Best Glamping near Atlantic Beach, FL

We stayed at the Atlantic beach campground in the tent section. Our site was super sandy and had no shade. Bring a dining tent for shade! It was quite windy, but you could hear the ocean crashing on the beach at night. You do have to park and walk a little in to your site. You’re nearby your neighbours but a long walk away from the RVs and the washrooms. The restroom was super clean and very new. Each tent site had its own potable water tap. Definitely going to return! Such a unique area and campground!

This is our second trip to stay here. Each time has been for a week. It is our favorite campground. The Atlantic Beach on one side, freshwater lake on the other. Quiet and very natural. You will track more dirt in your camper since there are no concrete pads but so what. Now for my negative. Both trips we had a sewer connection that was stubbed off at least 8 inches high. Whoever did this certainly doesn't know the first rule of plumbing drains. If we come back again I will put several cinder blocks in the truck to try and raise my sewer line as a Slunky doesn't begin to solve this issue. Pretty frustrating for a week's stay when tanks are emptied several times.

We stayed 5 nights in January. This is a one of a kind experience. Staff was very helpful from check in to departure. Campsites are not concrete so be extra careful stabilizing your RV. We are returning in March and will have more 4x4 chocks to use. Every site has full hookups with lighted power posts. Only negative we had to move once and the second site sewer connection was stubbed out pretty high, be sure you have a slunky and even then I had to raise the hose to empty it. Easy access to the Atlantic beach on one side and a nice fresh water lake on the other. Access code is needed to enter and campers are provided with the code. Didnt use the restrooms or showers so cant comment on those. Camp store was open reduced hours but seemed well stocked. If you are interested in local seafood Mayport has 2 excellent restaurants nearby, Safe Harbor and Singletons are really good. Dollar stores are nearby as well. Bottom line we LOVE this place!

Welcome to Amelia Island and Fort Clinch State Park, which is just about the only campground on the island (more on that later), where rich Floridian history is complemented by one of the more popular seaside beach destinations in the state – and with 825 miles of oceanfront here in sunny Florida, that’s saying something! 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. 

At first, the idea of camping out on or near a gloriously flat endless blue horizon of gentle lolloping white-crested waves set against the singular frontline of pastel-colored umbrella-strewn beaches like what is found on the northern edge of Amelia Island sounds so idyllic, what with its sunsets, white powder beaches and fairly uncrowded beaches … but then, when you put that to the test, well, it’s another thing altogether. To begin with, the month is July and our location, lest you forgot, is northern Florida where 100 degree weather and cloudless skies, coupled with the southern reaches of Georgia, with its swamp-like, muggy humidity, combined can make for a sweltering hot outdoor experience, to say the least. So while shoulder seasons like spring and autumn might be more favorable than the middle of summer, if you do plan on camping at this particular campground here at Fort Clinch, then you will want to ensure your RV has A/C and if you are tent camping, you better bring plenty of shade with you, because for some unknown reason, the good folks at Florida State Parks saw fit not plant any shade whatsoever in the tent camping area. 

As for the campground itself, you will discover Atlantic Beach Campground is quite small and sits on the northeastern most corner of Amelia Island offering just 6 tent campsites, which will be the first half dozen sites you see on the left as you approach the campground, following by a small oval loop with only 21 slots, definitely earmarked for the RV driving or 5th Wheel toting campers. There’s just a dump station that separates the RV parking oval from the tent camping area. In the center of the RV parking oval is a very good-sized restroom and shower facility that is spartan-clean and also features coin-operated washer and driers. On the eastern side of the RV oval is the beach access point which has a very nice, well-maintained beachwalk offering both a shower (for rinsing that sand and salt off after you leave the beach, which I have to admit, is a HUGE bonus as most beaches in Florida don’t have this, which makes all the difference when you’re trying to keep sand out of your RV or tent) that will welcome you to a most glorious beachfront with white powdered sand waiting for your footprints. 

