RV Parks Near Skidaway Island State Park, Georgia

Quick Definition

Skidaway Island State Park is a 588-acre nature preserve 12 miles south of Savannah in Chatham County, built entirely on maritime forest and salt marsh habitat. The park features two main walking trails—Big Ferry Trail (3.0 miles) and Sandpiper Trail (2.5 miles)—that loop through pine flatwoods, tidal creeks, and restored marsh edges. The Big Ferry Trail passes ancient tabby ruins and opens onto salt marsh overlooks; the Sandpiper Trail winds through scenic flatwoods and creek-side habitat. This is not a developed resort or beach destination. It's a working coastal ecosystem where you'll see white-tailed deer, armadillos, eastern box turtles, wood storks, great blue herons, osprey, and painted buntings. It's one of Georgia's premier birding destinations, and the on-site camping—87 campsites with water and electric hookups—fills year-round, particularly during spring and fall migration seasons.

Camping at Skidaway Island costs $25–30 per night. Most sites accommodate RVs up to 40 feet; some accept 50-foot rigs. But here's the catch: not all 87 sites have full hookups. Many are water and electric only, and there is no dump station on-site. If you need 30/50-amp service or full amenities, you'll need to book one of the private RV parks within 8–25 miles of the park, which is why understanding the regional options is essential. For more context on the broader coastal Georgia landscape, see Coastal Georgia RV Parks.

TL;DR

• Park: Skidaway Island State Park, 12 miles south of Savannah
• Size & ecosystem: 588 acres, maritime forest and salt marsh
• Camping: 87 sites, water/electric hookups only, $25–30/night, gastateparks.org for reservations
• Max length: 40 feet for most sites; some accommodate 50 feet
• Trails: Big Ferry (3.0 mi, tabby ruins, marsh overlooks) and Sandpiper (2.5 mi, flatwoods and creeks)
• Wildlife & birding: White-tailed deer, armadillos, box turtles, wading birds (herons, egrets, osprey), painted buntings; excellent year-round but peak in spring/fall
• Nearby attractions: Wormsloe Historic Site (3 miles north, famous live oak avenue, $10 entry), Diamond Causeway scenic drive, Savannah Historic District (12 miles), Fort Pulaski (18 miles northeast)
• Beach access: Skidaway Island is NOT a beach—it's an interior tidal estuary. Tybee Island (20 miles east) is the closest Atlantic beach.
• Best seasons: Spring (March–May) and Fall (September–November) for comfortable weather and peak birding
• Summer warning: Hot, humid, heavy mosquitoes
• Full-hookup overflow: Private parks (Savannah South KOA, Pooler RV Resort, Garden City RV Park) within 20–25 miles offer full 50-amp hookups and are the go-to for extended stays
• State park limitations: No on-site dump station; plan to use Savannah-area facilities

For a broader look at Georgia camping, see Georgia RV Parks.

Where to Stay Near Skidaway Island

On-Site: Skidaway Island State Park

If your RV is under 40 feet (or you secure one of the rare 50-foot sites) and you can accept water/electric-only hookups, camping directly at Skidaway Island State Park is hard to beat. You're immersed in the habitat, trails are a five-minute walk from most campsites, and the $25–30 nightly rate is unbeatable for a state park campground. The park operates year-round, but spring (March–April) and fall (September–October) book months ahead. Reserve at gastateparks.org as soon as your travel dates solidify.

Note: Some sites are more spacious than others. Call ahead or check the site map before booking if you're at the 40–50-foot range.

Nearby in Chatham County

For full hookups and dump stations, you'll need to leave Skidaway Island proper. Thunderbolt Marina RV Park, 8 miles northwest on the way back to Savannah, offers partial hookups and a riverside location. River's End Campground on Tybee Island (20 miles northeast) has partial hookups and is closer to the beach if you want to split time between the estuary and the Atlantic shore.

Private Full-Hookup Parks Within 20–25 Miles

Savannah South KOA (20 miles northwest, near I-95) is the area's largest private park and offers full 50-amp hookups, pull-thru sites, and amenities like pools and Wi-Fi. It's a traditional KOA setup—convenient but less scenic than on-site state park camping. Pooler RV Resort (25 miles northwest) and Garden City RV Park (22 miles northwest) are similarly equipped with full hookups, pull-thru options, and modern infrastructure. I-95 North Savannah RV in Port Wentworth also handles full-hookup overflow for groups that need more space or amenities.

