Nestled along the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, Hastings sits just 25 minutes west of St. Augustine's beaches. This agricultural community experiences mild winters with temperatures rarely dipping below 50°F and humid summers with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Many campsites in the area offer waterfront options with direct access to fishing and boating, with the highest concentration of luxury glamping options located within a 30-minute drive to the east.
What to do
Fishing at Rodman Reservoir: Rodman Campground borders a 9,000-acre preserve with excellent freshwater fishing opportunities. A visitor shared, "Rodman campground was very clean and well maintained. The bathrooms were spotless. The boat ramp is well kept and there is ample trailer parking nearby." The campground connects to miles of hiking trails and offers both primitive tent sites and RV camping.
Kayaking to wildlife viewing areas: Silver Springs State Park is worth the 45-minute drive for its crystal-clear springs and wildlife viewing opportunities. "Kayaking here is awesome. Try not to go during a tourist time," recommends one camper. The park offers glass-bottom boat tours where you can spot alligators, turtles, and sometimes even wild monkeys.
Biking through shaded trails: Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park features miles of biking trails through wooded areas. "Miles of biking/hiking trails at this park. Great quick getaway for those living in the Jacksonville metro area," notes one reviewer. The park also offers beach access and a freshwater lake with kayak rentals.
Historic sites exploration: Within a short drive of most glamping sites near Hastings, Florida, you'll find numerous historic attractions. "The campground is in some sparse woods and isolated enough to give that camping feel. There's some great fishing places nearby," shared one visitor to Rodman Campground.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Many campers appreciate the well-designed sites at Rodman Campground, where "The tent sites were very large, adequately spaced with varying degrees of privacy." This makes it ideal for those seeking a more secluded glamping experience close to Hastings, Florida.
Clean facilities: Consistently mentioned across reviews is the cleanliness of facilities. "The bathrooms were extremely clean, lit, and well maintained," notes one camper about Rodman Campground. Another adds, "The sites are roomy but fairly private or very private depending on the site, and well-kept with a fire ring and picnic table."
Wildlife viewing: Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park offers unique wildlife encounters. "This park has 8 trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. We were able to see wild horses, bisons, snakes and gators," reports one visitor. The park's observation tower provides panoramic views of the prairie.
Water recreation options: Many sites offer water activities. At Pine Island RV & Marina, "Great very quiet RV park with a little bait shop, store, bar, boat ramp, and marina. This give you access to Lake George and some of the most amazing sunsets ever seen," shares a camper.
What you should know
Mosquito preparation is essential: Florida's humid climate means mosquitoes are abundant, especially near water. "Mosquitos at night here will eat you alive. Lots of canopy cover keeps everything really, really humid," warns an Elizabeth E. at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park. Pack plenty of repellent and consider screens for outdoor lounging areas.
Seasonal crowds impact availability: The St. Augustine area experiences heavy tourism during spring break and summer months. A visitor to St. Augustine Beach KOA noted, "Clean and safe, just not really like camping..." As a practical tip, book luxury glamping sites 3-6 months in advance for peak seasons.
Limited WiFi at some locations: Connectivity varies widely between glamping locations. At Compass RV Park, a reviewer mentioned, "The only down side is that the cell service (for both T-Mobile and Verizon) didn't work very well, and the Wi-Fi is iffy at best." Consider downloading maps and entertainment before arrival.
Weather considerations: Florida's frequent afternoon thunderstorms can impact outdoor activities. "Our stay at the campground was unfortunately cut short due to uncooperative weather, but we enjoyed our time there," shared one Rodman Campground visitor. Plan morning activities during summer months to avoid afternoon storms.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Compass RV Park offers numerous activities for children. According to Daniel G., "Lots of things for kids to do at the campground (pool, playground, cornhole, ping pong table, fishing pond, etc)." These amenities make it perfect for families seeking glamping options close to Hastings.
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer ranger-led programs. At Paynes Prairie, "We did the Ranger led hike which was really nice, my 5 year old struggled to keep up with the Ranger and there are decent elevation changes," shares Lindsey H. These programs teach children about local ecosystems and wildlife.
Safety considerations: When selecting sites, consider proximity to water features. "The lake, the bird islands, the serenity, the tall trees, the gorgeous beach on the premise are all juxtaposed with the actual state of the camp sites themselves," notes one Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park visitor, highlighting the importance of selecting appropriate sites when camping with children.
Cabin options for beginners: For families new to camping, cabins provide comfort while still enjoying nature. "This cabin is the best thing ever! Each spot has a picnic table, BBQ and fire pit. We were lucky enough to stay on the end of the cabins and we had a ton of space!" writes Lorilee S. about the St. Augustine Beach KOA.
Tips from RVers
Site selection advice: At Ocean Grove RV Resort, RVers recommend specific locations. "Great full hook up, paved site with easy access to beautiful St Augustine Beach. There's also a large, clean pool area with hot tub, big fishing dock with small boat/kayak ramp, and bar/restaurant at the pool," shares Amy M.
Space considerations: Many RV parks prioritize quantity over spaciousness. "Spots are kind of to tide plus, many spots had more than one car or truck parked making the spaces more reduced still. No privacy. My neighbor sewer, electric, and water were beside my picnic table and my motorhome entrance," notes Jack B. about Ocean Grove RV Resort.
Transportation options: Some resorts offer transportation to nearby attractions. At Compass RV Park, Catherine A. explains, "If you really want to get around and don't have a toad, you can buy a trolley ticket at the park ($24.00 for the day). They have a free shuttle that will take u to first trolley stop."
Hookup quality varies: Check reviews for specific information about power stability and water pressure. "Power pedestal was good and consistent," noted Tracy J. about St. Augustine Beach KOA, though she also mentioned the site was "hot, hot, hot in the blazing FL sun."