The Florida-Georgia border area offers numerous camping options within 30 miles of Fernandina Beach. The region features coastal marshlands, maritime forests, and barrier islands with elevation rarely exceeding 20 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures average 90°F with high humidity, while winter nights can drop into the 40s, creating variable camping conditions throughout the year.
What to do
Explore Cumberland Island trails: The island features multiple hiking paths through diverse ecosystems. "Hiking, biking, mountain biking, lake. Spots are a bit close. It's really quiet at night, so it's really a non-issue. There's no alcohol permitted. Just don't be obvious or obnoxious and it's nit really an issue," notes a visitor to Little Talbot Island State Park.
Visit Boneyard Beach: See remarkable driftwood formations along the shoreline. "For anyone wanting to take iconic photos next to the ocean, go check out Boneyard Beach that has hundreds of salt-washed skeletons of live Oak, Cypress and Cedar trees," recommends a camper at Little Talbot Island State Park.
Try mini-golf at the campground: Some parks have unusual amenities. "There are lots of easy biking and hiking trails and a nice beach. The campgrounds can get busy and crowded - not super secluded if you want to be in nature but nice if you're going with some campers who need a little more luxe," says a visitor to Little Talbot Island.
Take a sunset cruise: Some parks offer boat tours. "This campground even offers a curated sunset cruise aboard one of their very own skiffs (comfortably accommodating families up to 6 people)," notes a visitor to Crooked River State Park.
What campers like
Beach accessibility: Some campsites provide direct beach access. "Camping on Cumberland island for 8 days is an experience you will never forget. It rained every day while we were there and past clothing not drying it was still an amazing trip. Wild horses running on the beach is something to see," shares a visitor to Sea Camp Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The area has diverse ecosystems supporting many species. "The island is absolutely beautiful with miles of pristine beach with lovely waves and a luscious live oak forest. You can swim. Watch out for jellyfish. I flew a kite, too. Watch the sunrise in the morning and at night, you might get an unpolluted view of the stars. Expect to see wild horses on the beach and the trails," remarks a Sea Camp Campground visitor.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain quality bathhouses. "The bathrooms are always clean and showers are great. It is bikeable with trails and road bike options to town," shares a camper from Amelia River Campground.
Historical attractions: Several sites feature preserved structures from past centuries. "19th Century Coastal Army Fort. Museum, guided and self tours. Miles of biking/hiking trails. Kayaking and fishing. Beach and forest camping. Swimming, Birding. Close by, historic Fernindina Beach, Cumberland Island," notes a visitor to Fort Clinch State Park.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Conditions change rapidly near the coast. "We went in January. It was record low temperatures. It was still fun. I explored the numerous trails. We paddled in the tidal river. The people in the bait shop were very helpful at helping us plan our route with the tide," shares a camper from Crooked River State Park.
Insects can be intense: Bring proper protection for comfort. "Mosquitos at night here will eat you alive. Lots of canopy cover keeps everything really, really humid. They provide sawdust for free because the ground gets soft," warns a visitor to Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park.
Site variations matter: Research specific campsites before booking. "We love this campground! Great beach and great town of Fernandina Beach! We were camping on the ocean side this time. Hard to get a site here. They have the fort you can tour also," mentions a Fort Clinch visitor.
Ferry logistics: Some locations require boat transport. "The challenge with arriving by ferry is compounded by a number of factors: (1) Whatever supplies you choose to go camping with, you will need to 'wheel it on' the actual ferry, which likely requires a hard examination of what really is essential versus 'nice-to-have'," advises a Sea Camp Campground visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Group camping options: Some parks cater to larger parties. "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," shares a visitor to Fort Clinch.
Kid-friendly activities: Many campgrounds offer specialized amenities. "We had so much fun camping here for the weekend with our family. The staff was absolutely delightful. Very clean with lots of fun activities like mini golf, pool, jumping pad and a dog run for your pet. They serve free waffles and pancakes in the morning too," notes a visitor to Jacksonville North-St. Marys KOA.
Beach day planning: Time your visits for optimal conditions. "The beach side is many miles of private beach that's not crowded. The Fort offers tours and has a small gift shop," mentions a Fort Clinch visitor.
Food storage precautions: Wildlife can be persistent. "Keep all your food and scented items in the racoon proof cages or make sure your coolers/food boxes are locked! Raccoons will pry open just about everything! Raccoons, hogs, and bobcats will make enough noise to keep light sleepers awake all night," warns a Sea Camp Campground visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site size considerations: Check dimensions before booking. "Sites are very small and roads through campground are very narrow and curvy. Great for tents and small RV's. Enjoy!" advises a Little Talbot Island State Park visitor.
Hook-up variations: Amenities differ between campgrounds. "This is a lovely state park with lots to do, wish we could have stayed long to enjoy everything - hiking, boating fishing, etc. Our RV spot #58 (full hook up) was very spacious with plenty of room and foliage between sites so didn't feel crammed in," shares a Crooked River State Park visitor.
Navigation challenges: Some campgrounds have complex layouts. "Large well maintained campground. All sites are large, well maintained and site specific. Many have full hook ups. New family style bath house and an older bathhouse, both were very clean. Nice walking trails, plenty of playgrounds and very nice boat ramp and mini golf," notes a Crooked River visitor.
Weather preparations: Local conditions affect camping comfort. "The campground was clean, the bathrooms were clean. There were many amenities and lots of things to offer like fishing, hiking, putt putt as well as stores close by. The campground is open however sites are very far away from each other," mentions a Jacksonville North-St. Marys KOA visitor.