Insider’s tips? Here’s quite a few: (1) 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; (2) 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 if actually getting in the ocean is an important factor to you actually deciding to come here (let alone camp here) in the first place, then I would STRONGLY recommend you call the Rangers Station ahead of driving or reserving here to confirm that swimming is actually allowed and if so, specifically where; (3) 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; (4) Don’t have a bike or forgot yours at home? Not a problem, the good people at the visitor center will rent you one (if there are any left) but as this is a very popular activity here, be prepared to get here early (or better, call ahead and reserve one); (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; and (6) 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 completely miserable with the heat, humidity and unrelenting heat. 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, which is also here at Fort Clinch (and you thought there was only 1 campground here, didn’t you?!). 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, like a super sunny hot beach location, and where you want to spend several hours relaxing and ultimately spending the night. We definitely learned our lesson and just want to pay that forward here. 

Happy Camping!

By far the most clean and friendly park in Florida. Fun for every age from hiking, white sand untouched beachs, kayaking, horse back riding, cycling, history, camping, biking, Segway tours, pavilion rentals, Driftwood beaches, wildlife viewing and fishing, rich history. By far the best hidden gem Florida has to offer!

A beautiful Sunday afternoon in Florida

Paddle to Cumberland Island, catch some flounder, explore some Florida history, mountain bike, hike some trails, hit the ocean and of course...camp!

This Florida park next to Fernandina Beach Florida and Amelia island is a gem. 6 miles of paved canopied roads in the park, in addition to 6 miles of single track mountain biking and hiking trails with elevation! The shady river campground is the one we prefer and has easy access to launch our kayaks. There is no swimming at this campground due to the river currents. (Be sure to look at the site you book- some are 30amp and others are 50AMP) The ocean side campground is very open and less private because of lack of trees but you are close to the beach. This is also where the tent ⛺️ sites are. It is easy biking distance to historic Fernandina, close to Amelia Island biking trails and lots of parks. Our video has a lot more info on this park and campground.

This is what Florida is about. Beautiful nature. Beach, river & sky. Beach sites offer no shade. River sites are better in the heat.

Best group camping in North Florida. Clean multi stall bathrooms and hot showers. Shady camp sites. Site is way back off the main road so you're not dealing with random traffic.

Kids love the fort and the beach.

There is really not much to see here. It has a nice beach, like most Florida parks. Great for collecting massive amounts of beautiful shells but other than than there isn't much going on here. Only a handful of campsites with no views. Pictures are on beach which is across the road from campground, and closes rather early.

We are always comfortable stopping here, usually after what turns out to be a long first day on the road from Carolina to Florida. The super-friendly hosts lead you into your site, offer ideas for local take-out, then give you breakfast some days before you hit the road again.

Little Talbot Island campground is a great place for anything water related and a nice retreat from the crowds at Fernadina Beach. Most of the sites are shaded which is important to have with the Florida heat. There are many options for kayaking, bird watching and fishing. For kayaking, I recommend using Kayak Amelia. The staff were super helpful and gave us a lot of tips on where to go and what we would see.

This is one of the BEST state parks we have been to in Florida. As a family of 5 it was an amazing time and the kids want to go back. The fort is informative and the kids had a blast discovering it. The beach is clean and secluded. The River Campground is amazing. If tent camping, I suggest you don’t camp at the tent only sites.

This campground lets you in on both sides that Florida has to offer. One campground is more beachy near the Atlantic and the other is in the backwoods/swamp/alligator areas. Campsites at both spots were big and spacious. I thought it was amazing! Facilities were super clean. There are many trails to hike or bike and the beach is beyond spacious. I loved this campground and definitely want to go back sometime soon!

Located in Jacksonville, Florida this state park is one of the most impressive places we’ve stayed. The surroundings make you feel as if you’re staying in a jungle. The park is massive and offers cabins, RV sites and tent sites. The bathrooms and showers are clean and well kept. The park offers a variety of activities including mountain biking trails, access to a lake and several beaches. We spent one day fishing and had a great time! Each site has a fire pit and a picnic table, along with full hook ups. The store has everything you could possibly need and sells firewood and propane. Book online to see photos of what each site looks like to make sure you get as much space as you need for your size rig.

