Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Fernandina Beach, FL
Fort Clinch State Park accommodates pets at both Atlantic Beach and Amelia River campgrounds, with clean, well-maintained sites featuring water and electric hookups. Jacksonville North-St. Marys KOA provides a dedicated dog park area and offers doggie biscuits at check-in, making it particularly welcoming for campers traveling with dogs. Most campgrounds in the Fernandina Beach region maintain standard leash policies, requiring pets to remain on leashes no longer than six feet when outside vehicles or RVs. Little Talbot Island State Park, Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, and Crooked River State Park all permit pets at campsites but enforce restrictions on beaches and certain trails. Campsites typically include picnic tables, fire rings, and access to clean restroom facilities. The campground hosts at Crooked River State Park maintain exceptionally clean grounds, with fine gravel raked into Zen-like patterns.
Hiking trails throughout Fort Clinch State Park provide excellent opportunities for dog walking, with six miles of paved canopied roads and additional single-track trails with elevation changes. Dogs are prohibited on beaches within Fort Clinch State Park, though nearby Fernandina Beach offers alternative walking areas. Crooked River State Park features large, well-maintained sites with walking trails along the water, providing direct river access for pets that enjoy swimming. The park's location offers convenient access to historic St. Marys and is approximately 45 minutes from Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island. Coastal Georgia RV Resort provides a dog park, though some visitors note it can become muddy during wet weather. Temperature considerations are important when camping with pets in this region, as summer months bring high humidity and heat, while winter can occasionally bring unexpected cold snaps.
