Best RV Parks & Resorts near St. Simons Island, GA

Conveniently located at exit 49 just off I95 right near Darien, Inland Harbor will impress you on a few fronts besides the immediacy of on / off access to this major highway artery. This is a gated RV resort, so the place gets extra points for its extreme level of security (and being right next to a major highway, this isn’t a bad thing). 

The grounds themselves are very well groomed and organized. The management (which is new, mind you) has a hands-free check-in approach that at first seems weird (go to your spot and pick up the packet), but then you get it – they’re just being extra cautious and mindful because of Covid. 

With more or less 40-50 RV parking spaces, Inland Harbor sets up on a high bluff overlooking the scenic Altamaha River Basin adjacent to Cathead Creek. This place boasts great Southern hospitality (and delivers), full-service laundry and some of the cleanest bathrooms and showers I’ve come across in all of Georgia. I will add that Shane and April, the resident managers, are wonderful and incredibly friendly and accommodating.

There’s a solid amount of historic places nearby to check-out on top of the golden Georgia beaches you’ll find on St. Simmons and Jeckyll Islands and plenty of fishing and golf in any direction.

From an amenities standpoint, this park offers all the standards– 50/ 30 amp electrical, water and sewage hook-ups. There’s cable and WiFi. Each site has a paved platform/ drive complete with picnic table and running water. Inland Harbor is pet-friendly, so bring your furry buds! There’s even a new pavilion with both heat and A/C. On top of everything, there’s a Waffle House literally located right across the street! Could life get any better?!

Happy Camping!

Before we begin, GA Coastal RV Park should not be confused with GA Coastal RV Resort (this latter spot is conveniently located just due east on highway 520 and runs adjacent to I-95). That said, if‘Coastal’ is in the name of your‘park,’ I think it is reasonable for folks to expect that you’re property is located on(or even quite near), um, the coast. So, we were disappointed to have booked a spot here at GA Coastal RV Park only to find that we would have to drive 30 minutes to reach water. As for the‘park’ I think it depends upon what your expectation is on this front, but if you are looking for anything more than simply a‘place to park’ than you will be sorely disappointed. Naming conventions aside, this gravel RV roadside parking lot is fairly new(a quarter of this place was under construction when we visited) and there is absolutely no nature(bushes, trees, shrubs or even grass) between you and your neighbors. In fact, the only nature you’ll find here is that which encases the place. The size of these grounds are about a single large city block, and apart from the 3 lanes or so that makes up the jagged maze-like outline of the RV depot, there’s just a small patch of actual grass that has a few picnic tables, volleyball court and tetherball– oh and the 2 single outhouses that you’ll regret visiting. Next to this is the office. There’s not much here in the way of amenities beyond flat ground, newly laid pebble and simple water and electrical hook-ups. The noise from the highway in front of this spot comes at no additional cost. Insider’s tip? The only silver liner to this locale is that it’s a stone’s throw from arguably some of the best BBQ I’ve ever had in my life– Scott’s BBQ& Grill(ribs, pulled pork and potato bombs are to dia for!). Net-net, if you’re looking for an EZ location to lay-up for the night, and everywhere else is booked up, then this joint might not be a bad spot. Happy Camping!

This is a lovely state park with lots to do, wish we could have stayed long to enjoy everything - hiking, boating fishing, etc. Our RV spot #58 (full hook up) was very spacious with plenty of room and foliage between sites so didn’t feel crammed in. We were here in February so didn’t experience any bugs and it was very quiet and just RV people for the most part. The grounds were clean and well maintained. The bath house near us was clean and modern and had four separate accessible private bathrooms with toilet, sink, and shower so it would be easy for families to take all the kids in at once. There was also a nice laundry area in this building. We would definitely go back if in the area again.

We spent a week here and enjoyed it quite a lot. We went in December so there were lots of long-term campers. Most everyone was very friendly. The longterm campsites had signs of the state where they were from, which I found to be a nice touch. Nearly all of them were decked out with holiday lights and decorations which made for a joyful walk at night.

The sites were fairly close together, but not so much so that you felt like you were sitting on top of one another. Lots of Spanish moss-draped live oak trees and palm frond plants. Sites were full-hook up, a nice laundry facility was on site, as well as a small camp store (though not much for grocery supplies), firewood and bike rentals. Wifi was spotty at best. There was a strong signal, but no speed to speak of.

The biggest downfalls for me is that it was super buggy - even in December! The gnats were downright vicious. In town pick up a bug spray and candle called Natz (available at the general market) - it works really well and is all natural. It also stunk so bad - some days/times more than others, but that's marshlands for you, so part of the package. The water was drinkable, though also stinky. I used it in my coffee, but couldn't drink it plain, so plan to bring bottled water, especially if you have a sensitive tummy. Oh and the air is so damp and humid, even on sunny days, that NOTHING dries. I couldn't get so much as a hand towel to dry inside or out!

