Information
Landmark: Skidaway Island State ParkCity: Savannah
Country: USA Georgia
Continent: North America
Skidaway Island State Park, Savannah, USA Georgia, North America
Overview
About 15 miles southeast of downtown Savannah, Skidaway Island State Park offers one of the coast’s best nature getaways, with salt marsh views stretching to the horizon.Spread across 588 acres on Skidaway Island, the park sits beside the shimmering Intracoastal Waterway, inviting visitors to explore Georgia’s coastal ecosystems, step into its layered history, and enjoy everything from hiking trails to quiet marsh views.First.Skidaway Island State Park stands out for its diverse natural habitats, from the shaded maritime forests where live oaks wear long veils of Spanish moss to groves of palmettos with native shrubs tucked beneath.These forests give countless animals a safe place to hide and the berries, leaves, and insects they need to survive.Broad tidal salt marshes ring most of the island, sheltering young fish and crabs and giving wading birds a place to hunt in the shallow, glittering water.Tidal creeks and estuaries wind their way from the Intracoastal Waterway into the marshes and forests, sheltering a wealth of aquatic life and opening up sweeping views of silver water under the sun.Wildlife thrives here, from darting songbirds to deer moving quietly through the trees.Visitors often see white-tailed deer, raccoons, and fiddler crabs, along with an array of birds-great egrets standing still in the shallows, blue herons lifting off in slow arcs, ospreys wheeling overhead, and now and then a bald eagle.The park’s part of Georgia’s Coastal Birding Trail, drawing bird watchers in every season, from winter’s sharp winds to summer mornings filled with chatter and wingbeats.Two.Skidaway Island State Park offers a wide network of clean, winding trails where you can hike under moss-draped oaks, take a brisk walk, jog, or ride your bike.One of the main routes, the Sandpiper Trail Loop, winds for a mile and is fully ADA-accessible, making it a favorite for everyone from toddlers to grandparents.The path winds past chalk-white salt flats, crosses narrow tidal creeks, and slips into the cool shade of maritime forests.The trail winds over raised boardwalks and leads to an observation tower, where you can take in sweeping marsh views and spot herons gliding across the water.Big Ferry Trail offers a 2‑mile loop you can stretch to almost 3 by adding the Earthworks Loop, winding through quiet pine and oak woods and past traces of history-Civil War earthworks and moss‑covered liquor stills left from Prohibition.The Avian Loop Trail stretches about a mile beside the Intracoastal Waterway, where you might spot herons gliding low over the shimmering surface.This quiet trail winds past marshes and waterways, where herons stand still in the shallows and flocks of shorebirds skim the water.The park makes it easy to hop on a bike, with rentals ready at the entrance and miles of winding trails waiting to be explored.Number three.Skidaway Island State Park offers plenty of places to stay, from quiet, rustic campsites to cozy cabins.Guests can choose from 87 sites suited for tents, trailers, or RVs, with options like water and electric hookups-perfect for settling in after a day under the moss-draped trees.Some sites offer full hookups, while others are designed for ADA access so everyone can stay comfortably-think level ground and wide, smooth paths.Camper Cabins: Three cozy two-bedroom cabins come with screened porches that let in the evening breeze, plus air conditioning, full kitchens, and bathrooms with hot showers.These cabins let visitors soak up the park’s beauty while still enjoying modern perks-like a hot shower after a long hike.Guests need to bring their own linens and cooking utensils, from soft pillowcases to a favorite frying pan.Pioneer Campgrounds welcome groups of ten or more with a rugged setup-think sturdy fire rings and plenty of open space-perfect for youth crews or big family gatherings.Depending on the site or cabin you pick, camping fees can run anywhere from $40 to $140 a night-whether it’s a simple tent spot under the pines or a cozy cabin by the lake.Number four.The Skidaway Island State Park Visitor Center, which opened its doors in May 2021, quickly became a favorite stop-bright maps on the wall and friendly staff make it hard to miss.It showcases a towering 20‑foot replica skeleton of a prehistoric giant ground sloth, a species found right here, letting visitors picture the massive creature that once roamed the area.Visitors can explore hands-on nature exhibits and watch lively animal displays, learning about the park’s wildlife and ecosystems as hawks wheel overhead.A cozy screened porch built for watching songbirds flit past and for unwinding in the soft afternoon breeze.All year long, the park runs different interpretive programs, from guided nature walks to talks under the old oak tree.You’ll find guided walks through the woods, lively talks about local wildlife, hands-on activities for kids, and seasonal events that shine a spotlight on environmental education and conservation.Five.Skidaway Island carries a deep sense of history, and the park protects several landmarks within its borders.Along certain trails, you can spot low earthen ridges-Civil War fortifications that still stand as solid reminders of the past.Among the crumbling stone remains of old liquor stills, you can trace the island’s defiant stand against federal law during Prohibition-and catch a glimpse of its gritty role in that turbulent chapter.The mix of stunning landscapes and rich history makes a visit feel alive, offering chances to learn about forest trails and centuries-old stories for anyone curious about ecology or the past.Number six.Skidaway Island State Park sits at 52 Diamond Causeway, just a short drive from Savannah and the surrounding coastal towns, with the road lined by swaying marsh grass on either side.You can visit the park any day between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., and the office-where you might hear the hum of a printer-keeps its doors open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parking costs just $5, collected at the gate as you pull in.The park welcomes visitors with disabilities through ADA-friendly trails, campsites, and facilities, plus new touches like sturdy ramps and a smooth-gliding elevator.Seven.Skidaway Island State Park sits close to several standout spots, making it easy to stretch a coastal Georgia trip; about 25 miles east, Tybee Island draws visitors with sandy beaches, a weathered lighthouse, and a bustling, salt-scented boardwalk.Fort McAllister State Park lies just to the south, where a restored Civil War fort stands under the shade of old oaks and a small museum tells its story.About 15 miles northwest, Savannah’s celebrated Historic District draws visitors with shady oak-lined squares, graceful old homes, and a lively cultural scene.Skidaway Island State Park bursts with life, inviting visitors to wander Georgia’s rare coastal ecosystems, paddle past salt marshes, and explore trails rich with history and hands-on learning.You can wander quiet trails listening for warblers, pitch a tent under the pines, or explore hands-on exhibits-the park has something for just about everyone.With its untouched marshes, centuries-old landmarks, and comfortable modern facilities, it’s a perfect getaway for nature lovers, families, history fans, or anyone craving a quiet escape by Savannah’s shoreline where seabirds wheel over the water.
