Best Tent Camping near Jacksonville Beach, FL

State parks and conservation areas surrounding Jacksonville Beach, Florida provide diverse tent camping options from coastal to inland settings. Cumberland Island National Seashore, accessible only by ferry from St. Marys, Georgia, offers tent-only camping with sites nestled among live oak trees draped with Spanish moss. Closer to Jacksonville Beach, Dutton Island Preserve in Atlantic Beach provides tent sites with water access for kayakers. For primitive tent camping experiences, Bayard Conservation Area in Green Cove Springs features hike-in sites several miles from parking areas, while Black Creek Ravine offers secluded walk-in tent sites along the river.

Most tent campgrounds in the region feature basic amenities including fire rings with grill grates and picnic tables. Surface conditions vary from sandy tent pads at Cumberland Island to leaf-covered forest floors at inland sites like Jennings State Forest. Water availability differs significantly between locations - Cumberland Island's Sea Camp provides potable water and cold showers, while Princess Place Preserve requires campers to bring all drinking water as only non-potable water is available. Summer humidity and insects can be challenging for tent campers, particularly at inland sites. Campers should prepare for Florida's weather patterns with appropriate rain gear and insect repellent, especially during warmer months.

The tent camping experience varies dramatically by location and season. At Cumberland Island, one camper noted that "under the canopy of live oak trees, tent sites were easily 10+ degrees cooler than elsewhere," though they recommended battery-operated fans for summer humidity. For backcountry tent camping, Black Creek Ravine provides exceptional seclusion. According to reviews, "there was zero competition for the single campsite" with opportunities to see wildlife including deer, squirrels, and various birds. Fall and winter months generally offer more comfortable tent camping conditions throughout the region. Many primitive tent sites require advance reservations, particularly at popular locations like Princess Place Preserve and Cumberland Island, where ferry reservations must be secured alongside camping permits.

Best Tent Sites Near Jacksonville Beach, Florida (19)

    1. Dutton Island Preserve

    4 Reviews
    Atlantic Beach, FL
    6 miles
    Website

    $25 - $125 / night

    "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"

    2. Sea Camp Campground — Cumberland Island National Seashore

    24 Reviews
    Fernandina Beach, GA
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (912) 882-4336

    $9 - $40 / night

    "Nice secluded campground where each site is set back and nestled into a saw palm clearing and equipped with a picnic table, fire ring/grill and food cache box (an elevated roofed chicken wire cage)."

    "It was a hot time of year but under the canopy of the live oak trees where the tent sites are located (Sea Camp) was easily 10+ degrees cooler than elsewhere."

    3. Camp Chowenwaw Park

    9 Reviews
    Fleming Island, FL
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (904) 529-8058

    "There are many different types of cabins available for rent, tent sites and 9 tree houses. Each area set up as a grouping with a bathhouse and kitchen pavilion. "

    "Definitely Different and Unique for Florida. And the perfect place to review my icemulecoolers.com 

    Campground Review:

    Camp Chowenwaw is located in Green Cove Springs, FL adjacent to the St."

    4. Jennings State Forest Hammock Campground

    12 Reviews
    Middleburg, FL
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (904) 406-6390

    $9 / night

    "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."

    5. Bayard Conservation Area

    3 Reviews
    Green Cove Springs, FL
    27 miles
    Website

    "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."

    6. Stafford Beach Campground — Cumberland Island National Seashore

    8 Reviews
    Cumberland Island National Seashore, GA
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (912) 882-4336

    $12 / night

    "It is more quiet and there are less campers than Sea Camp but you still get amenities like showers, bathrooms, campfires, and a non-potable water source unlike the backpacking sites."

    "Thankfully at this campground there are also restrooms, cold showers and water... Although, unlike at Sea Camp, it must be treated before drinking (boil, filter, UV, or chemical, etc...)."

    7. Black Creek Ravine

    1 Review
    Middleburg, FL
    31 miles
    Website

    "We liked that you have to hike in, there is no car access."

    8. Princess Place Preserve

    10 Reviews
    Palm Coast, FL
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 313-4020

    $20 / night

    "There are multiple hiking trails, and plenty of places to fish. Dock Site 2 had water on 2 side of the site, and had a steady breeze during our whole visit."

    "You’ll see from the photos (all taken from my site) that the sites are expansive and beautifully shaded."

    9. Cedar Creek Campground — Matanzas State Forest

    5 Reviews
    St. Augustine, FL
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 384-5256

    $9 / night

    "It’s more primitive than anything in my opinion. Star gazing out here is absolutely immaculate. The sites here are pretty large. You could fit several tents in these sites. Some limited service."

    "Amazing stars -- great view of incredible moon.As one of the other commenters wrote --- its amazing you are 10 minutes from a major highway yet feel like you are 1000 miles from anywhere. "

    10. Mule Landing Campsite on the Pioneer Trail

    1 Review
    Middleburg, FL
    35 miles
    +1 (904) 406-6390

    "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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 19 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Jacksonville Beach, FL

703 Reviews of 19 Jacksonville Beach Campgrounds



Guide to Jacksonville Beach

Tent camping near Jacksonville Beach, Florida, offers a blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, perfect for those looking to escape the city and immerse themselves in nature.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy kayaking and fishing at the scenic Dutton Island Preserve, where you can launch your kayak right from your campsite.
  • Explore the trails and take a refreshing dip in the pool at Camp Chowenwaw Park - Treehouse Point, which also offers a kayak launch for water enthusiasts.
  • Experience the tranquility of the Bayard Conservation Area, where you can hike through shaded forests and spot local wildlife along the river.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Dutton Island Preserve features picnic tables, fire rings, and water hookups, making it a comfortable spot for a weekend getaway.
  • At Camp Chowenwaw Park - Treehouse Point, campers can enjoy clean restroom facilities, showers, and a communal kitchen area for cooking and socializing.
  • The Bayard Conservation Area offers fire pits and picnic benches, along with the convenience of drinking water, ensuring a pleasant camping experience.

Local attractions tent campers can explore

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Jacksonville Beach, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Jacksonville Beach, FL is Dutton Island Preserve with a 4.5-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Jacksonville Beach, FL?

TheDyrt.com has all 19 tent camping locations near Jacksonville Beach, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.