The campsite is really close to Driftwood Beach, a magical spot that we spent a lot of time at. There's also Sand Dune Beach where you can find lots of sand dollars. We visited at the height of Covid, so didn't explore the town too much, other than the general market. Note: the market is ridiculously overpriced, so make sure to get your groceries and beer/wine before getting onto the island.

Also - one thing to note, there is a "parking fee" to get onto the island ($8 for cars, $20 for oversized vehicles). Usually it's not too bothersome to get in, but keep an eye on any special events going on so you can beat the crowd. One night coming back to camp from another island, we waited in line for 45 minutes just to get ONTO the island.

Large well maintained campground. All sites are large, well maintained and site specific. Many have full hook ups. New family style bath house and an older bathhouse, both were very clean. Nice walking trails, plenty of playgrounds and very nice boat ramp and mini golf. We stayed on site 39 with a full hook up, small view to the river out back. Very private and large site with direct access to trail along the water. Site 11 has very nice water views but does not have a full hookup. Close to historic St. Marys and ferry to Cumberland Island and about a 45 minute drive to Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island for a nice day trip.

Half the sites are partial hook ups and the other full hook up. Tents are welcome and the facilities are great. Highly recommend!

OK, I get it. Maybe it’s late at night, you’ve been on the road for hours (if not days) and maybe you’ve even got little ones who just need to get some fresh air. We’ve all been there, so maybe it’s late one night and you are contemplating whether or not to layover here at Horne Lake RV Resort. Perhaps it’s dark out and pure exhaustion is about to set in, so you shrug your shoulders and are about to decide to spend the night. But wait, just hold onto that thought a little longer.

My personal advice would be to look at some of the other nearby campgrounds and RV parking lots around and chose a better spot. Trust me, there’s quite a few GOOD ones to choose from, but hey, if you’re too tired and just don’t care, well, then this place won’t kill you. Plus, it’s dark at night, so you probably won’t see what a borderline nasty spot this actually is. That said, be weary of all the bad roads as you drive through this little highway roadside campground spot, which has one small loop that is jam-packed with other road weary travelers like yourself driving either a big rig or RV.

From an amenities standpoint, there’s not much, however, there is a small community pool and firepit along with a propane refilling station as well as a little joint that serves as a storefront / restaurant, although I wasn’t enticed to eat there. All of the basic amenities are provided: 30 & 50 amp electrical, water and sewage lines. The sites are all paved, albeit not terribly well, and oh, there’s a community laundry facility on site, but the dilapidated conditions of the units were enough to keep us away from using them. Beyond this, not much else to say about the place.

Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you missed it somehow on the first go around, don’t stay here, unless you have no other viable options, but per my suggestion, there’s a number of other places far better and much easier to pull up and drop anchor at than this roadside dump; (2) If you are looking for somewhere to dip the beak of your kayak or canoe, then just head due north where right at the GA / FL state-line you’ll be able to explore the very wonderfully dark St. Mary’s River, which if you follow it easterly, you’ll eventually be greeted by the Atlantic Ocean after first passing Fort Clinch State Park (a great place to park your RV BTW) on the right; and (3) When you grow weary of trying to figure out that next on-board meal from the depths of your mini-fridge, then head on over into St. Mary’s on the GA side where you can find a number of great foodie digs like The Green Room Sicilian Café & Deli, Horse & Cow Pub & Grill as well as McGarbey’s Wee Pub South.

Happy Camping!

Nice smaller campground, Relaxing and quiet. Has a window of time when boats on jetskis can be on the water allowing for a more peaceful atmosphere in the morning and evening. Down side only 2 sites have full hook up with one being the camp host.. showers and restrooms were clean but without full hookup I expected them to be bigger... 4 showers for 30+ sites on a lake seems light. However we had a wonderful weekend and enjoyed being able to kayak without worrying about boats & jetskis

They allowed me to put a truck camper in a tent site. Full hook ups. Swimming pool (not clean or heated). Showers were ok. Free breakfast. Basic but free. 😊 Easy drive to St Mary’s

There are not any full hook up sites. The river side of the campground has many trees and shade. The ocean side lots are small and out in the open.  You can pay 2.50 to tour the fort and small museum.  Definitely worth it.

This was a nice, very well maintained campground. After taxes and fees and park entry fee, we ended up paying $50 for a full hook up back in site, which was a bit much.

Nice clean showers, laundry, lots of hiking and activities. Good cell service.

This is a very clean and well managed camp ground. When driving in, was instantly met by staff to check in. Paperwork was already filled out. All they needed was to see my ID and get tag number. There is a great hangout lounge where you can watch TV, cook a meal or just use the provided computers with printers. The sites are full hook up with cable. Great place to stop if near Jacksonville.

