3 Best Beachside Campgrounds in Georgia

The opportunity to camp near the beach is a rare luxury in Georgia. Oceanfront campgrounds aren’t common, but, if you know where to look, then you’ll find some stunning camping spots hidden along the shores.

Despite sometimes being overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, Florida, Georgia’s coast has become deservedly popular with campers. Whenever you make your trip, you will be greeted by the rich and faintly mystical surroundings of the famous moss-covered oak trees, historical sites, and towering palm trees overhead.

Camping near Georgia’s Beaches

Here are a couple of the top campgrounds close to the beach in Georgia, in no particular order:

River’s End Campground & RV Resort

Located on Tybee Island, just a few blocks from the beach, River’s End is an ideal launching point for the attractions that make Tybee a top vacation destination.

The spacious beaches, a bustling pier and pavilion, and the historic Fort Screven are guaranteed to keep you and any curious kids busy during the daytime. And, come nighttime, there is a well-mannered but vibrant night-time scene in the local bars and restaurants.

Most of the camping sites are nestled in shaded woodland and every RV site boasts full hookups. Pet owners should be aware that although pets are allowed on-site, they are strictly prohibited in tents, tent sites, and non-climate-controlled RVs. There is, however, a dedicated dog park on-site.

• Closest town: Savannah, GA (16 mi)
• Specs: 150 campsites for RV and tents; cabin rentals; full RV hookups; dogs only permitted in climate-controlled RVs; camping limits: 4 weeks maximum during mid and peak season
• Amenities: Camping store; picnic tables; swimming pool; dump station; Wi-Fi; laundry; hot showers; community center; dog parks; BBQ grills; fire rings
• Reservations: Yes, reserve here; Or by phone: 912-786-5518
• Address: 5 Fort Avenue, Tybee Island, GA 31328 (Map)

Jekyll Island Campground

Attracting more than its share of vintage RVs, Jekyll Island Campground has something of a retro vibe. The old and new vehicles have ample space in a dense forest, which is also well-equipped with full hookup RV campsites. But here, the real gem is Driftwood Beach, located just half a mile away.

The wild and natural oceanfront will make it difficult to put your camera away, but even beyond the seashore, it’s unlikely to be bored on Jekyll Island. Activities include ranger walks, history tours, a bird sanctuary, plus all the usual beachfront water sports.

Pets are also welcome at the campground for a small fee per day. And, if they are on a leash, they’re also welcome on the beach itself.

• Closest town: Brunswick, GA (15 mi)
• Specs: 179 campsites: 167 full hookup RV sites; 12 tent sites; dogs on a leash are permitted on the beach
• Amenities: Camping store; picnic tables; fire rings; firewood available; laundry; RV supplies; Wi-Fi; bird sanctuary, hot showers; BBQ grills
• Reservations: Yes, reserve here; Or by phone: 912-635-3021
• Address: 1197 N Riverview Dr, Jekyll Island, GA 31527, USA (Map)

Cumberland Island National Seashore

For those who like camping on the wilder side, Georgia has an ace up her sleeve. On the southern Atlantic coast, Cumberland Island National Seashore offers a rustic beach camping experience like nothing else in the state. With tent-only campgrounds, vanishingly few amenities, and access only by boat or ferry, you need to come prepared to Cumberland Island.

But this lack of facilities and modern developments only adds to the rugged charm of this secluded spit of coastline. Camping here is split between five separate campgrounds; two of which, Sea Camp and Stafford Beach, are slightly better equipped with restrooms and fire rings.

While the three “wilderness sites” have virtually no amenities at all, and don’t permit campfires. When booking, it’s essential to check your campground’s specifications to ensure that you’re fully prepared. For example, the 3.5-mile hike from the ferry to Stafford Beach could catch you out if you’re not ready to trek.

Whichever campground you are at, it’s necessary to bring your own food, rope to hang the food away from animals, trash bags, and water bottles. Finally, the endless no-see-ums and mosquitos make insect repellent an essential item.

• Closest town: St Marys, GA (17 mi)
• Specs: No transport to the island for vehicles, dogs are permitted on designated trails and not in wilderness areas, dogs must travel to the island on private boats
• Amenities: Seacamp and Stafford Beach: restrooms, drinking water (Only at Seacamp. At Stafford Beach, water must be treated), cold showers; fire rings with grills; bikes permitted; electrical device charging. Wilderness campsites: restrooms, water ready to be treated for drinking. There are no stores anywhere on the island.
• Reservations: Reservations are essential. Reserve here; Or by phone: 912-882-4336
• Address: Plum Orchard Dr, St Marys, GA 31558 (Map)

Those are among the only few campgrounds near the oceanside in “The Peach State”. Make the most of your beach time by staying at one of these sites. And remember to reserve your spot early as Georgia’s limited seashores are quite popular.