Camp Blanding RV Park
Been coming here for years. Absolutely love it 😀
Quiet beautiful laid back, let's keep it that way!
Northeastern Florida's waterways and forests create diverse camping opportunities around Middleburg, with established campgrounds like Jennings State Forest and Camp Blanding offering varied experiences. Jennings State Forest provides primitive tent camping and hammock sites set within 23,000 acres of trails and natural areas, while locations like Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park and Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park feature full-service camping with cabin rentals, RV hookups, and tent sites. Most campgrounds lie within a 30-minute drive of town, providing access to both forest settings and water-based recreation.
The climate supports year-round camping, though summer brings hot, humid conditions when mosquitoes and ticks become more prevalent. Most established campgrounds require reservations, particularly during cooler fall and spring months when demand increases. Primitive sites in Jennings State Forest offer more solitude but fewer amenities, while developed campgrounds typically provide electric hookups, water access, and restroom facilities. Cell service can be spotty in forested areas, particularly at primitive sites. "Jennings is a quiet hiking area with hammock camping and regular camping. There are many well marked trails that run through the site as well as a fishing area and grills near the parking lot," noted one visitor.
Water access represents a significant draw for campers in the region, with Black Creek and nearby lakes providing opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and swimming. The primitive Black Creek Ravine campsite requires a 2.4-mile hike to reach but rewards visitors with riverside camping and privacy. Many campers appreciate the secluded nature of camping in the area's state forests, where sites are often separated by natural vegetation that creates privacy between camping spots. "The sites were close as you would normally get in an established campground but there was plenty of brush to separate each site," a camper observed about Jennings State Forest. Camp Blanding RV Park, restricted to military personnel and their guests, offers direct lake access with full hookups in a family-friendly environment that receives consistently positive reviews.
$20 - $100 / night
"The Florida State Trail passes through the park and is well marked. The ravines section is my favorite area in the park. In the greener months, it feels like a rain forest."
"The Florida Trail is my favorite part of my visits. The cabin we stayed in was small but nice. The ravines are gorgeous. You can access it with a vehicle, but you must walk down many stairs."
$9 / night
"Nice, quiet campground on the outskirts of Jacksonville. Had a nice time out there with my buddy and the pup. Would recommend!"
"This little campground is tucked away in Jennings forest. Everything is so peaceful back here!"
"as well as a nature center and access to a handful of really good, yet basic hiking trails. Insider’s tip?"
"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. "
"The children loved the close proximity of the lake. We were approximately 10 feet away from the water. The area had two sets of swings nearby and a dock."
"Beautiful lake"
$34 - $58 / night
"Just left STARK FLORIDA KOA. No shade but a huge amount of space between sites and set up on an angle which increased the sense of space. Sites had full hook up, elec, water, sewer."
"KOA - Stark, FL: We spent Christmas Eve here on our way to south Florida. Bill greeted us, took us to our site, guided us in. Very friendly reception."
"Overall, met my intent as a basic campsite my family of 5 with kids from 3 to 9 years old could walk into and get the simple outdoor experience."
$28 / night
"You really can have it all at this campground - with its 'next door' proximity to one of the most amazing beachheads on Florida's Atlantic coastline and quick access to the country's oldest town (St."
"Great location & in close proximity to St. Augustine. One of my favorite places to visit in Florida. If you've never been to St."
$12 - $30 / night
"The campground is situated next to a large lake, with fishing allowed. Nice beach area with in walking distance or short drive of the camp sites."
"Beach close by - walking distance on park roads/paths. Nice lake (no swimming). Full hookups. Better for medium to small rigs. The big guys often have trouble on narrow roads within park."
$9 / night
"The proximity to Cecil Field meant planes flew overhead regularly, but it died down after sunset."












Quiet beautiful laid back, let's keep it that way!
Just outside the tiny river village of Georgetown, where Road 309 bends toward Drayton Island, you will find Rivers Edge RV Park sitting exactly where its name promises, right on the banks of the St. Johns River. With roughly 50 or so sites arranged in a simple, easy to navigate loop, this campground feels intimate without being cramped and it books quickly for good reason. The setting is classic 'Old Florida' with long bearded Spanish moss draped over ancient oaks, wide river views and that slow moving, fish-filled water stretching out toward Lake George.
Sites here cater primarily to the RV and 5th wheel crowd, offering full hookups with 30- and 50-amp electric, water & sewer, along with a mix of back-in and pull-through options, many with concrete pads and patios. There is also a designated tent area, thoughtfully placed closer to the river, which gives tent campers a front row seat to sunrise over the water. Restrooms and showers are notably clean, laundry facilities feature newer machines and there is also a propane station on-site. Add in a small dog park, trash stations, a riverside pavilion, lawn games, horseshoes and even pickleball courts and it becomes clear that this is a well-managed, well-maintained operation. Complimentary WiFi reaches most of the park, though streaming can be a bit slow at peak times.
