Reaching Cumberland Island requires advance planning. "100% need to book the ferry in advance and avoid leaving valuables (or anything obvious) in the car when you leave it behind on the mainland," advises Kelly M.
Water limitations: Different campgrounds have varying water availability. For the best tent camping near Jekyll Island, Georgia, prepare accordingly. "Water at Seacamp is potable but has a funny taste. Water elsewhere on the island must be boiled," notes Adela D.
Wildlife precautions: Food storage is essential at all sites. "Keep all your food and scented items in the racoon proof cages or make sure your coolers/food boxes are locked! Raccoons will pry open just about everything! Raccoons, hogs, and bobcats will make enough noise to keep light sleepers awake all night," warns a Sea Camp visitor.
Weather considerations: Dutton Island Preserve camping requires seasonal awareness. "I would recommend not coming in summer. It was 100+ with heat index, buggy, muggy and rain half the day. The dirt roads that lead in were very muddy. Small cars may have a hard time in rainy season," explains leena.
Tips for camping with families
Age-appropriate site selection: Choose sites with bathroom facilities for younger children. "This was my second time camping on Cumberland Island but the first time was 12 years prior at the then primitive Stafford Campground. I decided to do Sea Camp this time because I was camping with my mother and my three year old. It's the perfect campground for those who don't want to forego basic amenities," shares Marian K.
Gear transportation planning: Children's comfort requires additional equipment consideration. "You are responsible for carrying all of your own gear to the campgrounds so you'll want to pack it all in a backpack, bring your own wagon or hope to try and borrow one of the wagons they have at the ranger station," explains a camper.
Educational opportunities: Ranger programs enhance children's experiences. "The resident volunteer led an info session on armadillos which was educational and fun and really added value to our trip," notes Marian K. about Sea Camp.
Off-season advantages: Cabretta Island Pioneer Campground offers family-friendly facilities. "Absolutely beautiful, complete with bathrooms and many adirondacks to keep supplies dry, the campsite is a 3 to 5 minute walk away from both a beautiful beach and amazing marsh," reports Jonah D.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV access: Most tent camping near Jekyll Island occurs on islands without RV facilities. Only select sites allow RVs with minimal hookups. "The island is 13 miles long so it takes a while to explore everything it has to offer. The beaches are beautiful, the Gullah culture is eye opening, the old mansion is quite nice," explains Savannah C. about Cabretta Campground.
Alternative mainland options: For those with RVs seeking proximity to Jekyll Island, consider staying at mainland campgrounds and taking day trips. "There's not much to this little park, but that's what is nice about it. It's a natural slice of Florida tucked in an industrial area of Jax," notes Julia A. about Dutton Island Preserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Jekyll Island, GA?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Jekyll Island, GA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Jekyll Island, GA is Sea Camp Campground — Cumberland Island National Seashore with a 4.8-star rating from 24 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Jekyll Island, GA?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Jekyll Island, GA?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Jekyll Island, GA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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