Braddock's Point Group Campground - Moses Creek Recreation Area

Tucked deep inside the Moses Creek Conservation Area south of St. Augustine, Braddock’s Point Group Campground feels like Old Florida with its quiet pine flatwoods, oak hammocks and the briny breath of the tidal creek just beyond the trees. This seemingly hidden reservable group site sits in a wide, sandy clearing surrounded by palmettos and pines, offering a secluded, shaded and tranquil escape for tents and hammocks only. Accessible by a narrow forest road, it’s the kind of place where you unpack, exhale, and realize you haven’t heard a car in hours.

So, with that ‘narrow forest road’ in mind, let’s get into it. When you come here – not to the first– but to the second access point to Moses Creek Conservation Area as you are driving east on 206 (from US1), when you book this campground, you’ll be granted access to the road that will take you about a mile into the Conservation Area before reaching this peaceful patch of paradise. But I’ll warn you, especially during rainy season, you want to ensure you are driving an SUV that can manage these flood-prone roads, where at least in 1 spot, we found it to be impassable, so had to unload all of our gear a good 100 yards or so from the camp. Oh, and there’s no signage, so yeah, go to https://aws.sjrwmd.com/SJRWMD/lands/recreation/Moses\_Creek\_Conservation\_Area.pdf or grab the image I have attached to this review) to download a real map of this place and just stay on what looks like is a road (no, don’t turn onto any of the bike paths – 1 tread versus 2!) and you should be fine.

Facilities here are minimal by design with a large, oversized fire ring complete w/ 2 proper benches with seating for 3-4 each along with a log that serves as a ‘poor man’s bench,’ 2-3 scattered picnic tables with some located underneath a good-sized shelter that should cover up to about 12 people, a separate bonfire area set back amongst the live oaks draped in Spanish moss complete with 3-4 additional benches that can easily seat 2-3 people apiece along with a single standing port-a-potty that greeted you near the entrance to this group camp. There’s no potable water, electricity or trash service, so campers should come self-contained and pack out everything they bring in. There was a water pump that apparently offers up non-potable water for washing dishes, but it was not functional when we visited. Trails branch off toward Moses Creek, where you can hike or paddle through a maze of tidal inlets, spotting herons, egrets and maybe even an otter if you’re lucky. The Palmetto Trail, accessible nearby, winds through shaded hammocks and marsh overlooks perfect for nature walks or a leisurely bike ride.

The real bonus of camping at Braddock’s Point is its proximity to historic St. Augustine, the oldest continuously occupied city in the U.S. Just 25 minutes away, you can explore the Castillo de San Marcos, stroll the narrow brick lanes of St. George Street, or take a ghost tour beneath gas-lit balconies. For ocean views and a touch of maritime history, head to the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, or cross over to Anastasia State Park for pristine beaches, nature trails and kayak rentals. When it’s time to restock supplies, nearby options include Publix Super Market at Moultrie Square, Shell gas station where US1 meets SR-206 and Home Depot for any gear or propane needs.

Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) Pitch tents along the northern treeline for views of the intracoastal or on the southern perimeter for shade and wind cover, leaving the center open for group gatherings around the fire ring; (2) For kayaking or canoeing, head to the Moses Creek launch near the Palmetto Trail where you’ll discover calm, scenic water and great birdwatching; (3) The Palmetto Trail is ideal for a half-day hike, offering shade, light elevation and stunning marsh vistas; (4) Watch for white-tailed deer, ospreys and herons around dawn and dusk; (5) Mosquitoes and no-see-ums are part of the deal, so bring heavy-duty repellent and long sleeves; (6) When you’re done roughing it, reward yourself with dinner at Le Bouchon Brasserie for French coastal fare like steamed mussels or Hawaiian meets California Mexican at Jimmy Hula’s for fish tacos and beachside vibes.

Happy Camping!