Recently, we looked into a new camping/glamping experience we’d heard about, CreekFire Motor Ranch that combined time in the wilderness with the nearby city of Savannah, Georgia. Two of our writers were fortunate enough to spend the night at CreekFire, experiencing all that it has to offer. Here, they tell us about their country/city getaway. Be sure to also listen to our podcast interview with Shandell Foy, of CreekFire Motor Ranch. She tells us about the history of the place and about some of the things that make it so unique. 

Grab a couple of adirondack chairs and take in the view.

As Colorado natives, we associated camping with mountain views of the Rockies, tall blue spruces all around, and chilly, crisp mornings. So we were a little skeptical of what a camping experience in southeast Georgia could offer. When we visited CreekFire Motor Ranch in Savannah, Georgia, however, we saw that trading in live oak trees, Spanish moss, and southern hospitality could make for an equally enjoyable camping experience. Located just outside historic downtown Savannah, CreekFire Motor Ranch offers a unique hospitality experience for those seeking a balance of city life and wild outdoors in their visit to the Savannah area.

Imagine tent camping on your own, private dock right on the lake.

CreekFire caters to every type of camper. Two lake-side tent sites, complete with their own dock, are available for $45 per night. If you like the comfort of a solid roof over your head, three lake-side cabins that sleep 6-8 people are also available for $140-$180 per night. However (if the name didn’t imply it already), CreekFire Motor Ranch is especially geared toward travelers in RVs. CreekFire offers nightly, weekly, and monthly rates for guests staying in their RVs. Guests can also pick between gravel or concrete spaces, back-in or pull through access, and lake-side or clubhouse (spots located near the clubhouse and pool) spaces.

Cozy cabins are a great alternative for real glamping.

As we are currently without a tent or RV, we stayed in one of the cabins. Fans of Tiny House Hunters on HGTV will love these cabins. Expecting the old log cabin with spider webs and empty shelves we’ve seen on previous cabin stays, we were pleasantly surprised to find the cabin fully stocked with kitchen tools and utensils, including bakeware, skillets, plates, cups, and silverware. There was even a fully-stocked spice rack for their gourmet campers. The cabin also came equipped with bed linens, towels, and toiletries. Speaking of the bed, it was really comfy. Like sleeping on a cloud comfy. And there were two of them! One full bedroom, and a loft “bedroom.”  We recommend letting the kids take that one due to the low ceiling (hey, remember, it’s a loft).

Efficient and homey, cottages at CreekFire Motor Ranch let you make yourself at home.

After unpacking and settling into the cabin we explored the campgrounds, which is pretty easy to do considering the lake is right in front of you. If you stare at it long enough in the evening or morning, you might see some of the resident alligators surface and cautiously check you out. (The front-desk staff promised me they are more afraid of us than we of them). Even if you don’t see them, the view from the Adirondack chairs placed along the banks is pretty serene. We took a walk along the lake-side trail, which was conveniently shaded and canopied with Spanish moss blowing in the breeze. At present, the trail is cut short because they are constructing the Lakehouse, which will include a bar and grill, bar games, lounge, and TV area. However, once it is complete, the lake is likely to be a happening place for those unwinding after a day exploring Savannah.

You’d never know a big city was nearby while walking along one of CreekFire’s walking paths.

Next, we swallowed our fear of alligators to venture onto the lake in one of the kayaks rented to guests. CreekFire offers two kayaks, a canoe, and a Jon boat to rent; $10-$15 per hour, and $30-$50 per half-day. There are also adult and child-sized fishing poles available to check-out for free. We didn’t spot any alligators while out on the water (which is probably for the best), but enjoyed watching the fish swim between the seaweed. It was a bit difficult getting in and out of the water (wear swimsuits), but the soon-to-come sand beach promises to resolve that issue.

For some relaxation, and a workout at the same time, rent one of CreekFire’s kayaks.

Having given our triceps a workout, we found ourselves hankering some campfire cooking. On top of the full kitchen, each cabin has a fire pit and picnic table in the back. In an effort to utilize both cooking options, we decided to cook nachos indoors and reserve the fire pit for s’mores and camp songs. After a quick (7-minute) trip to Kroger, we returned to cook dinner and enjoy it al-fresco on the patio overlooking Al (my collective name for alligators) swimming laps in the lake. Had we not felt like cooking, CreekFire also offers dinner options for guests. The night we stayed, staff were cooking up beef-fajitas for $10 out of the 1962 airstream trailer outfitted as a food truck. Guests could enjoy them poolside, or get social around the community fire pit. We ventured to the back of the cabin, made some s’mores, contemplated life, ate a lot more marshmallows, and called it a night.

What a gorgeous pool! This is camping-made-easy for when you need a break from roughing it.

Tips and Tidbits for Better Camping:

• This spot is a great respite from the hustle and bustle of downtown city life. The lakeside spots have a beautiful view, and there are a lot of outdoor-related activities available. That said, it is easy to head into Savannah for some more city-life if that is what your day calls for. And Tybee Island is just a short drive away.
• The price to stay is on par with many of the hotels in downtown Savannah, so it really is a great way to get the balance between sight-seeing and eating out in Savannah with the campfire cooking and kayaking at CreekFire.
• It was a calm community overall, and families with young children mixed easily with snowbirds and retirees enjoying the spring weather.
• Several of our neighbors commented they “loved the amount of wilderness located so close to the city” at CreekFire. The family of five in the cabin next to us said the cabins were just big enough for everyone to stay comfortably, but the kids could run in and out safely to enjoy the pool or fish at the lake.
• There’s a limited number of kayaks and golf-carts available to rent so reserve those as soon as possible.
• To thoroughly enjoy all of the amenities offered (like $15 all you can drink wine and beer!), you should be there longer than the one night, since check in is at 2 p.m. and check out at 11 a.m. We recommend treating yourself to at least a two-night stay.

— Story and photos by Claire McDonough and Matthew Bruster

You can learn more about CreekFire Motor Ranch by visiting their easy to navigate website: www.creekfirerv.com.

Let CreekFire Motor Ranch’s shuttle into Savannah to explore. Here are tips from InsideOutsideTravel.com to discover things to do in Savannah.