William N.

The Dyrt Pro

Madison, GA

Joined August 2020

Beautiful paddling trail

We stayed at George L. Smith State Park in Oct. 2023. We had a large, level, pull-thru site with water and 50 amp service. No sewer. There are sites on the water that some are large and some are close. Those do have a view and some are private. 

The park was quite and peaceful for our visit. We really enjoyed paddling the pond and checking out the grist mill and covered bridge. The pond is black water with tons of cypress and tupelo trees throughout. Kind of mystical.

Great sites, great park and great paddling.

We loved this park. Our site was level and somewhat secluded with heavy vegetation between sites where we were. Site 6 is a pull-thru, level, 50 amp and water. No sewer.  The park has great museums with very interesting history about Stephen Foster and the park itself. 

Our primary reason for staying here was to paddle the Suwanee River. There is a local outfitter that will provide shuttle service if you have your own boats or they do have rentals available. We did the short trip due to time considerations, but thoroughly enjoyed the paddle. 

We did eat at Fat Belly's in White Springs. It was good, reasonably priced and convenient. 

We only stayed two nights, but would plan to stay longer if we get by this way again.

Great location and close to the water.

We love this park because it is kind of remote, but not far from Savannah. It has great trails, a historic site to explore, a nice little on the water bar/grill close by and large, level, FHU camp sites. They have a few sites that are "on the water", but not actually on the water.  

The trails are great for hiking but a little rough for street bikes. The fishing pier is great for fishing or just viewing. 

The Ft. McAllister historical museum and grounds is very well done and informative.

Large variety of site sizes. Very tight to plenty of room, depends on site.

Jekyll Island Campground is a wonderful park with many pros and cons. There are FHU, 50 amp, pull-thru sites with plenty of room to very tight, hard to get in back-in sites. The better sites are booked up way out, so you have to plan well in advance. Also, there are the mosquitos and sand gnats that do love that area. They're not as bad during the winter months. 

The island provides plenty of activities, attractions and good restaurants (Driftwood Bistro). The island is a bicyclers heaven with miles of bike/walking trails over the whole island. The beaches are beautiful and not crowded. Check out Driftwood Beach.

There are also places to explore off the island, but you do have to pay a daily parking fee each time you enter the island. I would only buy the multi-day pass if you plan on leaving the island and returning everyday of your stay. I would recommend visiting St. Simons Island.