RV Parks Near Tybee Island, Georgia

Quick Definition

Tybee Island is a small barrier island 18 miles east of Savannah via US-80, home to about 3,000 permanent residents and known as Savannah's primary beach destination. Located in Chatham County, this narrow strip of land stretches along the Atlantic coast and has become Georgia's most accessible coastal getaway for metro visitors. The island's centerpiece is the Tybee Island Light Station, Georgia's oldest lighthouse dating to 1736 (the current tower was rebuilt in 1867 and stands 165 feet tall). The lighthouse remains active under Coast Guard operation and offers daily public access—a challenging climb of 178 steps rewards visitors with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Little Tybee Island, and Fort Pulaski. Admission is $10, and the structure includes a preserved lighthouse keeper's cottage from 1812 and several outbuildings.

Beyond the lighthouse, Tybee Island hosts 3 miles of Atlantic beach, the Tybee Island Marine Science Center with its live marsh exhibits, and immediate proximity to Fort Pulaski National Monument, a federal historic site 6 miles west. The island's compact layout and beach-focused economy mean RV camping options are limited on-island, but the nearby Savannah I-95 corridor compensates with dozens of full-hookup parks. For comprehensive regional options, see Coastal Georgia RV Parks.

TL;DR

• 3 miles of Atlantic beach with three distinct zones: North Beach (quiet, no alcohol), South Beach (busy, food vendors, summer concerts), Middle Beach (residential calm)
• Tybee Island Lighthouse: Georgia's oldest light, built 1736; current tower 1867; 178-step climb to the top; $10 admission; open daily 9am–5:30pm
• Fort Pulaski National Monument: 6 miles west, completed 1847 with 25 million bricks; site of the April 1862 Civil War battle where Union rifled cannon destroyed masonry walls in 30 hours, permanently changing military doctrine; $10 admission; excellent RV parking in open lot
• Tybee Island Marine Science Center: public aquarium at 1509 Strand; $5 admission; live marsh creatures (blue crabs, sea turtles, stingrays); guided beach walks available ($10, 1.5 hours)
• 18 miles east of Savannah via US-80; quick day trip or extended stay hub
• Very limited on-island RV parking: small parks, no large-rig facilities; primary RV base is the Savannah I-95 corridor, 25–30 minutes away
• Summer weekends: 10,000+ day-trippers from the Savannah metro (375,000+ residents); book lodging well ahead
• St. Patrick's Day season (March): Savannah's celebration fills all coastal Georgia parks months in advance

For more options across the state, check Georgia RV Parks.

Where to Stay Near Tybee Island

Tybee Island's geography and zoning restrictions limit on-island RV options, so smart campers choose from four distinct zones based on their priorities.

Tybee Island On-Island: River's End Campground is the only RV option directly on the island—a city-operated facility with 100 sites, full hookups, and nightly rates of $40–$60. Book through cityoftybee.org; the park fills quickly during summer weekends and holidays. Maximum RV length is 40 feet, and sites are tighter than mainland parks due to the island's compact footprint. Parking near Jaycee Park or using the Tybee Trolley from downtown Savannah is a viable alternative for day-use visitors without a reservation.

Savannah I-95 North Corridor (25 miles west): This is the largest RV park cluster in the region, concentrated in Garden City and Port Wentworth. Full hookups, pull-through sites, and rates of $35–$50 per night make this the workhorse option for travelers combining Savannah's historic district with Tybee beach access. The 30-minute drive to Tybee is manageable, and from here, you're positioned for both city exploration and coastal days.

Skidaway Island State Park (20 miles southwest): A nature-focused alternative offering a state park campground setting with trails and marsh access, roughly 10 miles closer to Tybee than the I-95 corridor parks. No full hookups, but rates ($22–$30 per night) and the quieter environment appeal to visitors prioritizing natural surroundings. Visit gastateparks.org/skidaway-island for details.

Pooler / Savannah West (30 miles): This area offers the most amenities and the quietest location, best suited for travelers planning extended Savannah historic district time rather than repeated Tybee day trips.

Things to Do Near Tybee Island

Tybee Island's appeal extends well beyond the beach. Here are five must-do attractions for RV campers.

Tybee Island Light Station: The star attraction. This is Georgia's oldest lighthouse—the original light was built in 1736 by colonists—with the current tower constructed in 1867. Standing 165 feet tall, the light remains an active Coast Guard aid to navigation. The 178-step climb is steep but manageable; at the top, you'll see unobstructed views of the Atlantic, Little Tybee Island to the south, and Fort Pulaski to the west. The keeper's cottage (1812) and several support buildings are preserved on the grounds. Admission is $10; the facility opens daily at 9am and closes at 5:30pm. Parking is available but limited for large vehicles—plan your RV visit accordingly or park in town and walk.

