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Tent Camping near Fernandina Beach, FL
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Tent camping options near Fernandina Beach extend beyond the mainland to Cumberland Island National Seashore, offering primitive tent sites accessible only by ferry from nearby St. Marys, Georgia. Sea Camp Campground and Stafford Beach Campground provide established tent sites on this undeveloped barrier island, while wilderness campsites like Hickory Hill, Yankee Paradise, and Brickhill Bluff offer more remote experiences. Dutton Island Preserve in Atlantic Beach, Florida also provides tent campsites within easier reach of Fernandina Beach.
Cumberland Island's tent campsites require advance planning and ferry reservations from St. Marys. Most tent sites feature fire rings, picnic tables, and food storage containers to protect supplies from raccoons and other wildlife. Sea Camp provides cold water showers, drinking water, and toilets, while Stafford Beach offers more limited amenities. All sites are pack-in, pack-out with no stores or services on the island. According to one visitor, "You must pre-plan and research. This is primitive camping. The camps have cold showers, drinking water at Sea Camp and non-potable at Stafford."
The tent camping experience on Cumberland Island offers unique wildlife encounters and pristine beaches. Sites are set among live oak trees draped with Spanish moss and palmetto palms, providing natural shade and privacy. A review mentioned that "the sites are large, roomy, and equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, pole for hanging stuff, and a big metal lockable wildlife-proof box." Wild horses roam freely across the island, often visible on the beaches and near historical ruins. Campers frequently use bikes to explore the island's 18-mile length. The limited number of daily visitors ensures solitude, particularly for overnight tent campers who have access to nearly empty beaches after day visitors depart. Summer months bring high humidity and insects, while spring and fall offer more comfortable conditions for tent camping.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Fernandina Beach (20)
1. Sea Camp Campground — Cumberland Island National Seashore
"Nice secluded campground where each site is set back and nestled into a saw palm clearing and equipped with a picnic table, fire ring/grill and food cache box (an elevated roofed chicken wire cage)."
"It was a hot time of year but under the canopy of the live oak trees where the tent sites are located (Sea Camp) was easily 10+ degrees cooler than elsewhere."
from $9 - $40 / night
Check Availability2. Stafford Beach Campground — Cumberland Island National Seashore
"It is more quiet and there are less campers than Sea Camp but you still get amenities like showers, bathrooms, campfires, and a non-potable water source unlike the backpacking sites."
"Thankfully at this campground there are also restrooms, cold showers and water... Although, unlike at Sea Camp, it must be treated before drinking (boil, filter, UV, or chemical, etc...)."
from $12 / night
Check Availability3. Hickory Hill Wilderness Campsite — Cumberland Island National Seashore
"You can only get here by boat and backpack to your site. No electricity, cell service is spotty, and when we went in the summertime I was attacked by mosquitos! But it was a wonderful trip."
4. Yankee Paradise Wilderness Campsite — Cumberland Island National Seashore
"It's a bit of a haul down an sandy road that then turns into the Duck House Trail. Depending on how your pack your gear, this could be a pleasant walk or it could be a buggy slog."
5. Brickhill Bluff Wilderness Campsite — Cumberland Island National Seashore
"There are no designated sites, just a bit of a flat open area to set up camp."
"Hiking in S. Georgia is a challenge but don’t miss this if wilderness camping is your thing."
from $9 / night
Check Availability6. Dutton Island Preserve
"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."
"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"
from $25 - $125 / night
Check Availability7. Hammock Campground - Jennings State Forest
"We hiked the beach pioneer trail and really enjoyed ourselves. The campsite is about a mile in and has a picnic table and fire ring. There is a stream nearby for water."
"With 16 campsite each being semi private you will love the sounds of t h e wind in the trees and hawks flying over. Each has tent pad, In ground grill and picnic table."
from $9 / night
Check Availability8. Camp Chowenwaw Park
"There are many different types of cabins available for rent, tent sites and 9 tree houses. Each area set up as a grouping with a bathhouse and kitchen pavilion. "
"Definitely Different and Unique for Florida. And the perfect place to review my icemulecoolers.com
Campground Review:Camp Chowenwaw is located in Green Cove Springs, FL adjacent to the St."
9. Cary State Forest Group Camp
"This group campground site - and to be clear, there is ONLY one - is designed for tent camping only, so no RVs, trailers or plug-in (although, there's an easter egg hidden below) luxuries here."
from $18 / night
Check Availability10. Black Creek Ravine
"We liked that you have to hike in, there is no car access."
"Great hike in filled with wildlife saw lots of deer, a bunny, and I’m pretty sure a small group of coyotes. Site is very private and quiet during the day."
