Tybee Island Camping: Are Tents and RVs Welcome?
Jun, 19 2025
If you’re dreaming of falling asleep to waves on Tybee Island, you need to know one key thing: camping directly on Tybee’s beach is a no-go. The city doesn’t allow overnight camping on the sand or anywhere in public parks—not even stealth camping with a tent or vehicle. Friendly warnings and tickets come quickly if you try to cheat this rule.
But don’t pack away your tent just yet. There’s good news nearby. The River’s End Campground sits just blocks from the north beach. It’s the only legit spot on Tybee for tents or RVs, and people swear by its shower facilities and easy walk to the ocean. You score a real campsite plus a short stroll to salty air, which beats a fine or rude awakening any day.
- What Kind of Camping Is Allowed on Tybee Island?
- The Lowdown on Beach Camping
- Closest Campgrounds to the Sand
- Rules, Fees, and What to Expect
- Tips for a Hassle-Free Tybee Adventure
What Kind of Camping Is Allowed on Tybee Island?
Here’s the thing: Tybee Island itself has pretty tight rules about camping. If your plan was to camp on the beach or in public spaces on the island, that’s out. Local laws say “no way” to any kind of overnight camping outside designated areas—so don’t even try to pull a fast one with a tent or van in a parking lot or a quiet nook by the dunes. Most of the island, including the entire beachfront, is patrolled, and police hand out fines that start at $100 if you break this rule.
If you’re flexible, legit camping is possible nearby. River’s End Campground is not just close—it’s the only legal spot on Tybee where you can set up a tent or park your RV. This privately run place is fully above board, safe, and popular with folks who want to hit the beach by day and sleep comfortably at night. Wild camping, stealth van camping, and fires on the sand are flat-out banned all over the island.
So what’s allowed? Here’s a fast breakdown:
- No camping on the actual beach or public parks
- No RV or van sleeping in public parking lots or streets
- Campers can legally stay at River’s End Campground (tent and RV spots available with hookups and amenities)
- Private property camping is possible, but only with written owner permission
If you’re weighing your options, check out how things stack up:
| Camping Type | Allowed? | Details/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Beach Camping | No | Prohibited; subject to fines |
| Public Park Camping | No | Strictly enforced ban |
| RV/Tent at River's End | Yes | Reservations recommended, amenities included |
| Private Property Camping | Maybe | Needs written permission from owner |
This all means you’ve basically got one real shot at camping on Tybee: pay for a site at River’s End. If you’re hoping for a more walk-on-the-wild-side experience, you’ll have to look a little farther from the island. Savannah and nearby state parks offer more traditional, outdoorsy camping without all the island’s restrictions.
The Lowdown on Beach Camping
If you’re eyeing a tent right on the sand at Tybee, here's the truth: it’s not allowed. The city made camping on the beach, dunes, or in your car against the rules years ago. They’re not joking about it either. Police and beach patrols actually keep an eye out for late-night campers trying to sneak a night under the stars. Expect a fine—and they don’t let you off easy.
The main reason is to protect Tybee Island's delicate sea turtle nesting spots, birds, and natural areas. There’s also a big push to keep the place clean and safe for families and visitors. You might see signs about no tents or overnight stuff right at the beach entrances, so it’s clear they mean business.
To really spell it out, here’s what you can’t do on Tybee beaches after dark:
- Pitch a tent or set up any sleeping area on the sand
- Park your vehicle for overnight sleeping (car, RV, or van)
- Build a fire or use a grill anywhere on the sand
- Leave camping gear stashed anywhere, even "just for the night"
People sometimes ask how strict the rules really are. The answer: they’re enforced nightly, especially during summer and holiday weekends when the place is packed.
| Activity | Legal on Tybee Beach? | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Beach tent camping overnight | No | $300+ fine |
| Sleeping in your car | No | Ticket and possible tow |
| Day use of shade tent/popup (until dark) | Yes | No penalty |
| Overnight fires on sand | No | $150+ fine |
The bottom line? Tybee’s great for a day at the beach, but you’ll have to take your gear elsewhere when the sun goes down. Save yourself the trouble (and the cash) and book an actual campsite or local rental instead.
