Located on Florida's northeast coast, Jacksonville's camping scene spans from coastal beaches to inland marshlands. The area features an average of 221 sunny days annually with a humid subtropical climate that keeps winters mild while summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F. Camping sites range from sea level up to small elevations of 30-40 feet in some of the more wooded areas.
What to Do
Beach exploration at Hanna Park: Located minutes from downtown Jacksonville, Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park offers direct beach access with less crowded shores than public beaches. "Miles of biking/hiking trails at this park. Great quick getaway for those living in the Jacksonville metro area," notes Chad P. about the park's extensive trail system.
Fort exploration and history: At Fort Clinch State Park, campers can explore a 19th-century coastal fort. "19th Century Coastal Army Fort. Museum, guided and self tours. Miles of biking/hiking trails. Kayaking and fishing. Beach and forest camping," explains Art L., highlighting the diverse activities available.
Kayaking the waterways: Many campgrounds offer kayak rentals or launch points for exploring the extensive waterway systems. "There are lots of options for kayaking, bird watching and fishing. For kayaking, I recommend using Kayak Amelia. The staff were super helpful and gave us a lot of tips on where to go and what we would see," shares Shannon C. about water activities near Little Talbot Island State Park.
What Campers Like
Dark skies for stargazing: Unlike many urban camping destinations, some Jacksonville area campgrounds maintain dark sky policies. At Okefenokee Pastimes, "They turn off all their lights at night so as not to contribute to light pollution and to preserve the most amazing star-gazing experiences you will ever have," according to Stuart K., making it ideal for astronomy enthusiasts.
Fishing opportunities: Many campers appreciate the variety of fishing spots. "You will walk out the front door and had to squeeze between a tree and the trailer to get to the rest of the campsite," notes Elizabeth E. at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, where despite tight sites, the fishing opportunities make up for it.
Wildlife viewing: The area's diverse ecosystems support abundant wildlife. "There was also a turtle burrow behind the tent site, and saw a bunch of little deer!" reports camper B at Atlantic Beach Campground, where wildlife sightings enhance the camping experience beyond the standard glamping in Jacksonville features.
What You Should Know
Tight camping spaces: Many Jacksonville campgrounds have limited space between sites. "She TIGHT boy. I drove a commercial truck for years and I had to switch to back us in because it was so tight," warns Elizabeth E. about Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, noting that "the sites are also very narrow or oddly shaped."
Heat and humidity challenges: Jacksonville's climate can be extremely humid. "Heat index was over 100 so didn't do much hiking, but this was a really nice place to spend a few nights," mentions camper B at Fort Clinch, highlighting how weather can limit activities.
Hookup placement issues: At Island Oaks RV Resort, "Most of the first sites installed have the electrical and sewer hookups positioned towards the front of the pads. Clearly an oversight in the development of the sites," notes Brooke, explaining that "you can't back in a larger rig all the way in and you can't park in the space without hanging out on the road and still hook up with a standard rv power cord."
Tips for Camping with Families
Water activities for kids: Jacksonville North-St. Marys KOA offers extensive water recreation options. "They have a lot of things for the kids to do such as swimming, water slide, playground, mini golf," shares Kelsey, making it an ideal base for family glamping near Jacksonville.
Budget-friendly activities: Many campgrounds offer complimentary amenities. "Free breakfast and super friendly staff. Would stay there again in a heart beat!" recommends Sherrie K. about Jacksonville North-St. Marys KOA's value-added features.
Nature education opportunities: Several campgrounds provide ranger-led programs. "The rangers were excellent during the nature education. We truly enjoyed touching and learning about local wildlife. While exploring, we even found a new turtle nest!" shares Tiffany C. about her family's experience at Crooked River State Park.
Tips from RVers
Bathhouse quality varies: While some Jacksonville area campgrounds have excellent facilities, others need updating. "Bathrooms are the best of any campsite I've gone to. The bathrooms are very clean and air conditioned," reports Maethea R. about Fort Clinch State Park, giving RVers insight into comfort considerations.
Seasonal considerations: Jacksonville's popularity fluctuates by season. "This is a great resort and have already booked 2 more stays in September and November," shares Dean G. about Island Oaks RV Resort, suggesting booking well ahead for popular times.
Utility extensions needed: Some campgrounds require longer-than-standard hookup equipment. "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!" warns Kristen S. about Island Oaks, advising RVers to bring extension cords and extra hoses.