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Georgia State Parks

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Georgia Coast Region
Jekyll Island State Park Authority
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Jekyll Island State Park Authority Gathering Storm at Sunset © Joseph W Cwik
Shot from the beach facing West in evening, 2004
Jekyll Island State Park Authority Jekyll Sunset © Joseph W Cwik
Jekyll Island State Park Authority © Jackie DeBusk
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JEKYLL ISLAND STATE PARK AUTHORITY
JEKYLL ISLAND STATE PARK AUTHORITY
In 1950, the Jekyll Island-State Park Authority was established by the State of Georgia to govern and manage the island. The Jekyll Island Authority serves as steward of the island, overseeing all natural areas and commercial operations of the island.

Jekyll Island is a barrier island off the southeastern coast of Georgia. In 1886, Jekyll Island was purchased by a group of millionaires for use as an exclusive, private retreat known as "The Jekyll Island Club." Jekyll Island was purchased by the State of Georgia in 1947 from the Jekyll Island Club. This part of Jekyll is now the Historic District.

The Authority oversees the operation, maintenance and promotion of the island's amenities and Historic District, and the provision of municipal services for the island's residential community, 10 hotels, rental cottages and businesses.

Various amenities are operated by the Authority, which include the Historic District, 63 holes of golf, a tennis center, miniature golf and bike rental, Summer Waves Waterpark, an oceanfront soccer complex, a 55,000 square foot Convention Center, restaurants, and a campground. The Authority provides a fire department/emergency medical service and maintains several public picnic areas, beach crossovers, bike paths, a boat ramp, and a small airstrip.
Swimming
1. Jekyll Island offers multiple swimming options for visitors.
2. The island features several beautiful sandy beaches perfect for a swim in the Atlantic Ocean.
3. Driftwood Beach and Great Dunes Park are popular spots among swimmers and sunbathers alike.
4. For those preferring pools, many hotels on the island offer pool access to their guests.
5. Summer Waves Water Park is another option featuring wave pools, lazy rivers, splash zones and slides suitable for all ages.

Boating
Jekyll Island, Georgia offers a variety of boating options for visitors. For those who own boats, there are several marinas available with boat ramps and docking facilities. Fishing charters can be arranged through local companies that provide all necessary equipment and guide services.

For more leisurely experiences on the water, kayak rentals or guided tours allow you to explore marshes and rivers at your own pace. Paddleboarding is another popular activity offered in this area.

If you prefer larger vessels, consider taking a scenic cruise around Jekyll Island's coastline where dolphins often make an appearance. There are also dinner cruises which offer dining while enjoying sunset views over the ocean.

In addition to these activities directly involving boats, other related opportunities include jet ski rental as well as various watersports like wakeboarding or tubing behind powerboats.
Fishing
Fishing in this Georgia location offers a variety of options. Anglers can fish from the beach, pier or charter boats. Species include Red Drum, Flounder and Spotted Seatrout. The fishing piers are accessible to all visitors with no license required for saltwater fishing.


Location
Jekyll Island State Park Authority is located near Brunswick, Saint Marys and Saint Simons Island

Picnicking
1. Jekyll Island State Park offers numerous picnic spots with scenic views.
2. Picnic areas are equipped with tables and grills for public use.
3. Enjoy a beachfront picnic at Great Dunes or Oceanview Beach Parks.
4. The historic district provides shaded, peaceful picnicking options near the island's landmarks.
5. Many trails have designated picnic sites along their routes for hikers to rest and eat.

Bicycling
Visitors can explore 20 miles of picturesque paths, ideal for biking. However, caution is advised due to varying terrain.

Bike rentals are available on the island if you don't bring your own. Be mindful about choosing an appropriate size.

The trails offer a variety of landscapes including beaches and forests but remember safety gear when exploring these areas.

Some routes may be challenging so it's important to assess fitness levels before embarking on longer journeys or difficult terrains.

While cycling at night might seem appealing with less crowd around, visibility could become a problem; hence avoid late-night rides.

Remember that helmets aren't just recommended-they're required by law in Georgia for riders under age 16.

Stay hydrated especially during summer months as temperatures can rise significantly making bike rides strenuous and potentially dangerous without proper hydration.

Always follow marked bicycle lanes/paths while riding within park boundaries ensuring personal safety & respecting wildlife habitats simultaneously.


Birding
Jekyll Island offers numerous birding opportunities with over 200 species of birds. The island features several habitats including maritime forests, marshes and beaches which attract a variety of avian life. Birders can explore the Jekyll Island Causeway for wading and shorebirds or visit St Andrews Picnic Area known for its songbird population during migration season. There's also Horton Pond, an ideal spot to see waterfowl like herons and egrets from the observation deck.


Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
December 25 Jekyll by Bill_B
park review stars; one to five
July 15 north picnic area
park review stars; one to five dredging the channel for big ships washed mud onto beach closing picnic area in early eighties and creating the mess you call driftwood beach! this is not good managment and 6.00 to come on island is crazy. use to be .25 when draw bride was there!
August 7 by THE PRUETTS
park review stars; one to five This is the most wonderful campground we have ever stayed in, anywhere. We have been coming there now for 20 years. love every minute. No negative comments from here.
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Area Campgrounds
Jekyll Island Campground
1197 Riverview Drive
Jekyll Island, GA
912-635-3021
Nearby Hotels
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Georgia
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Georgia State Parks

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