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Irene M.
Guide
GuideOkefenokee Pastimes Cabins and Campground
Great little campground near the national wildlife refuge. Restaurant and bar has really good wings, burgers, and flatbreads. Clean bathhouses.
Tent Camping near Fleming Island, FL
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Several primitive tent camping opportunities exist near Fleming Island, Florida, within Clay County and surrounding conservation areas. Camp Chowenwaw Park offers tent camping in a former Girl Scout camp, with treehouse campsites, shared bathhouse facilities, and a communal dining hall. Jennings State Forest Hammock Campground provides more secluded tent sites set within a pine forest, while Black Creek Ravine offers backcountry tent camping accessible via hiking trails.
Most tent campsites in the Fleming Island area feature basic amenities such as fire rings and picnic tables, with varying levels of privacy between sites. At Camp Chowenwaw, campers access treehouse sites via a 10-minute hike from the parking area, with wagons provided to transport gear. Jennings State Forest's primitive tent sites include designated tent pads, in-ground grills, and composting toilets. Black Creek Ravine's remote tent site requires a 2.4-mile hike in and provides a fire ring with grill grate, a wooden picnic table, and river access, but no other facilities. Most locations require reservations through county or state forest websites.
Tent camping experiences near Fleming Island often feature significant wildlife encounters amid Florida's distinctive ecosystems. Bayard Conservation Area offers riverside tent camping with opportunities to spot deer, otters, turkeys, and wild pigs during the hike to backcountry sites. The primitive sites provide a true wilderness experience with limited facilities. Summer heat can be challenging for tent campers, with many visitors recommending fall and winter as optimal camping seasons. Sites in Jennings State Forest offer tent campers seclusion through natural vegetation barriers. A camper noted, "Even though I only spent one night and it poured all night, I would do it again." Water access is available at several locations, with the Black Creek Ravine campsite positioned approximately 30 feet through trees to the river.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Fleming Island (34)
1. 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."
6 Sites AvailableAvailable next weekend
from $9 / night
2. 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."
3. J.P. Hall Bayard Conservation Area
"It is a track of land that has many hiking trails that traverse through shaded pine forests, hammocks, marsh, and river areas. "
"Hiked in about 3.3 miles, but OnX user beware, trust the trail’s red marks, not the trail marked on most maps! Part of the trail was reblazed to go around a washed out section."
4. Bootleggers Campground — Jennings State Forest
"Each site has a fire ring, picnic table, charcoal camp grill (probably wouldn’t use if you didn’t have to), and a sectioned off tent spot."
Check Availabilityfrom $9 / night
5. Mule Landing Campsite - Jennings State Forest
"You’ll wind around and ascend a slight incline before reaching Mule Landing, but trust me, if you are looking for one of the best private hike-in campgrounds, you’ve just arrived."
6. Magnolia Hill (Adahi) Campground
7. Hickory Flats (Talahi) Campground
8. 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"
Check Availabilityfrom $25 - $125 / night
9. West Jax Retreat
Check Availabilityfrom $35 - $45 / night
10. Bluff Campsite - Jennings State Forest
Drive Time
- 23 min from Jacksonville, FL
- 1 hr 1 min from Gainesville, FL
- 1 hr 20 min from Brunswick, GA
- 1 hr 32 min from Ocala, FL
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Fleming Island, FL
40 Photos of 34 Fleming Island Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Black Creek RavineN
West Jax Retreat
J.P. Hall Bayard Conservation AreaN
Hammock Campground - Jennings State Forest
Bootleggers Campground — Jennings State ForestM
Cary State Forest Group Camp
Etoniah Creek State Forest Green Camp
Cedar Creek Campground — Matanzas State Forest
Princess Place Preserve
Moody Campground - Princess Place PreserveL
Sea Camp Campground — Cumberland Island National Seashore
Tent Camping Reviews near Fleming Island, FL
828 Reviews of 34 Fleming Island Campgrounds
- SStacey A.Guide
Sandhill Campground - Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park
My husband and I went here for a long weekend, it was a really nice park we saw a lot of deer. There is 4+ miles of the Florida State Trail that runs through this park that we hiked. The terrain changes multiple times giving you a nice change in scenery. There is a ravine there too. The staff was great, and the facilities were clean. You can buy patches there too if you like to collect patches (or stickers) from the State Parks. And if you have the Florida State Park passport they have a stamp. It’s a good sized park and kept us busy.
Mary B.
TravelerAnastasia State Park Campground
We are in the tent section and the site is secluded with a forest feel. Rustic. The comfort station is clean and could use a little updating but works fine
- Stuart K.
