Historic and Scenic Richmond Hill
Put Fort McAllister State Park at the top of your list of things to do when you are in Richmond Hill. Or even as a place to stay! Fort McAllister is maintained by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources as a state historic park, with a museum, guided tours, and interpretive experiences. Visitors can explore the grounds and see cannons, a hot shot furnace, bombproof barracks, palisade fenced enclosures and a Civil War Museum containing artifact exhibits, a video and gift shop.
The park is “minutes from Savannah but a world away,” said Jason Carter, park manager. It’s a quieter destination where busy roads and city hustle and bustle are beyond the horizon. About 300,000 people visit Fort McAllister annually, and they do it all: day hikes, kayaking or fishing excursions, camping trips/cabins and interpretive programs and events.
Confederate palisade at Fort McAllister State Park
Known as the “Backdoor to Savannah” during the U.S. Civil War (1861-1865), Fort McAllister is a remarkably well-preserved Confederate earthwork fortification near the mouth of the Ogeechee River. The fort was built in the defense of Savannah during the Union naval blockade of the Georgia coast.
Visitors tour the Confederate-built earthworks that survived seven naval attacks.
Bicycles at Fort McAllister
Spring is a fabulous time to visit, especially if you love migratory birds. Coming in from Central and Southern America is the Painted Bunting – fondly referred to as the crown jewel of Georgia’s birds.
New leaves are starting to come out. Anglers are fishing for trout, redfish, and flounder when it’s a little warmer. Did you know that tarpon can be caught in the river in the heat of summer?
Painted Bunting at Fort McAllister, by Jason Carter, Savannah GA
Stay at Fort McAllisterFor a truly memorable experience, you’ll want to stay in the park as you play in Richmond Hill and Savannah. There are seven furnished cabins on stilts surrounded by palm trees and palmettos.
There are seven cabins available for rentals at Fort McAllister.
The cabins are fully furnished and spacious for families and multiple guests.
The shaded campground provides 67 spaces for tents, trailers and RVs and is bordered by tidal Redbird Creek. Campers can access the creek’s boat ramp, fishing dock and nature trail. An airy picnic area offers Great Ogeechee River views and playgrounds, and an additional boat ramp provides access to the river. Ask about primitive and group camp sites, too.
Two RV campers and their dog relax in the campground at Fort McAllister.
Built in 1861 at Genesis Point, the fort was constructed on the plantation of Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Longworth McAllister, for whom it is named. The earthworks were attacked seven times by Union ironclads (steam-propelled warships) but did not fall until December 13, 1864 – ending General William T. Sherman’s “March to the Sea.”
Each December, a vivid interpretive program that draws thousands of people recreates that 15-minute battle when the Union land assault on Fort McAllister overwhelmed the outnumbered Confederate defenders in an intense blitz assault. Last year was the 160th Winter Muster living history program.
Four men dressed in Civil War costumes demonstrate the defense
of Fort McAllister at the 160th Winter Muster in December 2024.
For the remainder of the war, Fort McAllister served as a prison for Confederate soldiers captured on the upper Georgia coast. After the war, the neglected fort was bought for preservation in the 1930s by Henry Ford who wanted to preserve the site’s American significance for generations to experience.
Attend Spring Events at Fort McAllister- Spring Break Junior Ranger 2-Day Camp | April 1-2: 9:30 am-3:30 pm (Ages 6-12)
Learn skills honed from the Civil War and practice outdoor activities, such as archery, fishing and hiking. Event fee and reservations: 912-727-2339 - New! Spring Fling | April 5: 10 am-2 pm
Celebrate the arrival of spring by crafting your own flower crown, dancing around a traditional maypole and participating in outdoor games with prizes. Savor the offerings of local food trucks while browsing unique creations from local vendors. Admission $12. Event phone: 912-727-2339 -
Easter Egg Hunt | April 12: 9:30 am-12 pm
Bring an Easter basket and a picnic and enjoy the beautiful riverside park. Park staff will inform you when the Easter bunny’s eggs have been laid – and are worth looking for!
- 10 am: ages 2-3
- 10:45 am: ages 4-6
- 11:30 am: ages 7-12
Admission: $10. RSVP: 912-727-2339
-
Memorial Day Commemoration | May 24: 11 am-2 pm
Enjoy living history interpretations including musket and cannon firings. Tour the fort, museum, and grounds of Fort McAllister along the banks of the Ogeechee River. Regular Fort admission prices apply. 2 pm guided tour $8-$15; Admission: $5.50-$9.75. Event Phone: 912-727-2339
- Park7 am-10 pm
- Office 8 am-5 pm
- Historic Site 8 am-5 pm
Parking is $5 per vehicle. Annual passes available
Fort McAllister State Park
3894 Fort McAllister Road, Richmond Hill, GA 31324
Park Office: 912-727-2339 | Overnight Reservations: 800-864-7275 | gastateparks.org/FortMcAllister