Driftwood Beach
Jekyll Island, GA
Bleached, uprooted oaks and pines scattered across the sand on Jekyll’s north end. Come at low tide and sunrise for the best light and room to walk.
Driftwood Beach lies at the north end of Jekyll Island, between Clam Creek Picnic Area and the Villas by the Sea resort, on North Beachview Drive. Where coastal forest once stood, the sea has been eating into the land for more than 120 years and has claimed over 300 m (1,000 ft) of shoreline. Salt water and wind killed the trees’ roots, and the trunks either toppled or stayed standing, because the tides are too weak to carry them out to sea.
The best time to come is at low tide, when you have the most room among the trunks. Sunrise and sunset are the most popular times, especially from April to October; winter is quieter. Parking on North Beachview Drive is free, but overnight parking is prohibited. From there it is about a seven-minute walk on a flat path. A daily fee applies for access to the island. Driftwood must not be taken away, and dogs must be kept on a leash.
- Nearest town
- Jekyll Island, GA
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 31.1080, -81.4030
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually March–April and October–December. Still fine, with some compromises, in January–February, May and September. Hot in June–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Coastal Georgia RV ResortCampsite11 mi from Driftwood Beach
- Southern Retreat RV ParkCampsite11 mi from Driftwood BeachTentsCaravans
- A Big Wheel RV ParkMotorhome stopover21 mi from Driftwood BeachMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
- Cathead Creek Ranch & RV ParkMotorhome stopover22 mi from Driftwood BeachMotorhomes
- Walkabout Camp & RV ParkCampsite24 mi from Driftwood BeachTentsCaravans
- Eagle Hammock RV ParkMotorhome stopover25 mi from Driftwood Beach · 60 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
All campsites in Georgia · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Driftwood Beach?
Driftwood Beach is in Jekyll Island, GA, at GPS 31.1080, -81.4030. It is about 3 mi from St. Simons Island.
Can you camp near Driftwood Beach?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Jekyll Island Campground, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 19 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Driftwood Beach?
Driftwood Beach is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Georgia’s Golden Isles and the Okefenokee.
What is there to see near Driftwood Beach?
Places worth a stop nearby: St. Simons Lighthouse (2 mi), Jekyll Island Historic District (3 mi), Fort King George (18 mi) and Kingsley Plantation, Timucuan Preserve (46 mi).
When is the best time to visit Driftwood Beach?
The most pleasant months are usually March–April and October–December. Still fine, with some compromises, in January–February, May and September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)