Jekyll Island, Georgia
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Jekyll Island is the perfect place to hide away for a couple days while on your RV vacation. Who would have thought that an RV would be the perfect way to enjoy an island? You can get there in your rental RV via a causeway (only four of the Georgia barrier islands that allow this). That makes it both a must-visit on your trip as well as a unique opportunity for you and your traveling companions to enjoy a special place.
It’s not just about getting away from it all, though. Jekyll Island is home to countless outdoor recreation and other fun vacationing opportunities. You’ll find educational centers, historical places to visit, and 10 miles of shoreline perfect for soaking in the sun or playing in the ocean. In order to take advantage of everything Jekyll Island has to offer, here’s a guide for what you need to know about this great vacation spot.
You’ll find hiking trails nearly anywhere you choose to vacation in your rental RV. But, the hiking trails on Jekyll Island are different. The island’s biodiversity means you’ll see a wide variety of different environments—not to mention historical sights. There are several hiking trails in the area including the Jekyll Island Trail system, as well as trails in Brunswick and on St. Simons Island.
From the trails on Jekyll Island, you can see ecosystems like marshland, oak forests, and estuaries. All of these places are home to diverse wildlife. Along the way, you’ll also come across some historic parts of Jekyll Island including several ruins from its bygone days. The island has more than 25 miles of paved trails, which are also excellent for biking.
Jekyll Island has a long and storied history with golf, including many millionaires who frequented the Jekyll Island Club. And if you’re a golfer—whether experienced or simply a novice—it’s not something to pass up on during your time on the island. The courses on the island are Scottish-links style and offer a fun challenge to your game.
The Jekyll Island Golf Club is actually home to Georgia’s largest public golf course. Within the club you’ll find three 18-hole courses and one 9-hole course.
It’s also a great place to up your game, as the clubhouse offers instruction as well. If you’re not a golfer, why not take it up on some of the country’s best courses?
Being an island in the Atlantic Ocean, you better believe that boating and fishing out on the water are two great pastimes to enjoy on Jekyll Island.
If fishing doesn’t interest you, you can simply walk the marina. It’s a sight to take in, with its Live Oaks and sailboats docked. You can also fish along the Jekyll Island Pier—conveniently located next to a fishing shop for bait and other gear. Sailing is popular, and you can rent your own boat or take a charter cruise. Want to get up-close with the area? Rent a kayak or take a tour.
If you’re interested in fishing, here are a few of the fish and sea life that are regularly caught around Jekyll Island:
Ten miles of shoreline have to make for good beaches, especially when you’re sitting in the Atlantic Ocean. That’s certainly the case with Jekyll Island, where you’ll find several iconic beaches that are known in the area for their gorgeous scenery and ample recreational fun time.
The eastern edge of Jekyll Island is really one uninterrupted strip of sand, but there are four primary areas within the strip that offer their own unique areas.
Driftwood Beach is known for its (literal) driftwood, with sunrises here are often captured by amateur and pro photographers alike. Glory Beach and Great Dunes are both general-use beaches that are enjoyed by everyone. Great Dunes also is where the Georgia Sea Turtle Center releases turtles back into the wild. And, don’t forget to take in a sunset at St. Andrews Beach.
With a history that dates back into the 1700s, Jekyll Island has seen a great deal. That includes for a time, residencies by millionaires by the name of Vanderbilt, Morgan, and Rockefeller. The Historic District is the perfect way to learn about the island and its history to see how it became the place it is today.
The Historic District is 240 acres, and a tour led by the Mosaic Jekyll Island Museum takes you through a good amount of it. You’ll learn about Native Americans, English Colonists, French Privateers, and then, of course, the millionaires. Also take in Horton House, a shell of a home built in the 1700s.
The Jekyll Island Campground is just the place to stay in your rental RV. There are 167 full hookup sites (including cable TV), available in back in spots and pull through. A general store helps make sure you’ve got everything you need. Onsite laundry and two bath houses make it easy for everyone to stay clean and crisp.
Other amenities include:
It’s also important to mention the setting, which is right in the middle of Living Oaks strewn with Spanish moss. If you’re visiting Jekyll Island on a vacation in your RV, this is the place to stay in order to take advantage of all the island has to offer. Book your reservations online prior to your stay to guarantee a spot.
Located nearby in Brunswick is Coastal Georgia RV Resort. There’s lots of access to several bodies of water (perfect if you’re fishing), including a private pond. Bathhouses, laundromats, and an RV store are all perfect for staying clean and stocking up. For the kids, there’s a game room and a swimming pool. Plus, cable and Wi-Fi are included.
Inland Harbor RV Park sits near the coast, but north of Jekyll Island—ideal if you’re visiting more than one island. There are 60 total sites and amenities include full-service laundry, bathrooms, full hookups, cable and Wi-Fi, and more. Many visitors come to this location every year for their annual vacation on the Golden Isles.
Another great park near the Golden Isles, Southern Retreat RV Park, has all the amenities you’d expect of a great resort. Laundry, free cable, Wi-Fi, showers, supplies, and full hookups are all at the resort. It also comes with one more big perk: Fran’s Place, a restaurant serving up southern specialties and hospitality with every visit.
A Big Wheel RV Park is like a little community in itself. With full hookups and amenities that include a boat ramp on the Crooked River, a catch-and-release fishing pond, 24-hour onsite laundry, and sizable lots, it’s a great place to spend a few days. Plus, you can meet other campers at potluck dinner nights on Sundays—just bring a dish. Or stick around and play cards Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday.
Being so close to the Atlantic Ocean, you can guarantee you’ll find amazing seafood options on Jekyll Island with plenty of fresh Georgia shrimp brought right in from the boats. You’ll also find low-country classics like a shrimp boil (all-you-can-eat at some places), shrimp and grits, and other southern classics.
The Jekyll Island Club Resort has several of its own restaurants as well, and you don’t need to be a member to dine at them. They range from upscale seafood to casual sandwiches and snacks.
Elsewhere on Jekyll Island you’ll find restaurants that range from Mexican to American, and lots of places in between including many spots that are both beachfront and family-friendly.
Nearby Brunswick is a viable area for eating as well. You’ll still find plenty of fresh seafood restaurants here too as well as numerous ethnic food options including Mexican, Japanese, and even Jamaican. There are also several places specializing in southern food (you’re in Georgia, after all) and good old-fashioned barbecue. And when it’s time for dessert, don’t forget the ice cream shops.
Brunswick is a quaint, historic town that sees plenty of its own tourists, so the food and dining options here are great. If you feel like getting off Jekyll Island and eating inland for a few meals, you won’t be disappointed in your selections.