The Practical Choice

Most visitors do a hybrid: camp 2–3 nights at Skidaway Island State Park (trail days, wildlife focus), then move to a full-hookup park for laundry, resupply, or a longer stay. Fort McAllister State Park (25 miles southwest in Richmond Hill) is another state option with limited hookups, if you're exploring the southern Savannah coast.

For more detail on Savannah-area parks, see Savannah RV Parks.

Things to Do at Skidaway Island and the Savannah Coast

Skidaway Island State Park Trails

Big Ferry Trail is the park's signature route. At 3.0 miles, it winds through dense maritime forest, crosses a restored salt marsh on boardwalk, and opens onto overlooks of the tidal marshlands that feed the Intracoastal Waterway. You'll see ancient tabby ruins—remnants of early settlement—embedded in the landscape. The trail is mostly shaded and flat; expect 60–90 minutes at a leisurely birding pace.

Sandpiper Trail (2.5 miles) loops through pine flatwoods and coastal hardwoods, crossing several tidal creeks. It's quieter than Big Ferry and better for spotting deer and armadillos. Both trails are well-maintained, blazed, and accessible to most fitness levels.

Birding

Spring and fall are peak migration seasons. Painted buntings (brilliant blue, green, and red plumage) arrive in April and stay through October. Wood storks and great blue herons hunt the salt marshes year-round. Osprey nest in spring and early summer. Warblers, sandpipers, and shorebirds pulse through during migration. Bring binoculars and a field guide—or visit during one of the park's ranger-led birding walks.

Wormsloe Historic Site

Three miles north of Skidaway Island, Wormsloe Historic Site preserves 10 miles of tabby ruins from a 1730s plantation and a famous avenue of live oak trees—one of the most photographed spots in the American South. The live oak avenue, planted in the 1800s, creates a tunnel of Spanish moss-draped branches that photographers love. Admission is $10 per vehicle. Warning: the main entrance road and grounds are not suitable for large RVs. Park at the visitor center or lot and walk; it's worth it.

Diamond Causeway

The 5-mile causeway that connects Savannah to Skidaway Island is itself a scenic drive. It crosses the Intracoastal Waterway and multiple tidal creeks, offering water views and occasional sightings of dolphins and fishing boats. Drive or bike it slowly at sunrise or sunset.

Savannah Historic District

Twelve miles north, Savannah's grid of historic squares, moss-draped oaks, and antebellum architecture is a full day of walking and dining. Most RV parks are northwest of the historic core; parking for large RVs is limited downtown, but you can find street parking or use a day-lot near Forsyth Park. River Street has restaurants and river views; Broughton Street has shops and cafes.

Fort Pulaski National Monument

Eighteen miles northeast, this well-preserved 1829 brick fortress sits on Cockspur Island and tells the story of coastal defense and the Civil War. The grounds are spacious for walking, the brick structure is impressive, and the views of the Savannah River estuary are excellent. Plan 2–3 hours. Admission is $10 per vehicle.

Alligators in the Marsh

Yes, American alligators live in the salt marshes and tidal creeks around Skidaway. They're wary of humans, especially in cool seasons. You're more likely to see them basking in warm months (May–September). Keep a respectful distance (15+ feet) if you spot one. The park has never had a documented incident, and the estuary's abundance of fish and crustaceans means gators have no reason to bother people.

If you're extending east toward the Atlantic, Tybee Island RV Parks covers the beach options.

Practical Tips for Skidaway Island RV Camping

Best Seasons

Spring (March–May): Daytime temps 65–75°F, nights 50–60°F. Wildflowers bloom, migratory birds arrive, mosquitoes are manageable. This is peak season; book 2–3 months ahead.

Fall (September–November): Daytime temps 75–85°F in early fall, cooling to 60–70°F by late October. Second migratory peak, fewer insects, and lower humidity than summer. Also peak; expect limited availability mid-September through October.

Summer (June–August): Daytime temps 85–95°F, humidity high, and mosquitoes prolific. Drawback: bugs drive many campers to full-hookup parks with screened patios. Upside: fewer crowds, rates may dip slightly, and the park is lush and alive.

Winter (December–February): Daytime temps 50–60°F, nights 40–50°F. Occasional freeze; some northern visitors escape to the mild coastal climate. Birding continues, but migratory species are sparse. Least crowded season.

Hookups & Dump Stations

Skidaway Island State Park offers water and electric (15/20-amp) at all 87 campsites. Full 30/50-amp hookups are not available. Some sites are water/electric only; verify at reservation. There is no dump station on-site. Plan to empty tanks at private parks in Savannah (Savannah South KOA, Pooler RV Resort) or request park staff to point you to a nearby facility.

