Best Tent Camping near Jacksonville, FL

State parks and conservation areas surrounding Jacksonville, Florida provide diverse tent camping options from primitive backcountry sites to established campgrounds. Jennings State Forest offers tent-only camping at its Hammock Campground in Middleburg, with secluded sites nestled among pine forests. Black Creek Ravine provides walk-in tent sites with river access, while Bayard Conservation Area in Green Cove Springs features riverside primitive tent camping. For tent campers seeking coastal experiences, Cumberland Island National Seashore in nearby Georgia offers Sea Camp and Stafford Beach campgrounds accessible only by ferry from St. Marys.

Most primitive tent campgrounds near Jacksonville feature basic amenities including fire rings with cooking grates and picnic tables. Sites at Jennings State Forest include designated tent pads with in-ground grills. Campers should prepare for varying access conditions, as many sites require hiking in with all supplies. At Black Creek Ravine, tent campers must hike approximately 2.4 miles to reach the campsite. Water sources are limited at most locations, with Bayard Conservation Area offering non-potable water pumps that require treatment before drinking. Summer camping presents challenges with high humidity, mosquitoes, and occasional afternoon thunderstorms, making fall through spring the preferred seasons for tent camping in this region.

Tent campers frequently note the privacy and natural surroundings as highlights of the Jacksonville area camping experience. One visitor to Black Creek Ravine described "zero competition for the single campsite" and appreciated being "nestled between trees that held guy lines beautifully." At Bayard Conservation Area, campers reported spotting diverse wildlife including deer, otters, turkey, and wild pigs while hiking to their riverside tent site. Cumberland Island's tent-only sites offer unique experiences, with campers noting the island's wild horses and pristine beaches as major attractions. According to reviews, Jennings State Forest provides "plenty of brush between you and the next camper" making it "a great place to get away from Jacksonville for a weekend" for those seeking backcountry tent camping experiences.

Best Tent Sites Near Jacksonville, Florida (21)

    1. Jennings State Forest Hammock Campground

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

    $9 / night

    "Great place to get away from Jacksonville for a weekend."

    "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."

    2. Dutton Island Preserve

    4 Reviews
    Atlantic Beach, FL
    15 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"

    3. Sea Camp Campground — Cumberland Island National Seashore

    24 Reviews
    Fernandina Beach, GA
    27 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."

    4. Camp Chowenwaw Park

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

    "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."

    "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. "

    5. Black Creek Ravine

    2 Reviews
    Middleburg, FL
    21 miles
    Website

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

    6. Mule Landing Campsite on the Pioneer Trail

    1 Review
    Middleburg, FL
    21 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."

    7. 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."

    8. Cary State Forest Group Camp

    Be the first to review!
    Bryceville, FL
    15 miles
    +1 (904) 266-8398

    $18 / night

    9. Stafford Beach Campground — Cumberland Island National Seashore

    8 Reviews
    Cumberland Island National Seashore, GA
    35 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."

    "There is showers that are cold, and restrooms that are really clean as well. There is water but it is not treated and has to be purified before drinking."

    10. Hickory Hill Wilderness Campsite — Cumberland Island National Seashore

    2 Reviews
    Cumberland Island National Seashore, GA
    36 miles
    Website

    "You can only get here by boat and backpack to your site. No electricity, cell service is spotty, and when we went in the summertime I was attacked by mosquitos! But it was a wonderful trip."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Jacksonville, FL

751 Reviews of 21 Jacksonville Campgrounds


  • Jenn B.
    Sep. 24, 2019

    Bayard Conservation Area

    Ranger Review: Pureland 30L Guard Backpack at Bayard Conservation Area

    **Campground Review: **

    Bayard Conservation Area is located in Green Cove Springs Florida and is maintained by the St. Johns River Water Management District. It is a track of land that has many hiking trails that traverse through shaded pine forests, hammocks, marsh, and river areas. 

    We have day hiked here many times, but this trip we were going to do some primitive camping at one of the campsites. There are several areas to park and then hike in. The campsites are a few miles from the parking area. They include a fire ring and a picnic table. The campsites have several different settings, but we chose the river view. On our way to our campsite we were able to spot many animals including: deer, otter, turkey, and wild pigs. 

    The area is kept clean and is quiet with the exception of a bit of noise pollution from the surrounding area. However, this does not distract from the experience. We enjoyed our overnight backcountry trip and highly recommend Bayard.

