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Beautiful park, friendly staff, chill vibes, lots to do!
Tent Camping near Orange Park, FL
7 campgrounds with availability next weekend
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State forests and conservation areas surrounding Orange Park, Florida offer diverse tent camping options within a short drive, ranging from primitive backcountry campsites to walk-in tent-only sites along rivers. Tent campsites near Orange Park include everything from hike-in river spots to treehouse accommodations, making the area well-suited for campers who prefer sleeping under canvas over a roof. Jennings State Forest in Middleburg provides both established tent campsites and backcountry options like Mule Landing Campsite, accessible via a 1.3-mile hike on the Pioneer Trail. Black Creek Ravine offers walk-in tent-only sites with river access, while Bayard Conservation Area in Green Cove Springs features primitive tent camping with riverside views. Camp Chowenwaw Park, a former Girl Scout camp now operated by Clay County, provides unique tent camping experiences including treehouse accommodations. For those willing to travel slightly farther, Princess Place Preserve in Palm Coast offers waterfront tent sites with elevated platforms.
Most primitive tent camping areas near Orange Park feature basic amenities suited for self-sufficient campers. Sites typically include fire rings with cooking grates and picnic tables, but facilities vary significantly between locations. Jennings State Forest campsites have pit toilets but limited drinking water, requiring campers to filter water from streams or pack in their own supply. Black Creek Ravine's walk-in tent site sits approximately 30 feet from the river, offering water access for those with purification systems. Bayard Conservation Area's tent sites require a hike of several miles from parking areas, with campsites situated in various settings including riverside locations. Summer humidity and insects can be challenging, with fall and winter generally providing more comfortable tent camping conditions.
One visitor to Black Creek Ravine noted, "We liked that you have to hike in with no car access, which meant zero competition for the single campsite." The 2.4-mile trail leads to a secluded spot where campers reported seeing deer, squirrels, and various birds. At Bayard Conservation Area, campers mentioned spotting wildlife including deer, otters, turkey, and wild pigs while hiking to their sites. According to reviews, Princess Place Preserve's tent sites are "elevated which should help keep the soil dryer in case of rain." Tent campers at Jennings State Forest appreciated the well-marked trails with stream crossings that "keep your feet dry." The primitive nature of these sites appeals to those seeking backcountry tent camping experiences with minimal crowds, though summer heat and humidity make battery-operated fans a recommended addition to tent camping gear.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Orange Park (33)
1. Hammock Campground - Jennings State Forest
"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."
"With 16 campsite each being semi private you will love the sounds of t h e wind in the trees and hawks flying over. Each has tent pad, In ground grill and picnic table."
8 Sites AvailableAvailable next weekend
from $9 / night
2. Camp Chowenwaw Park
"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. "
"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."
3. Black Creek Ravine
"We liked that you have to hike in, there is no car access."
"Great hike in filled with wildlife saw lots of deer, a bunny, and I’m pretty sure a small group of coyotes. Site is very private and quiet during the day."
4. J.P. Hall Bayard Conservation Area
"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."
5. Bootleggers Campground — Jennings State Forest
"Each site has a fire ring, picnic table, charcoal camp grill (probably wouldn’t use if you didn’t have to), and a sectioned off tent spot."
Check Availabilityfrom $9 / night
6. Mule Landing Campsite - Jennings State Forest
"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. Dutton Island Preserve
"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"
Check Availabilityfrom $25 - $125 / night
8. West Jax Retreat
Check Availabilityfrom $35 - $45 / night
9. Hickory Flats (Talahi) Campground
10. Cary State Forest Group Camp
"This group campground site - and to be clear, there is ONLY one - is designed for tent camping only, so no RVs, trailers or plug-in (although, there's an easter egg hidden below) luxuries here."
