Skidaway Island State Park
Skidaway Island State Park Map
About Skidaway Island State Park in Savannah
Skidaway Island State Park is a 588-acre natural area located near historic Savannah, Georgia. The park borders Skidaway Narrows, a part of Georgia's Intracoastal Waterway, offering visitors a scenic blend of maritime forest and salt marshes.
The park features six miles of hiking trails that wind through lush maritime forest, consisting of live oaks, cabbage palmettos, southern red cedars, and pines. These trails lead to boardwalks and an observation tower, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Visitors can spot various animals including deer, fiddler crabs, raccoons, egrets, and other native species.
A highlight of the park is its interpretive center, which houses educational exhibits on the area's natural and cultural history. The center includes a 20-foot tall replica of a prehistoric giant sloth skeleton, discovered on Skidaway Island in 1822. Additionally, there are displays of live local reptiles, a birding station with binoculars and reference books, and a window for observing migrating species like Painted Buntings.
The park offers camping facilities nestled under live oaks draped with Spanish moss. These include RV sites, tent sites, and camper cabins. For larger groups, pioneer campgrounds provide a more secluded experience. The park also features picnic areas with shelters, making it a popular spot for gatherings and celebrations.
Skidaway Island State Park serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding area. It's conveniently located just 25 minutes from downtown Savannah and about an hour from Tybee Island's beaches, allowing visitors to enjoy both urban attractions and natural beauty during their stay.