Are you looking for a unique, relaxing and remote adventure without leaving the great state of Georgia? Then you must experience camping in Crooked River State Park. Nestled along beautiful Cumberland Sound near the Georgia border, this tranquil park, full of live oaks draped with Spanish moss, is a perfect oasis for seasoned RV campers and first-time adventurers alike.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast wanting to explore varied ecosystems or someone craving some remote time away from it all, Crooked River State Park has something special in store for everyone and is easily accessible to I-95 in St. Mary’s, Georgia! Plus, there are 500 acres to explore!
Strolling into the check-in office at Crooked River State Park is a piece of cake! You’ll also find a charming little store stocked with travel essentials, quirky souvenirs, and even a few groceries for your stay. Plus, there’s a bait shop right on-site, just waiting to hook you up with all your fishing needs.
You’ll love the spacious campsites tucked away amidst the natural beauty of the park, ensuring both privacy and stunning surroundings. Most sites come with their very own fire ring and picnic table for your enjoyment.
Campsites With Attractive Settings
If you’re planning to bring your RV, never fear – the campground boasts a range of sizes and options, accommodating everything from tents to travel trailers. Just imagine snagging a premium pull-through RV site with a gorgeous water view – such a steal at $42 a night!
But wait, there’s more – the longleaf pine forest park is home to eleven delightful cottages, perfect for gatherings of six to ten people. With two of these cozy retreats being ADA compliant, everyone can experience the magic of Crooked River State Park.
You wouldn’t believe the awesome setup we found near our campsite! Picture this – a building with private, hotel-like bathrooms and a laundry room, perfect for freshening up and keeping clean during our camping adventure. A three-quarter wall separated the spacious walk-in shower with two water heads offering excellent water pressure.
Plus, the light gray flooring and pristine white walls with stainless steel and porcelain fixtures made it super easy to see how well-maintained everything was.
Crooked River State Park Amenities
We had a blast exploring the nearby Nature Center. As soon as we arrived, a friendly Forest Ranger took us on an informal tour, showing us tons of fascinating creatures – turtles, snake aquariums, and tanks filled with local wildlife.
Did you know that Crooked River State Park is home to some fascinating snakes in their natural habitat? Don’t worry, though; you’re not likely to bump into one while exploring this beautiful park, but do heed caution. Make sure to check out the Nature Center too, where you can join interpretive walks and become a junior ranger for the day!
If you’re a fan of cycling or birds, you’re in for a treat! Grab your bike (or rent one from the campground) and coast along the park to the enchanting pond. Melody was absolutely captivated by the wide variety of colorful shorebirds nesting in the trees.
The best time to catch this lively scene? Around 6:00 PM.
They were incredibly vibrant around 6:00 PM, but make sure you look the other way when the sunset rolls around. It is magnificent!
But don’t get too lost in birdwatching – the sunset here is a breathtaking sight you won’t want to miss. For an even closer look at our feathered friends, there’s a bird viewing blind at the back of the property. Oh, and did we mention the 18-hole mini-golf course? Time to tee-off, adventurous traveler!
We encountered a couple of visitors at our campsite; a small armadillo was sniffing out the scene and a giant Gopher tortoise who seemed to want to camp with us. White-tailed deer and fox are other abundant creatures in Crooked River State Park, but we didn’t see any of those.
An Educational and Fun Day Trip in Historic St. Marys
Discover the charming historic town of St. Marys, GA, nestled by the water and just a stone’s throw away from our cozy campground. Wander through the City of St. Marys Waterfront Park, where you’ll uncover intriguing stories of the Revolutionary War and marvel at the area’s stunning landscape.
Unwind on covered swings while savoring picturesque marsh views or meander along a walking pier and promenade.
Hop on a ferry and embark on an unforgettable day trip to Cumberland Island (don’t forget to pack drinks, snacks, and sunscreen, as the island is delightfully uncommercialized). Immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of the island by booking a guided tour tailored to your interests.
Enrich your visit further by exploring the Cumberland Island National Seashore museum, part of the National Park System. It boasts captivating exhibits and a welcoming staff who can answer all your questions.
And for an extra dose of nautical history, don’t miss the St. Marys Submarine Museum on St. Marys Street. Get ready to create memories in this captivating coastal corner of Georgia!
Lunch and Shopping in St. Marys
Just a stone’s throw away from the seashore museum, you’ll stumble upon the charming Riverside Cafe – an authentic Greek-American family-run eatery. Prepare to have your taste buds tantalized with mouthwatering delights like their scrumptious Greek Eggplant Moussaka and the mouthwatering Chicken Salad Pita, perfectly paired with a refreshing Greek salad and irresistible fries.
The Riverside Cafe’s cozy indoor and breezy outdoor seating areas offer an incredible view of the St. Marys River. The staff’s friendliness and the wallet-friendly prices will definitely make you feel at home! Please note, this restaurant is closed on Sunday and Monday.
As you wander down Osborne Street, you will be captivated by the enchanting bed & breakfasts, historical homes, and amazing churches from times past, all nestled under the majestic Georgia pine trees draped with picturesque moss.
Don’t forget to venture into a fabulous hidden gem of a bookstore and the Cumberland Island National Seashore office – the perfect place for picking up postcards to remember your unforgettable trip!
St. Marys, Georgia, is a place you’ll want to pencil in on your future road trips.
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Article written by Melody and Eddie Pittman.
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