We love Jekyll Island, but we aren't huge fans of the campground. But if we had a free week, it would be worth it. We used to go to Jekyll a few times a month with the Motorhome. There are several large parking lots along the beach that we'd set up for the day. When they raised the annual price of a parking pass to get on the island for oversized vehicles, we stopped going as often. The pass went from $45/year to $90/year.
There is one causeway onto the island. You will need to purchase a week long parking pass, sorry I don't remember how much that is for an oversized vehicle. I want to say like $35 - $50. The toll booth will automatically determine the size of the vehicle. There are 3 toll lanes going onto the island. You'll have no trouble getting through them. They are usually unattended. Right now GA DOT is widening the causeway. We were there about 2 weeks ago and it was about 2 miles of one lane traffic. We got stuck for about 15 minutes waiting to get our turn to go. Not sure when construction is expected to be complete.
The one time we camped in the campground, we were up towards the front where the roads where plenty wide. Not sure about the rest of the campground though.
Although there is a beach across from the Campground, that's the Clam Creek Fishing Pier, it is actually an inlet, so you'd have to walk a little ways to get to the beach along the Ocean. If you walk south from the Pier you will get to Driftwood Beach, at one time rated one of he USA's most beautiful beaches. Just be mindful of the tide. The creek gets too deep to walk across at high tide. The first time we went there, we had to wade through chest deep water with our stroller and two little ones to get to safety. It was only ankle deep when we first crossed the creek.
There are several large parking areas along the beach. There are a couple small pavilions and a couple larger ones that can be used if they are not in use. The Ocean water does seem to be muddy. Locals will tell you it is high in nutrients. It's not clear like South Florida beaches. It doesn't help that Georgia Pacific has a pulp mill not far from Jekyll. You won't see it from the island, but it is about 5 miles up the river from the entrance to the island. You will be swimming with a variety of sea life. The surf on GA's beaches is very tame. At low tide you can walk out a long way before getting to deep water. Just keep in mind the tide moves in fast. Be aware of the change in tide and don't get stuck out on a Sand bar. At high tide it could be 8 feet deep or more. There are no life guards on Jekyll Island.
If all you want to do is relax on the beach, then you are all set. If you like to explore, you can spend maybe two days enjoying everything Jekyll Island has to offer. There are miles of biking and walking trails. On the island, there is the Sea Turtle Center and the Nature Center. The historic district is very nice to walk through and read up on the history of the Millionaire's Playground. Eat at least once in the Jekyll Island Club Hotel. We have done the tea there as well and it is nice.
I too would recommend St. Simons Island, just a few miles north on US 17 from Jekyll Island. There are several nice restaurants on St. Simons Island. There is also the Okefenokee Swamp about an hour away. Savannah is about an hour away as well. Tybee Island has a lighthouse you can tour. Tybee Island is a little further east of Savannah. St. Simons Island also has a small Light House you can climb. Old Fort Jackson and Fort Pulaski National Monument are in Savannah and both are worth a visit.
Feel free to PM with more local info. We live about 15 minutes from Jekyll Island.
-Michael
Michael Girardo
2017 Jayco Jayflight Bungalow 40BHQS Destination Trailer
2009 Jayco Greyhawk 31FS Class C Motorhome (previously owned)
2006 Rockwood Roo 233 Hybrid Travel Trailer (previously owned)
1995 Jayco Eagle 12KB pop-up (previously owned)
