Map showing campground location near Atlantic Beach, Florida

Camper submitted image from Dutton Island Preserve

Dutton Island Preserve

Part of the City of Jacksonville's Dutton Island Park and Preserve system, Dutton Island Preserve offers walk-in camping on a narrow strip of land surrounded by water. The campground sits on what reviewers describe as "more water than land," providing direct access to the Intracoastal Waterway for kayaking and fishing.

Campers reach the sites via dirt roads that can become muddy during Florida's rainy season, with small cars potentially struggling in wet conditions. Site 8 features its own kayak launch point and covered picnic area, though leena notes that "every hour, some local would drive up to the campsite and get all confused when they saw us." The preserve includes a wooden fishing promenade and hiking trails that connect throughout the island.

The campground provides electric and water hookups along with standard amenities like restrooms and showers. No pets are allowed. April L. observes that "watching the sunset over the inter coastal and enjoying the night trails is amazing," though she recommends bringing insect repellent year-round and securing valuables from raccoons. Summer visits can be challenging due to heat, humidity, and frequent afternoon storms.

For additional camping options in the region, explore campgrounds just outside Atlantic Beach. Reservations are available for this unusual waterfront camping experience.

Check Availability Suggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

Atlantic Coast Highway Road Trip

Atlantic Coast Road Trip Segment: Savannah to Miami

Savannah to Miami: 4 Day Road Trip

Build Your Trip

Plan a TripAdd

Map & DirectionsDutton Island Preserve is located in Florida near Atlantic Beach

Public Campground

Coordinates

30.34742116 N
81.42879067 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 4/1/26
Verizon5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 5/24/26
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 1 user

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 4/1/26
Verizon5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 5/24/26
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 1 user

Access

Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Site Types

Tent Sites
Dispersed

Features

For Campers

Market
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
WiFi
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Fires

For Vehicles

Water Hookups

Contact

General Info

Visit Website

Reservations

+19042475828

Drive Time

19 min from Jacksonville, FL
1 hr 13 min from Brunswick, GA
1 hr 23 min from Gainesville, FL
1 hr 57 min from Ocala, FL

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Enter to Win

Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Dutton Island Preserve

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted the stunning natural setting and waterfront access on this small island preserve. Privacy can be an issue with local visitors using campsites as hangouts, and muddy access roads challenge smaller vehicles during rain.

Stuart K.

Legend

Reviewed Nov. 19, 2021

Cityscape Camping Paradise

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

(15) View All

leena

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 25, 2021

Great for kayakers at the right time of year

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.

Site8

Month of VisitAugust

Julia A.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 10, 2019

nice little hidden gem

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.

April L.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 19, 2018

Beautiful on the water

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.

Month of VisitApril

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you camp at Dutton Island Preserve in Atlantic Beach, FL?

Yes, overnight camping is available at Dutton Island Preserve. The preserve features designated campsites, including site #8 which has its own kayak/canoe launch area. Camping here offers a unique opportunity to experience this natural island setting, with beautiful sunset views over the Intracoastal Waterway. Overnight stays allow visitors to enjoy the preserve's trails after dark, providing a different perspective of this natural Florida environment. For the most current camping regulations and to make reservations, contact the preserve directly.

What activities and amenities are available at Dutton Island Preserve?

Dutton Island Preserve offers several outdoor activities and basic amenities. Visitors can enjoy hiking the natural trails throughout the day, kayaking and canoeing from designated launch areas, fishing, and wildlife observation. The preserve provides covered picnic table areas and fire rings at campsites. It's a serene natural slice of Florida that offers a peaceful escape. The island setting provides excellent views of the Intracoastal Waterway, particularly at sunset. While the amenities are relatively simple, the natural beauty and tranquility are the main attractions of this preserve.

Is RV parking available near Dutton Island Preserve in Atlantic Beach, FL?

Dutton Island Preserve does not appear to accommodate RV camping within the preserve itself. The camping areas are more suited to tent camping, with basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables. The preserve is a natural, rustic area with limited development, making it unsuitable for RVs. Visitors with RVs should look for alternative camping options in the Jacksonville or Atlantic Beach area and plan to visit Dutton Island Preserve as a day trip. For specific information about parking options, contact the preserve management directly.

Keep Exploring