We decided to give it a try for the kids’ winter break. We split the trip between Jekyll Island for 3 nights and FD Roosevelt state park for 2 nights. It was February and it was forecast to be cold and wet. We didn’t want to get the annex muddy and we wanted to be able to run the truck in case we needed to get inside, so we did not use the annex this trip. We used 1 hammock and 1 GIANT tent with cots in addition to the roof top tent. There are lots of bike trails so we had 5 bikes and only a 4 bike bike rack. We also brought a propane gas stove, firewood, camp table, food, coolers, and clothes and shoes for all 5 for anything. We were hopeful that we could fit everything into the truck. That was a pipe dream for our first trip. We barely fit everything between the truck and my, also new, 2020 Ford Explorer 4WD. There is some potential there for off roading, but I’m not ready yet. My husband-that typically throws a Kroger bag with a change of clothes in his car that is always equipped with a small camp stove, hammocks, and mountain house meals-had a typed categorized list that we checked twice before we could leave on this adventure.
After a long 5 hour rain filled drive, the roads were starting the flood, it was getting dark, and cold, we chose to stay at a hotel the first night and get going in the morning. Jekyll Island Campground was very well cared for and clean. We got set up within a few hours and minimal cussing despite the 10-12 person tent. We made tacos on the stove (pre-made meat) and then went for a bike ride.
We went to the Sea Turtle Center later that afternoon as the rain started to move back in. We had a pretty good storm that night but everything hung in there well. The rooftop tent did great. The hammock drained great under the tarp.
The next day was gorgeous. We had my signature camp dish, hashbrowns, eggs, bacon, and cheese scramble. We were able to use our French press for the first time and it was good. We went for a nice ride around the Island—very similar to scenery from Cumberland Island. We had hotdogs at camp and then went for a dolphin tour, hiked to shark tooth beach, and out to dinner at the Wharf. It was great! The boys were dolphin spotting experts. We also got to see a bald eagle. Shark tooth beach was full of shells. Dinner was great. We went back to camp for a good nights rest. I must say that we had raccoons at our camp both nights and then even unlocked our Tupperware container with dry food and were able to steal a few snacks.
We woke up in the morning, ate cold cereal, packed up and made our way across GA. We stopped at Providence Canyon on the way to hike. It is really pretty. We did the 2 mile loop trail. It was muddy but not as bad as we thought it would be with all the rain we had gotten. It was the first time that we had been there at sunset and it was pretty. We made it to our campsite at FD Roosevelt state park in Pine Mountain, GA around 7:30. We set up the tent and roof top tent. No canopy or hammocks this time because wind was brutal and it was dark. The boys took the cots and the littlest used a sleep pad. They slept well despite the torrential downfall. Again, everyone stayed dry.
The next morning we had boiled eggs, toast, sausage and more camp coffee. It was cold and a little misty so we decided to check out the Wild Animal Safari. It is amazing! We rented one of their vehicles, a must do, and drove through. We were one of the first that day so we were swarmed by all kinds of animals except the giraffes, it was too cold for them. We all loved it! We went out to lunch and back to camp for a warm campfire.
Smalls and Talls Outdoors 