LegendPellicer Campground - Princess Place Preserve
Pristine, Secluded Nature Getaway Hidden Away @ Princess Place Preserve
What you will enjoy most about the Pellicer Campground is that it is the tiniest of all the camping areas here at Princess Place Preserve, offering up just 2 campsites. That said, IMHO Pellicer is the best of all the camping options here, for a few reasons. First of all, it’s size alone gives it a real sense of privacy along with that comes next to no noise (unless you count the constant drumming of the choir from the cicadas noise). If you don’t keep your eyes peeled, you will drive right by Pellicer Campground, so once you’ve entered Princess Place Preserve proper, meaning that you will have passed through an actual gate (likely open if during day hours) and you’ll go around the bend past the horse staging area on your left and just when you see the covered bridge, you will want to hang a left (if you cross the covered bridge, you’ve gone too far).
Camping here is fairly basic and primitive with just water spigots, fire ring and designated trash receptacles as well as a duo port-O-potty. Also, there is an eerie feeling of desolation when we visited as this part of the preserve had recently undergone a controlled burn, which simply adds to the mystique and uniqueness to the place in my mind. What I absolutely loved about Pellicer Campground is that either site#1 or #2 comes with its very own kayak / canoe launch and offers a really exclusive access point to the waterways you’ll discover here – whereas the main kayak / canoe launch across the bridge and closer to Moody CG will dump you out in the largeness of the Matanzas River, But here at Pellicer, you’ll slowly slip into one of the many small tributaries that zig zag throughout Princess Place Preserve like a water snake. The other upside locating yourself here at Pellicer Campground is that you will be centrally located to everything that Princess Place Preserve has to offer, so nothing is too far out of reach.
As far as Princess Place Preserve itself is concerned, there are more than 1,500 square acres to explore that will offer the best of both surf (with 3 conjoining rivers) & turf (which is simply fantastic marsh). On the surf front, you’ll have the trifecta of salt marshes from the Matanzas River, slow-moving currents of the Moody Creek and abundant fishing of the Pellicer Creek to contend with – all three of which make for perfect kayak, canoe and paddleboard exploration (just be on the watch for alligators!). Back on land, there’s plenty of hiking trails that provide a bevy of well-cleared fully-functioning foot paths … while on the other hand, you will discover trails that are in dire need of some decent pruning as well as those, due to recent rainfall, will be either flooded or too muddy to trudge through.
History sidebar: the name Princess Preserve comes from the widow Angela Cutting who remarried a Russian prince and assumed the title of princess (although there was no coronation). The entire park is managed by Flagler County Parks & Recreation, which I have to say (apart from the bathroom / shower facilities) have done an outstanding job at not just preserving this amazing nature destination, but the county is in overdrive in its restoration efforts of the place, as you will see with the main lodge and nearby buildings and horse stable that have recently received a very nice refurbishment.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a smattering: (1) Here at Pellicer Campground, you will not be impressed by the port-O-potty bathroom options, but if you cross the covered bridge, you can either head towards the main lodge where to the left is a fairly decent restroom facility, but if you’re looking for a nice hot shower, you will have to make your way over to the Equestrian Campground, so this is the one (fairly massive) downside to Princess Place Preserve – just one shower facility in the entirety of the Preserve, which I score just a 5 out of 10; (2) Everywhere you go the water is non-potable, so be sure to bring your own fresh water to drink; (3) Interested in taking advantage of the historic tours that are offered here? Just note that they are first-come, first-served, so upon arriving here, be sure to ask a Park Ranger for first availability – typically, the tours are offered each day around 2pm; (4) If you are a biker, like I am, you will definitely want to bring your wheels here, where all of the main roads and even most of the trails are simply perfect for riding on and the expansive nature of Princess Place Preserve will give you miles and miles to explore without biking on the same trail twice!; (5) When you want to get cleaned up and venture out to visit some of the nearby haunts, be sure to check out Rodie’s Place in Hammock Beach, which is a funky local cooking institution that has an amazing upscale menu of which I highly recommend the skillet baked brie, Nashville hot chicken sandwich and the homemade coleslaw; and (6) My pro-tip for Pellicer CG is this - call ahead to verify that the road into this CG or the surrounding roadways aren't flooded - I've been here half a dozen times and at least half the time, the roads are inundated with water from the rivers, so tread carefully (or wear boots!).
Happy Camping!
- GGrace F.
ScoutKatherine Hannah park
Beautiful park, friendly staff, chill vibes, lots to do!
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!
- PPaul S.Guide
Ocean Pond Campground
Great Overnight Stay
A fantastic spot for an overnight camping stop in Florida. Beautiful surroundings with great hiking and cycling trails to explore. Perfect for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. Well worth a visit!
- BBrian B.Guide
Faver-Dykes State Park Campground
Best state park I stayed in
This place is out nice roads getting in here as a brackish Creek great fishing boats very clean spots are spread out nicely, groomed, fire pits, and picnic tables easy access right off 95
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.
