Camping cabins near Jacksonville, Florida provide access to a diverse ecosystem of coastal marshes, maritime forests, and freshwater springs. The area's subtropical climate produces humid summers with temperatures averaging 90°F and mild winters rarely dropping below 40°F. Tidal fluctuations affect coastal campgrounds, creating varying water levels that impact kayaking, fishing, and waterfront activities throughout the day.
What to do
Beach exploration: Little Talbot Island State Park Campground offers pristine Atlantic beaches with minimal crowds and abundant wildlife viewing. "About 5 miles of packed sand made an easy walk. Take your kite!" notes a visitor. The park provides kayak access points directly near the campground for exploring surrounding waterways.
Fishing opportunities: Both freshwater and saltwater fishing options exist throughout the region. At Crooked River State Park Campground, "there's a bait shop near the boat launch run by the SP, so no need to dig up your own bait before arriving here," mentions one camper. Multiple water access points accommodate different vessel sizes.
Miniature golf and outdoor recreation: Several campgrounds maintain on-site recreational amenities beyond standard offerings. "They have a tennis court on that side as well as another pool and recreation room," reports a visitor to Pecan Park RV Resort. For unique water activities, Flamingo Lake RV Resort features inflatable water obstacles during summer months.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds design layouts that maximize seclusion. At North Beach Camp Resort, "The campsites are private and quiet. Lots of shade. Full hookups," writes one reviewer. Site selection impacts privacy levels significantly.
Proximity to both fresh and saltwater: Several campgrounds offer dual water access. "Beautiful beach on the Atlantic Ocean, beautiful sunsets along the inter coastal," notes a North Beach camper, highlighting how the location sits between ocean and river.
Diverse accommodation options: Beyond standard cabins, unique sleeping arrangements exist. Camp Chowenwaw Park features "Each screened in non electric Treehouse slept 4 in bunk beds. There were several central fire rings with a picnic table/benches throughout the unit." These treehouse accommodations provide a distinctive camping experience.
What you should know
Extended booking windows: Reserve cabin accommodations well in advance, especially during peak seasons. Popular sites at state parks fill 6-11 months ahead of time, particularly for holidays and weekends.
Variable bathroom conditions: Facility quality differs significantly between campgrounds. At Jacksonville North-St. Marys KOA, "The bathhouses were clean and well-maintained. The one we used has 4 stalls to it all with a private bathroom and shower in one," though the reviewer noted "the water pressure was not great but it was nice and hot."
Utility hookup placement challenges: Some newer RV parks have design issues affecting setup. At Island Oaks RV Resort, "When they designed the park, the hook ups are on the wrong side of the spots. We needed 50 feet and our friends 80 feet of sewage hook ups!" This necessitates bringing extra-long utility connections.
Alcohol regulations vary: County-specific rules impact beverage options. A visitor to Island Oaks RV Resort warns, "NO LIQUOR SALES ON SUNDAY. So don't count on having fun at the Tiki bar if you are staying on Sunday evening."
Tips for camping with families
Scout swimming options beyond beaches: Multiple water recreation opportunities exist beyond ocean access. "The lake is awesome, pool and bars," notes an Island Oaks visitor, providing alternatives when ocean conditions aren't ideal.
Utilize free breakfast options: Some commercial campgrounds include morning meals. At Jacksonville North-St. Marys KOA, "Free breakfast and super friendly staff. Would stay there again in a heart beat!" mentions one camper, highlighting the complimentary waffles and pancakes offered.
Plan for insect protection: The subtropical climate supports substantial insect populations. A Little Talbot Island camper advises, "Bring your repellent as well as smoke fogger machine!" particularly for coastal and marshy campgrounds where biting insects remain active year-round.
Tips from RVers
Power cord extensions required: Site configurations at some campgrounds necessitate longer-than-standard hookup equipment. A visitor to Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park recommends checking "the mini-mart at the Ranger's Station where you can buy ice, kindle and a number of other sundry items" for basic supplies, though specialized equipment should be brought from home.
Airport proximity considerations: Several campgrounds near Jacksonville experience air traffic noise. At Pecan Park RV Resort, "We were one exit from the airport, so expect a lot of plane noises and flyover by the airforce," notes a reviewer, though they added the noise wasn't disruptive to their overall experience.
Laundry facility availability: For extended stays, on-site laundry services become important. Crooked River State Park offers "a nice laundry area in this building" according to visitors, while others recommend checking operating hours as some facilities close earlier than expected.