Lake Camping Near Jekyll Island, Georgia, US: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2026

Nestled between branches of East River in Glynn County, Jekyll Island is a lively vacation destination on Georgia’s Atlantic Coast. Golf lovers can play a round at Jekyll Island Golf Club, the largest public course in the state, while history fans can learn about the island with a stroll through the Historic Wharf District. Dive into nature and snap a shot of stunning driftwood formations at Driftwood Beach, then bike down to Great Dunes Beach Park for a visit to Georgia’s only sea turtle rehabilitation center. Take a day trip off the island to Altamaha Wildlife Management Area to see natural cyprus swamplands. Stay overnight at campsites near the swamps or within easy walking distance from Driftwood Beach, with plenty of comforts like bathhouses, electricity, and full hookups for RV camping. Bike trails, walking trails, and well-maintained roads make it easy to travel between campgrounds and beaches in minutes.

100% (21)

Top-rated campgrounds near Jekyll Island

Nestled between branches of East River in Glynn County, Jekyll Island is a lively vacation destination on Georgia’s Atlantic Coast. Golf lovers can play a round at Jekyll Island Golf Club, the largest public course in the state, while history fans can learn about the island with a stroll through the Historic Wharf District. Dive into nature and snap a shot of stunning driftwood formations at Driftwood Beach, then bike down to Great Dunes Beach Park for a visit to Georgia’s only sea turtle rehabilitation center. Take a day trip off the island to Altamaha Wildlife Management Area to see natural cyprus swamplands. Stay overnight at campsites near the swamps or within easy walking distance from Driftwood Beach, with plenty of comforts like bathhouses, electricity, and full hookups for RV camping. Bike trails, walking trails, and well-maintained roads make it easy to travel between campgrounds and beaches in minutes.

100% (21)

Top-rated campgrounds near Jekyll Island

1. Hostel In The Forest

100%

(21)

13mi from Jekyll Island · 3 sites · Lodging

Welcome to The Hostel in the Forest, a unique and sustainable education hostel nestled within 142 acres of Coastal Georgia woodlands. Our haven is designed to provide a serene and immersive experience, blending nature, education, and community. As you explore our grounds, you'll discover organic gardens, a refreshing lake for swimming, an art lab to unleash your creativity, and a glass house for meditation and yoga sessions surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature. The stone labyrinth offers a tranquil space for walking and introspection, allowing you to connect with the environment and your inner self. Our library is stocked with reading materials and musical instruments, inviting you to indulge in moments of quiet contemplation or engage in shared artistic expressions. The geodesic domes, tree houses, and bunk houses provide a variety of unique accommodations, ensuring your stay is both comfortable and memorable. Located just 15 minutes from the coast, The Hostel in the Forest is part of the Golden Isles region, offering a perfect blend of coastal beauty and woodland serenity. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat, educational experiences, or a sense of community, our hostel is a haven where sustainable living and the beauty of nature come together harmoniously.

2. Hidden Lake Estates

100%

(7)

25mi from Jekyll Island · 15 sites · Tents, RVs

Beautiful lakefront estate with two-acre lake for hiking, fishing, camping, and swimming! Enjoy the serenity of being nestled in the woodlands, far away from city life. Choose from our under the pines, deep woods, or lakefront campsites. We are located 6 miles from Golden Isles Speedway, a popular dirt race track in Hortense, GA. Motorbikes okay. We have tables and chairs available for rent if needed. Primitive camping only at this time.

3. Ichiban rv club

37mi from Jekyll Island · 3 sites · RVs, Lodging

1 uncovered RV spot, 1 covered rv spot and 1 rv spot with a rv already in it for rent, all spread out away from each other, full hookups for rv, gravel in rv spot, fishing in freshwater lakes, boat ramp for salt water fishing, multiple lakes for canoes on additional property 1/2 mile away , nature walks , hunting, pickleball, pet friendly ,quiet peacefull, safe, secure looking for long term guest

4. Laura S. Walker State Park

9 sites · Hoboken, Georgia

Discover the serene beauty of Laura S. Walker State Park.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

5. FoxPen

39mi from Jekyll Island · 17 sites · Tents, Lodging

Tucked away on 140 acres of quiet woods and open skies, FoxPen is a place built on dreams, hard work, and a love for the land. For over 24 years, Doyle Watson—along with his wife Lee, two daughters, local friends from Hortense, and a whole lot of heart—has shaped this hidden haven into a space where people can slow down, unplug, and reconnect with what matters most. What began as a single tiny cabin in 1999 has grown into five hand-built cabins, each crafted from local and reclaimed materials and brimming with rustic character. One cabin, the Briar Patch, was once an old tobacco barn and still holds its original door as a proud piece of history. Every cabin, every trail, and every campfire circle has a story—and if you’re lucky, you might hear a few from Doyle himself as you walk the land, sit beneath the stars, or join him on a Tractor Trailer Ride. Before becoming the peaceful retreat center it is today, FoxPen was once a fox-hunting preserve—hence the name. When the Watson family purchased the property, they kept the name but relocated the foxes, allowing the land’s natural wildlife to thrive. At FoxPen, life moves slower. Nature leads the way. And there’s not much to do but play, relax, and savor the simple, timeless things that never go out of style. Managing the rentals is the youngest daughter, Evan—that’s me! Feel free to reach out with any questions.

