Exploring Coastal Georgia

There is much to see and do along the 110 miles of Coastal Georgia, also known as the Golden Isles, and many options for places to stay, even with an RV. I shared about staying close to Savannah and things to do in other blogs (you can find that and many others on the travel map on our home page), but this trip, we tried a new area.

Our oldest son had to be near Brunswick for work for a couple of weeks, and had stayed here before, so wanted to show us around and get to “meet in the middle” between our home base in Florida and his home in Virginia.

After doing some searching, I found the Coastal Georgia RV Resort, located in Brunswick, just off of I-95. While not a lot of amenities on site, it was 20 minutes from where he was working, close to several islands, and only about an hour south of Savannah and Tybee Island, plus they had a weekly rate that essentially gave us a night for free, so we booked it. They also have a very easy process for checking in after they close at 5, and they just bill you the morning of check in for your balance and you pick up your packet at the gate.

This resort, like many others, doesn’t have a lot of tree coverage, but since it’s been around for awhile, it does have shrubs that are pretty tall between each site. There are lots of sites to choose from, and they have full hook ups and are paved with a grill and picnic table. Many are pull through sites, as well as back in sites along the lake and outer perimeter, and there lots of buddy sites (shared patio between 2 RVs) if you are RVing with friends or family.

You’ll find a covered patio with fire pits, meeting areas and restrooms along the lake in the back. You can fish in the lake, but no swimming. It does have a pool, but not heated. There several bathhouses with restrooms, showers and a laundry room at each end of the park, at the pool house, and at the lake pavilion. The office has a game room and small camp store, as well. There is a large dog park along the lake and Luna loved taking her daily walks along the lake, and then romping around the dog park for a bit.

The resort is close to gas stations and shops, as well as the interstate. You can hear the road noise from I-95, but because this is flat lands, there isn’t a lot of engine breaking and, even without the ACs running at night, it settles into white noise, mostly, but if you’re sensitive, I wanted you to know about it! While it doesn’t have a ton of amenities on site, it is just off I-95, it’s easy access to several places for sightseeing, and a peaceful place to stop for a night, or to recharge and explore from.

We visited downtown Brunswick and drove through the old squares and enjoyed all the old Victorian houses–some restored, some not, but all with their own character and stories to tell. While it isn’t Savannah, it is a neat part of history to see.

Another stop we enjoyed was visiting St. Simon’s Island. There are lots of shops and restaurants to explore, a fishing pier to fish from, or watch fisherman and birds enjoying the coast. We had no issues finding free parking, even on a busy Saturday. This island has a lighthouse and an old Coast Guard museum, for a cost. They are interesting to learn about the island, and can be a great indoor activity if you need a break from the heat. Fort Frederica is a free state park to visit, and show cases an early settlement, slowly being reclaimed from nature as the archaeologists complete more and more digs. There are re-enactors to meet and learn from, a museum and store with a short movie, plus you can walk around the grounds and enjoy a hiking trail around the area. It very much felt like Colonial Williamsburg, but without all the buildings and busyness–or high cost.

Jekyll Island is another popular island to visit, but there is a parking cost to enter the island. This is a Georgia State Park, but is entirely self-funded and gets no money from the state. There is a great tram tour that gives the history of the island as a hunting club for some well known names in history, as well as a great museum (small, but one of my overall favorites for the interactives and great displays) at the store you get tickets at, and they are included in the same cost. There are restaurants and shops on the island, but the prices are higher than the mainland, so either pack a picnic or bring a few extra dollars. You’ll also find lots of hiking and beaches to explore, including driftwood beach, which we visited, and shark tooth beach that we just didn’t make it to, but will be back for. Their names are pretty self explanatory, when you try to decide which to visit, since they are at opposite ends of the island. Jekyll Island Campground is also located here and is on our list for future stops. It looks big rig friendly, but we didn’t get to check on amenities or costs.

Since we live in Florida, I have no doubt we will visit this area many more times, even though we have already visited it so many others. There is always something new to see and do, no matter where you go. There’s always a reason to return to some areas, and coastal Georgia is one of those places.

Be sure to check out the Travel Map on our home page for other campground and attraction reviews! You can also find FREE resources on the Printables page, or order your copy of Our Travel Planner to have all the resources conveniently at your fingertips!