Fort McAllister State Park
Richmond Hill, Georgia
It was about 100 miles away from our location.
History of the park
Fort McAllister is a must-visit for history buffs. This state park preserves the best-preserved earthen Civil War fortification in the South. Built by the Confederacy, the fort protected Savannah and the Ogeechee River. Today, you can explore original earthworks, cannons, and a museum with Civil War artifacts. This is also the site where Sherman’s March to the Sea ended in 1864.
The fort feels alive with history — walking the grounds and climbing the earthworks is as much an experience as it is a lesson.
Campground information
The campground offers 67 campsites, including tent, trailer, and RV sites, with water and electric hookups. There are also 7 cozy cabins available for rent, many with scenic views of the Ogeechee River.
- Many sites are pull-through, making them friendly for bigger rigs.
- Pads are packed gravel, shaded by towering oaks draped in Spanish moss.
- RV sites can accommodate rigs up to about 40 feet, with a dump station available.
- Restrooms with hot showers are conveniently located, and each site has a picnic table and fire ring.
- Pets are welcome at campsites and most outdoor areas on a leash.
- Premium sites with sewer hookups are available, but they fill up fast — reserve early if that’s a must-have.
- The campground itself is only accessible through a coded gate and sits nearly a mile down a causeway, which keeps it secluded and quiet from day-use visitors.
👉 Most sites are water + electric only, but service is reliable.
Campsite
Our site was level, shaded, and gave us that unmistakable coastal Georgia feel. Spanish moss overhead, salty air on the breeze, and just enough space between neighbors.
Monty and Gadget wasted no time. Gadget took on her role as patrol captain, nose to the ground for squirrel duty. Monty, meanwhile, claimed a shady spot under the picnic table, observing with his usual stoic supervision.
Wildlife brought plenty of surprises — deer strolled through at dawn and dusk, raccoons made their evening rounds (don’t leave cookware out!), and one night we even caught sight of a bobcat slinking along the tree line. Campfires felt magical here — mossy oaks overhead, owls calling, and the glow of firelight against the river air.
Things to do
- Trails: Over 4 miles of shaded trails wind through salt marsh and forest. The Redbird Creek Trail is our pick for first-timers — easy, scenic, and dog-friendly.
- The Fort: Touring the historic earthworks and climbing on the cannons was a highlight. The museum is well-done and kid-friendly too.
- Fishing: Anglers love this spot. With a pier, boat ramp, and access to the Ogeechee, you’ve got a shot at redfish, trout, and flounder.
Nearby supplies & connectivity
Richmond Hill is just a short drive away and has groceries, gas, and restaurants, so stocking up is simple.
Cell service with T-Mobile was strong enough for calls, streaming, and plenty of Shiba selfies.
And just outside the gate is Fish Tales at Fort McAllister Marina — a local favorite. Voted best seafood around, it’s known for fried shrimp baskets, world-famous hushpuppies, and river views that steal the show. Kristen and I enjoyed the vibe, the brews, and the food — it’s the perfect way to cap off a day here.
Overall thoughts
Fort McAllister is a blend of history, nature, and good food. It’s often overlooked, with most campers in the Savannah area heading to Skidaway Island State Park. That makes this place a true hidden gem, often with last-minute availability.
The downside? Bugs. Being surrounded by tidal marsh means mosquitoes are always part of the deal. Bring bug spray, and you’ll be fine.
What really stood out to us here was the wildlife. Deer wandered through the campground at dawn and dusk like they owned the place, raccoons prowled after dark hoping someone forgot to put cookware away, and one evening we even spotted a bobcat slipping quietly along the tree line. Add in the owls and marsh birds calling at night, and it felt like the whole park came alive after sunset.
The campground itself feels especially peaceful because it’s tucked almost a mile down a causeway and only accessible through a gated entrance with a code. That little bit of separation makes a big difference — you get the benefits of the day-use park nearby, but the campground stays quiet and private.
For us, the mix was just right — shaded sites, trails for Monty and Gadget, a Civil War fort to explore, close encounters with wildlife, and fresh seafood just outside the park. A weekend here feels like stepping back in time but with enough comforts to keep it easy.
Camping with the Innies Score
Location: 🦴🦴🦴🦴 - close to Savannah and Richmond Hill but still tucked away on the river
Hiking/Walking Trails: 🦴🦴🦴 - about 4 miles of easy trails with good shade
Bath House: 🦴🦴🦴 - clean, updated, and close to campsites
Campsite Amenities: 🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴 - mix of pull-through and back-in, shaded pads, reliable water/electric, dump station, and premium sewer sites
Surrounding Activities/Attractions: 🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴 - history, fishing, Savannah nearby, wildlife, and seafood at Fish Tales
Final Score: 20/25
Innies Picks 🏕️
- Favorite Site: Any riverfront site — the views are worth it.
- Must-See Spot: The fort and cannons.
- Best Trail: Redbird Creek Trail.
- Evening Vibes: Firelight under the mossy oaks with deer nearby and owls calling.
- Shiba Treat: Camp store dog biscuits after trail walks. 🐾
- Foodie Find: Fish Tales — shrimp baskets, hushpuppies, and river sunsets.
Pro Tips 💡
- Bug spray is a must — tidal marsh = mosquitoes.
- Premium full-hookup sites book fast — plan ahead.
- Stock up in Richmond Hill before you arrive.
- Clean up food to avoid raccoon raids.
- Time dinner at Fish Tales for sunset over the Ogeechee.
That’s a wrap on our Fort McAllister adventure. This park really surprised us — part history lesson, part wildlife safari, part riverside retreat. It may not be the first park that comes to mind when you think “Savannah camping,” but that’s exactly why we’ll be back.
More trails, more stories, and probably more Shiba chipmunk patrols coming soon.
More soon from the road—
Tim, Kristen, Monty & Gadget 🐾🐾
P.S. Keep an eye out… a Hoop-Dee-Doo kind of review may just be on the horizon. 🍗🎶✨
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