Dutton Island Preserve 

Kathryn Abby Hanna Park

Cary State Forest

This is the HEADLINE

Southern

$150 to REI, $100 to MiiR, and 1 year of The Dyrt PRO

**GRAND PRIZE**
$150 to REI, $100 to MiiR, and 1 year of The Dyrt PRO

**4 RUNNERS UP WIN**
[The Dyrt PRO](https://thedyrt.com/pro): 6-Month Membershp


nearby

Looking for the best hike-in campgrounds in Florida? Plan your hike-in camping trip, pack light, and use Leave No Trace principles to build fire rings at your next campsite. Check out some of the best hike-in campgrounds in Florida.

Florida

The Best Hike-In Camping in Florida

Looking for the best hike-in campgrounds near Jacksonville? You can enjoy its many benefits like stunning views and off the beaten path locations. Find the best hike-in campgrounds in Florida.

Jacksonville

The Best Hike-In Camping Near Jacksonville, Florida

Trail Guide: https://www.sjrwmd.com/static/lands/trailguides/blackcreekravinestrail.pdf

St. Johns River Water Management District lands are natural, wild and scenic places. While camping on district lands, you may have an opportunity to see various wildlife, sit under the stars, listen to a soft evening breeze rustling tree leaves and experience Florida much as some of the earliest settlers did.

However, be prepared to rough it. Only primitive tent camping is allowed on district lands and only at designated locations. No travel trailers, campers or RVs are allowed. Most properties offer no amenities such as rentals, restrooms, potable water or shelters.

Many of the campsites are in remote areas and can be reached only by hiking, bicycling, boating or horseback riding.

Campers should use the designated campfire rings for fires and should carry out all garbage with them when they leave. Check the notices section of this website for updates on any current burn bans.

First come/first serve and reservable camping sites are available at most district properties.

Reservable campsites require a reservation and permit from the district. Campers must make a reservation at least 24 hours in advance.

All camping is limited to a maximum of seven days per visit and you may camp no more than 30 days on a property per year.

Black Creek Ravine

This drive-up primitive campground has ten tent sites. A Clivus mulching toilet system is available behind site 5. A communal, 2-table pavilion, grills, and a campfire ring with benches is located across from site 6.

    No electric hook-ups.
    No potable water.
    Pets must be on a leash.
    Hunting occurs during scheduled hunt seasons, as listed at http://myfwc.com/hunting/wma-brochures/. Trail users should wear day-glo orange during hunt seasons.
    Wildlife proof all food
    Forest is open for day use visitors from 1.5 hours before sunrise until 1.5 hours after sunset.
    Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

Jennings State Forest Hammock Campground 

Camp Chowenwaw (Cho’-wen-waw), is a beautiful 150-acre site at the mouth of Black Creek, near its confluence with the St. Johns River. The Girl Scout Council of Duval County operated the site as a camp for over 70 years. The original cabins and the Big Cabin were built with federal aid using logs cut on site. The camp opened on July 1, 1933. Camp Chowenwaw has played an important role in the lives of three generations of young women in Northeast Florida. Thousands of campers have stayed at the Camp; many have gone on to be leaders in our community. In 2006, Clay County purchased the camp from the Girl Scouts of Gateway Council with assistance from Florida Communities Trust using Florida Forever funds. It is now a public park offering a variety of recreation including trails, camping and overnight cabins, nature programs, fishing pier, canoe launch, picnicking, swimming pool, museum, playground, and meeting rooms. The Park is managed as a conservation, historic preservation, and outdoor recreation area.

Camp Chowenwaw Park

This conservation area’s importance is magnified by its closeness to the St. Johns River and the Jacksonville metropolitan area. Its riverine bottomland hardwoods, pine flatwoods and sandhill communities protect approximately seven miles of the St. Johns River, which borders the east side of the property. In addition, the property provides storage of flood waters and preserves water and natural resources in the Lower St. Johns River Basin.

One of the special highlights of this property is its two campsites within area 1 in the northern section of the property. Both are special spots. The Hammock campground is tucked back into the flatwoods with an ephemeral stream directly to the east of the camp site. The Riverside campsite is located directly along the St. Johns River with fantastic views of the cypress trees that flank the banks of the river. The Riverside campsite and the trail leading to it can be wet due to seasonal flooding.