RV Length Limits

Maximum length is 40 feet for most sites, with a handful of 50-foot sites available. If you're pushing 40 feet, contact the park directly to confirm site assignment. Tow vehicles and trailers under 20 feet total are generally okay in normal loops.

Insect Management

Mosquitoes peak late May–September, especially in still, humid conditions. Bring insect repellent, use it liberally on skin and clothes, and consider mesh screens or a mosquito net if you're sensitive. The park's breezy ridges and open marsh areas have fewer insects than wooded campsites. Bug spray is available at the visitor center, but stock up in Savannah if you need a specific brand.

Biking

Trails are hiking-only, but the park road and nearby causeway are scenic for biking. Bring a bike or rent in Savannah and make the Diamond Causeway a destination ride.

Cell & Wi-Fi

Cell coverage (AT&T, Verizon) is spotty in some campsites due to dense forest. Wi-Fi is not available on-site. If you need reliable connectivity, book at a private park with Wi-Fi, or plan offline time as a feature.

Weather & Tides

Salt marshes flood at high tide; trails stay dry because they're on elevated ridges. Check tide tables if you want to explore tidal creeks on foot. Storm season is June–November (Atlantic hurricane season); summer thunderstorms are brief but intense.

Pets

Skidaway Island State Park allows pets on leash. Keep dogs out of water (algae blooms and parasites) and off trails during peak birding season. Private parks have varying pet policies; check before booking.

For off-site full-hookup options, Savannah South KOA and Pooler RV Resort are the top choices in the region.

Cost Math

Skidaway Island State Park Camping

• Nightly rate: $25–30 (depending on season and site amenities)
• Peak season (March–May, September–October): Expect $28–30
• Off-season (June–August, November–February): $25–27
• Annual pass: Georgia residents can purchase an annual pass for state parks; non-residents pay per night
• Dump station: None on-site; private parks charge $5–15 per dump

Multi-Day Budget (3 nights at Skidaway)

• Camping: 3 nights × $28 = $84
• Fuel (assuming ~100 miles round-trip from Jacksonville or inland): ~$30–40
• Park entry/Wormsloe Historic Site ($10): $10
• Dining (groceries + 1–2 restaurant meals): $60–80
• Total: ~$185–215

Overnight at Full-Hookup Overflow Park

If you need a fourth night with full hookups and dump station:

• Savannah South KOA: $45–65/night (depending on season and site type)
• Pooler RV Resort: $38–52/night
• Difference from state park: $15–40/night (premium for amenities)

Weekly Stay (7 nights split)

• 4 nights Skidaway Island State Park: 4 × $28 = $112
• 3 nights full-hookup park (Savannah South KOA midseason): 3 × $55 = $165
• Dump station (1 use): $10
• Total: ~$287 for lodging + dump

This assumes you stay put after the first 4 nights at the state park, which is realistic if you're doing 2–3 trail days plus one rest/resupply day.

Long-Term (30-day monthly)

Monthly rates for private parks often discount 10–20% off the daily rate:

• Savannah South KOA monthly: ~$700–900 (vs. $1,350–1,950 at daily rate)
• Most state parks don't offer monthly camping

For a full month focused on Skidaway Island State Park, you'd alternate or commit to the private park and day-trip to the trails.

Skidaway Island Area RV Parks: At a Glance

Park Selection Logic:

• State park camping on a budget: Skidaway Island State Park (water/electric, $25–30)
• Extended stay with full amenities: Savannah South KOA or Pooler RV Resort
• Closest to trails: Thunderbolt Marina RV (8 mi)
• Beach-plus-estuary hybrid: River's End Campground (Tybee Island, 20 mi)
• RV overflow + group space: I-95 North Savannah RV or Garden City RV Park

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Skidaway Island have beach access? No. Skidaway Island is an interior tidal estuary island dominated by salt marsh and maritime forest. It has no sandy beaches. Tybee Island, 20 miles east, is the nearest Atlantic beach with public access and a pier. The Intracoastal Waterway borders the island, but swimming is not recommended due to current and watercraft traffic.

What hookup types are available at Skidaway Island State Park? All 87 campsites have water and electric (15/20-amp) connections. Full 30/50-amp hookups are not available. Some sites are water/electric only; others may have slight service upgrades, but the park does not advertise premium electrical service. Verify the specifics of your assigned site at check-in.

