Skidaway Island State Park | Savannah

Skidaway Island State Park is a protected natural area located on Skidaway Island, southeast of Savannah, Georgia.

The park encompasses 585 acres of maritime forest, salt marsh, and tidal creeks.

Visual Characteristics

The park features a mix of mature live oaks draped with Spanish moss, pine forests, and extensive salt marshland. Trails wind through these distinct ecosystems. The water bodies within the park are tidal creeks, reflecting the sky and surrounding vegetation. Sand and mud flats are exposed during low tide.

Location & Access Logistics

Skidaway Island State Park is situated approximately 15 miles southeast of downtown Savannah. Access is via GA-307 South (Diamond Causeway). Turn right onto Islands Expressway (US-80 East) and then take the exit for GA-307 South. The park entrance is clearly marked. Ample parking is available within the park, including designated areas for RVs and buses. Public transport options to the park entrance are limited; the Chatham Area Transit (CAT) bus system does not directly serve the park.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The land comprising Skidaway Island State Park was historically part of a plantation and later a private estate. The park was established in 1975 to preserve the island's unique coastal environment. Ecologically, the park represents a significant portion of Georgia's coastal plain, characterized by its salt marsh, which is a critical nursery ground for marine life and a natural buffer against storm surges.

Key Highlights & Activities

Activities include hiking on 10 miles of marked trails, including the Big Cross Trail and the Interpretive Nature Trail. Birdwatching is a primary activity, with opportunities to observe wading birds, shorebirds, and migratory species. Fishing and crabbing are permitted in designated areas. The park offers camping facilities, including RV sites and primitive campsites. Interpretive programs are offered seasonally.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The park provides restroom facilities, picnic shelters, and a nature center. Drinking water is available at various points. Shade is provided by the forest canopy in wooded areas. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available within the park, though it may be intermittent in denser wooded sections. Food vendors are not present within the park; visitors should bring their own provisions or plan to dine in Savannah.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, early morning and late afternoon offer optimal lighting conditions, particularly for capturing the marsh landscape. The best months for visiting are generally March through May and September through November, offering mild temperatures and lower humidity. High tide is preferable for observing the full extent of the tidal creeks and for kayaking. Low tide reveals mudflats and provides access to shell-collecting areas.

Facts & Legends

A unique aspect of Skidaway Island is its history as the site of the University of Georgia's Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, which is adjacent to the park. While not a legend, the island's name is believed to derive from the Yamasee Native American word "skidaway," meaning "place of the river."

Nearby Landmarks

• Wormsloe Historic Site (2.5km Southwest)
• The Landings Golf & Athletic Club (3.0km West)
• Skidaway Institute of Oceanography (1.0km North)
• Savannah National Wildlife Refuge (12.0km Northwest)