Drive Time
- 35 min from Jacksonville, FL
- 55 min from Brunswick, GA
- 1 hr 35 min from Gainesville, FL
- 1 hr 41 min from Hinesville, GA
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Fernandina Beach, FL
33 Photos of 20 Fernandina Beach Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Sea Camp Campground — Cumberland Island National Seashore
Stafford Beach Campground — Cumberland Island National SeashoreR
Hickory Hill Wilderness Campsite — Cumberland Island National SeashoreR
Yankee Paradise Wilderness Campsite — Cumberland Island National Seashore
Brickhill Bluff Wilderness Campsite — Cumberland Island National Seashore
West Jax Retreat
Cary State Forest Group Camp
Hammock Campground - Jennings State Forest
Bootleggers Campground — Jennings State ForestM
Camp Chowenwaw Park
Black Creek RavineN
J.P. Hall Bayard Conservation AreaN
Tent Camping Reviews near Fernandina Beach, FL
597 Reviews of 20 Fernandina Beach Campgrounds
Stacey R.GuideCary State Forest Campground
Private site with thoughtful amenities
The six sites available are spread out in the Cary State Forest. You can see the tops of some RV’s but they’re not close. The site has a very nice picnic table, fire pit,benches around the fire pit, a free standing grill, water, electric and a concrete pad to park on with a tent site behind the pad. Grass is freshly cut and the site is clean!
Russell B.
ScoutCharlton County Traders Hill Recreation Area and Campground
greatbplace quiet family friendly couple on the grounds is wonderful
very low key not very many campers swim site is packed due to towns people other then that great place cheap rates
John W.ScoutJacksonville North-St. Marys KOA
Not up to KOA standards
I have been a KOA member for more than 20 years and have generally had very good experiences. Unfortunately, this particular KOA was a major disappointment. My wife and I brought our two grandkids on an eight-day trip and specifically chose this campground because of several advertised amenities: a pool with a slide, a game room, and a DVD player in the deluxe cabin. We paid more than$900 for our stay. When I booked, the campground disclosed that it was undergoing water and sewer upgrades and warned guests to expect construction and possible“brief water/power interruptions.” That seemed reasonable, and I had no problem with it. Unfortunately, what we encountered went well beyond a brief interruption. The DVD player in our cabin did not work. I reported it to the office and was told the owner would be notified and someone would get back to me. No one ever did. We then received a text stating that the pool slide was not operating because of electrical upgrades. When we went to use the pool anyway, there was a considerable amount of debris that looked like dirt floating in the water, and the surface underneath the water was badly peeling. My grandkids didn't want to get in. We tried the game room next. It had no electricity, none of the games were operating, there was no air conditioning, and the room was extremely hot. At that point, we decided to leave and find a hotel that actually had the amenities we had expected. For a little over$100 per night, we found a very nice hotel and stayed there instead. We returned to the campground the following Saturday for our final night, and unfortunately, the same issues were still present. In the end, we used only three of the eight nights we paid for. I understand that construction and upgrades have to happen. What I don't think is reasonable is continuing to advertise amenities such as a pool slide and game room when they are going to be unavailable for an extended period, while still charging guests the full rate. A warning about possible“brief water/power interruptions” did not accurately describe what we experienced. After returning home, I contacted the KOA. I made it clear that I was not asking for a refund for the three nights we actually stayed there. Since one night was already planned for a hotel in Orlando, I simply requested a partial refund or other reasonable adjustment for the four unused nights after we left because the advertised amenities were unavailable or unusable. I even offered to provide our hotel receipts. I have received no response from the campground's management. That may be the most disappointing part of the experience. After more than 20 years as a KOA member, I expected at least the courtesy of a response. I chose this campground because I trusted the KOA name and wanted my grandkids to enjoy the amenities that were advertised. Unfortunately, they were probably the most disappointed of all. Hopefully this helps others considering staying here. Based on our experience, this campground did not meet the KOA standards I have come to expect over the past 20+ years.
Thomas B.
RangerWalkabout Camp & RV Park
Friendly and Thorough
I enjoyed this stay quite a bit, but it was only about 24 hours for me.
Friendly staff and chickens. Lots of amenities. Easy check-in and still close to surrounding areas. Plenty to do and ample resources to reload for your next camping trip.
- LLarry W.
TravelerEagle Hammock RV Park
Perfect spot
Standard military entrance and security requirements. Has about 80 level full hookups, free laundry, really nice community room, stocked with everything! Very clean fully equipped restrooms, grab bars, towel racks, shower seating, bicycle and walking paths. Campsites on the lake $35, others are $32. You can check in after hours with camp host.
BGuideLittle Talbot Island State Park Campground
Already planning to return, but a couple of catches
I stayed here six nights and already planning to book again for next year. Incredibly friendly staff, lovely beach, pretty salt marsh and because there isn't much else to do, doesn't get overrun by kids or idiots. Clean bathrooms.
The campground is across a busy street from the park/beach, you must check in before office closes on arrival date, but then you get a gate code for 24 hour access- including beach permission, which is exclusive to campers after hours.
There's no crosswalk and it's about a 15 minute walk to the beach, if you want to be closer to the ocean or have limited mobility, Ft. Clinch to the north is a better bet. There are also like four parks in between that are dog friendly.