Bayard Conservation Area

Fort Clinch State Park

Sea Camp - Cumberland Island Natl Seashore

## Overview

Whether you are looking to spend a night with family and friends around a campfire under the moss covered branches of the live oak trees, or looking for the rugged challenges and solitude of the wilderness, you will find it on Cumberland Island National Seashore. The park includes a designated Wilderness area, undeveloped beaches, historic sites, cultural ruins, critical habitat and nesting areas, as well as numerous plant and animal communities. The national seashore also offers a wide variety of camping opportunities. 

**Watch the**[ **"Camping on Cumberland Island" video**](https://www.nps.gov/media/video/view.htm?id=32A656A4-CF0F-4C24-C248354AA37220FA) **for information to help you plan an d prepare for your trip.**

**Campgrounds**

Cumberland Island offers five campgrounds , which include designated campsites at Sea Camp and Stafford Beach; and Wilderness campsites at: Hickory Hill, Yankee Paradise and Brickhill Bluff. Camping is only permitted in these five campgrounds. A permit is required to camp in any of these five camping areas.  
  
**Getting There**

Visitors must take a boat to the island. Most visitors arrive via the Cumberland Island Ferry from St. Marys, Georgia (see Park Concessioner Services below). 

  * The ferry does not transport automobiles or RVs.
  * Check the ferry schedule prior to reserving your Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permit unless you are traveling by private boat.
  * The ferry does not operate on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from December through February.



**Island Information**

  * Cumberland Island is 18 miles (29 km) long and .5 miles (.8 km) to 3 miles (5 km) wide.
  * Bring your cell phone if possible. Use airplane mode to reserve battery power. There is electricity at the Sea Camp Ranger Station, Sea Camp Campground, and Stafford Beach Campground for recharging devices.
  * Dial 911 to report emergencies and disturbances. 
  * There are no stores, restaurants or other amenities on the island.
  * After arriving on the island, campers must hike, walk or bike from the dock to the campgrounds and transport all gear. There is no transporation service. The distance ranges from .5 miles (.8 km) to Sea Camp to 10.5 miles (17 km) to Brickhill Bluff. 
  * Carts of any kind and wheeled coolers are not allowed north of Sea Camp Campground. 
  * Hammocks permitted only with hammock stands. New for 2021. See [Superintendent's Compendium](https://www.nps.gov/cuis/upload/CUIS-Supt-Compendium-2021-Final-Draft-with-new-vaccinated-mask-info_508.pdf)
  * Be prepared for extreme weather, sun exposure, and a variety of insects. Ticks, no see-ums, and mosquitoes are prevalent during summer months; protect yourself accordingly.
  * Understand your limitations; the island has no conveniences; be prepared for a remote setting and a harsh environment.



**Bicycle and Carts**

For information on using carts and camping with bicycles visit the [Cumberland Island Camping Page](https://www.nps.gov/cuis/planyourvisit/camping.htm)

For information on bicycle and cart rentals, as well as transporting your bike to the island visit [Cumberland Island Ferry webpage](https://www.cumberlandislandferry.com) . 

**Ferry Reservations, Bicycle and Cart Rental, and Tour Reservations** \- Contact: Cumberland Island Ferry at [www.cumberlandislandferry.com](http://www.cumberlandislandferry.com) or call (877) 860-6787. 

Cumberland Island Ferry passengers must check-in at the Cumberland Island Mainland Visitor Center in Saint Marys at least 30 minutes prior to their ferry departure time: <https://www.nps.gov/cuis/planyourvisit/be-ready.htm>

Campers must deboard the ferry at the Sea Camp Dock (not at the Dungeness Dock). 

## Recreation

There are over 50 miles of trails and roads as well as 18 miles of beach. Hiking, biking, camping, birdwatching, and beachcombing are popular activities on the island.

## Facilities

There are no amenities on the island beyond the restrooms and water fountains. You should bring lunch and water bottles to refill. Be Ready! 

## Natural Features

The island is home to more than 17 miles of undeveloped beach, a maritime forest of oak hammock and long leaf pine, tidal creeks, and marshland. Visitors can see an abundance of wildlife from deer, turkey, alligators, and bobcats, to snakes, tortoises, lizards, and hundreds of migratory birds. 