Public campgrounds near Jekyll Island

Laura S. Walker State Park Campground

48mi from Jekyll Island · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · in Laura S. Walker State Park

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

H

Heidi

November 2025

1 night at Hostel In The Forest

This was an excellent experience. The family vibe at Hostel in the Forest was incredibly welcoming. They have been around 50 years and their systems were clear and my orientation was lovely and complete. The land is really happy and magical. I am so grateful for the opportunity to land in this place for a night, and will certainly return again if the time aligns.

M

Mailey

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Hostel In The Forest

We had an amazing stay! Everyone was super friendly and welcoming. The property has lots to explore, we will definitely be returning!

Sam

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Hostel In The Forest

Informative welcome with tour & rules explained. Everything was very organized and magical - truly a pleasant stay; would come back :-)

M

Micah A

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Hidden Lake Estates

I hammocked in the "under the pines" camping spot and it was really nice & spacious. Cassandra was very welcoming and kind, provided me with firewood and everything I needed for a great stay! I paddle boarded on the lake and it was super nice, would recommend to anyone looking for a nice getaway!

l

liza

May 2025

1 night at Hostel In The Forest

So much love. So much love. I am here now and I have only love to offer. Be here now.

C

Cassidy

May 2025

Weekend Trip to Hostel In The Forest

Amazing and beautiful. Very unique place Great community 💞

T

Tejinder

March 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hostel In The Forest

A real Enchanting experience for my family. We met so many wonderful people and it was an absolute de stressing for me. I loved every bit and part of it. This place is amazing and we are going back in two weeks.

Т

Тимофей

February 2025

Tent

1 night at Hidden Lake Estates

great place, we were delighted, the territory is very clean and tidy, spacious territory with a pond 👍🏻

G

Gabriel

February 2025

1 night at Hostel In The Forest

Accommodating, incredibly delicious meals, kind staff, trails to explore, labyrinth, pond to cold plunge, community dinners

Sunset is the best time of the day here at Hidden Lake Estates!

Mirka

December 2024

8 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Hidden Lake Estates

It was a perfect spot for us to stop and camp for a night when traveling through from FL to NC. Thank you so much for having us!

Mirka

December 2024

8 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hidden Lake Estates

We only needed a place to stop for a night when traveling through from FL to NC and Cassandra was very nice and accommodating for our last minute reservation. We arrived at dark and left next morning when still dark outside but the place looked huge, so much space for our dogs to run and stretch their legs. And no other campers around we would bother with our late arrival/early departure and dogs. It was great and hopefully we'll get a chance to check it out during daylight one day! Thank you for having us!

Nearby public parks

Browse national and state parks near Jekyll Island

Laura S. Walker State Park

Hoboken, Georgia

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best lakeside camping near Jekyll Island guide

Where to go

Driftwood Beach

Take in sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and Saint Simons Sound at Driftwood Beach on the north end of Jekyll Island. Towering weathered trees make this beach a popular destination for photographers, while easy access to Clam Creek Picnic Area makes for family and pet-friendly fun. A campsite within walking distance offers full hookups and tent camping, as well as wifi, hot showers, toilets, and coin laundry.

Great Dunes Beach Park

A trip to Great Dunes Beach Park offers campers a chance to relax in the picnic pavilion, stroll along the shore, and explore 20 miles of public biking trails. Easily accessible by Ben Fortson Parkway, Great Dunes is a popular day-trip destination or a great addition to longer stays in Jekyll Island campground. For a rare look at local wildlife, visit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. Lucky campers may even spot releases of rehabilitated turtles at Great Dunes Beach.

Altamaha Wildlife Management Area

An hour drive north of Jekyll Island, Altamaha Wildlife Management Area offers wildlife viewing, hunting, fishing, canoeing, and camping in natural cyprus swampland. Hunters can pick up a license for game, including deer, turkey, and waterfowl, with options for specialty hunting spots—like archery-only and dog training areas. Stay overnight at rustic campsites inside the management area for easy access to hiking trails.

When to go

Spring and summer are most popular for camping near Jekyll Island, when warm weather makes for comfortable hiking, boating, swimming, and making sandcastles on the beach. June through August is the busiest time, with temperatures averaging around 90°F. Advance booking is recommended for campsites, lodging, and busier activities. Campers seeking a quieter stay may enjoy visiting in fall and winter, when cooler temperatures averaging around 60°F in January make for fewer crowds and affordable campground reservations.