We have been to Jekyll, a barrier island off the SW coast of Georgia, many, many times over the years. We love to ride the bikes along the extensive bike paths, visit the Sea Turtle Center, and enjoy the miles of unspoiled beaches. We normally stay at one of the hotels, but we have always wanted to visit the campground. So, over New Years we spent five restful and relaxing nights at the campground on Jekyll Island.
The campground is near Driftwood Beach, the Clam Creek Picnic Area, and the fishing pier. We spent a morning puttering around. We even saw a dolphin up close as he went under the bridge.
During the early history of Jekyll, indigenous people visited the island seasonally. Later, during the Colonial period, a series of owners built houses or plantations there. In 1886, a group of millionaires purchased Jekyll Island and created an exclusive, private, hunting retreat called the Jekyll Island Club. The Rockefellers Vanderbilts, Goulds, Cranes, Morgans, Goodyears, and others built large residences they called “cottages”. The island was evacuated during World War II by order of the US government.
In 1947, the State of Georgia acquired the property. It is currently managed by the Jekyll Island Authority with a goal of preserving the culture, history, and nature. The Master Plan mandates that 65% of the island will be preserved in its natural state.
Jekyll decks out the Historic District every year for the holiday season. The houses are decorated for Christmas, the trees are lighted, and there are special events. We drove through the Christmas lights twice a day. This was our first time visiting during this time, and we will be sure to be back.
We took a horse-drawn carriage tour where we enjoyed the horse’s clippity-cloppity sound and learned even more about the history of the island. I love it that you could see the lights as often as you want and on your own schedule.
The Wharf, right across from the Jekyll Island Club, has amazing views and good seafood. The sunset changed every ten minutes while we were waiting for our table.
The Georgia Sea Turtle Center rehabilitates injured sea turtles and educates visitors about these unique animals.
The campground was shady and tightly packed. Most of the 179 spaces have full hookups with cable and wifi. The popular campground’s 80% occupancy rate led them to break ground recently on a 12-acre expansion with 54 new sites.
We came to Jekyll to rest, relax, and recharge for a new year. We spent most of the time doing whatever our little charge wanted to do. Her favorite activities this time included seeing the lights and watching the fearless campground squirrels hunt for and eat acorns. Everything we did was a blast with this cutie.
No matter how many times we come to Jekyll, there is always more to see and do. Next time I want to participate in the Jekyll Island Treasures event held in January and February. Volunteers place clear globes around the island each day. Those lucky enough to locate the treasures in this hide-and-seek type game get beautiful, unique hand-blown glass orbs.