Cabins near Sapelo Island, Georgia provide direct access to the coastal marshlands that stretch across McIntosh County at elevations near sea level. The Georgia barrier island coast experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F and mild winters where overnight lows rarely drop below freezing. During summer months, insect repellent is essential for comfort at most camping locations throughout this coastal region.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Skidaway Island State Park Campground offers nature trails where wildlife sightings are common. "Deer and other wildlife are seen every day," notes camper Pamela I., who found the trails and sites "large and clean."
Fort exploration: Visit the historic earthwork fortification at Fort McAllister State Park Campground to learn about Civil War coastal defenses. "The fort tour was really interesting and the staff were very knowledgeable and helpful," shares Lisa P., adding that the visitor center provides context for understanding the site's significance.
Kayaking the marshlands: Many coastal accommodations allow easy water access for paddling. According to Savannah C. at Cabretta Island Pioneer Campground, "You can also rent kayaks from the hosts and drop them in just down the road," making water exploration convenient for visitors without their own equipment.
What campers like
Proximity to beaches: Cabretta Island Pioneer Campground offers quick access to shorelines. Jonah D. reports it's "a 3 to 5 minute walk away from both a beautiful beach and amazing marsh," providing dual water environments within easy walking distance.
Spacious campsites: Many visitors appreciate the generous site dimensions. At Crooked River State Park Campground, Cathy C. found that "all sites are large, well maintained and site specific," noting that "many have full hook ups" with several offering water views.
Clean facilities: Bathroom quality remains consistently mentioned in reviews. Jessica at Savannah South KOA shares that "the bathhouse & general store were very clean & located a short walk from the tent sites," making it convenient for tent campers without their own facilities.
What you should know
Insect considerations: Bug protection is essential in coastal Georgia. Nikki K. describes Cabretta Campground as "Heaven on earth, just don't forget the bug spray" - acknowledging the presence of insects typical to coastal environments.
Reservation requirements: River's End Campground & RV Park fills quickly, particularly during peak seasons. Wendy T. advises, "Reserve now for this Christmas/New Years eve. This place fills up fast," highlighting the importance of advance planning during holidays.
Wildlife concerns: Raccoons can become problematic at some locations. Hannah C. warns about Fort McAllister: "Do NOT leave food or trash unattended or they will ransack your campsite," emphasizing proper food storage is necessary.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature recreational areas for children. Tyler W. notes that at Fort McAllister, "My kids loved the playground and the fort tour," combining educational and physical activities in one location.
Swimming options: Water access varies between locations. At Altamaha Regional Park, Tyler W. mentions the "swimming area was really fun," though he notes it can sometimes be affected when "boat ramps were unusually busy so the swimming area was a bit exhaust filled for a little while."
Educational opportunities: Nature centers provide learning experiences for young visitors. Zach H. at Skidaway Island points out that "there are a handful of nature trails that are easily accessible from the campground," making nature exploration convenient for families with children of varying ages.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: At River's End Campground, site spacing can be limited. Tommy C. notes it's a "Beautiful campground. Clean and well kept," but cautions that "its tight spots are close together," which may present challenges for larger rigs requiring more space.
Navigational challenges: Some campgrounds present access difficulties. Ashley W. at Southern Retreat RV Park warns, "When leaving we were unable to actually turn our trailer to actually go the correct way out of the park," indicating potential difficulties for larger rigs navigating the internal roads.
Amenity access: Campsites with private facilities remain popular options. Michael and Betty L. appreciated Southern Retreat's "full hookups with good cable TV" and noted they "used showers and laundry, well maintained," indicating reliable amenities for extended stays.
