Hastings sits in St. Johns County, Florida at just 20 feet above sea level, creating a unique environment for camping with wetlands nearby and easy access to both rivers and Atlantic beaches. Summer temperatures regularly reach the mid-90s with high humidity, and the area's position between the St. Johns River and coastal waterways creates microclimates that campers should prepare for with lightweight, breathable clothing and adequate sun protection.
What to do
Wildlife viewing at Faver-Dykes State Park: Located along Pellicer Creek, this park offers excellent opportunities for spotting deer, turtles, and various bird species. "We saw deer 🦌 on the long winding road to the state park, every day. It's about to undergo rehab to improve the facility," notes Debi M. The park features a 2.6-mile nature trail that showcases Florida's natural ecosystems.
Kayaking on Rodman Reservoir: Rodman Campground provides direct access to the 9,000-acre Rodman Preserve. "Rodman Reservoir offers nothing short of AMAZING kayak and canoe adventures," according to Jeff E. The campground has an excellent boat ramp and is positioned perfectly for water activities. "We rode bikes to the dam. We've been there four times now, and just love it there!" adds Lauren W.
Swimming in natural springs: Salt Springs Recreation Area offers year-round 72-degree water for swimming. "The springs are nice. A short walk from the campground or a quick bike ride," says Miranda R. The springs contain minerals that give the water a slightly salty taste, making this a unique swimming experience compared to other Florida springs.
Beach exploration: Drive 20-25 minutes from most Hastings area campgrounds to reach Atlantic beaches. "The beach is GORGEOUS and right across the street with a great restaurant, The Reef," explains Maria E. from North Beach Camp Resort. Most beaches near St. Augustine allow leashed dogs during specific hours, providing exercise options for pets.
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: North Beach Camp Resort features sites with natural vegetation barriers. "The sites are good sized and private. They have foliage in between every site that makes you feel like you could be out here all alone," notes Robert. This privacy creates a more authentic camping experience despite being close to urban amenities.
Convenient location for St. Augustine visits: Stagecoach RV Park offers easy access to historic sites. "Great park for the beach. We had a nice wooded separation between the other campsites. The beach was a short walk for us," shares Rob V. about Anastasia State Park. Most campgrounds are within 15-30 minutes of downtown St. Augustine's attractions.
Clean facilities: "The bathhouse closest to my site was spotless. The camp hosts keep each site impeccable," writes Brandie B. about Faver-Dykes State Park. Several dog friendly campgrounds near Hastings maintain exceptionally clean restrooms and shower facilities, with 4 Lakes Campground receiving particular praise for cleanliness.
Natural setting with modern amenities: Anastasia State Park Campground combines wooded campsites with nearby beach access. "The campground loops are spacious and quiet. There are many that are all within walking distance of the ocean," shares Amelia W. The park maintains natural vegetation between sites while providing water and electric hookups.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Summer brings temperatures consistently above 90°F with high humidity from June through September. "Hot weather considerations remain important when camping with pets in this region," particularly at parks with limited shade like St. Augustine Beach KOA, where one camper noted: "Site was hot, hot, hot in the blazing FL sun."
Bug preparedness: Several campgrounds report significant insect activity. "We hiked the 2.5 mile trail which was nice but don't forget the bug spray. The bugs were quite annoying and we returned with quite a few ticks," warns Kathy G. about Faver-Dykes State Park. Another camper confirmed: "Left park after one night because of ticks. There were tick warning signs posted."
Reservation requirements: 4 Lakes Campground and other popular sites often fill quickly during peak season. "This is a great place to camp. Always clean and has beach access. It is also close to downtown Saint Augustine. Shopping is very easy and accessible," notes Donna B. Make reservations 3-6 months in advance for weekend stays during winter and spring.
Noise levels: Some campgrounds experience unexpected noise. "This campground is literally in the middle of a busy area. It lines up with a strip mall where there was endless noise all night long," reports Tom & Jennifer D. about St. Augustine Beach KOA. Campgrounds further from urban areas like Rodman Campground tend to be quieter.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Compass RV Park offers numerous activities for children. "Lots of things for kids to do at the campground (pool, playground, cornhole, ping pong table, fishing pond, etc)," shares Daniel G. The park also hosts weekend entertainment and communal cookouts around their large fire pit.
Beach accessibility considerations: When camping with children, consider distance to water. "Beautiful beaches and easy access to St Augustine," says Ray P. about Anastasia State Park. Some campgrounds require crossing busy roads to reach beaches, so factor this into plans with smaller children.
Educational opportunities: Take advantage of nature programs at state parks. "Try hiking to the Amphitheater or check out the old coquina quarry," suggests Amelia W. about Anastasia State Park. Several state parks offer junior ranger programs that teach children about local ecosystems.
Safe swimming locations: For families with children who want to swim, Salt Springs Recreation Area provides a controlled environment with clear visibility. "The spring is a short walk from the campground or a quick bike ride," notes Miranda R. The springs maintain a consistent 72-degree temperature year-round, making them comfortable for swimming.
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: Choose sites based on specific needs and preferences. "Sites can be chosen close to the pool and ocean, or closer to the intracoastal for fishing and dining," advises Kelly A. about North Beach Camp Resort. RVers with larger rigs should verify length restrictions, as Anastasia State Park notes "max length is 38 feet."
Leveling requirements: Prepare for varying site conditions. "Some of the pull thru site had a decent incline hill/drop at one end or the other. I seen some guys using fully extended leveling gear and 4-8 leveling blocks to fill the voids to get level," reports Doug E. about St. Augustine Beach KOA.
Power options: Most pet-friendly campgrounds near Hastings offer various electrical hookups. "All sites have electric and water hook up," confirms Rob V. about Anastasia State Park. Stagecoach RV Park provides both 30-amp and 50-amp service, with a reviewer noting the "pavered sites and quick drive to St Augustine."
Connectivity considerations: Internet access varies significantly between campgrounds. "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," shares Daniel G. about Compass RV Park. For remote workers, Half Shell Resort offers "WiFi is fast, the people are nice and management responds to issues immediately."
Ranger