Guide to Fleming Island
Tent campsites near Fleming Island, Florida offer primitive camping experiences within driving distance of Jacksonville. The area sits at approximately 20 feet above sea level with a humid subtropical climate that averages 80-90°F in summer months and mild winters rarely falling below 40°F. Most primitive sites require visitors to carry in their own potable water, with non-potable sources available at some locations.
What to do
Kayak launch access: At Dutton Island Preserve, campers have excellent water access directly from their sites. 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: Early mornings at Princess Place Preserve provide exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. "We saw deer, squirrels, and all kinds of different birds," reports one camper who hiked the trails. The preserve closes to the public at 6 pm, giving overnight campers exclusive access during prime evening wildlife hours.
Fishing from dedicated structures: Several locations offer fishing platforms or docks. At Princess Place Preserve, campsites come with "a place to launch kayaks or a canoe. All sites are pet friendly. There are multiple hiking trails, and plenty of places to fish."
Night sky viewing: The remote Cedar Creek Campground in Matanzas State Forest offers exceptional stargazing. A camper remarked, "Star gazing out here is absolutely immaculate. The sites here are pretty large. You could fit several tents in these sites."
What campers like
Private, secluded sites: Jennings State Forest Hammock Campground offers remarkable privacy between campsites. A camper observed, "The sites were close as you would normally get in an established campground but there was plenty of brush to separate each site."
Waterfront camping locations: Camping directly beside rivers and creeks ranks among top attractions. A visitor to Bayard Conservation Area shared, "The campsites have several different settings, but we chose the river view."
Off-grid feeling: Despite proximity to urban areas, several sites feel remarkably remote. At Cedar Creek Campground in Matanzas State Forest, one camper was surprised: "It's amazing you are 10 minutes from a major highway yet feel like you are 1000 miles from anywhere."
Diverse ecosystems: The variety of natural environments within short distances appeals to many campers. At Princess Place Preserve, trails showcase "gorgeous Live Oak trees with Spanish Moss hanging down, an adorable wild field full of white butterflies and an Eagles Nest Viewing Area."
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most primitive tent campsites near Fleming Island provide minimal amenities. The Black Creek Ravine campsite has "a fire ring with a grill grate on it that we were able to easily cook our food over, there was a wood picnic table, and there was a taller wooden table, more like a bar or island," but no other facilities.
Reservation requirements: Nearly all sites require advance booking. One camper at Camp Chowenwaw Park advised: "Making reservations was pretty easy on the county website. There are a number of forms you will be emailed to print and fill out (will save you a lot of time if you plan to use the pool that is run by YMCA)."
Navigation challenges: Some campgrounds can be difficult to locate. For Matanzas State Forest, "GPS won't help you, in fact, it will send you to the wrong place." Similarly, a camper at Jennings State Forest noted: "GPS will not get you there. Go to Middleburg. Take Long Bay Rd. Left on Old Jennings Rd. Follow signs."
Seasonal considerations: January through March offers the most comfortable tent camping weather. A summer camper at Princess Place Preserve warned: "I squeezed every last ounce of sunlight out of the day" due to high temperatures making midday activities challenging.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access options: Camp Chowenwaw's swimming pool provides a welcome summer activity. "The pool is a nice feature, you just be over age 18 and have your license with you to swim, which is weird. The tree houses are neat, lots of potential for family camping."
Equipment transportation strategies: For sites requiring hiking to reach camping areas, plan accordingly. At Mule Landing Campsite, "you'll have to first park in the Phillips Branch Crossing parking lot and from there, you'll just want to follow the Dunns Farm Trail...for another mile until you reach the banks of the slow-moving Black Creek."
Age-appropriate sites: Consider campground rules when planning with children. Camp Chowenwaw Park has safety protocols: "The children had to do swim tests and wear a necklace denoting which portion of the pool they could be in."
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer ranger programs or historical sites. At Princess Place Preserve, "The Ranger who was working when we were there was really helpful. He gave us a private tour of the historic buildings because no tour was scheduled during our stay."
Tips from RVers
Road condition alerts: Access roads to primitive tent sites can challenge vehicles. For Matanzas State Forest, a camper reported: "Roads are rough but not terrible (i have a jeep wrangler - but 4 wheel drive not necessary)." Similar conditions exist at several other locations.
Size restrictions: Most primitive campgrounds near Fleming Island have limited RV access. Jennings State Forest Hammock Campground accommodates some RVs, but a visitor noted sites are "semi private" with "tent pad, In ground grill and picnic table" which may not suit larger rigs.
Utility limitations: Even at campgrounds that allow RVs, hookups are minimal or nonexistent. At most primitive tent campsites near Fleming Island, campers must bring all supplies, as described by one visitor: "what you can carry in is what you have."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Fleming Island, FL?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Fleming Island, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Fleming Island, FL is Hammock Campground - Jennings State Forest with a 4.6-star rating from 12 reviews.
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tent camping near
Fleming Island, FL?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Fleming Island, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 34 tent camping locations near Fleming Island, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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