Quick camping trip a few hours from Savannah, GA?

February 19, 2009 6:21 AM

Camping spot near Savannah, GA that isn't populated by RVs? Looking to head out 2-3 hours north or south to find a primitive camp site with a group of 5 friends. Any suggestions?

I know eastern Georgia isn't prime for camping, but we are looking for a place to camp that isn't crammed in with people. We're open to heading north, south, or east! Thanks for your advice.

posted by apipameme to Travel & Transportation around Savannah, GA (13 answers total)

George L. Smith State Park has something called a Pioneer Campground, which seems to be a ways from the park roads/parking lots.
If I were looking for a backcountry-type experience in that part of the state, I'd probably look into the canoeing the Altamaha and finding likely sandbars or riverbanks (no personal experience in that, though, I'm lucky to be a few hours from the mountains).
posted by Dr. Grue at 6:30 AM on February 19, 2009

I'm quite fond of Hunting Island State Park. It should still be reasonably quiet as it's out of the way and still too early in the season for most campers.
posted by 1f2frfbf at 6:31 AM on February 19, 2009

Best answer: I can only offer general advice here. I go camping twice a year in southern Missouri. My mission when I go is to try and see the least amount of people (aside from the friends I go with) as possible, so seclusion is necessary. If you can find a state park or a national park - usually they have small access roads that run throughout the entire area that will lead deep into the forests and will offer up some pretty nice primitive camping spots.

Usually they allow car camping off of these roads, and if you find one that is pretty far off the beaten path - you can be a mile from the closest person and never see a soul while you are out.

Make sure they allow open flame and camping in these spots or a ranger could give you hassle. A call to the local park office should answer all of your questions.

I don't pay attention to "campgrounds" or specific places for people to camp. They are pretty populated and defeat the purpose of going camping to me.

Here is a link to where I go every year, so you can get an idea of what I mean: Google Maps Link.

Also, I can say that canoeing to a spot would be ideal as you will reach really remote spots. However, if you haven't canoed before, I do not suggest going your own on the first time.
posted by Brettus at 6:41 AM on February 19, 2009

I did a little looking - and I offer up no guarantee that I know what I am talking about, however Sumpter National Forest just north of Augusta looks very promising. It has tons of small roads throughtout the entire forest that may lead to some pretty sweet camping.

Google Maps puts this about 2 hrs 45 minutes from you.

Google Maps Link

This website offers pretty promising information about remote camping and does say that campfires are permitted.
posted by Brettus at 6:52 AM on February 19, 2009

Skidaway Island, in Savannah, has a pioneer camp. Never stayed there, but the island is regular visit for me and the wife, really nice and quiet out there.

Here's a few other possibilities, which I know nothing of.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 7:12 AM on February 19, 2009

There may be one on Jekyll island or nearby Cumberland. You can camp where JFK Jr. got married.
posted by pearlybob at 7:51 AM on February 19, 2009

I would recommend Edisto Beach State Park. Two hours and change north of Savannah (by way of I-95 and Highway 17), right on the South Carolina coast. You've your choice of camping near the beach or the salt marsh -- which is much cooler than you might think a marsh to be.
posted by grabbingsand at 8:25 AM on February 19, 2009

Seconding Hunting Island.
Haven't been there in years, but had a wonderful time.
posted by MtDewd at 11:00 AM on February 19, 2009

I've camped as a kid at Edisto and Huntington Island. Deserted. Just the way my parents liked it Truly, sometimes we'd play for hours in the surf and see only 5-10 other people.
posted by zpousman at 12:26 PM on February 19, 2009

Little Tybee! You can only get there by canoe/boat/inflatable raft and can camp on the beach.
posted by bradbane at 12:59 PM on February 19, 2009

Cumberland Island No more than 60 campers a night. No cars, tvs or radios. I went for a day once, and it was so charming and peaceful. Plus, there are wild horses and alligators everywhere.
posted by saffry at 3:49 PM on February 19, 2009

Cumberland Island is indeed great, and I have family from St. Mary's so I've been there many times, but be warned, you will need a reservation to get onto the island itself, so plan ahead.
posted by 1f2frfbf at 5:59 AM on February 20, 2009

Response by poster: Thanks for the great advice everyone!!
posted by apipameme at 10:00 AM on February 23, 2009