Skidaway Island State Park Georgia, the closest Georgia State Park near Savannah, is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. This coastal Georgia campground offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the diverse ecosystems of a beautiful Georgia barrier island while enjoying a range of recreational activities.
Whether you’re looking for glamping in Georgia or an RV park near Savannah, visitors to the Skidaway Island State Park campground can choose from variety of lodging options while enjoying the quiet island life under the towering oak trees. It’s my new favorite (not-so-secret) place for Skidaway Island vacation rentals; here’s all you need to know to make this coastal state park your new weekend getaway.
Why Visit Skidaway Island?
Whether you’re looking for a furnished Georgia State Park with cabins or just need a quick place to park the RV, Skidaway Island Georgia is your place. It’s a quiet place to hike through coastal forests, camp under the stars, or simply relax in nature. However, don’t plan too many trips away because the park’s tranquil atmosphere and abundance of activities will tempt you to stay longer.
Skidaway is a great Atlanta day trip or end destination for your Georgia road trip. If you’re planning a family vacation to Savannah, plan for a quiet day or morning at this state park in Savannah, GA. A cabin rental at Skidaway is way cheaper than getting a hotel or house rental in Savannah, and it’s only an easy 20-minute day trip into the busy historic district.
~~~> Looking for the best of Georgia for your next family road trip? Check out my mega blog post of Georgia favorites from our family travels.
Where is Skidaway Island State Park?
Located in Chatham County, Georgia, this area includes Savannah, Tybee Island, and Skidaway; it’s Georgia’s easternmost county. Just drive only 20 minutes across the causeway from Savannah to arrive at this Skidaway Island camping destination. You can easily divide your coastal Georgia vacation between nature and Savannah destinations. This barrier island is home to only 9,000 residents offering both essentials and quiet. Skidaway State Park is close to Walmart and Publix for groceries, and there are also several local restaurants on the island as well.
The beaches of Tybee Island are only thirty minutes away if a Georgia beach trip is on your list. If you’re staying in Tybee and looking for things to do on Tybee Island, Georgia, head away from the built up hotels and tourist attractions to this quiet barrier island. While Skidaway doesn’t have beach access, it has natural Georgia beauty.
Skidaway Island RV Park
Skidaway Island State Park campground is an ideal destination for camping enthusiasts. The campground is nestled among the trees, offering shade and privacy while allowing campers to enjoy the natural surroundings.
The park features over 80 campsites that can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs. Site are equipped with water, electricity, a picnic table, and a fire ring, providing everything you need for a comfortable stay. There are fifteen offering full hook-ups; reserve your Skidaway Georgia State Park site here.
Skidaway Island Cabins
For those who prefer a bit more comfort, this is a Georgia State Park with cabins – three cabins for nightly rental. These cozy tiny homes come with air conditioning, a furnished kitchenette with full-sized fridge and freezer, a seating area with television, and full bathrooms. There are even TVs with cable for relaxing after dark or a long day exploring.
Of note, although the website says you have to bring linens, our rental in Fall 2024 came complete with dishtowels, sheets, and bath towels. You might want to call ahead of your trip to make sure; it makes this Savannah cabin rental easier with them for sure.
With a downstairs bedroom in the back, Mom and Dad can have some privacy while the kids enjoy the two full-sized beds in the loft. Although wi-fi is not available, there is enough cell signal to not feel fully disconnected from the world during your stay in Skidaway. Unlock some other campground cabins, Skidaway State Park has sheets and towels provided! One of these, as seen in the picture below, is even handicap accessible with a ramp!
There is room for two cars to park at the cabin, so this makes a great stay for meeting up with a group. All three cabins are next to each other, so grab a group and make this Savannah campground your new vacation home. With the rocking chairs in the attached screened-in porch and outdoor picnic tables, these five-person rental cottages are a great option for visitors looking to experience the outdoors without sacrificing convenience.
Me again, mentioning that Florida porch; it’s perfect for listening to a summer storm roll in or sounds at night. It was my favorite part of the little cabin.
Skidaway Yurt Rentals
Did you know there are Georgia State Parks with yurts? Yurts are the latest fad in camping, and these offer some much needed glamping in Georgia. These permanent round structures are made of a soft-sided canvas material, but inside it’s way more than a just fancy tent. If you’re looking for a bit more adventure than the rented cabins, this is your next step. Here you can be surrounded by nature without having to sleep on the ground.
Although these weekend yurt rentals don’t have a restroom inside, you’re only steps away from hot showers and toilets at the campground bathhouse. These yurts are soft-sided structures complete with a bunkbed and fold-out couch for your family of four. These yurts offer locking doors, windows, electricity inside, and a private grill and picnic table for cooking outside on the wooden deck. If you’re looking for yurts in Georgia for camping, here you go. Let friends stay nearby in tents while you sleep in a bed.
~~~> If you’ve always wanted a glamping adventure, check out this amazing Alabama glamping resort Retreet and Lake Guntersville, Alabama.
What is There To Do at Skidaway Island State Park?
Even though it’s just off the main Skidaway Island highway, this Georgia state park is set far enough into the trees that you will forget that the convenient town is only minutes down the road. Leading into the park, the winding road surrounded by moss-covered live oaks makes you feel like you’re driving up to one of those classic Southern historic homes.