    ----------------

    **Product Review: **

    As a Dyrt Ranger I receive products from time-to-time and this time I am testing out the Pureland 30L Guard Backpack sold by Outdoor Element

    There are so many things to love about this backpack. The extensive cording and hooks on the outside made attaching extra items a breeze. I was able to store my trekking poles and Jetboil on the back with no problem. The hip pockets were an added plus and fit my cellphone inside of it easily. The room inside of the backpack was able to hold everything I needed for an overnight trip– including my bulky sleeping bag. The only two things that took away from the backpack was the inside zipper and the water pouch. The zipper on the inside of the bag came off the track with only a light pull while the bag was empty. It did not have the integrity that the zippers on the outside had. My 3.0L reservoir would not fit all the way in the provided pouch and hung out the top a bit. After the whole trip, I sincerely love this pack and will be using it for all of my hiking and primitive camping needs!!

  • B+J S.
    Aug. 29, 2020

    Anastasia State Park Campground

    Awesome spot by the beach

    Easy to get to and close to everything! If you’re a beach lover, this is a great campground. All of the sites are shaded with fire rings, water hookups, picnic tables, and lantern holders. Most sites offer a fair bit of privacy for you set up camp properly. Each loop has a clean restrooms, laundry facilities with a clothes line and Coquina (the loop we stayed on) had a playground.

    Would recommend bicycles to get to the beach and either SUPs or kayaks to paddle the salt run at high tide. I’d you don’t have your own, they rent them there. There’s also a beach grill and convenience store by the beach.

    If you’re an early bird, watching the sunrise from the beach is quite a nice way to start the day!

  • Elliott B.
    Jul. 17, 2017

    Sea Camp Campground — Cumberland Island National Seashore

    Easiest of the Cumberland Island sites to reach

    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). This campground is super easy to get to from the ferry, less than a mile walk (about ½ mile). You are responsible for carrying all of your own gear to the campgrounds so you’re want to pack it all in a backpack, bring your own wagon or hope to try and borrow one of the wagons they have at the ranger station (they do have a lot, but they get taken pretty quickly). Once you’re in the campgrounds there is a nice short trail directly onto the ocean side beach, which is wonderful for catching the sunrise. Another nice feature about this (compared to the other north primitive sites on the island) is that they are the closest and a relatively short walk/hike to the Dungeness Ruins. If you stay for a while or have the time head up to the northern end and visit the Plum Orchard Mansion (14 mile round trip) as most people don't and you'll likely get an almost private tour (we thought we would right up until the very last moment when another small group showed up). If you want to explore more of the island in a short period of time I’d suggest biking. You can bring your own ($10 fee) or rent bikes from the ferry personal ($16 day, $20 overnight). If you are renting, I’d suggest renting them the day before (overnight) so you can then explore a lot more of the island first thing in the morning before the day trippers arrive on the ferry.

    This campground is the only campground on the island where you’ll have access to potable water, restrooms and cold showers so if you want to stay here definitely make reservations. The 16 smaller & 2 group sites are all located off some main paths situated in little clearings of the saw palmettos giving them a little bit of privacy. The northern half of the loop is more separated than the southern but all the sites are located under the trees so you'll get a decent amount of shade/wind cover no matter where you.

    You don’t reserve a specific site when you make your reservation but get to pick your site from the remaining open sites after a nice long introduction/video from the camp host once you arrive. So you don’t fully know what you’ll be able to select until you’re there.

    Facilities

    ·       These are tent only primitive campsites with the standard uncovered picnic table and fire ring with a grate and/or a grill and your chicken wire cache box to keep they racoons out of your food.

    ·       Camp fires are only permitted at Sea Camp & Stafford Beach campgrounds. You must use designated fire rings. You may gather dead and down wood or purchase bundles of firewood on the ferry.

    ·       Flush restrooms and potable water.

    ·       Dish/food washing sink area

    ·       There are actually some electrical plugs hidden about that I say someone charging there phone in at one point.

    ·       No Pets: Only service animals are permitted in campgrounds.

  • David S.
    Oct. 11, 2021

    Sea Camp Campground — Cumberland Island National Seashore

    Tent camping June 2021 at pristine and beautiful Cumberland Island

    Cumberland Island is a beautiful pristine National Seashore accessible by ferry off the coast of Georgia. We tent camped there in the middle of June 2021. 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. However, be warned, it was extremely humid. You might consider taking a small battery-operated fan. If I return, I will try to visit during a more cool season of the year. 

    The tent sites are large, roomy, and equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, pole for hanging stuff, and a big metal lockable wildlife-proof box. There is no electricity or water except at the shower/restroom building that is near the campsites. You can borrow a cart to take your tent and supplies from the boat to the campsite (Seacamp only - the more distant campsites (on the north side of the island) are hike & carry only). You can also bring your own wagon/cart on the boat (we did). You can rent a bicycle on the island at the ranger station or bring your own. The ferry charges $10 to transport your own bike). Otherwise, the approximately 45-minute ferry ride costs $15 per person. You need to make a reservation in advance online (https://www.cumberlandislandferry.com/st-marys-cumberland-island-ferry/). You will need to reserve the campsite well in advance (they fill up quickly) and pay online (https://www.nps.gov/cuis/planyourvisit/camping.htm). You may pay the national part fee (parking fee?) of $20 at the park station in St. Marys prior to boarding the ferry or you can pay it online in advance as well. I paid in advance online but the rangers reimbursed me after I got there because, to my surprise, it just happened to be National Park Week and the parking fee was waived as part of the celebration. Lucky me.