While my review from a few years ago provides a ton of detail, I thought I would follow up that review with a topline of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS along with a smattering of new photos.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Direct access to the St. Johns River with private boat launch and guest-only slips; (2) Clean, well-kept facilities including modern laundry and shower buildings;(3) Distinct tent area positioned closest to the river; (4) Simple loop layout that makes navigation easy even for larger rigs; (5) Fishing is abundant here with local finds including: largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, shellcracker bream and striped bass; and (6) Affordable pricing compared to many waterfront parks in Florida, but for the area, this is either on par or slightly more $ for what you would typically find, however, IMHO completely worth it!
LOWLIGHTS: (1) Limited availability due to the park’s small size and popularity; (2) WiFi can slow down during busy periods; (3) Fewer restaurant and retail options immediately nearby, because, well, you're completely out in 'the sticks' here in Georgetown, which is admittedly, part of the allure (as well as the downside); (4) Sites, while organized, are not heavily screened for privacy; and (5) This CG is best suited for river lovers and boaters rather than those seeking resort style amenities.
Happy Camping!
After deciding to move on from a few rougher nearby options in nearby Folkston, we pulled into Okefenokee Pastimes and immediately felt like we had chosen wisely, with a tidy layout, clear signage and an inviting A-frame office greeting us upon entry that sits just minutes from the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. The campground offers full hook-up RV sites along with primitive tent spots, but what really caught our eye were the newly erected yurts on site that looked clean, cozy, and thoughtfully designed, complete with little porches that made our boys quietly ask us whether we could swap the camper for one of those yurts instead! Amenities felt intentional and family-friendly, including a small onsite restaurant, bathhouse facilities and EZ access to guided boat tours into the swamp. Everything here appeared well-maintained without feeling overly commercial. We enjoyed a relaxed lunch right there at the restaurant, where the boys happily refueled while Dad stood marveling at the surprisingly solid lineup of IPA beers before choosing a local Georgia brew to go with his meal. Afterwards, we wandered the grounds together talking about gators and birds we hoped to spot the next morning. From what we saw, the best campsites are those tucked slightly toward the back edge of the property where it feels quieter and less exposed, offering a bit more breathing room for families. I would absolutely recommend Okefenokee Pastimes for families because of its proximity to the refuge, its welcoming and cleaner atmosphere and the added charm of those tempting new yurts that just might win you over next time.
Awesome open spots for dispersed camping. Not too busy and camp host is a really nice dude.
The campground is clean with large sites, huge trees, shade or no shade, very clean bath houses, and extremely friendly and helpful staff. The springs themselves are perfect for a refreshing swim or snorkeling. A bit far from a real grocery store but there is a convenient mart and hardware store close by.
Some sites are very close together with little privacy while some have more privacy but still compact. The ground is very hard if using tent stakes. Def bring a sleeping pad. Very clean and friendly staff!
Other reviews had suggested that this campsite was largely used by ATV and other off highway vehicle enthusiasts using the adjoining trail system and it was loud and unpleasant. On our visit, there were only three campers total in the area, which was nicely maintained and clean, with a very friendly and accommodating campground host. The campground is directly adjacent to the Florida trail, which provided great opportunities for hiking.
Nice camp ground. Clean. Host are the best. Tmobile has good service.
Lovely spot, easy level parking, picnic tables, water available, some spots with electric and some without, clean bathrooms
Primitive camping options define the landscape near Middleburg, Florida, with multiple state forests offering backcountry campsites accessible by hiking trails. Water features are central to the camping experience, with Black Creek and numerous lakes providing opportunities for water recreation throughout the region. While some sites require permits or reservations, many state forest camping locations operate on a first-come, first-served basis with minimal amenities.
Hiking through forest ecosystems: Jennings State Forest contains approximately 23,000 acres and 30 miles of trails through diverse terrain. "There are many well marked trails that run through the site as well as a fishing area and grills near the parking lot," notes one visitor. Some trails include stream crossings and connect to various primitive campsites.
Kayaking and paddling: Black Creek Ravine offers opportunities to explore waterways from a riverside campsite. "It is about 30 feet through some trees to the river, so if you were clever, I'm sure you could find it from a boat, but for us there was zero competition for the single campsite," reports a camper who hiked in. The 2.4-mile hike to reach this site rewards paddlers with direct river access.
Swimming and water recreation: Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park features lake swimming areas and equipment rentals. "Canoes for rental available in Park," mentions one reviewer. The park's spring-fed lakes provide year-round swimming opportunities, though water levels can fluctuate seasonally.
Natural privacy between sites: Jennings State Forest Hammock Campground receives praise for its layout. "With 16 campsite each being semi private you will love the sounds of the wind in the trees and hawks flying over. Each has tent pad, in ground grill and picnic table," explains a camper. This privacy comes from strategic vegetation placement rather than large site spacing.
