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Joel’s Journal: Fort McAllister State Park
By Joel Raeber
 Fort McAllister State Park is located about 10 miles south of Savannah, Ga. The park is on the bank of the Great Ogeechee River, 10 miles east of I-95 on Ga. Spur 144. The campground is bordered by tidal Redbird Creek and salt marsh. Campsites are surrounded by giant live oaks, palm trees and palmettos. To reach the campground, you cross the tidal marsh on a causeway. There are 65 tent, trailer, RV campsites, almost all pull-thru with sand base. The scrub palmetto adds to the privacy of the sites.
It is a quiet location for camping, hiking and fishing. It is also ideal for bird watching. The park is along the Colonial Coast Birding Trail. More than 300 species of birds have been spotted at the 18 sites along the birding trail. Painted Bunting, Pileated Woodpecker, flickers, gulls, cormorants and wood stork were among the birds we saw during our visit.
There is a boat ramp and boat dock at the campground and another ramp on the Great Ogeechee River which give access to great salt water fishing.
Dolphins are often seen swimming in Redbird Creek and the salt marsh. Alligators are also present.
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Salt
Marsh
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Campsite
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Earthwork
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Because of its location on the salt marsh, bugs (biting sand flies and horse flies) can be a problem, particularly in early spring. However, the onshore breeze keeps the bugs low and allows for a relaxing evening at one of several swings placed along the waterfront.
 This park is the home of the best-preserved earthwork fortification of the Confederacy. The sand and mud earthworks were attacked seven times by Union ironclads, but they did not fall until captured in 1864 by Gen. William T. Sherman during his March to the Sea. The park's Civil War museum contains exhibits and artifacts, a video and gift shop.
The park is convenient to Savannah, just a short drive north, with great shopping and dining opportunities. It is also a central hub for exploring other nearby sites like Jekyll Island, Skidaway Island, Wormsloe Plantation and Fork Pulaski.
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