What is the maximum RV length at Skidaway Island State Park? Most sites accommodate RVs up to 40 feet. A limited number of sites (roughly 10–15) can handle 50-foot rigs. If you're at or above 40 feet, contact the park directly at the reservation line or via gastateparks.org to request a long-site assignment and confirm hookup type.

What are the details about Wormsloe Historic Site? Wormsloe Historic Site, 3 miles north of Skidaway Island, preserves tabby ruins from a 1730s plantation and a famous avenue of live oak trees (planted in the 1800s). The live oak avenue is one of the most photographed locations in the South, with branches forming a natural tunnel draped in Spanish moss. Admission is $10 per vehicle. The grounds are spacious for walking, but the main entrance road is narrow and not suitable for large RVs; park at the visitor center lot and walk. Plan 1–2 hours.

Can I see alligators in the marsh around Skidaway Island? Yes. American alligators live in salt marshes and tidal creeks throughout the coastal Georgia estuary. They are present year-round but more visible and active in warm months (May–September). They are wary of humans and rarely approach people. Maintain a respectful distance (15+ feet), and never feed or provoke them. The park has an excellent safety record, and gators have abundant natural food sources, so incidents are extremely rare.

What is the Diamond Causeway? The Diamond Causeway is the 5-mile road that connects Savannah to Skidaway Island. It crosses the Intracoastal Waterway and multiple tidal creeks, offering excellent views of the estuary, water birds, and occasional dolphins. It's a scenic drive or bike route, especially at sunrise or sunset. Most RVs navigate it without issue, though it has two narrow bridge sections.

What is the best time of year to visit for birding? Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are peak migration seasons and offer the greatest bird diversity. Spring brings painted buntings, warblers, and shorebirds; fall has similar diversity plus wading birds. Summer (June–August) offers resident species like wood storks, herons, and egrets but fewer migrant species. Winter birding is productive for waterfowl and raptors. Check with the park's visitor center for recent sightings and guided bird walks.

How far is Skidaway Island from Savannah? Skidaway Island State Park is approximately 12 miles south of downtown Savannah, or about a 20-minute drive via the Diamond Causeway (GA-80) or Victory Drive. Most RV parks are another 8–20 miles northwest toward I-95, so plan 30–40 minutes of drive time to explore the Savannah Historic District.

Is there a dump station on-site at Skidaway Island State Park? No. There is no dump station at Skidaway Island State Park. You must use a facility at a private RV park (Savannah South KOA, Pooler RV Resort, etc.) or request directions to the nearest municipal dump from the park office. Private parks typically charge $5–15 for a non-guest dump. Plan accordingly, especially for longer stays.

How bad is mosquito season around Skidaway Island? Mosquitoes are present year-round but peak June–September, with the heaviest pressure in late July and August. Still, warm, humid evenings are worst. Breezy ridgetop campsites have fewer bugs than wooded or low-lying sites. Bring insect repellent, use it liberally, and consider staying in a screened area during dawn and dusk. If bug pressure is a dealbreaker, visit in spring (March–May) or fall (September–November) when mosquitoes are minimal.

Skidaway Island State Park is constrained—just 87 sites, no full hookups, and no dump station. It's a premier destination for nature and birding, but it fills fast, especially in spring and fall. Private RV parks within 20–25 miles (Savannah South KOA, Pooler RV Resort, Garden City RV Park) pick up the overflow with full-hookup sites, pull-thrus, and amenities.

Here's why that matters for park operators: visitors coming to experience Wormsloe Historic Site's live oak avenue and Skidaway Island's salt marsh trails don't want to sacrifice full hookups or waste time managing waste. They come for 3–5 days, camp one or two nights at the state park to hike, then move to a private park with laundry, Wi-Fi, dump facilities, and screened patios. A well-positioned full-hookup park within 15–25 miles of Skidaway Island—especially one marketed to nature travelers and photographers—captures consistent occupancy from this exact cohort: upscale, multi-night stays, willing to pay $45–60/night, and looking for a comfortable base while they explore the coast.

The demand is there. The supply of convenient full-hookup options is limited. If you're an operator in Savannah, Chatham County, or South Savannah looking to expand or reposition your property, this is underserved market opportunity. Visitors don't want to drive 25 miles to I-95 for amenities; they want a park 10–15 miles from Skidaway Island that feels like a destination in itself.

If you'd like to explore whether your property is positioned to capture this demand, let's talk. Reach out to Jenna Reed, Director of Acquisitions, rv-parks.org, jenna@rv-parks.org, or visit /sell.