Quiet wilderness settings: Campers appreciate the solitude available at primitive sites. "First time here and I will have to say, what a nice place. It's cheap. Seems like no one is around and a few of the spots are closed for the Covid-19 but will have to say. Even though I only spend 1 night and it poured all night, I would do it again," shared one visitor about Jennings State Forest.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The forests around Middleburg provide habitat for diverse wildlife. "You can see the stars through the hardwoods, and on the hike in you can see deer, squirrels, and all kinds of different birds," noted a camper at Black Creek Ravine. Early mornings offer the best wildlife viewing chances, particularly near water sources.
Limited cell service: Forest settings often have spotty connectivity. "Cell service gets spotty but if you're here to have your nose in your phone, you are missing out," reports a Jennings State Forest camper. Coverage tends to improve at developed campgrounds and worsen in ravines and dense forest areas.
Ticks and insects can be prevalent: Insect protection is essential, especially during warmer months. "Many white spotted ticks," warns one camper about Jennings State Forest. Long pants, closed shoes, and insect repellent are recommended for hiking to primitive sites.
Navigation can be challenging: Camp Chowenwaw Park and other locations may require preparation. "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," advises a camper. Detailed maps are available at ranger stations for most locations.
Access to water sources varies: Water availability should be considered when planning trips. "You have water access from the river as long as you have a purification system, but you're on your own for bathrooms, electricity, etc., what you can carry in is what you have," notes a Black Creek Ravine visitor. Bring sufficient water or appropriate purification systems for primitive sites.
Consider tree house accommodations: Camp Chowenwaw Park offers unique sleeping quarters. "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," describes one family. These elevated accommodations appeal particularly to children.
Look for campgrounds with playground access: Some locations feature facilities specifically for younger campers. "We could hang our hammocks and the paved roads allowed for the kids to ride their bikes. It was peaceful and we would go again!" shares a family that camped at Camp Blanding.
Choose sites with swimming options: During warm months, water access becomes important. "The children loved the close proximity of the lake. We were approximately 10 feet away from the water. The area had two sets of swings nearby and a dock," mentions a Camp Blanding visitor. Swimming areas with designated boundaries offer safer recreation for children.
Reserve specific sites for larger rigs: Starke-Gainesville NE KOA offers varying site sizes and configurations. "Our rig is 42' w/ 4 slides and had lots of space. Escorted to our site. Nice picnic tables," notes one RVer. Sites on Walnut, Chestnut, Magnolia, and Spruce typically accommodate larger vehicles more comfortably.
Consider seasonal campground differences: Summer heat impacts RV camping comfort. "No shade but a huge amount of space between sites and set up on an angle which increased the sense of space. Sites had full hook up, elec, water, sewer," reports an RV camper at Starke KOA. Sites with afternoon shade become premium during summer months.
Expect variable site conditions: Ground stability can change with weather. "The water pressure at the sites was great, pool was very pretty, space was great between sites - not on top of each other," shares another KOA visitor. Some campgrounds provide materials like sawdust for wet conditions during rainy periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the storage options for camping equipment in Middleburg, FL?
Middleburg and the surrounding areas offer several options for storing camping equipment. For travelers passing through, Mr. Fuel Travel Center — Jacksonville provides secure overnight parking for large rigs and RVs. Many campers use local self-storage facilities that offer various unit sizes with climate control options, which is particularly important in Florida's humidity. Some RV parks like Lynch's Landing RV Park may offer seasonal storage for regular visitors. For more temporary solutions, big box stores in the area often have outdoor equipment storage options. Contact local facilities directly for current rates and availability.
What camping facilities and amenities are available in Middleburg?
Camping facilities around Middleburg range from primitive to full-service. Gateway Fish Camp offers waterfront sites along the St. Johns River with a laid-back atmosphere perfect for anglers. For RV travelers, Pecan Park RV Resort north of Jacksonville provides modern amenities and easy highway access. Most area campgrounds feature fire rings and picnic tables, with varying levels of facilities from basic pit toilets to full bathhouses. Several locations offer water access for fishing and boating. Primitive camping options typically provide minimal amenities, while established RV parks offer full hookups, Wi-Fi, and sometimes laundry facilities.
Where are the best campgrounds near Middleburg, Florida?
Middleburg offers several quality camping options in the vicinity. Jennings State Forest Hammock Campground provides a rustic experience with picnic tables and fire rings, though be prepared for ticks and primitive facilities. For more amenities, Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park offers both campground and cabin options with water access. If you're willing to travel a bit further, Camp Chowenwaw Park near Green Cove Springs provides drive-in and hike-in access with good facilities. Waterfront camping is available at several fish camps along the St. Johns River, ideal for anglers and boaters.
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