Fort McAllister State Park: Family Cabins, Trails, and a Break from the Crowds

As an outdoorsy girl, I love visiting state parks with family and friends. Our Sunshine State has 175 state parks just waiting to be discovered. And just a short drive over the Florida-Georgia line, the Peach State adds another 60 state parks to that must-do list, including Fort McAllister State Park.

My family of four, along with another family of four (totaling eight), rented a cabin here for spring break. This locale offers families a chance to connect with nature, enjoy outdoor activities and create lasting memories—and at a lower cost than other family vacation destinations. Let me explain why Fort McAllister State Park is a great glamping getaway for families.

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A Scenic Escape to Fort McAllister State Park

Fort McAllister State Park might just be the hidden gem you didn’t know you needed! Nestled along the banks of the Ogeechee River, this well-maintained site combines history, nature and outdoor adventure into one fantastic vacation destination. And the best part? It’s just a short four-hour road trip away from Orlando, making it an ideal spot for a long weekend or even a full spring break like my family just did.

Listen, we all know that our home state is packed with beautiful beaches, thrilling theme parks and top-notch towns. But sometimes, you just want to escape the crowds and enjoy some peace. Fort McAllister State Park offers exactly that.

Surrounded by towering live oaks draped in Spanish moss, winding trails and stunning river views, this place provides a refreshing change of scenery. It’s the kind of place where you can truly unplug, whether you’re primitive camping under the stars or lounging in a somewhat luxurious cabin.

History of Fort McAllister State Park

One of the coolest things about Fort McAllister is its history, dating back to the 1860s. The park is home to well-preserved Civil War earthwork fortifications, making it a fascinating place to explore for both kids and adults. History buffs will love this, and kids will get a hands-on lesson that’s way more exciting than a textbook.

Imagine walking through the same grounds where Confederate soldiers once stood, learning about how they defended Savannah from Union forces. The fort has underground bunkers, cannons and even a museum packed with interesting artifacts.

Unlike other forts that I’ve visited with my families, Fort McAllister was built into (and under) the ground , rather than the tall fort walls you see at Castillo de San Marcos National Monument in St. Augustine, which fourth-graders of OCPS typically visit on a field trip.

Don’t forget that children can complete fun activities to earn their Junior Ranger badge, making the trip even more exciting. Check out the park’s schedule for guided walks, educational talks, and other hands-on activities that make learning about nature and history fun.

Fort McAllister’s Cozy Cottages

My family typically opts for coastal getaways but, this spring break, we broke from our norm. Admittedly, I DO NOT consider myself a camper. However, Fort McAllister does offer tent and RV camping options. For those who prefer the tent and/or RV sites, know that this area has restrooms, showers, coin laundry, picnic shelters and a dump station.

My family chose a cozy cottage-style cabin. Fort McAllister has seven cottages on stilts near the marsh, each offering modern accommodations with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large fully-stocked kitchen, dining area, living room, screen porch, indoor fireplace, outdoor fire pit and outdoor grill. With four kids in tow, we especially loved that the playground was directly across from our cottage.

Absolutely pack the bug spray (no-see-ums were a nuisance). Wi-Fi access is available at the museum office only so this place allows visitors to fully unplug! One of the cottages is handicapped accessible.

Outdoor Family Fun

The Ogeechee River is a prime spot for fishing, with plenty of redfish, trout and flounder waiting to be caught. We brought our boat up from Florida and launched right from the park’s ramp to explore the scenic waterways.

No boat? No problem! Kayak/canoe rentals are available, offering a fun way to paddle through the calm, marshy waters while spotting birds and dolphins.

The park has miles of trails that wind through forests and along the river. It’s a great way to stretch your legs, enjoy nature and spot some wildlife. We brought our bikes so we could ride around too in addition to hiking. Bike rentals are super affordable onsite.

Fort McAllister State Park has two main trails. Magnolia Trail is an easy-breezy .9-mile trek amidst shady tree coverage. Redbird Creek Trail is 2.9 miles, but still very doable with youngsters, including my six-year-old. We spotted deer, armadillos, racoons, woodpeckers and, thanks to the bat boxes, tons of bats.

Plus, the kiddos tackled a ton of Geocaching and visits to the park’s second playground. We also enjoyed the fishing pier but with minimal success. But we definitely mastered the skill of roasting s’mores.

Day Trip to Savannah

One of the best perks of visiting Fort McAllister State Park is that it’s just a 40-minute drive from Savannah. If you want to mix in some city fun with your outdoor adventure, like we did, take a quick day trip into town to explore the historic squares, River Street, and maybe even grab some delicious Southern food.

For a sweet treat, my littles loved sampling deliciousness at the Savannah Bee Company. The adults appreciated the mead tasting here. When we needed a quick break, we popped into the extension lobby of the JW Marriott, which is filled with dinosaur fossils and the likes.

Fort McAllister Pricing & Miscellaneous

• Accommodations: RV/Tent camping is priced at $36-42 per night. Cottages are $210-$230 per night. Backcountry campsites (without electricity or water) are $12 per night.
• Rentals: Bicycles start at just $5 per hour. Kayaks and canoes are $30-40.
• Fort: Admittance into the museum and fort area (self-walking tour) is $9.75 per adult, $5.50 for children.
• Firewood is sold onsite at $10 per bundle.
• This state park is pet-friendly.
• A ‘no-noise’ requirement starts at 10pm.  
• Be aware that the racoons wander right up to campsites! Definitely be responsible with disposing of trash and never feed the wild animals.

So, if you’re looking for a new adventure that’s close to home but feels like a whole new world, Fort McAllister State Park should be on your family’s vacation list. I plan to visit again!