## Nearby Attractions

**City of St. Marys, GA** \- St. Marys, Georgia, the gateway to Cumberland Island National Seashore, a small coastal village located in southeast Georgia remains one of Georgia's best kept secrets, a place rich in history, natural beauty and Southern hospitality. St. Marys and Cumberland Island National Seashore provide a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. 

[**Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge**](https://www.fws.gov/refuge/okefenokee/) **** \- In southern Georgia and northern Florida there is a very special place, one of the oldest and best preserved freshwater systems in America. Native Americans called it Okefenoka, meaning “Land of the Trembling Earth”. Now this place, where earth, air, fire and water continuously reform the landscape, is preserved within the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, created in 1937 to protect wildlife and for you to explore. 

**St. Marys Submarine Museum** \- This museum is a great place to learn about the "Silent Service". A wide variety of Submarine artifacts, memorabilia and information are available for viewing, and you can view the beautiful St Marys waterfront through a real periscope. 

**Crooked River State Park** \- Located on Georgia's Colonial Coast, this park offers cozy facilities in a beautiful setting. Campsites are surrounded by Spanish moss-draped oaks, while most cottages overlook the river. Hikers can explore the nature trail, which winds through a maritime forest and salt marsh. A boat ramp is popular with anglers who often take to the water before sunrise. 

[**Fort Frederica National Monument**](https://www.nps.gov/fofr/index.htm)  
  
[ **Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve**](https://www.nps.gov/timu/index.htm)  
  
 **City of Jacksonville, FL**

## Charges & Cancellations

**Refund and Cancellation Policy**

  * Cancellations 10 days or more before the start date of the reservation will result in a refund of the permit cost minus a 25% cancellation fee.
  * Cancellations less than 10 days from the start date of the reservation will result in a refund of the permit cost minus a 50% cancellation fee.
  * No refunds will be granted for cancellations one day prior to the start date of the reservation.
  * When a reservation is cancelled, those dates will be made available for other campers at a random time within 24 hours.



**Changes Before Permit is Printed:**

  * The Refund and Cancellation Policy will be applied to all changes to the reservation.
  * The start date of the reservation cannot be changed without cancelling the reservation. A new reservation must be made. Cancellation fees apply and fees associated with making a new reservation apply.
  * Changes may be made to the number of people (maximum 6 per site) with the same dates and trip itinerary. Changes can be made by logging accessing your reservation on recreation.gov or by contacting the Call Center.
  * Reservations are non-transferable.



**After Permit is Printed:**

  * Changes cannot be made to permit once it is printed.
  * Changes will require a cancellation of the permit and reserving a new permit, if space is available. All cancellation fees and new reservation fees apply. 
  * Permits can only be printed within 10 days of the arrival date.
  * You cannot change your site assignment. All permits must be honored as they are.



**Ensure every person on the camping permit has**[ **reserved a round-trip ferry ticket**](https://www.cumberlandislandferry.com/) **or has transportation via private boat.**

**No-Show Policy**

If you do not cancel and decide not to use your reservation, no fees will be refunded. Please cancel your reservation if you are unable to use it as this opens space for others.

Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping

Are you in need of a campground near Jacksonville, FL? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Jacksonville is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Jacksonville, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

The Best Camping Near Jacksonville, Florida

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Miami, FL is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Miami. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Miami. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Miami

The Best Camping Near Miami, Florida

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Tampa, FL has a lot to offer. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Tampa, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Tampa, FL. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Tampa

The Best Campgrounds in Tampa, FL | FL Camping

Join the fun near St. Petersburg. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Florida camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near St. Petersburg, FL. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

St. Petersburg

The Best Camping Near St. Petersburg, Florida

Searching for the best camping near Orlando, FL? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Orlando. Find the best campgrounds near Orlando, FL. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Orlando

The Best Camping in Orlando | Florida Campgrounds

Are you in need of a campground near Hialeah, FL? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Hialeah, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Hialeah

The Best Camping Near Hialeah, Florida

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Tallahassee. Tallahassee is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Tallahassee. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Tallahassee

The Best Tallahassee Campgrounds | FL Camping

Fort Lauderdale, FL is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Fort Lauderdale. Find the best campgrounds near Fort Lauderdale, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Fort Lauderdale

The Best Camping Near Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Searching for the best camping near Pembroke Pines, FL? Pembroke Pines is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Pembroke Pines. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Pembroke Pines

The Best Camping Near Pembroke Pines, Florida

Join the fun near Port St. Lucie. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Port St. Lucie, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Port St. Lucie

The Best Camping Near Port St. Lucie, Florida

Big Cypress National Preserve is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Big Cypress National Preserve campgrounds just for you. Discover great camping spots near Big Cypress National Preserve, reviewed by campers like you.