    The island is absolutely beautiful with miles of pristine beach with lovely waves and a luscious live oak forest. You can swim. Watch out for jellyfish. I flew a kite, too. Watch the sunrise in the morning and at night, you might get an unpolluted view of the stars. Expect to see wild horses on the beach and the trails. You should not try to approach them or feed them but they came pretty close to me anyway. So it is easy to get a good look at them. A harmless armadillo visited our campsite one day.

    The rangers were super nice. We enjoyed an outdoor lecture on sea turtles outside the ranger station when we were waiting for the ferry on our departure day. The rangers also provide tours of the south side of the island and the Dungeness Ruins (the remains of Lucy Carnegie’s island mansion).

    I highly recommend camping (or even just visiting for the day) on Cumberland Island, Georgia.

  • Sara R.
    Feb. 27, 2022

    Little Talbot Island State Park Campground

    Amazing end of summer place

    Had a perfect camping experience with my son at mid-august. Our spot was easy to find( which is important when coming back to the site at night), spacious, clean, quiet, and had a direct personal path to the restrooms/shower/laundry house. Had a nice fire ring ( we purchased a bundle across the street at the rangers station. He was very helpful in explaining where things were). Even had a clothesline set up. The beach was right across the street and we were allowed to go anytime ( no cars after the park closed though. But we could walk there so no biggie). The ranger told us it was the most beautiful beach in north Florida and he was correct. Awesome time Saw flying fish and a group of low flying seagulls ( to catch the flying fish). Only a short drive to the skatepark in Jacksonville. Wish we could have stayed longer but plan to return this year. Highly recommended!

  • Jeanene A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2019

    Camp Chowenwaw Park

    Unique Treehouse Camping Experience

    We found this fun family friendly location from a facebook post about Tree house camping and had to check it out. Making reservations was pretty easy on the county website. There are a number of forms you will be emailed to print and fill out(will save you a lot of time if you plan to use the pool that is run by YMCA) 

    Check in was easy. The office is closed form 12– 1 so no chance of checking in early. There is a Girl Scout Museum near the main office where you check is– but is rarely open. This was an old girl scout camp and now id open to the public. 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. 

    The tree houses were so fun to stay in and being higher up gave us chances of a breeze– many in our group brought battery operated fans. Though there was a threat of rain all weekend we stayed high and dry in the tree houses(2 sides are only screened) 

    There was a very large lighted screened kitchen pavilion with fireplace, stove, fridge, sinks and covered outdoor grill. There were other campers in the tree house area we shared this community area with. It was great to have a place to hang out during the rainy evenings. Bath house was centrally located and clean. 

    Pool was very nice and very strictly run by the local“Y”. It was closed a lot due to distant rumbles of thunder but we did get a few minutes to enjoy. 

    Trails were well kept and took you through the property and past many of the grouped cabin areas. One boardwalk took you out to the river and fishing dock another out through the area by the tree houses. 

    It was a good 10 minute hike with our gear to get to the tree houses from parking area near pool. Wagons are provided but pack light to save the trouble. 

    Summertime this place is a kids paradise. There were lots of families, parties and groups on the property when we went. Fall and Winter we are told is the best time to camp here but we were advised to book early! 

    Remember to Leave No Trace and enjoy this one of a kind experience!

  • Tracy L H.
    Jul. 11, 2019

    Camp Chowenwaw Park

    Ranger Review: ICEMULE Cooler at Camp Chowenwaw Park Treehouse Point

    Florida has many many different camping options.  I was looking for something unique and different from what I'd done before and this place popped up on my radar.  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. John's River and on Black Creek.  It was a Girl Scout Camp for 70 years and is now owned and operated by Clay County, FL (https://www.claycountygov.com/departments/parks-and-recreation/camp-chowenwaw-park).  There are many different styles of camping available here with lots of privacy between the different sections.  

    I chose to camp in the Treehouse Point for a weekend where there are 9 Treehouses available for camping.  A group of us went and had Treehouse #4 and #5.  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.  A shared bathhouse with toilets, sinks, lights, and hot showers was available in the unit also.  There was a central dining hall for all of Treehouse Point with electric, lights, fans, inside fireplace, stove, refrigerator, sink area, and porch with outside charcoal grill and picnic table.  

