As one of several barrier islands off the coast of Georgia, Jekyll Island is a place to explore nature and get up close to it in many ways. Located about halfway between Savannah and Jacksonville, Florida, it has 10 miles of pristine beaches and woodlands, all of which are accessible from campsites on the northern tip of the island.
Environment
Jekyll Island is a National Historic Landmark District, ensuring that it remains an open and accessible place to embrace the outdoors in a healthy way. Visitors can experience dolphins, sea turtles, tidelands and marshes while camping on the island. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is on the southern side of the island, serving as a rescue center for sea turtles, while the Tidelands Nature Center offers guided kayak tours through salt marshes and coastal ecology tours.
Campground
On the northern tip of Jekyll Island, visitors can sleep comfortably beneath ancient oak trees in one of 206 campsites on 18 wooded acres. Areas are available for tent camping, as well as RV sites with hook-ups. It is just a few feet from the popular Driftwood Beach and opposite to the Clam Creek Picnic Area. A fishing pier is close by and historic ruins are available to explore. A general store provides various camping supplies, and will even rent bikes for exploring the island. The campground is equipped with electricity, cable television, water and sewerage. They even provide free Wi-Fi and DSL to registered guests.
Activities
Visitors to this island can stay as active as they want to, with golf, kayaking, tennis, soccer and 22 miles of hiking trails. Nature is celebrated here, with dolphin-watching, sea turtle walks and bird watching. The Summer Waves Water Park will keep the kids moving, with a wave pool, lazy river and tube rides. Horseback riding, sailing, jetskiing, scuba, fishing and ghost tours are available.
Nutrition
Surrounded by water and fresh air, it's no wonder that eating on this island often centers around seafood. From seafood buffets to Wild Georgia shrimp boils, oyster bakes, scallops, crabs and local fish varieties, it's easy to eat healthy and fresh cuisine here. Try it grilled, blackened, fried or just about any way you want it at one of the dozens of of local restaurants that overlook the river, perch on the historic wharf or nestle into the harbor marina.
Considerations
Preservation of natural resources is encouraged when visiting the island, especially during the sea turtle nesting periods of May through August. Visitors are encouraged to report injured sea turtles to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.
Member Comments