The original Spanish Florida settlement in the area around the St. Marys River dates back to 1566. After the Treaty of Paris in 1763, parts of Florida became the property of the British Thirteen Colonies. Several decades later in 1787, locals from Camden County signed a charter for a town called St. Marys. The total town area at that time was 2,041 acres. The original deed for the town actually left it unnamed, with many residents referring to it as "the New Town." The Georgia Legislature recognized St. Mary's in 1792, which resulted in its formal incorporation a decade later. St. Mary's became a port of entry for the country at the end of the 18th century.
Today, St. Mary's is home to the Cumberland Island National Seashore's boat access point and visitor center. The Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay is adjacent to the city and covers about 16,000 acres of land and 4,000 acres of protected wetlands. St. Mary's Historic District encompasses 230 acres of land. It's home to a variety of buildings like Orange Hall, First Presbyterian Church, and the city's early cemetery. Many of the dated properties were built in the Gothic or Queen Anne architectural style. There are 17 total historical buildings and districts within St. Mary's city limits.
St. Marys Seafood Festival – This annual October festival has a huge parade with fire trucks, floats, golf carts, and more. You'll also have your pick of food vendors, arts and crafts stalls, and 5K/10K runs.
Mardi Gras Festival – Stop by Kingsland in February for festival food, artisan shopping opportunities, and free concerts. There's also an exciting parade and plenty of family fun.
Christmas Tour of Homes – Boost your holiday spirit by auto-touring the historical homes of St. Mary's in December. Your family is sure to enjoy the lights, nativity scenes, and hot cocoa pit stops.
South Port Storage in nearby Brunswick is only 20 minutes away from Jekyll Island. This affordable RV storage facility has outdoor parking spaces that are continuously monitored by video surveillance. Exit 29 Self Storage is another Brunswick storage option off Interstate 95. They have a variety of indoor and outdoor storage options and can accommodate oversized motorhomes.
Congaree National Park is about four hours away in South Carolina. The area was spared by the lumber industry in the 1800s, giving it some of the tallest trees on the East Coast today. Take your time hiking along the Congaree River and around the swampy floodplain. The National Park Service offers educational explorations, wilderness canoe tours and regular owl prowls.
Travel 418 miles south toward the tip of Florida to find Biscayne National Park. Spanning 172,000 acres of land, this national park allows you to enjoy an untouched tropical landscape just outside of busy Miami. The southern seagrass ecosystem makes this park popular for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are also several shallow-water shipwrecks and a contemporary art gallery.
Everglades National Park is a little more than six hours away in Florida. Spanning 1.5 million acres, it’s the largest tropical wilderness in the United States. Many exotic and endangered animals call this national park home. Around a million visitors stop by every year to hike, boat, backcountry camp, and watch for birds. Ranger-led adventures and airboat tours are popular year-round.
Crooked River State Park is a great place for kayaking, picnicking, fishing, and boating. As you walk beneath the stunning palmettos and Spanish moss-draped oak trees, keep an eye out for colorful birds and wildlife. Don't forget to stop by the park's tackle store for equipment rentals.
Fort Clinch State Park has a breathtaking shoreline perfect for surfing, swimming, fishing, and paddling. The park is full of hidden treasures you can only find by geocaching. Visit the first weekend of the month to see battle maneuvers and cannon demonstrations at the fort.
Little Talbot Island State Park has five miles of sandy beach on the Atlantic Ocean. Light-tackle fishing and surf fishing are both popular here. You can also spend some time on the playground, search for shells, or participate in a ranger-led program.
The Fort Frederica National Monument on St. Simons Island is a top Georgia landmark. It preserves what remains of the historic fort built in 1736. This fort was erected to protect a nearby colony from the Spanish settlers in Florida.
The Dungeness on Cumberland Island was built in 1736 as a hunting lodge. After serving as the home for several prominent families in history, it was acquired by the National Park Service in 1972.
The Kingsley Plantation in Jacksonville was named after the Quaker Zephaniah Kingsley who lived there for several decades. Likely built in the late-1790s, this property is known as Georgia's oldest surviving plantation house.
Altamaha Regional Park in Brunswick is a hotspot for boating and fishing. This local campground has plenty of shaded camping spots, a swimming area, nature trails, and a beautiful pavilion. Jekyll Island Campground is an inexpensive place to stay with plenty of bird-watching opportunities. Enjoy its stunning natural beauty, convenient general store, and amazing bird sanctuary. Stay at Inland Harbor RV Park in Darien for great access to St. Simons Island. This quiet and clean campground has lovely views of the Altamaha River Basin and is near several grocery shopping options.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in St Marys, GA, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in St Marys?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in St Marys from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in St Marys?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.