Southern Retreat RV Park: Coastal Georgia Adventure
Get a taste of small town living near the Atlantic
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Brunswick, Georgia, has stood the test of time, with a rich colonial history and a vibrant culture that rivals those of small towns across America. Get a taste of this stretch of Georgian coastline with a stay at Southern Retreat RV Park, a welcoming Good Sam Park that makes everyone feel at home.
After getting settled into one of the park’s 172 full-hookup sites, guests can enjoy the pool or turn their kids loose at the sprawling playground. Pickleball courts await for competitors who want to work up a sweat. Onsite, the Fish Tails Pub & Grill serves up fresh, locally sourced seafood and American fare, with a menu that includes Yuengling battered fish, chicken and waffles, and hefty shrimp baskets.
Photo courtesy of Southern Retreat RV Park.
Laundry, shower, and restroom facilities add to the guest conveniences.
Open year-round and 24/7, the resort features cozy cabins and RV rental, each fully furnished and available for long stays.
Explore Brunswick
With deep roots in America’s Colonial past, the surrounding town of Brunswick beautifully blends the past and present.
Brunswick has a long and fascinating history as an important port city. Founded by the British in 1738 to guard against Spanish expansion from Florida, the city remains a vital hub along the Georgia coast. Today, its docks are busy with shrimp boats and cargo ships, and the port ranks among the nation’s busiest for handling automobiles.
The Sidney Lanier Bridge. Photo: Jud McCranie.
The Old Town National Historic District showcases Brunswick’s rich heritage with elegant Victorian architecture, including landmarks such as Old City Hall and the Mahoney-McGarvey House. Towering live oaks line the streets, adding timeless Southern charm.
Brunswick also gained national attention in the 1870s when poet Sidney Lanier visited the coast seeking relief from tuberculosis. Inspired by the beauty of the marshlands, he wrote the beloved poem The Marshes of Glynn. Today, the impressive Sidney Lanier Bridge stretches across those same marshes, its graceful cables forming the longest bridge span in Georgia.
Photo: Jud McCranie
Brunswick Parties
Prepare to party in Brunswick. Throughout the year, Historic Downtown Brunswick hosts a variety of festivals and cultural events that celebrate the community’s spirit. Visitors might stumble upon an open-air concert, join the festive crowds at the Old Fashioned Fourth of July celebration at Mary Ross Waterfront Park, or sample hearty bowls of the city’s signature dish at Stewbilee, a spirited cook-off devoted to the famous Brunswick stew.
Legend says the dish was first created on July 2, 1898, when squirrel meat was tossed into an iron pot simmering with tomatoes, lima beans, corn, okra, and other vegetables on nearby St. Simons Island. Whether that story is fact or folklore is up for debate — but you can judge for yourself each October at the Rockin’ Stewbilee, when dozens of teams compete to cook the very best version of this beloved Southern classic.
Another favorite local tradition is First Friday Downtown, held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., when galleries and shops stay open late, pouring wine, offering snacks, and welcoming visitors to wander in and explore. Live music often fills the air from the charming pocket parks — tiny urban green spaces scattered throughout downtown that make perfect spots to pause, relax, and soak up the atmosphere. Coastfest, held every March, celebrates the town’s coastal wonders.
Photo: Quesy Quesy
Getting Outside
Thanks to Brunswick’s flat terrain and mild coastal climate, getting outside is easy and enjoyable year-round. The city’s average temperature hovers around a comfortable 68 degrees, with warm days in the 80s from May through September. Even in the height of summer, July is the only month when temperatures typically climb above 90.
That pleasant weather makes Brunswick a wonderful place for a stroll, jog, or bike ride. Scenic routes wind through places like the Sidney Lanier Bridge, the Old Town Brunswick National Historic District, and along the waterfront at Mary Ross Waterfront Park. Along the way, you’ll encounter local landmarks such as Lover’s Oak, a magnificent tree believed to be around 900 years old, historic downtown buildings, and the sweeping coastal beauty of the Marshes of Glynn. Keep your eyes open — wildlife, birds, and lush coastal greenery are everywhere.
For a truly memorable experience, consider a visit to Golden Isles Carriage and Trail at Three Oaks Farm. Few things feel more peaceful than riding along the beach by horseback while listening to the rhythm of the ocean waves. Beach rides on Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island are especially magical, with weathered driftwood sculptures scattered along the shore. Three Oaks Farm also offers narrated horse-drawn carriage tours through Jekyll Island’s historic district, perfect for learning the island’s history while enjoying a relaxed ride. Back at the farm in Brunswick, younger visitors will love the petting zoo, pony rides, and children’s camps.
Beautiful Barrier Islands
Just beyond Brunswick lie four beautiful barrier islands known as the Golden Isles of Georgia—Jekyll Island, St. Simons Island, Little St. Simons Island, and Sea Island. These coastal gems are connected by sweeping marshlands and small “hammock” islands that create the illusion of land stretching endlessly toward the horizon.
A guided tour of Jekyll Island offers a fascinating glimpse into America’s Gilded Age. Visitors can explore historic buildings from the era when the island served as an exclusive retreat for some of the country’s wealthiest families. The beautifully preserved Jekyll Island Club and its National Landmark Historic District tell stories of the Vanderbilts, Goodyears, Pulitzers, and other industrial giants who once wintered here.
Over on St. Simons Island, a guided food tour adds a delicious twist to sightseeing. As you stroll beneath towering live oaks draped in Spanish moss, you’ll hear colorful stories about the island’s past while sampling Southern favorites like creamy grits, rich crab stew made with local seafood, and tangy key lime pie.
From the island’s north end, nature lovers can venture to Little St. Simons Island, a pristine sanctuary spanning more than 10,000 acres. Here, untouched beaches, maritime forests, and sweeping salt marshes provide a haven for wildlife and a peaceful escape from the modern world.
Putting on the Ritz
Back in Brunswick, the arts scene thrives at the Ritz Theatre, which first opened in 1899 as the Grand Opera House. Today the beautifully restored venue hosts live performances, films, and exhibits year-round.
Explore this fantastic destination while staying at Southern Retreat RV Park, a 912-261-1025.
John Sullaway has worked for years as a writer and editor for publications dedicated to camping, includingRV Business, Highways,and the2025 North American Campground Guide. A SoCal native, John enjoys spending time with his family and two dogs.