Check Availabilityfrom $18 / night
Drive Time
- 14 min from Jacksonville, FL
- 1 hr 4 min from Gainesville, FL
- 1 hr 12 min from Brunswick, GA
- 1 hr 36 min from Ocala, FL
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Orange Park, FL
48 Photos of 33 Orange Park Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
West Jax Retreat
Camp Chowenwaw Park
Black Creek RavineN
Hammock Campground - Jennings State ForestW
Bootleggers Campground — Jennings State ForestM
J.P. Hall Bayard Conservation AreaN
Cary State Forest Group Camp
Etoniah Creek State Forest Green Camp
Sea Camp Campground — Cumberland Island National Seashore
Cedar Creek Campground — Matanzas State Forest
Princess Place Preserve
Moody Campground - Princess Place PreserveL
Tent Camping Reviews near Orange Park, FL
887 Reviews of 33 Orange Park Campgrounds
Larry A.
GuideTraders Hill Campground
Awesome
Stacey R.GuideCary State Forest Campground
Private site with thoughtful amenities
The six sites available are spread out in the Cary State Forest. You can see the tops of some RV’s but they’re not close. The site has a very nice picnic table, fire pit,benches around the fire pit, a free standing grill, water, electric and a concrete pad to park on with a tent site behind the pad. Grass is freshly cut and the site is clean!
- PPaul S.Guide
Ocean Pond Campground
Great Overnight Stay
A fantastic spot for an overnight camping stop in Florida. Beautiful surroundings with great hiking and cycling trails to explore. Perfect for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. Well worth a visit!
- BBrian B.Guide
Faver-Dykes State Park Campground
Best state park I stayed in
This place is out nice roads getting in here as a brackish Creek great fishing boats very clean spots are spread out nicely, groomed, fire pits, and picnic tables easy access right off 95
Russell B.ScoutCharlton County Traders Hill Recreation Area and Campground
greatbplace quiet family friendly couple on the grounds is wonderful
very low key not very many campers swim site is packed due to towns people other then that great place cheap rates
John W.ScoutJacksonville North-St. Marys KOA
Not up to KOA standards
I have been a KOA member for more than 20 years and have generally had very good experiences. Unfortunately, this particular KOA was a major disappointment. My wife and I brought our two grandkids on an eight-day trip and specifically chose this campground because of several advertised amenities: a pool with a slide, a game room, and a DVD player in the deluxe cabin. We paid more than$900 for our stay. When I booked, the campground disclosed that it was undergoing water and sewer upgrades and warned guests to expect construction and possible“brief water/power interruptions.” That seemed reasonable, and I had no problem with it. Unfortunately, what we encountered went well beyond a brief interruption. The DVD player in our cabin did not work. I reported it to the office and was told the owner would be notified and someone would get back to me. No one ever did. We then received a text stating that the pool slide was not operating because of electrical upgrades. When we went to use the pool anyway, there was a considerable amount of debris that looked like dirt floating in the water, and the surface underneath the water was badly peeling. My grandkids didn't want to get in. We tried the game room next. It had no electricity, none of the games were operating, there was no air conditioning, and the room was extremely hot. At that point, we decided to leave and find a hotel that actually had the amenities we had expected. For a little over$100 per night, we found a very nice hotel and stayed there instead. We returned to the campground the following Saturday for our final night, and unfortunately, the same issues were still present. In the end, we used only three of the eight nights we paid for. I understand that construction and upgrades have to happen. What I don't think is reasonable is continuing to advertise amenities such as a pool slide and game room when they are going to be unavailable for an extended period, while still charging guests the full rate. A warning about possible“brief water/power interruptions” did not accurately describe what we experienced. After returning home, I contacted the KOA. I made it clear that I was not asking for a refund for the three nights we actually stayed there. Since one night was already planned for a hotel in Orlando, I simply requested a partial refund or other reasonable adjustment for the four unused nights after we left because the advertised amenities were unavailable or unusable. I even offered to provide our hotel receipts. I have received no response from the campground's management. That may be the most disappointing part of the experience. After more than 20 years as a KOA member, I expected at least the courtesy of a response. I chose this campground because I trusted the KOA name and wanted my grandkids to enjoy the amenities that were advertised. Unfortunately, they were probably the most disappointed of all. Hopefully this helps others considering staying here. Based on our experience, this campground did not meet the KOA standards I have come to expect over the past 20+ years.
