Some outdoor enthusiasts might advocate for camping as a refreshing immersion in the great outdoors without the distractions of modern technology. However, not everyone is as optimistic about spending a few nights in a tent. Thankfully, campgrounds are no longer confined to uncomfortably tossing and turning on the earth’s bumpy terrain. They are complete with amenities to make the experience enjoyable for everyone from the glamper to the hard-core camper.
Red Gate Campground
136 Red Gate Farms Trail, Savannah • (912) 272-8028
Taking an RV out to sites such as Red Gate Campground is a camping-friendly alternative to “roughing it.” Opened in 2009, Red Gate proudly operates as a family-owned RV park and campground, just 10 minutes from the Historic District. Their 200 acres of land make it the perfect spot for RV enthusiasts and classic, tent-devoted campers.
Savannah’s own Old Town Trolleys will even pick up visitors from Red Gate for a tour. Families can embrace a natural escape by fishing, playing with Red Gate’s farm animals. The even have a horseback riding trail and old-fashioned horse shoe pits. For larger RV rigs, Red Gate has oversized sites as well as an RV Propane and LP Refill. Red Gate delivers on its tagline as “Your oasis of southern charm.” A farmhouse, clubhouse, grills, pool, playground, volleyball, tetherball, walking and biking trails and fishing lakes are onsite. It’s also one of the sweetest spots for couples to have a romantic Southern wedding. Red Gate has several spaces to say I do and host the reception.
Skidaway Island State Park
52 Diamond Causeway, Savannah • (912) 598-2300
Follow Georgia’s intracoastal waterway to discover this unique maritime forest and marshland ideal for a true Southern escape. Set on 588 acres, Skidaway Island State Park is by far the largest park in Savannah. They offer three camper cabins, 87 campsites and three pioneer campgrounds for groups of 10+. There are many trails along the marshes of Skidaway River, perfect for biking and hiking. Skidaway Island State Park is for the coastal camper who wants to sleep beneath the Spanish moss and towering live oak trees.
RV sites sprawl next to the park’s camper cabins. The cabins have screened-in porches, air conditioning, a full bathroom, kitchen, master bedroom and sleeping lofts for kids. Bird-watching enthusiasts can borrow binoculars and reference books to identify some of the Coastal Empire’s most fascinating species.
River’s End Campground
5 Fort Ave., Tybee Island • (912) 786-5518
The spacious site at River’s End Campground sits steps away from the beach. It offers a range of RV hook-ups and complimentary Wi-Fi. Think of it as the nucleus to the cell of Savannah and Tybee Island’s activity-filled agendas. The beach bum in your camping clan can take advantage of Tybee Island’s beaches. Beach access is a short stroll from River’s End’s sites.
This Tybee Island campground features budget and family-friendly cabins. Cabins can sleep up to parties of six. Guests can customize their stay by bringing their own linens and other amenities. Each cabin comes with a full kitchen and bathroom. Families can congregate around a small grill and fire pit out back. River’s End also supplies tent camping sites near RV hook-ups. Washers and dryers and a workout facility complete with treadmills and ellipticals are also onsite.
Biltmore RV
4707 Ogeechee Road, Savannah • (912) 236-4065
How many RV parks boast an antique store in addition to the privacy of the woods? Count Biltmore caters to bargain hunters and history buffs. Biltmore RV has been family-owned and -operated since 1958.
Its affordable and accommodating approach combines the natural beauty of the site’s oak trees. Biltmore’s long-standing family-owned tradition and their undying affection for showing off Savannah enthuse guests. Each site is double the size of typical RV parks and preps guests for their stay with water, sewer, electric and cable hookups. Cars are optional if campers seek to venture beyond their campsite and discover Downtown Savannah. Rental cars can be delivered straight to Biltmore if guests so desire. Trolley tours and city bus services also frequent this Savannah campground.
CreekFire Motor Ranch
275 Fort Argyle Road, Savannah • (912) 897-2855
At CreekFire Motor Ranch, you can have fun and excitement when you want it — and relaxation and solitude when you need it. Bring your RV and park at one of 103 RV sites, or pitch your tent on the campgrounds by a fire pit. You can even lodge in one of seven lake area rental cabins!
This 105-acre ranch grants many recreational activities. CreekFire boasts a pool pavilion, tennis and basketball courts, a lake house with fishing supplies and boat and canoe rentals. Take a few swings at the driving range or rent bikes and explore a one-mile nature trail. Guests will have access to a camper’s clubhouse complete with front desk service, a retail store and a computer center.