Big Cypress National Preserve

The Best Camping Near Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida

Osceola National Forest is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Osceola National Forest campgrounds just for you. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Osceola National Forest

The Best Camping Near Osceola National Forest, Florida

Near Homestead, FL, lies Biscayne National Park and some of the best camping opportunities for nature lovers in the northern Florida Keys. Camping by the Biscayne Bay Lagoon almost ensures campers will see dolphins, pelicans, and turtles. Campsites allow for boats, hikers, and RV drivers. Pitch a tent on one of the islands and spend the day boating and swimming. Divers will want to camp close to the Maritime Heritage Trail. The underwater trail is a link to all of the area’s dive sites. Campgrounds come with the amenities campers need, including group sites for family gatherings. Cabins and yurts are also available for those preferring not to sleep in a tent.

Biscayne National Park

The Best Camping Near Biscayne National Park, Florida

Are you in need of a campground near Ocala National Forest, FL? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Ocala National Forest, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Florida camping adventure.

Ocala National Forest

The Best Camping Near Ocala National Forest, Florida

Camping in Everglades National Park is an awe-inspiring and exciting adventure where manatees and alligators are common sightings. The 1.5-million-acre wetland is a unique habitat in Florida. Campgrounds in and near Everglades National Park offer accommodations to fit everyone. Pitch a tent or stay in a comfortable cabin with spectacular views of the wetlands, mangroves, and pine flatwoods. RV owners will also find plenty of campgrounds with all of the necessary hook-ups. Near Everglades City, FL, on the park’s western border, campers can hike the trails and explore the area by boat. From beach campsites where you can watch the sharks feeding in the morning and evening, to boating adventures, the Everglades offer some of the best camping in the state.

Everglades National Park

The Best Camping Near Everglades National Park, Florida

Apalachicola National Forest is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Florida camping has to offer. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Apalachicola National Forest. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Apalachicola National Forest

The Best Camping Near Apalachicola National Forest, Florida

National Forests in Florida is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of National Forests in Florida. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

National Forests in Florida

The Best Camping Near National Forests in Florida, Florida

Join the fun near Pomme De Terre Lake. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Pomme De Terre Lake. Find the best campgrounds near Pomme De Terre Lake, FL. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Pomme De Terre Lake

The Best Camping Near Pomme De Terre Lake, Florida

Searching for the best camping near Black Butte Lake, FL? Black Butte Lake is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Black Butte Lake and user-submitted reviews.

Black Butte Lake

The Best Camping Near Black Butte Lake, Florida

Dry Tortugas National Park has some of the best camping sites for water lovers in Florida. Near Key West, FL, campers can participate in a variety of water activities that include everything from snorkeling and fishing to diving in the Gulf of Mexico. RV drivers will need to leave their vehicles behind. Access to the park is only by seaplane or boat. Campsites by Fort Jefferson give campers the opportunity to explore the fort, and don’t forget to take one of the ranger-guided tours through the park. Campgrounds near Dry Tortugas National Park come with small and large group cabins. Campers can also choose to spend the night in a yurt, enjoying the area’s stunning views.

The Best Camping in Jacksonville, Florida

Top Jacksonville Campgrounds

Dutton Island Preserve

Kathryn Abby Hanna Park

Cary State Forest

Black Creek Ravine

Jennings State Forest Hammock Campground

Camp Chowenwaw Park

Bayard Conservation Area

Fort Clinch State Park

Sea Camp - Cumberland Island Natl Seashore

Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping

Browse By Type

Browse Jacksonville Walk-In

Dutton Island Preserve

Kathryn Abby Hanna Park

Cary State Forest

Browse Jacksonville Drive-In

Dutton Island Preserve

Kathryn Abby Hanna Park

Cary State Forest

Browse Jacksonville Hike-In

Dutton Island Preserve

Kathryn Abby Hanna Park

Cary State Forest

Browse Jacksonville Boat-In

Dutton Island Preserve

Kathryn Abby Hanna Park

Cary State Forest

Get the App

See What We’re Up To