McIntosh County and City Parks - Visit Blackbeard Island Wilderness Refuge, Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge, Butler's Island or the beautiful Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve for enchanting beaches and wildlife. Please call listed park numbers for info.
McIntosh County Department of Leisure Services - 912-437- 6657
Barrington Park offers a boat ramp into the Altamaha River, bathrooms with showers, picnic tables and primitive-style camp sites.
Bellville Ramp provides a boat ramp into the Sapelo River.
Blue-N-Haul Facility has a boat ramp, 3 floating docks, 2 fixed docks, and picnic tables. These docks are available for fishing and crabbing and offer the public access to the North River.
Champney River Park offers a boat ramp, fixed dock, floating dock, cat walk across the Champney River, and picnic tables. The public can utilize these facilities for fishing, crabbing, and access into the Champney River.
Eulonia Park is a sports complex that is used for the Department's baseball, softball, football, and soccer programs. It consists of 4 ball fields, a batting cage, an asphalt basketball court, playground, and picnic tables. Concession and restroom facilities are also available. This complex is also used for high school baseball games.
Lions Club Park consists of 4 ball fields, a playground, and picnic tables. There is also a concession stand and bathroom facilities available. This complex is the site where the McIntosh County Department of Leisure Services (MCDLS) plays many of its baseball, softball, football, and soccer games. Soon, the Department's new multi-purpose center will be also be located at Lion's Club Park. This building, when completed, will house the Department's after-school, and day camp programs. The Department will also host its basketball program and other special events in this center.
South Newport Ramp provides the public with a ramp to launch boats into the South Newport River and a picnic table.
White Chimney consists of a boat ramp, floating dock, fixed dock, covered pavilion, and picnic tables. The ramp allows the public to launch boats into White Chimney Creek. The docks are available for fishing and crabbing. The covered pavilion offers families the opportunity to picnic.
Wilderness Refuges, Islands, Coastal Tours and More
Altamaha Coastal Tours - Canoe and Kayak Wilderness Tours - Using Canoes and Sea Kayaks to access the natural wonders of the Georgia coast including the ancient Cypress Trees on the Altamaha River, Lewis Island and Buffalo Swamp as well as the wilderness barrier islands of Blackbeard and Sapelo Islands. No Rafts. Great camping and day trips, guided and self-guided. Cabins available in area. Phone: 912-437-6010 - Address: 229 Ft. King George Rd., Darien Georgia - Directions: On downtown waterfront 3 miles east of I95
Ansley-Hodges M.A.R.S.H. Project and Nature Trail has an
observation tower overlooking a managed wetland and a 1 mile nature trail. Visitors can watch a variety of wading birds, shorebirds, waterfowl, and songbirds. Viewing other wildlife is also possible while learning about the importance of managed wetlands and hunting in the conservation of wildlife. Phone: 912-262-3173 - Address: US Hwy. 17 S, Darien Georgia
Blackbeard Island Wilderness Refuge is separated by Sapelo Island by a thin creek. Half of the island is designated as national wilderness area. Hikers use several miles of trails, roadways, and beaches for wildlife (especially birdlife) viewing. From March 15 to October 25, fishing is allowed in the two large freshwater ponds; saltwater creeks are open to fishing throughout the year, except during managed hunts in the fall and winter. Phone: 912-652-4415 or 912-437-4192 - Location:
Blackbeard Island, GA Directions: Can get to island by boat only.
Butler's Island is an old rice plantation that offers refuge to alligators, deer, herons, egrets, ducks and other wading birds and provide recreation to fisherman, hunters and naturalists. Phone: 912-437-6684 -
Location: US Hwy. 17 South, Darien Georgia - Directions: Highway 17 between Darien and Brunswick. Take exit #49 off of I-95
Darien Waterfront Park is located in Darien's Historic District and offers a wonderful view of the Darien River and the marshes that house many species of wildlife. It is a great location to get an upclose look at shrimp boats docked along the waterway. Playground area and picnic tables are located under the shade of large oak trees. Phone: 912-437-4192 - Address: 105 Fort King George Dr., Darien Georgia - Directions: Take Exits #42 or #49 off I-95 to Hwy 17. Follow signs to Darien.
Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge is 2,762 acres of saltwater, marshes, and woods offer habitats attracting many species of birds. Over 15 miles of paved roads and trails offer visitor access. Phone: 912- 832-4608 or 912-652-4415 - Location: Hwy. 17 & Harris Neck Road, Townsend, GA
Harris Neck Tour features heritage and history tours of McIntosh County, with a focus on the history of the African American community of Harris Neck (now the Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge), started in 2003. These tours will be conducted by former residents of the Harris Neck community. - Phone: 912-437-7821 - Location: Hwy 27, Darien Georgia - Directions: Hwy. 17 to Blount Crossing Rd. First Building on right
Rhett's Island is comprised of 3 managed wetland impoundments covering 1800 acres situated between the Darien and Champney Rivers. Access is only by boat. This area provides waterfowl hunting, birdwatching, fishing, shrimping, and crabbing opportunities. It is one of Georgia's premier waterfowl hunting areas providing wintering habitat to over 12 species of waterfowl. Fishing, shrimping and crabbing are prohibited from Sept. 15-30 and during the waterfowl hunting season. - Phone: 912-262-3173 - Location: US Hwy. 17 South, Darien Georgia - Directions: 1 mile south of Darien on Hwy 17.
Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve -
Visitors to Sapelo Island can see virtually every facet of a barrier islands natural community, from the forested uplands, to the vast salt marsh, and the complex beach and dunes systems.
The mainland Visitor Center brings to life both the natural and cultural history of Sapelo, while guided island tours highlight the African-American community of Hog Hammock, University of Georgia Marine Institute, Reynolds Mansion and newly restored lighthouse. Built in 1820, the lighthouse was in service until 1905 when it was deactivated. Following its 1998 restoration, it once again became a working aid in navigation.
The historic Reynolds Mansion may be used for group conferences and retreats, with all meals included. A campground is available for groups of 15-25.Activities and Fun Areas: African-American Heritage, beaches, camping, cycling, hiking on Heritage Trails, historic sites and districts, outdoor tours and gardens. Sapelo Island Pioneer Camping: Groups up to 25 people may camp near the beach on Sapelo's Cabretta Island. Comfort station with hot showers available. The Reynold's Mansion can accommodate conferences and retreats for up to 28 people. Phone: 912-437-3224 - Location: Sapelo Island Visitor Center, Landing Rd., Meridian, GA
Sapelo Island Visitors Center features displays that tell the history of Sapelo Island. It serves as the departure point for the passenger ferry to the island. Reservations are required. Four hour tour to island includes guided ecological and cultural tour by water and bus. Tour includes visit to the African-American community of Hog Hammock and the Reynold's Mansion. - Phone: 912-437-3224 - Location: Landing Road, Meridian, GA - Directions: I-95, Exits 49 to Hwy 17
Sapelo Island Wildlife Mangt. Area - R.J. Reynolds Wildlife Management Area is composed of 8,990 acres. Hunting opportunties are available. Refer to the Ga. Hunting Seasons & Regulations for more information. - Phone: 912-262-3173 - Location:Sapelo Island Visitor Center, Landing Rd., Meridian, GA
Darien Scenic By-Way features Victorian style homes of former timber barons. Overlooking Doboy Sound, the cooling breezes were believed to provide "better air" during yellow fever season. Further north are the shrimping communities of Meridian, Valona and Belleville, all offering scenic views of the rivers and marshes. The fishing villages of Shellman Bluff and Pine Harbor offer easy boating access to the intracoastal waterway. - Phone: 912-437-4192 - Location:Highway 99, Darien Georgia
