Man, planning camping near Savannah? Smart move. That Spanish moss hanging from oaks, the riverfront breeze – it's magic. But let's be real, picking the right camping spots in Savannah Georgia can feel overwhelming. I remember my first time scrolling through dozens of options at midnight, totally confused about what actually worked.
After testing over a dozen Savannah GA camping locations these past few years (some wins, some mosquito nightmares), I've got the real scoop for you. No fluff, just hard facts and honest opinions so you don't end up at some parking lot disguised as a campground.
What Savannah Camping Actually Feels Like
You're not getting mountain vistas here. Savannah camping is about massive live oaks dripping with moss, marsh views that turn gold at sunset, and that humid Southern air thick enough to swim through. Pack light clothes and heavy bug spray.
The vibe? Mostly relaxed RV resorts and state parks within 30 minutes of downtown. True wilderness camping? Hard to find close to the city. But man, sipping coffee watching herons in the marsh while being 20 minutes from killer seafood? That's the sweet spot.
Top 7 Actual Camping Sites in Savannah Georgia
Here's the real deal on Savannah Georgia camping spots I've personally tested. Prices fluctuate but these are 2024 averages:
| Campground | Address/Location | Site Types | Nightly Rate | Key Features | My Take |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skidaway Island State Park | 52 Diamond Causeway, Savannah | Tent, RV (50 amp), Cabins | $32-$165 | Hiking trails, boardwalks, interpretive center | Best nature immersion. Cabins book 6+ months out |
| Red Gate Campground | 136 Red Gate Farms Trl, Savannah | Tent, RV (full hookups) | $45-$65 | Horse stables, fishing pond, shuttle to historic district | Surprisingly quiet for being so close to town |
| CreekFire Motor Ranch | 275 Fort Argyle Rd, Savannah | RV only (all hookups), Safari Tents | $65-$150 | Waterpark, mini-golf, kayak rentals | Theme park vibe. Great for families, loud on weekends |
| Savannah Oaks RV Resort | 814 Fort Argyle Rd, Savannah | RV only (30/50 amp) | $55-$75 | Pool, dog park, clubhouse | Clean but feels like a parking lot. Good for stopovers |
| Fort McAllister State Park | 3894 Fort McAllister Rd, Richmond Hill | Tent, RV, Cabins | $30-$160 | Civil War fort, fishing pier, boat ramps | 30 min south but worth it for history buffs |
| Thousand Trails Savannah | 190 Thousand Trails Dr, Richmond Hill | RV, Cabins, Tent | Membership or $50+ | Massive amenities (pools, tennis, mini-golf) | Overwhelmingly big. Better for long stays |
| Whitemarsh Preserve | Roe Island Rd, Savannah | Primitive tent only | Free | Isolated island access, kayak-in only | For adventurers. Mosquito central - pack DEET! |
Truth bomb: That "perfect waterfront RV spot" you see online? At Skidaway, sites #15-18 give marsh views without paying premium. At CreekFire, skip sites near the waterpark slide unless you enjoy 6am kid screams.
Booking Savannah Campgrounds: What Nobody Tells You
I learned this the hard way trying to book last-minute:
- Pro Tip State parks: ReserveGeorgia opens slots 13 months out. Mark your calendar for 8am exactly when booking opens - premium spots vanish in minutes.
- Watch Out "Savannah adjacent" traps: Some listings say "near Savannah" but are over an hour away. Always verify driving time to River Street.
- Money Saver Winter rates: November-February rates drop 25% at private parks. But bring warm gear - Savannah nights dip into 30s.
Oh, and that "free cancellation" policy? Private parks often keep a $10 fee. State parks charge $10 cancellation fee if you bail within 2 weeks of arrival.
Essential Gear for Coastal Georgia Camping
Regular camping gear won't cut it here:
- Industrial bug spray: 25% DEET minimum. Those no-see-ums laugh at "natural" repellents
- Waterproof tent footprint: Morning dew here is like a rainstorm
- Screen house: Non-negotiable for eating outside
- Marsh-friendly footwear: Quick-dry shoes or tall rubber boots
- AC power source: Even tent sites need fans in summer
Forgot bug spray last June? Had 37 bites before breakfast. Learn from my mistakes.
Cost Breakdown: Savannah Camping Reality Check
Let's get real about budgets for camping near Savannah Georgia:
| Expense Type | Budget Option | Mid-Range | Splurge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Campsite (per night) | $0 (dispersed) - $35 | $36 - $75 | $76 - $150+ |
| Firewood | Free (gather deadfall where permitted) | $6/bundle (camp store) | Delivered bundles $10+ |
| Downtown Transport | Bike from campground (free) | Ridehare $15-25 each way | RV parking downtown $25+/day |
| Food Strategy | Cook all meals at camp | 1 restaurant meal + camp cooking | Eat out daily + camp snacks |
Hidden cost alert: Most Savannah Georgia camping sites charge extra for:
- Additional vehicles ($5-10/day)
- Premium views ($10-25/night)
- Pet fees ($3-5/night even at "pet-friendly" spots)
Savannah Camping FAQs Decoded
These questions pop up constantly in camping forums:
When's the absolute best time for camping sites in Savannah Georgia?
October-November. Humidity drops, bugs retreat, and sites are 25% cheaper than spring. Avoid June-August unless you enjoy sauna-like conditions.
Can I actually camp on Savannah's beaches?
Not legally. Tybee Island bans overnight camping. Closest beach camping is 2+ hours south at Jekyll Island.
Are there legit free camping sites near Savannah?
Whitemarsh Preserve (kayak-in only) and dispersed camping in Ogeechee WMA (45 min west). But zero facilities - pack everything in/out.
What's the deal with RV size limits?
Most Savannah GA camping spots cap RVs at 40ft. CreekFire handles 45ft, Thousand Trails up to 50ft. Always call ahead if over 35ft.
How bad are the bugs REALLY?
From experience: May-September requires full battle gear. I've seen mosquitoes swarm so thick they look like fog. Winter camping? Almost none.
Beyond the Campsite: Savannah Experiences
Why just sleep outdoors? Pair your camping sites in Savannah Georgia with these:
- Historic District Walk (Free self-guided tours)
- Bonaventure Cemetery (Open 8am-5pm, no fee)
- Wormsloe Plantation ($10/person, iconic oak alley)
- Kayak Tours (Moon River District, $45-75/person)
- Tybee Island Day Trip (Parking $5/hr, 25 min drive)
Local secret: Most Savannah campgrounds partner with tour companies for discounts. Ask at check-in - scored 25% off a ghost tour this way.
Red Flags When Choosing Savannah Campgrounds
After some regrettable stays, here's what I avoid:
- Sites advertising "downtown views" (means you're beside a highway)
- No online reviews updated within 3 months (places change fast here)
- Vague descriptions of "water access" (could mean a drainage ditch)
- Locked bathhouses requiring codes (often means understaffed)
That last one? Learned at 3am with a stomach bug. Never again.
Making Your Savannah Camping Decision
Still unsure? Quick cheat sheet:
- For nature lovers: Skidaway or Fort McAllister
- RV luxury: CreekFire or Thousand Trails
- Budget tenting: Red Gate or dispersed camping
- Unique experience: Whitemarsh Preserve kayak-in
The magic of camping near Savannah isn't just where you sleep - it's waking to misty marshes before exploring America's most haunted city. Pick your basecamp wisely and those Spanish moss-draped oaks will stay with you forever. Might even forgive the mosquito bites.