I can’t think of a better camping option for those that want to flee the noise and distractions of city dwelling for that of a blissful, nature-strewn, ocean-front camping destination that is Huguenot Memorial Park. Replete with 10 designated waterfront tent camping spots overlooking the St. Johns River that give campers beach-front fishing access along with undisturbed views of the Mayport Naval Base.
If you’re hauling a mobile campsite on wheels, then you’re also in luck as Huguenot also offers two other options – one that is more remote and intimate, but roadside, and a second that is more like a traditional RV parking lot, albeit with sand-dusted pathways. This first spot is sidelined on the roadway leading to the beachhead with alternating spots on either side of the roadway with the northernly side facing sand dunes and Fort George River inlet, while the southernly side overlooks the same vista as the designated tent camping area.
As for the latter RV parking lot, it’s shaped like a football field with a singular roadway that encircles the place, dissected with three distinct lanes and RV slots / campsites are organized with diagonal slips. The two inner lanes will have pull-through sites, while the outer lanes require your RV to be either front- or back-loaded. Here in this RV circus is where the main restroom and shower (indoor and outdoor) facilities, potable water areas as well as the RV dump station, picnic areas, children’s playground, nature center and group shelters (available by permit only).
Regardless of where you decide to pitch your tent or park your RV, the real attraction here is the white sand beaches that can be accessed by everyone at Family Beach. Here, you’ll find an incredibly peaceful strand of white powder sand encircling the Fort George River inlet, punctuated by Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve, which plays host to 237 species of birds like Swallow-Tailed Kite, Roseate Spoonbill, Snowy Plover and Wood Stork, along with the ever-present white egrets. Further afield, you’ll discover kayak and boat launches, several fishing piers, a number of hiking trails and a handful of isolated picnic areas.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few. First, remember that point about being directly opposite of Mayport Naval Base? While seriously cool for military enthusiasts who want to see massive demonstrations of our naval might on full display, for those that are looking for peace & quiet, you’ll here the constant whir of helicopters coming and going, so if you don’t mind that – and I must admit, I didn’t – then great. But if you are looking for absolute clandestine silence while camping, I might suggest you head a bit further north to Little Talbot Island SP (see my other review on this campground for more details on this little gem). Second, as a drive-on beach, ensure that your vehicle is AWD or 4WD otherwise you’ll be spending your time digging out of the sand trap. Third, if you’re packing pets, note that in all areas, they are required to be on a leash and are not allowed on the beaches. Lastly, if you make it to the clear end of this peninsula called ‘The Point’, you’ll encounter incredibly choppy waters and headwinds that attract the most advanced kite surfers.
Happy Camping!
