Camping near Jacksonville Beach, Florida encompasses a range of experiences from riverside settings to oceanfront options. Sites range from densely wooded loops with challenging terrain to open beachfront spots. Most campgrounds maintain year-round operations with temperatures averaging 65-80°F in winter and 80-95°F in summer, though humidity levels frequently exceed 80% during summer months.
What to do
Beach activities at Fort Clinch State Park: Designated swimming areas and 5 miles of packed sand beach provide ample space for recreation. "True FL... There are many trails to hike or bike and the beach is beyond spacious. I loved this campground and definitely want to go back sometime soon," shares one visitor about Fort Clinch State Park.
Kayaking at Little Talbot Island: Paddle through coastal marshlands with multiple launch points directly accessible from the campground. "Bring your canoe or kayak and watch the tides. Visit Boneyard beach a short drive away," advises a camper at Little Talbot Island State Park. The park offers guided tours through Kayak Amelia with routes suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers.
Wildlife observation at Dutton Island Preserve: Early morning and sunset provide prime viewing hours for coastal birds and marine life. "If you are lucky and select the right campsite, you'll actually find yourself waterfront with an amazing cityscape of Jacksonville," notes a camper at Dutton Island Preserve, adding that it has "quite possibly the simplest access to an amazing waterway for kayaking or fishing."
What campers like
Private beach access at Huguenot Memorial Park: Less crowded shorelines with natural dune formations and shell collecting opportunities. "The beach is GORGEOUS and right across the street with a great restaurant, The Reef. In back of the property was the river/intercoastal where there was another restaurant, Aunt Kates," explains a visitor to North Beach Camp Resort.
Military discounts at Pelican Roost RV Park: Active duty and veterans receive priority bookings and reduced rates year-round. "When I walk in the office I'm greeted warmly by the staff and truly made to feel like I'm family," shares a regular visitor at Pelican Roost RV Park, adding, "The sites are clean and well maintained and you are either across the road from the intercoastal waterway where US Navy ships sail in and our or you are just a short distance back."
Mountain biking trails at Hanna Park: Technical routes with varied difficulty levels through maritime forest. "Miles of biking/hiking trails at this park. Great quick getaway for those living in the Jacksonville metro area," notes a camper about Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park.
What you should know
Wind conditions at coastal sites: Consistent breezes affect campfires and tent stability, particularly at oceanfront locations. "It is windy, especially in the evening when we wanted to have a fire. Made the fire burn well, however no one could sit near it because the smoke changed directions constantly," reports a camper at Huguenot Memorial Park.
Aircraft noise near naval facilities: Regular helicopter traffic from nearby military operations impacts several campgrounds. "The helicopters are really, really loud. Like pausing conversations when they fly over and it goes on 12/15 hours a day," notes a Huguenot Memorial Park visitor.
Beach parking regulations: Vehicle beach access ends at 6pm at most locations, requiring campers to plan accordingly. "The beach driving ends at 6pm but you are still able to walk it," mentions a Huguenot visitor who stayed during New Year's Eve.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity at Anastasia State Park: Sites near recreation areas offer convenience for families with young children. "We have site 33 which is amazing to let the kids play, you can see the playground but still have some privacy from it," shares a visitor to Anastasia State Park.
Beach safety precautions: Strong rip currents occur frequently, particularly during storm systems offshore. "There's a naval station nearby, so there helicopters patrolling as well. I felt safe and slept like a baby," reports a camper at Little Talbot Island, highlighting the security presence in the area.
Water-based rentals: Paddleboard, kayak and canoe rentals available at multiple locations without reservation requirements. "There's a 60-acre freshwater lake with canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals," mentions a visitor to Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Uneven pads and tree root intrusions require additional preparation at wooded campgrounds. "The sites aren't private but for some reason I just don't mind it here," notes a camper at Huguenot Memorial Park about the site layout, adding that "showers are super clean."
Access road conditions: Some campground roads become problematic during heavy rain periods. "The road to the campground is half washed out, I am not sure how it would be possible to have two folks meet on the road without one backing all the way up risking sliding off the washed out area," warns a Huguenot visitor.
Water quality variations: Water taste and odor issues reported at some facilities, particularly during summer months. "The water...smells like sewage. It's full of sulfur and I sanitized our water system after leaving just because of how bad it was," cautions an RVer who stayed at Huguenot Memorial Park.
