Tybee Island, Georgia is best known for its miles of white sand beaches, water sport and birding opportunities and historic sites. Best of all, Tybee Island is situated just a 20-minute drive from downtown Savannah, meaning that campers who want to enjoy Savannah's charm and historic sites won't have to travel far. Camping is an affordable and flexible lodging option when exploring the Tybee Island area.
Public Campgrounds
Public camping is available at nearby Skidway Island State Park, where campers will find maritime forests and salt marshes. Skidway Island's campgrounds offer both modern and primitive campsites and all 87 campsites have a picnic table and fire grate. Modern campsites have electric and water hookups. The park features amenities, such as restroom and shower facilities, an observation tower, an interpretive center, three playgrounds, a one-mile nature trail and part of the Colonial Coast Birding Trail. As of August 2010, nightly rates cost between $25 to $28 per night.
Privately-owned Campgrounds
Privately-owned campgrounds tend to offer more services and amenities than their public counterparts and all have modern shower and restroom facilities and most campsites have full electric and water hookups. Rivers End Campground is the only campground actually located on Tybee Island and offers primitive and modern camping and amenities, such as a swimming pool, cable TV, book exchange and small game room. Red Gate Campground and RV Resort is sprawled over 200 acres and offers amenities, such as complimentary Wi-Fi, a fitness center, basketball and volleyball courts, fishing ponds, a meeting room, clubhouse and picnic area. Bellaire Campground is situated on 24 wooded acres with amenities, such as a swimming pool, boat ramp, playground, laundry, dump station and camp store.
Camping Considerations
Because of its many beaches and its proximity to Savannah, Tybee Island campground tends to fill up quickly, especially between Memorial and Labor Day, so its wise to make your camping reservations as far in advance as possible. If you plan to do a lot of hiking, kayaking or birding, be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen, bug repellent and water, especially in summer, when temperatures and humidity can reach the near triple digits.
Water Sports
Like any coastal destination, water sports, such as jet skiing, water skiing, boating, sailing, parasailing, kitesurfing, body surfing, swimming and sunbathing are popular on Tybee's many beaches. Anglers can charter an all day deep sea fishing excursion, or rent a surf board or kayak from North Island Surf and Kayak. Canoe or Kayak through the Okefenokee Swamp or take a dolphin tour off of any of the main beaches.
Land-based Activities
Campers who prefer to stay active on land, head to the LIttle Tybee Nature Preserve or get your binoculars out and hit the birding trails by heading to Blue Heron Nature Trail, the Sally Pearce Birding Trail or the North Beach Birding Trail, where you can see endangered birds such as the black-bellied plover and the purple sandpiper. If you're traveling with kids, you'll want to check out the Tybee Lighthouse, Fort Pulaski and the Tybee Museum. For volleyball or tennis, head to Memorial Park and for a game of soccer or Softball, try out Jaycee Park.
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