All sites are close to bathrooms. The ones by the marsh have nice sunset views. The ADA lots are paved concrete, others are gravel.
Contrary to the Dyrt listing, cell service isn't great. I had no Verizon and, based on this listing, bought an ATT SIM, which got me two LTE bars and once in a while one 5G. Enough to browse a little, but not work or streaming.
- David R.Guide
Blythe Island regional campground Georgia
Private camping
Navigating the park and campground entrance was a bit tight with my 45-foot motorhome flat-towing a car, but we made it! Once inside, the campground was easily navigable with many nice campsites, full hookups, and cable. T-Mobile cell signal was excellent. Overall, we really enjoyed our stay! 🚐🏕️ #Park #Campground #Motorhome #Campsites #Hookups #Cable #Signal #Stay
C.J. C.GuideBlythe Island Regional Park
Camping and Bunnies!
I've stayed at this park both as a destination and as a stopover on the way elsewhere. It's a nice park with easy access, level lots, and full hookups. The bunnies that roam the park are a fun treat.
Guide to Fernandina Beach
Tent campsites near Fernandina Beach, Florida extend into two distinct states with options spanning from coastal marshes to pine forests. During summer months, daytime temperatures often exceed 90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder camping conditions with temperatures ranging from 65-85°F. Many primitive sites require significant planning for water access, with some locations requiring visitors to carry in all drinking water.
What to do
Kayaking through waterways: At Dutton Island Preserve, campers can access prime paddling routes directly from the campground. One visitor noted, "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."
Wildlife photography opportunities: Cumberland Island's remote wilderness sites provide exceptional wildlife viewing. At Brickhill Bluff Wilderness Campsite, you'll find "plenty of things to see and explore like ruins, mansions, beautiful beaches, and wild horses," according to one reviewer.
Hiking forest trails: Jennings State Forest offers extensive trail systems with varying difficulty levels. A camper mentioned, "23k acre park, some 30 miles of trails, most well marked, with fording places for canoe/kayak on two different creeks. Horseback trails, an not a lot of people."
What campers like
Waterfront camping access: Cary State Forest Group Camp offers water proximity that campers appreciate. "A short walk leads you to Thomas Creek, perfect for a quick morning stroll or some quiet birdwatching along that new boardwalk that was recently cleared and built," reported one visitor.
Elevated camping platforms: Unique sleeping arrangements are available at some locations. One Okefenokee Wilderness camper shared, "Spending the night on the camping platforms under the stars was amazing. This trip was an experience of a lifetime and although it was challenging for me at times, it was very rewarding."
Privacy between sites: Camp Chowenwaw Park offers secluded camping experiences with "lots of privacy between the different sections." A visitor explained, "The tree houses are spread out with some trees in between so they are semi private."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Most wilderness camping sites have unreliable connectivity. At Jennings State Forest, a camper noted, "Cell service gets spotty but if your here to have your nose in your phone, you are missing out."
Required permits and reservations: Planning ahead is essential for most tent sites. Stafford Beach Campground requires advanced booking. "We are not sure why some of the sites were marked as 'closed' and were unreservable online so be sure to book them early if you can," advised one camper.
Weather conditions can change rapidly: Summer brings intense heat and storms. A Dutton Island Preserve camper cautioned, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Treehouse camping options: For an unusual family experience, try elevated camping. A Camp Chowenwaw Park visitor explained, "Summertime this place is a kids paradise. There were lots of families, parties and groups on the property when we went."
Beach access considerations: Some locations require significant hiking to reach beach areas. At Sea Camp Campground, a parent observed, "I decided to do Sea Camp this time because I was camping with my mother and my three year old. It's the perfect campground for those who don't want to forego basic amenities."
Wildlife education opportunities: Cumberland Island provides natural encounters for children. According to one family at Sea Camp, "The resident volunteer led an info session on armadillos which was educational and fun and really added value to our trip."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV access: Most tent sites near Fernandina Beach do not accommodate large vehicles. At Cary State Forest, "This group campground site - and to be clear, there is ONLY one - is designed for tent camping only, so no RVs, trailers or plug-in luxuries here."
Road conditions can be challenging: Many access roads are unpaved and difficult during wet conditions. A camper at Jennings State Forest reported, "The place is just gorgeous for being just outside of the Jacksonville area. There are designated camping sites and walk in camping sites."
Power availability: Some locations offer limited electrical access. At Dutton Island Preserve, campers found that "the only electricity outlets you will find are located at the Ranger's Station, so ensure you have USB chargers and/or a small generator."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Fernandina Beach, FL?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Fernandina Beach, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Fernandina Beach, FL is Sea Camp Campground — Cumberland Island National Seashore with a 4.8-star rating from 24 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Fernandina Beach, FL?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Fernandina Beach, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 20 tent camping locations near Fernandina Beach, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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