Katherine Hannah park

On the north end of Jacksonville’s shoreline, Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park blends the best of oceanside camping with a dense, wooded escape that makes you forget you’re within city limits. First impressions are impressive: over 290 sites tucked beneath a maritime hammock of pines and oaks, all within a short walk or bike ride of 1.5 miles of pristine Atlantic beachfront. The place is equal parts 'beach bum paradise' and forest retreat, which was perfect for our little family circus of six campers (my daughter Cloe, her best friend Chloe, my brother-in-law with his wife along with my wife and I). Yes, that’s right ... two girls named Cloe / Chloe, which meant every time someone yelled 'Chlo!,' we got a duet of 'What?' in stereo. 

Facilities are solid, though they come with quirks. Most sites have water and electric hookups and while they’re roomy enough, tree roots and uneven pads will make you thankful for those leveling blocks you swore you wouldn’t need. Primitive tent sites are there for the purists, but we opted for power (you know, because teenagers don’t do 'unplugged' if they can help it!). Bathhouses are scattered around and functional, though calling them 'retro' or 'rustic' would be generous while timing a shower mid-afternoon is the trick if you don’t want to wait in line with a soap caddy. 

Other amenities hit the sweet spot for families including laundry for sandy towels, playgrounds for younger kids, a camp store for forgotten essentials and a 60-acre freshwater lake with canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals. That lake was my brother-in-law’s favorite spot, though he spent most of his time swatting ants and muttering about their conspiracy against him. Surroundings are where Hanna Park really shines though. Direct beach access gave the girls endless room for sunrise walks, sandy selfies, and attempts at surfing that ended in more wipeouts than rides. Miles of biking and hiking trails crisscross the dunes and shaded hammocks and we discovered that mountain biking is basically a guaranteed way to test your health insurance deductible. 

Wildlife here is abundant (and I mean more than just the infinite number of ant hills you'll encounter!) with herons, ospreys, and dolphins offshore, plus mosquitoes and sand gnats that could’ve been cast as extras in a vampire movie. Road traffic near the main entrance occasionally breaks the natural vibe, but overall the park feels like an oasis, especially when dinner ends at a Mayport seafood shack instead of my half-charred hot dogs. 

Insider tips? Yep, here’s a handful: (1) Book early and aim for shaded sites deeper in the loops where privacy is precious when you’ve got teenagers who 'need space'; (2) Bring industrial-strength bug spray and plenty of leveling blocks because they’re as essential here as sunscreen on the beach (which you should also NOT forget!); (3) Time your showers for the afternoon lull unless you enjoy the morning bathhouse rush, which resembles a theme park line without the rollercoaster at the end and plenty of people walking around in towels; (4) Treat yourself to a meal in Mayport where Singleton’s, Sandollar and Safe Harbor all serve up amazing seafood so fresh you’ll swear it jumped on your plate; (5) Stick to the lake for calmer paddles or hit the surf if you want to watch your brother-in-law get humbled by the ocean; and (6) Walk briskly near the lake unless you want to make friends with the resident ant colonies: they’re organized, fearless and seem to work in shifts. 

Happy Camping!