    Even with sharing the dinning hall with other campers it was great since it was big enough and everyone was friendly.  The Treehouses are spread out with some trees in between so they are semi private.  The pool is available but doesn't open til 10 am where as we were all ready to go earlier since it was HOT.  It was very enjoyable but HOT in July with no electric in the Treehouses.  We had no issues with mosquitoes or yellow flies and the frogs serenaded us every night loudly, so that was a cool experience.  We had decided not to take kayaks since there was a bit of a walk into our area and we didn't want to leave them in the parking area on our vehicles, which turned out to be a good decision because the kayak launch was under repairs.  They are planning on upgrading a lot so it should be great soon.  They recently upgraded and replaced the fishing pier and its awesome.  We are planning to go again in the Fall when its cooler.  I would recommend this place for a unique experience.  On a side note:  Green Cove Springs has a pool also in a community park on the St. John's River that is spring fed and would be a cool stop.

    ........................................

    Product Review:

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get to test products.  A Camp Chowenwaw I tested the icemulecoolers.com.  I got the ICEMULE Pro XL (33L which equals 24 cans plus ice) in Camo.

    1.  What I loved about the ICEMULE was that I could wear it like a backpack and be comfortable and free my hands for something else.

    2.  I loved that the straps were wide and comfortable.

    3.  I also loved that the chest cross strap could be moved up and down to make it more comfortable for women to use the chest cross strap.

    4.  The straps had lots of room to make smaller or larger so it will be great fit  for a variety of people and body styles.

    5.  It kept my ice solid for three days in the FL heat.

    6.  It has a port to add air to enhance the coolers insulation.

    7.  It holds A LOT!!  I had 9 bottles of Propel water and 2 bags of grapes and 1 whole bag of ice.  It wasn't too heavy and there was room for much more.

    Only draw back I had was that the camo style is fabric and tends to sweat a lot.  The other colors are vinyl and don't seem to sweat.

    I'm ready to use my ICEMULE Cooler again.  I even want to take it kayaking and get some more accessories for it from their site like a dry bag and a waterproof box.

  • Leilani B.
    Jan. 18, 2022

    North Beach Camp Resort

    Beautiful setting surrounded by beaches

    We spent 3 lovely nights camping here. It's been pretty Cold so not many people were here. There are no ground fires allowed but luckily there is a community fire ring where we were Allowed to make a fire and get warm. )It went down to 42 degrees last night. Each campground has electric outlet and water spigot. Next to the community fire pit there is a well lit area with lots of outlets and washing machines. Also a picnic table and extra camping chairs. There is lots of hot water in the bathrooms. For the price, it seems like Thu bathhouse should be renovated, but still, they function. The campground is located near an airport so you can hear planes flying close ovehead. I definitely would recommend this site.

  • Charles D.
    Aug. 12, 2021

    Sea Camp Campground — Cumberland Island National Seashore

    Like Camping on your own isl.

    Camping on Cumberland island for 8 days is an experience you will never forget. It rained every day while we were there and past clothing not drying it was still an amazing trip. Wild horses running on the beach is something to see. The ruins of an 1800s mansion built by a Carnagie that burned in 1959 is also one of those mysterious places that conjure emotions and kick the imagination in gear. Palm trees filling in the canopy of the largest stand of live oaks left in U.S. that all have spanish moss hanging in them like no movie production set designer could ever replicate make you feel like you time jumped to a jurassic age. Armadillo are scurrying around minding their own business dragging their noses through the sandy dirt eating ant trails and the only problem to deal with is Raccoons have learned how to unzip tents when they are unoccupied. Food will dissapear if you dont use the bear boxes each site has for food storage. Walking out on beach from tent every morning just to watch the sun rise over the Atlantic ocean while crab boats chug along being part of the scenery as the sun rises, you are first and only person on an 18 mile long beach until around 10 a.m. 7 out of 8 mornings, which means you get first dibs on shells left for you by mother nature overnight. I recommend this camp to everyone. Mosquitos are not as bad as we were told.


Guide to Jacksonville

Explore the great outdoors with tent camping near Jacksonville, Florida, where you can find a variety of campgrounds offering unique experiences and amenities.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Black Creek Ravine provides a fire ring and picnic tables, making it a great spot for family gatherings and cooking outdoors.
  • At Etoniah Creek State Forest, campers can enjoy spacious sites with fire rings and nearby access to hiking trails.
  • Bayard Conservation Area features a riverside campsite with a picnic bench and fire pit, perfect for a relaxing evening by the water.

Explore these local attractions

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Jacksonville, FL is Jennings State Forest Hammock Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 12 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 21 tent camping locations near Jacksonville, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.