Comments on: Quick camping trip a few hours from Savannah, GA?

Question: Quick camping trip a few hours from Savannah, GA?

apipameme — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 06:21:19 -0800

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.

By: Dr. Grue

Dr. Grue — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 06:30:35 -0800

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).

By: 1f2frfbf

1f2frfbf — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 06:31:10 -0800

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.

By: Brettus

Brettus — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 06:41:03 -0800

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.

By: Brettus

Brettus — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 06:52:17 -0800

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.

By: Brandon Blatcher

Brandon Blatcher — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 07:12:50 -0800

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.

By: pearlybob

pearlybob — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 07:51:42 -0800

There may be one on Jekyll island or nearby Cumberland. You can camp where JFK Jr. got married.

By: grabbingsand

grabbingsand — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 08:25:02 -0800

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.

By: MtDewd

MtDewd — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 11:00:11 -0800

Seconding Hunting Island.
Haven't been there in years, but had a wonderful time.

By: zpousman

zpousman — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 12:26:39 -0800

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.

By: bradbane

bradbane — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 12:59:47 -0800

Little Tybee! You can only get there by canoe/boat/inflatable raft and can camp on the beach.

By: saffry

saffry — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 15:49:43 -0800

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.

By: 1f2frfbf

1f2frfbf — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 05:59:48 -0800

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.

By: apipameme

apipameme — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 10:00:57 -0800

Thanks for the great advice everyone!!