If you don’t know Jekyll Island and somehow stumbled across this fabled Golden Isle of the Georgia barrier islands, you have struck island hopping gold! Seriously, this island is simply amazing and you don’t want to miss your chance to visit this little known Peach State coastal gem. Whether it’s the bare bones skeleton-like abandoned trees you’ll find on Driftwood Beach, a simply superb fishing pier with unmatched sunsets or the ‘roaring twenties’ vibe you’ll experience at the Jekyll Island Club Resort, one thing is certain … when you scratch your head at the shock of having to pay $10 to just get on the island, trust me, within 10 minutes, you will understand that you are going to be getting your money’s worth.

Let’s start with the amazing beaches that are still left remaining after Hurricane Ian wiped out nearly one entire side of the island’s beaches (no joke, just go for a spin in the residential areas where you’ll see big boulders have replaced what used to be white powdered sandy beaches). For starters, there’s more than 10 miles of seaside beach bliss with more than 7 beaches to choose from of which I highly recommend the picturesque Driftwood Beach that so many tourists come here for, where you’ll be able to meander through a labyrinth of whole trees that have washed up on shore here as well as some that have rooted and are starting to grow again. Oceanview Beach Park is perhaps my favorite, if you are coming with the family and looking to grab a great day in the ocean. Whichever beach you choose, you will be amazed by the first-class, well-appointed parking lots, covered pavilions, seemingly brand new wooden decks and pathways, bathrooms and outdoor shower facilities. For a SP, you will definitely feel as though this place is secretly being managed by the good folks from the Ritz Carlton as a pet project!

As for the campground, after being completely blown away by the well-heeled aura of Jekyll Island, I was somewhat disappointed by Jekyll Island’s only campground. While the desk staff that managed the campground were sure nice enough, hospitable and inviting (we are in George afterall), once we got onto the property to find our campground site, we couldn’t help but feel a bit let down. For $36 a night as tent campers, while we enjoyed that each of the primitive campsites had decent privacy, especially when compared to the rest of the wide-open RV-saturated campground, all of the amenities were fairly old, outdated, falling part or very 70's-esque. With only a dozen primitive tent sites, the rest of the entire campground is broken into 7 other sections (B, C, D, E, F, G, H … and T – don’t ask me, I guess the faculty didn’t do well on the old alphabet?) with 167 full hook-up back-in or pull-through sites designed for RVs or 5th Wheelers.

Amenities? Here’s the line-up: free WiFi (that was just OK, but not good enough for streaming), coin-operated laundry room with washers & dryers, covered pavilion / amphitheater, bike rentals, bird sanctuary, scatted clotheslines (be careful when you go for a jog around the campground!), kid’s playground, 2 bathhouses with restrooms and hot / cold water showers, propane refueling station and a fairly decent general store that seemed to have quite a bit, including touristy knick-knacks in addition to basic sundries, RV supplies, ice cream, firewood and some limited groceries. For RVs and 5th Wheelers, there’s back-in and pull-through full hook-ups here offering 30 / 50 amp electricity, water and sewage in addition to Cable TV.

Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you can accept that you are at this campground and this alone gives you amazing access to the rest of the island and you’re going to spend the bounty of your time doing just that and don’t give two hoots about the calibre of the campground, you’ll do fine. Just keep those expectations in your pocket and realize that the experience will pay out with what the rest of Jekyll Island has to offer; (2) Of the primitive campsites that are available IMHO the best sites are those on the outer perimeter: J4, J5, J6, J7 and I7, I8; (3) Should you run out of anything, while the market here at the campground is good in a pinch, if you need to stock up and want more variety and / or better prices, then head on over to either the Jekyll Market or The Salt Table on the central west-side of the island (just due south of Great Dunes Park) or if you are a veteran, then the Commissary, otherwise, you’ll have to head north to Brunswick to find any of the usual suspects like Publix, Walmart or Winn-Dixie; (4) When you grow weary of trying to figure out that next meal from either the depths of your Cordova roto-molded cooler or your onboard mini-fridge, you’ll be delighted to discover that there’s actually some AMAZING restaurant offerings that, if you’d like to bike to, like we did, you will be psyched with restaurants like Tortuga Jacks for some pretty good (not great) Mexican with an amazing open-air oceanview cantina, Tribuzio’s Grill for top-notch seafood, The Wharf for succulent fish, fried green tomatoes and ocean crawling crustean as well as Zachary’s Riverhouse, which is low-key and offers up glorified bar food like burgers, wings and sandwiches; and (5) If you are debating about whether or not to bring your bike with you – trust me, DO IT! The bike paths around Jekyll Island are first class, well-paved and are the absolutely best way to see the entire island, which you can easily circumnavigate at pace in under 2 hours.

Happy Camping!