Jekyll Island, GA
Jekyll Island is a place where history lingers. It was once an exclusive retreat for America’s wealthiest families; Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, and Pulitzers. Later, it became Georgia’s first state-owned island, preserved for the public. The historic district still stands, with beautiful homes and a clubhouse.
Camping beneath the island’s oaks in our Thor Compass last year, we couldn’t help but imagine the past. The ruins of an 18th-century plantation reminded us of its earlier days, while close by Driftwood Beach – lined with skeletal trees, felt almost timeless. It’s no wonder filmmakers chose Jekyll for scenes in The Walking Dead (one of our favorite shows); its untouched landscapes add to the eerie, otherworldly feel. The island is also a photographer’s dream, with golden marshes at sunrise, ancient oak canopies draped in Spanish moss, and windswept beaches that change constantly with the tide. Fortunately, we have yet to encounter any walkers.
One of the best ways to get around is by bike or golf cart. More than 20 miles of fantastic billing trails wind through the island, leading past salt marshes, maritime forests, and beaches. As we rode these paths, we saw deer moving through the woods, herons wading in the marshes, countless other shorebirds, and the occasional gator. In the summer, sea turtles nest along the beaches. For those who enjoy golf, Jekyll offers several world-class courses, including the historic Great Dunes course.
Jekyll’s surrounding waters offer excellent fishing opportunities, particularly on fly or light tackle. The island sits within a network of tidal creeks, estuaries, and bars that hold redfish, speckled trout, and flounder year-round, and in the warmer months, tarpon migrate through the area. The marshes and inlets provide opportunities to sight-fish for tailing reds, making Jekyll a great destination for anglers looking for relaxation and a little excitement out on the water.
Unlike most coastal communities, property on Jekyll Island isn’t privately owned in the traditional sense. The state of Georgia owns the land, and homeowners lease their property through long-term agreements rather than holding a deed. This arrangement helps preserve the island’s character by preventing overdevelopment and ensuring that Jekyll remains a balance of residential, recreational, and protected natural areas. While homeowners maintain and invest in their houses, they essentially rent the land beneath them, a unique system that has helped Jekyll retain its charm and environmental integrity.
For a small island, Jekyll has some great restaurants. The Wharf, set right on the river, serves fresh seafood with a view of the river and marsh, while Driftwood Bistro is a local favorite (and ours too) known for its shrimp and grits. Zachry’s Riverhouse offers a laid-back vibe with cold beer, burgers, or a catch-of-the-day menu.
Evenings at the campground are quiet, with only the rustling of the wind through the nearby marsh and the distant crash of waves at Driftwood Beach. Unlike its more developed neighbors, Jekyll has resisted change, making it worth returning to – an island that holds onto its history while coexisting with nature.