Hike a Scenic Trail
Skidaway Island State Park trails will take you through maritime forests and salt marshes. These trails provide visitors with an up-close look at the area’s rich biodiversity, including towering live oaks draped in Spanish moss, stately pines, and a variety of bird species. The park’s most popular trail, the Sandpiper Trail Loop, is an easy 1-mile hike that offers stunning views of the salt marsh and opportunities to spot wildlife like fiddler crabs, egrets, and herons.
For those looking for a longer adventure, the Avian Loop Trail extends the exploration to nearly 3 miles, meandering through forested areas and along tidal creeks. The trails are well-marked and accessible for hikers of all skill levels, making them perfect for families and casual walkers.
Join a Park Ranger Trip
Throughout the year, the park offers ranger-led programs, including guided hikes, birdwatching tours, and educational talks on topics ranging from the coastal environment to the history of the Guale people who once inhabited the island.
Learn at the Visitor Center
The Skidaway Island Visitor Center isn’t only the place to check in for your weekend rental, this is also the place to learn all about the island including with live animal exhibits of local snakes and animals. There’s even a full-sized replica of a giant sloth skeleton which was found nearby. Grab ice, camping supplies, cold drinks, and gifts. Don’t forget to bring your Georgia State Park book to have a stamp added at the front desk.
The large deck and fire pit behind the Skidaway Visitor Center might be your new favorite hang out. It’s peaceful with a view overlooking the forest, so don’t pass it by.
~~~> If you want to have a fully remote barrier island experience, head to the Charleston area only two-and-a-half hours north for this amazing boat trip that my family loved.
Eat a Picnic and Enjoy the Playgrounds
With its serene setting and beautiful landscapes, Skidaway Island State Park is an ideal spot for a picnic. The park offers several picnic shelters and tables scattered throughout the area, many of which are located near the playground and scenic overlooks. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a meal with family or friends while soaking in the peaceful surroundings.
Only minutes from the park headquarters, there are two separate playgrounds for the kids. Parents can prepare lunch under the covered picnic pavilions and watch the kids play.
Skidaway Island State Park FAQs
Are there restrooms at Skidaway?
Restrooms are available at the Skidaway Visitor Center and at bathhouse towards the other end of the RV campground near the yurts.
Can I visit Skidaway for the day?
A day pass to Skidaway will cost your five dollars to enter the park.
Will I see animals at Skidaway?
Located right along the coastal waterway and the Skidaway River, keep your eyes out for water birds like egrets. While driving through the park, we saw a lot of white-tailed deer. With no natural predators (other than us) on the island, you have a pretty high chance of seeing them wander through the quiet park during your stay.
Is Skidaway Island State Park Good for Kids?
After a day keeping your kids close while walking through the streets of Savannah, they need some freedom for exploring. Head to the small Skidaway State Park Visitor Center to see some snakes and fish up close. Read about the history of the island and the sloth. Spend an hour swinging on the playground. And head off on a quiet mile-long walk through the maritime forest looking out over the swampland and marshes.
Secret Tip: Where’s the Best View on Skidaway?
True story. We drove around looking for a good view. I have always loved the peace of looking out over the marshland as we drive into the low country. But I can never get a good view from anywhere else.
This time, we went adventuring – see photo below. As you cross the bridge entering or leaving the island, look for a little off ramp or parking lot to the side. It looks like you’re not supposed to be there, but the locals use it! Park here and head off on the trail under the bridge. It takes you to this fishing pedestrian bridge where you can watch the fisherman, or just sit and look out as the egrets swoop down to grab fish.
Don’t forget to look down at the muddy bank and watch the fiddler crabs. The kids will love watching them scurry and fight.
What is Near Skidaway Island State Park?
The best places in Georgia are here on this blog post of Georgia favorites from our family travels. While we haven’t been everywhere in our home state of Georgia, we’ve been to some beautiful Georgia State Parks, amazing museums, and eye-opening historic sites.
- Fort Pulaski near Tybee Island – This Civil War historic site in Georgia is right on your way to Tybee. It’s a great stop for any Savannah trip or Georgia Civil War museum enthusiasm. Read all my travel mom tips here at “Explore Fort Pulaski.”
- UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium – Only 9 minutes away, this inexpensive outing is a perfect family activity near Skidaway. I haven’t gotten to go here yet, but it looks like I need to for sure!
- Wormsloe State Historic Site – Take a guided walk or wander around the tabby ruins of the oldest standing structures in Georgia at Wormsloe. In only 15 minutes, you can be viewing artifacts dating back to the founding of Georgia at this colonial homestead.
For more information on visiting Skidaway Island State Park, including details on camping reservations and park programs, visit the official Georgia State Parks website.
Thanks for stopping by my little corner! Here’s to your next adventure.
I’m Bobbie. As transplants from Texas, my family of six is on a mission to discover all of Georgia’s amazing places, experience amazing road trips across the United States, and create a homeschool life along the way.
Want to adventure like me? Reach out! I’d love to chat. Stop by my Instagram or Pinterest page to discover more of our adventures.
Want to work with me? I’d love to work with your destination and tourism board to help other family travelers see all you have to offer.
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