If your idea of camping paradise is being surrounded by authentic natural surroundings perfectly carved out of nature, without inflicting any harm on the lush vegetation you are surrounded by, coupled with VIP-like access to some of the most pristine salt water and clandestine white powdered sand beaches in the known universe along with an endless array of outdoor enthusiast activities all the while being granted close proximity to some pretty amazing Civil War era history AND within a stone’s throw of small-town Americana offering up first rate restaurants, interesting knick-knack, souvenir and antique shops as well as art galleries and centuries-old architecture, churches and fortifications … then you’ve hit the jackpot!
Here at Amelia River Campground within Fort Clinch State Park, you have discovered the last vestige of what is a campground outpost on the northwestern most tip of Amelia Island. And that glorious body of blue water to the north that you can view from the single access point here at the campground? Well, that’s none other than the Cumberland Island Sound – so the only thing that separates you from the Peach State is about a 20 minute kayak run!
As you arrive to this prized Florida state managed park – and let me add that with all of my journeys exploring all of the amazing SPs the Sunshine State has to offer, this is definitely one of the finest – you will be almost immediately captivated by the never-ending maze of ancient Oaks with their signature cascading Spanish Moss that appear to have been hanging on for dear life for centuries, if not millennia. To have arrived at Amelia River Campground, you would have had to have driven about a mile from the Ranger Station, before coming to a sign indicating that you need to turn right – which you will not do (yet)– if you are heading towards the beach, bike wash (yeah, the biking is so prevalent here, there’s actually a bike wash – more on that later) or Atlantic Beach Campground. You will continue heading north until you see the sign that indicates you need to turn right to enter Amelia River Campground. Follow this road and shortly after passing the traffic triangle – with the gigantic Ancient Oak and complimentary Spanish Moss as a marker for effect – you’ll immediately arrive at your destination.
As for Amelia River Campground itself, you will discover this heavily populated Ancient Oak maritime forest located so close to the Atlantic Ocean that you can smell the sea salt and feel the ocean breezes, is actually pretty decent size with 43 or so individual campsites.
Amelia River Campground is decent-sized and sits on the northwestern most corner of Amelia Island offering 3 dozen or so well-shaded campsites, open for both RV and tent campers alike, sitting on a very long narrow sandy road-strewn loop. There’s a dump station at the entrance / exit of this campground as well as a very good-sized restroom and shower facility in the center of the loop that is spartan-clean and also features coin-operated washer and driers. Here in this campground, you'll find all of the typical hook-ups (30 / 50 electric, water and sewage hook-ups) along with a clothing line, picnic table and fire ring / fold-up BBQ.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) IMHO the VERY BEST site here is #39, which has an unobstructed view of the ocean, completely carved out from the rest of the folks in the regular RV loop; (2) If possible, time your stay here to coincide with the first weekend of every month when a soldier garrison re-enacts battlefield movements and skills by firing off cannons and offering up some hands-on storytelling of what it was like to live centuries ago when this area was a key military outpost; (3) You will want to note that there are several oceanfront beach access points that unfortunately lead to ocean water that apparently you are prohibited from swimming in – according to the signs at least, due to rough currents, which seemed odd as there weren’t even waves in those parts– so I would STRONGLY recommend calling the Ranger Station ahead of driving or reserving here to confirm that swimming is actually allowed and if so, specifically where;(4) I was absolutely blown away by the bicycle wonderland that exists here at Fort Clinch SP– with more than 6 miles of off-road, bush-wacking, hill rolling and dune descending, oak tree canopy covered multi-use bike trails that are just begging for your wheels to leave their mark here – the best bit? Unlike the beachheads, these maritime forested bike trails are completely covered by shade, so while you can escape the heat and humidity, at least you won’t get sunburnt as you pedal throughout this park. Do note that this multi-use trail is also used by hikers, which can move in both directions, but bikers may only be pointed in one direction and helmets must be worn at all times; (5) If you are here to experience the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, you’ll be delighted to know that there’s more than 100 species that are protected here from Red-tailed hawks and great horned owls to purple sandpipers, barred owls and painted buntings, to name but a few; (6) Should you venture into downtown Amelia Island (and I would strongly encourage you to do so), I highly recommend Timoti’s Seafood Shack for deep fried shrimp, Wicked Bao for braised pork belly, España for paella (of course) and cazuela de mariscos, Tasty’s Fresh Burgers for the spicy fried chicken sandwich and southern fries, Peppers Cocina Mexicana for Mariachi Loco, Salty Pelican Bar & Grill for locally caught shrimp and loaded potato spring rolls as well as Hola Cuban Café for a proper 'media noche' – yes, there’s a lot of great food to be had on Amelia Island!; and (7) My best tip is saved for last (who are still reading) – as I am a tent camper, when I first came here to Fort Clinch, I was certain that I would fall in love with the Atlantic Beach Campground, but honestly, with absolutely ZERO shade, coupled with the timing of our visit being in July, we were absolutely miserable with the heat, humidity and unrelenting sun. After several hours of doing our best to enjoy ourselves, we ultimately contacted the Ranger Host and asked to be moved over to the Amelia River Campground. After moving to this location, complete with tons of shade … as well as its very own access to the beach, we were much happier. Just something to bear in mind – know the difference between where you want to hang out for a few hours versus where you want to spend several hours relaxing and ultimately spending the night. So if you are staying at Amelia River Campground and having ‘buyer’s remorse’ learning that there was a beach campground – trust me, you are fine where you are at! We definitely learned our lesson and just want to pay that forward here.
Happy Camping!