Closest Campgrounds to the Sand
Looking for a place to crash close to the beach? Your main option on Tybee Island is River’s End Campground & RV Park. It's not right on the beach, but it’s only a short walk—less than half a mile—from the water. That’s about as close as you can legally sleep to the waves here. This spot offers a mix of tent sites, RV pull-throughs, and little cabins for folks who want a roof but still dig the outdoors.
Let’s break down what you get at River’s End:
- Full hookups for RVs—water, electric, and sewer so you don’t stress about modern comforts
- Tent camping zones with shade and picnic tables
- Hot showers, bathrooms, and laundry room—key after a full day in the sand
- A swimming pool, WiFi, and a small store if you run out of gear or snacks
- Easy access not just to the beach, but also North Beach Grill and the lighthouse
If River’s End is booked (it happens, especially in summer), there’s Fort Pulaski RV Park and Savannah Oaks RV Resort about 15-30 minutes inland. These aren’t as close, but they give you another option for your Tybee Island adventure, especially if you need more space or cheaper rates. Still, nothing beats the convenience of River’s End if grabbing your board or beach chair in the morning matters to you.
Rules, Fees, and What to Expect
Tybee Island is strict about its camping policy. No one is allowed to set up a tent or sleep overnight in vehicles anywhere on the island’s beaches or city property. These rules are enforced by local police, who patrol beaches regularly. If you’re thinking about a quick overnight stay outside an official campground, know that fines usually start at $300 and can go higher if you ignore warnings. It’s not worth the risk.
The only real option for Tybee Island camping is River’s End Campground. This spot is owned by the city, so the team is well-versed in all the do’s and don’ts. When you check in, you get a rundown of what’s allowed—think quiet hours, leash rules for dogs, and where you can cook out. Here’s what you can expect when planning your stay:
- All guests must register at the office. No sneaking in after dark.
- Quiet hours start at 10 p.m. You don’t want to be the person everyone wishes would leave.
- Alcohol is allowed only at your own site.
- Pets are welcome, but leashes and shot records are required.
- Tent sites, RV pads, and cabins are all available, but sites go fast in summer—reserve early online or by phone.
The campground is only half a mile from the north beach, so you’re close, but not directly on the sand. Just use the main road or side streets for easy walking access.
Fees are reasonable for the area, but they swing with the season. Tent sites start around $45 per night in the off season and can go up to $70 when the island fills up in July. RV pads cost extra, especially for full hookup spots. There’s a two-night minimum most holiday weekends, and don’t skip out early—refunds can be tricky to get.
| Site Type | Low Season (per night) | High Season (per night) |
|---|---|---|
| Tent Site | $45 | $70 |
| RV Pad | $55 | $85 |
| Cabin | $100 | $150 |
A few more things: local laws ban open campfires, but you can use propane grills. The showers are hot, and there’s Wi-Fi for checking the surf report. Book early if you’re visiting during a festival or holiday—the entire island sells out fast and last-minute walk-ins will be turned away.
Tips for a Hassle-Free Tybee Adventure
If you want your Tybee Island camping trip to go off without a hitch, a little prep makes all the difference. Here’s what’ll make your beach getaway smoother, especially if you’re set on getting as close as possible to the sand legally.
- Book early at River’s End Campground. This place fills fast, especially during spring, summer, and holiday weekends. If you show up without a reservation, chances are you’ll end up back on the highway looking for a spot farther away.
- Know the rules. Open flames, grills, and alcohol aren’t allowed on Tybee’s public beach at all. Don’t risk a ticket—keep your cookouts at the campground.
- Have cash or a credit card for parking. Day parking in Tybee’s public lots isn’t free, and enforcement is pretty strict. Pay at the meters or use the Park TYB app to avoid tickets.
- Pack for bugs and sun. Mosquitos get hungry in summer and sand gnats aren’t shy either. Bring repellent and some serious sunscreen, even if you’re mostly sticking close to the campground.
- Leave no trace. Tybee’s big on keeping the beach and marshes clean. Don’t leave trash or food behind, and double-check for rogue tent stakes or lost gear when checking out.
- Savannah is close. River’s End is only about 20 minutes from downtown Savannah. If it rains, spend a day exploring the city—there are plenty of indoor things to do, and it’s a good backup plan.
One last heads up: Hurricane season (June through November) means a higher chance of storms. Keep an eye on weather alerts and maybe have a backup plan if things look sketchy. Play by these tips and you’ll enjoy everything Tybee offers—without the drama.