Dutton Island Preserve

This is one of those spots that you come across and you're not sure if you want to write about it and share it with anyone else for the fear that this place will become overrun with folks that will ruin it for us locals.  But hey, what good is a treasure if you keep it for yourself?  So if you are reading this review - take heed, this is an incredibly special place.  

First of all, this location sets on a little piece of land (more water than land, that is), which sticks out from the Jacksonville city limits just enough that if you find yourself on the tip of Dutton Island Preserve, in just the right location (ideally floating in a kayak pointed southwards), you'll catch an amazing view of this northernmost city in Florida.  Extra points for catching this cityscape at night when all the lights shine bright (although I have to be honest, I prefer to point my kayak east or west where I can see the most amazing stars shining at night).  

In all of my camping expeditions, I can't say that I've come across such a magical place.  Let me break it down: 1) it's remote, but within a 20 minute drive, you can access just about anything you are looking for; 2) if you are lucky and select the right campsite, you'll actually find yourself waterfront with an amazing cityscape of Jacksonville (or just be grateful for quite possibly the simplest access to an amazing waterway for kayaking or fishing); and 3) there's a first-rate wooden promenade that is the most perfect fishing spot I've come across … in my entire life.

So there you have it.  Try not to spoil it.  Enjoy this place.  And honor it by paying it forward.

Happy Camping

Stayed at campsite 8 for the night. It has its own little spot to launch kayaks / canoes from. We were able to get in the water as soon as the conditions looked perfect. There’s a covered picnic table area and a big fire ring. The only downside was that every hour, some local would drive up to the campsite and get all confused when they saw us. Most sheepishly turned around and left. A couple stayed and smoked in their vehicles. One got out, sat on the picnic table and smoked a cigar for a solid hour while listening to Guns n Roses on his phone. So this campsite is a hangout spot for people. If you’re looking for seclusion, this is not it. I would recommend not coming in summer. It was 100+ with heat index , buggy, muggy and rain half the day. The dirt roads that lead in were very muddy. Small cars may have a hard time in rainy season.

There's not much to this little park, but that's what is nice about it. It's a natural slice of Florida tucked in an industrial area of Jax.

Dutton Island Preserve is gorgeous and it’s own little island in Atlantic Beach FL. You can hike around the trails all day, but the best way to experience the island is to camp over night. Watching the sunset over the inter coastal and enjoying the night trails is amazing. My only warnings would be to definitely bring insect repellant no matter the time of year and also to keep all valuables in your car. There are thriving raccoons that will snag anything shiny left out after everyone goes to bed.