Fort Pulaski National Monument: Located 6 miles west on US-80, this Civil War fortress was completed in 1847 using 25 million bricks. Its significance stems from the Battle of Fort Pulaski (April 10–11, 1862), when Union rifled cannon—a new technology—destroyed the masonry walls in just 30 hours. This battle demonstrated that vertical masonry forts were obsolete; it fundamentally changed military architecture and doctrine. Admission is $10. The park provides large RV parking in an open lot, trails around the moat and battery, and daily ranger programs in season. Visit nps.gov/fopu for current hours and program schedules.

Tybee Island Beaches: The island's three beach zones serve different preferences. North Beach, near the lighthouse, attracts families seeking quiet water and fewer crowds—alcohol is not permitted here. South Beach, anchored on Strand Avenue, is the busiest zone with food vendors, volleyball courts, summer concert series, and the Tybee Island Marine Science Center. Middle Beach is the residential, quieter option between the two. Water temperatures range from 75–82°F during the prime June–September season. Summer brings frequent rip current advisories; check the National Weather Service forecast before swimming.

Tybee Island Marine Science Center: This public aquarium and education facility sits at 1509 Strand Avenue. For $5 admission, you'll see live marsh creatures—blue crabs, sea turtles, stingrays—in tanks. The center also offers guided beach walks led by naturalists ($10, 1.5 hours), ideal for families with kids interested in coastal ecology. It's air-conditioned and provides a good refuge on hot summer days.

Little Tybee Island: This uninhabited barrier island lies immediately south of Tybee Island and is accessible only by kayak or boat—typically a 15–30 minute paddle. The 3,000+ acres remain largely undeveloped, with pristine beach, marsh, and maritime forest. There are no facilities on the island. Little Tybee is a premier birdwatching destination (painted buntings, seaside sparrows, shorebirds) and a scenic destination for paddlers seeking solitude. Kayak rentals and guided tours operate from Happy Paddler and other Tybee outfitters; expect to pay $45–$75 for a guided paddle.

For additional coastal attractions and parks in the region, see Savannah RV Parks.

Practical Tips for Tybee Island RV Camping

River's End Campground booking: This is the best on-island option, but it fills fast. Call 912-786-5518 to book months in advance for summer weekends and especially for the St. Patrick's Day season (March). Maximum RV length is 40 feet; the park is located near North Beach.

US-80 traffic patterns: The two-lane highway from Savannah to Tybee Island becomes congested during summer weekends, particularly from noon to 6pm. If you're visiting in peak season, leave before 10am or after 4pm to avoid backups. This timing also avoids peak beach parking chaos.

On-island parking for day-use visitors: Beach parking is metered, paid, and fills by 9am during summer. Consider parking at Jaycee Park for a longer stay or use the Tybee Trolley, which runs from downtown Savannah—this is often cheaper and less stressful than hunting for beach parking with an RV.

Hurricane evacuation readiness: Tybee Island has A-zone hurricane evacuation status, meaning it's among the first areas ordered to evacuate. Monitor NOAA forecasts closely during the June–November hurricane season. All campgrounds provide evacuation instructions; ask at check-in and plan an evacuation route before the season begins.

Beach alcohol ordinance: No alcohol is permitted on Tybee public beaches from noon to midnight (city ordinance). Alcohol is allowed before noon and after midnight, but enforcement is active. This is a hard rule—violations result in citations.

For nearby coastal camping strategies, see Brunswick RV Parks.

Cost Math

A realistic 3-night Tybee Island RV trip for two people breaks down as follows:

On-island (River's End Campground): $40–$60 per night × 3 nights = $120–$180 total Mainland Savannah RV park (I-95 corridor): $35–$50 per night × 3 nights = $105–$150 total Hotel alternative (Tybee Island summer): $140–$220 per night × 3 nights = $420–$660 total

Attractions and activities:

• Tybee Island Lighthouse: $10
• Fort Pulaski National Monument: $10
• Tybee Island Marine Science Center: $5
• Total attractions: $25–$35

Total 3-night RV trip (camping + activities): $105–$180 lodging + $25–$35 activities = $130–$215 total. Total 3-night hotel trip: $420–$660 (lodging only), and you'll still pay for attractions and food.

RV camping saves 70–80% compared to hotel stays while offering more cooking flexibility and space.