We stayed here for one night on our way to Florida. We checked in after dark and were able to easily find our site. Sites are grass, mostly level, and plenty wide (for a KOA) so you don’t feel on top of your neighbors. There are plenty of activities for the kids including a pool with water side, mini golf, and a bounce pad. The campground offers free WiFi through a 3rd party, but the poor speed made it unusable during our stay. We had 3 bars of LTE coverage on AT&T. The free breakfast was a pleasant surprise. Try the biscuits and gravy!

Hanna is in our top 3 camp grounds. Rarely do we book a park two years in a row but before we left we had booked for next year. First it's just beautiful from lush Florida forest where you camp, to the beautiful beach, to the quiet lake. Next there's so much to do, hike, fish, kayak, beach walk, swim in the ocean, hang out in the camp ground. The bike trails are great and many, my son never bored of them. The wifi signal and TV signals were good-very good. Finally, while it's big it feels small as the sites are pretty private and quiet. Though depending on the site can be tight. The biggest draw backs were the road in is a bit bumpy--stay in the right lane on Wonderwood--and the best sites book quickly.

Had a perfect camping experience with my son at mid-august. Our spot was easy to find( which is important when coming back to the site at night), spacious, clean, quiet, and had a direct personal path to the restrooms/shower/laundry house. Had a nice fire ring ( we purchased a bundle across the street at the rangers station. He was very helpful in explaining where things were). Even had a clothesline set up. The beach was right across the street and we were allowed to go anytime ( no cars after the park closed though. But we could walk there so no biggie). The ranger told us it was the most beautiful beach in north Florida and he was correct. Awesome time Saw flying fish and a group of low flying seagulls ( to catch the flying fish). Only a short drive to the skatepark in Jacksonville. Wish we could have stayed longer but plan to return this year. Highly recommended!

We stayed here the Memorial Day week.  Great campground with spacious sites and very quiet.   Some of the sites have more privacy with the palmettos in between, but the site we were were at did not.   Sites are level, park is clean, bathhouses are clean.   Three bars of cell service at the campground.  The park has some  trails for hiking, a nature center, picnic areas, and of course access to the water for fishing and kayaking.  We rode our bikes around the park every day.  We especially liked the short river trail in the mornings and evenings - great views.   This campground is within an hour's drive of Jekyll Island and St. Simon's Island, as well as Florida beaches, which we visited.  We also took the ferry to Cumberland Island National Seashore and spent a day hiking around the island - it was amazing.  See photos below.

This is a State Park I grew up in, camping illegally dodging park rangers, so I’m somewhat biased but become more lawful. Campground sits in an oak hammock on Myrtle Creek salt marsh directly across A1A from the ranger station and one of the most pristine beaches in Florida. The best sites afford a view the salt marsh but they are limited in number and accessibility. The whole campground is very tight and big rigs will find it impossible. Follow the guidelines on size allowance on the booking site. Things to bring: beach gear, bikes, kayaks, fishing gear. Big Talbot Island is just to the north and has a bike trail that can be ridden all the way to Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach a great foodie and shopping town with history. The bike trail is mostly well off A1A and shaded there is one bridge crossing from Big Talbot to Amelia that you’re forced to use the shoulder of A1A. I concur with an earlier review that 38 is THE site 39 is also a great view but they have the power on the correct side and water far away and on the wrong (passenger) side. we had to go into town and buy a second hose to make water connection.

We made reservations here for the end of January thinking the weather wouldn't be so cold since we were close to Florida...how bad could it be?  Well, record low temps told us how cold!  Good thing we had heat, but outdoor cooking/eating was a challenge.

Other than the weather we LOVED this park.  The campground hosts were AWESOME!  To the point where they even raked the fine gravel into Zen like patterns.  Everything was clean and very well maintained.

Located on the St. Mary River, this park has nice flat trails, good for biking too.  Also plenty of bird watching.

Luckily, the government shut down ended while we were here so the ferries to Cumberland Island started back up.  We spent a day there with a good friend as our guide and hiked over 7 miles.  It was magical and a day I will never forget.

St. Marys is a very cute town with nice shops and good restaurants.  We also enjoyed a day at Fernandina Beach walking on the beach, shopping and enjoying their micro brewery.