Sapelo Island

As we made our way home from Florida we had the opportunity to visit Sapelo Island in Georgia. Austin and I are excited to explore a hosting opportunity on the island. As potential Hosts, we had the good fortune to be shown around the island by the current hosts.  It was a wonderful place and we totally enjoyed our visit.


Sapelo Island is the fourth largest of the islands along the Georgia coast. The island is managed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Other island entities include the  Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve, administered and operated in a state-federal partnership between Georgia DNR and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and also the University of Georgia Marine Institute, and the civilian Hog Hammock community.

The island is only accessible by ferry from Meridian, GA . On the ferry through Dolby Sound, we enjoyed many dolphins. To get to the island you must be on a tour or an invited guest. Sapelo is approx. 12 miles long and 3 1/2 miles wide, mostly forest and marsh. Visitors are allowed only on a small section of this protected island.

one of the trails

Reynolds Mansion

 The Reynolds Mansion has group accommodations for conferences, retreats and weddings. The original structure, built in 1810,  fell to ruins after the civil war. The antebellum style home was rebuilt from 1922-25 into the structure seen today.

a path on the island



Sapelo Lighthouse

A little more than a mile down a narrow road from the mansion you can see the Sapelo Island Lighthouse.

inside lighthouse

Driving around the island on mostly dirt roads, just a few have tar, we fell in love with the beauty and peacefulness. Our hosts took us to Hog Hammock. Thomas Spalding had about 400 slaves to work his plantations on Sapelo. When freed, they established several settlements about the island. Only one community, Hog Hammock remains. About 70 residents make their home here
, many are descendants of the slaves of the Sapelo plantations.

bridge to wilderness campsites

As we bumped along the dirt road we crossed a narrow wooden bridge and entered the wilderness camping area. This spot  was gorgeous, we absolutely loved it. Just a 3 minute walk to the beach, this camping area is for groups of 15-25.  The camp hosts resides next to a modern bathhouse and looks out over a pristine camping area nestled in the trees.

view from camp

Adirondack lean to

host campsite

wilderness camping

looking towards host site

 I hope you enjoy the pictures.