Tybee Island Area RV Parks: At a Glance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the history of the Tybee Island Lighthouse, and can I climb to the top? The Tybee Island Light Station has the oldest lighthouse origin in Georgia, dating to 1736 when colonists built the first light. The current tower was constructed in 1867 and stands 165 feet tall. Yes, you can climb to the top via 178 steps. The light remains active under U.S. Coast Guard operation. Admission is $10, and the facility is open daily 9am–5:30pm. The keeper's cottage and support buildings are also on the grounds and worth exploring.

How far is it from Savannah's Historic District to Tybee Island? Tybee Island is 18 miles east of downtown Savannah via US-80. The drive typically takes 30–40 minutes in light traffic, but can stretch to an hour or more during summer weekend afternoons. Plan accordingly when combining historic district visits with beach time.

Can I park a large RV at Tybee Island beaches? On-island beach parking is for cars and small vehicles only. Large RV parking is extremely limited. If you're staying at River's End Campground, your site serves as your base. For day-use, consider parking at an I-95 corridor RV park and using the Tybee Trolley from downtown Savannah, which eliminates the need to drive and park a large rig near the beach.

What happened at Fort Pulaski in 1862, and why does it matter? The Battle of Fort Pulaski (April 10–11, 1862) saw Union rifled cannon destroy the fort's masonry walls in just 30 hours. This battle demonstrated that vertical masonry fortifications were obsolete against modern artillery, permanently changing military doctrine and fortress design. It's a pivotal moment in military history and well-explained by park rangers on-site.

When is the best time to visit Tybee Island for swimming? Water temperatures are warmest and most comfortable June through September, ranging from 75–82°F. This is also peak tourist season, so beaches are crowded and parking is competitive. Shoulder seasons (May and October) offer warmer water than spring and still manageable crowds. Winter water is cold (50–60°F) and not ideal for casual swimming.

Is Little Tybee Island accessible by kayak, and do I need a permit? Little Tybee Island is accessible only by kayak or boat. No permit is required to land and explore the island (it's unoccupied and open to the public), but it's recommended to go with a guided tour operator, especially if you're not an experienced paddler. The 15–30 minute paddle can be challenging in rough water. Rental companies and tour operators like Happy Paddler can handle logistics.

What is the on-island RV campground at Tybee, and how do I book it? River's End Campground is the only RV option directly on Tybee Island. It's city-operated, with 100 sites, full hookups, and rates of $40–$60 per night. Book through cityoftybee.org or call 912-786-5518. Maximum RV length is 40 feet. Reserve well in advance for summer weekends and St. Patrick's Day season (March).

Are dogs allowed on Tybee Island beaches? Dog policies vary by beach zone and season. North Beach and Middle Beach have fewer restrictions than South Beach. Some areas permit dogs before a certain hour or during off-season months. Check with the Tybee Island Parks and Recreation Department before your visit, or ask at your campground for current regulations.

What's the hurricane evacuation procedure for Tybee Island campers? Tybee Island has A-zone hurricane evacuation status. During hurricane season (June–November), monitor NOAA forecasts. If an evacuation order is issued, all campers must leave immediately. All campgrounds provide evacuation instructions and maps at check-in. Plan a destination route before the season starts—most RV campers head inland to Savannah or further west to avoid congestion.

How far is Tybee Island from Hilton Head Island, SC? Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, is approximately 90 miles south of Tybee Island via US-17, roughly a 2-hour drive. Many RV travelers combine both destinations in a single coastal trip, especially those interested in exploring multiple state beaches and golf communities.

Ready to Invest in Coastal Georgia?

River's End Campground stands as proof of what demand looks like on Tybee Island. It's perpetually full, with advance bookings stretching months ahead. Yet the private RV market here remains extremely thin—municipal ownership and tight island zoning have kept large-scale commercial development minimal.

That's an opportunity.

Savannah's metro population exceeds 375,000 residents. Tybee Island is their beach—18 miles, 30 minutes by car. Summer rates and occupancy at any RV park within 30 miles of this island are consistently strong. St. Patrick's Day in Savannah (March) alone fills every coastal Georgia park for three weeks. Spring break, summer weekends, fall festivals—the demand calendar is packed.

If you operate or own an RV park within the Savannah I-95 corridor or anywhere along the coastal Georgia zone, you're positioned in one of the region's most reliable demand markets. If you're considering selling a property with strong seasonal performance, consistent occupancy, or untapped expansion potential, now is the time to have a serious conversation.

I'm Jenna Reed, Director of Acquisitions at rv-parks.org. I work with park owners who are ready to explore strategic exits. We focus on properties with solid fundamentals, proven cash flow, and owners ready to talk real numbers.

If you're curious about what your park might be worth, or if you'd like to discuss the options available to you, email me directly at jenna@rv-parks.org. Or visit /sell to begin the conversation.

Tybee Island won't stay this way forever. Markets shift. Develop accordingly.