Thomas B.
RangerWalkabout Camp & RV Park
Friendly and Thorough
I enjoyed this stay quite a bit, but it was only about 24 hours for me.
Friendly staff and chickens. Lots of amenities. Easy check-in and still close to surrounding areas. Plenty to do and ample resources to reload for your next camping trip.
- Stuart K.
LegendMatanzas State Forest Group Campground
Coastal Gem Hidden in the Thick Pines
Nestled within the longleaf pine flatwoods of Matanzas State Forest just south of St. Augustine, the group campground here feels like stepping into a slice of Old Florida: untamed, tranquil and blissfully simple. Managed by the Florida Forest Service, this rustic site lies within the Pellicer Creek Corridor, where the air is thick with pine and salt, and the forest floor hums with life. The drive-in sets the tone where a canopy of oaks shrouded with Spanish moss gives way to open meadows and whispering wetlands before revealing the group camping area, which I must admit, is NOT the easiest place to find, but once you do, you’ll discover a wide, sandy clearing ideal for tents, both large and small as well as, of course, hammocks, which are perfect to absorb the shade that this space offers.
So, insofar as getting to this location is concerned, basically, once you enter Matanzas SF on Double Gate Road from US1, you’ll essentially drive east until you have the opportunity to drive north before you wind up in the NE corner of the forest. There’s a lot of possible pathways you could take that will get you lost, but basically, you would have to be driving down non-cleared roads that have signs indicating you can’t drive on these pathways anyway. Your GPS will work out here and I would suggest you follow the roads on TheDyrt mobile app to guide you to this location as it is spot on. But when you do arrive, you’ll discover a simple parking lot with about 4 different pathways leading in opposing directions – so which one to take? That’s the greatest question you’ll find yourself asking. Here’s what you want to do – just stay in your car and keep driving north down the path that has tire marks on it and within 50 yards, it will drop you off at the Group Campground.
Facilities are modest but well-kept: there’s an oversized fire ring with foldable grill as well as single oversized, double-sided stand-up BBQ grill, about a half dozen picnic tables (with half being delapidated and the other half brand spanking new), a single port-a-potty and no potable water or source of electricity. What this spot lacks in amenities though makes up for in serenity. This is the kind of place where your morning alarm is a woodpecker’s knock and your evening entertainment is a campfire under a sky thick with stars. The surrounding trails and forest roads connect to the Pellicer Creek Aquatic Preserve and the Graham Swamp Trail System, offering plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, paddling and spotting wildlife like egrets, deer, and the occasional wild turkey.
Although secluded, the campground is only about 20 minutes from Ancient City and 10 minutes from Palm Coast, making supply runs and day trips easy. For essentials, stop by the Publix Super Market on Palm Coast Parkway, the Shell gas station at US-1 and Old Kings Road, or the nearby Tractor Supply for ice and camping odds and ends. There’s no REI or Bass Pro Shop within 10 miles, but Academy Sports+ Outdoors is the best bet for outdoor gear and fishing tackle, although that's going to be a hike (er, long drive) from here.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) The group site’s best tent placement is on the southern edge of the clearing where the pines provide late-day shade and natural wind protection; (2) Bring plenty of water as there’s no potable water here; (3) For kayaking or canoeing, head to the Pellicer Creek launch on nearby Old Kings Road for calm water and beautiful tidal scenery; (4) Trails in Matanzas can flood after heavy rain, so check conditions with the Forest Service before arriving; (5) Wildlife lovers should keep an eye out for gopher tortoises along the sandy roads and hawks circling above the pine canopy – on our visit, we were blessed to see an adolescent black panther; and (6) When it’s time to eat, reward yourself with a laid-back bite of a Surfin’ Cali burrito at nearby Jimmy Hula’s or an elegant dinner of steak pom frites at Le Bouchon Brasserie in the historic district of the country’s oldest city.
Happy Camping!
Guide to Orange Park
Tent camping near Orange Park, Florida offers convenient access to primitive sites within undeveloped forest tracts. Most locations sit within a 30-45 minute drive, with seasonal conditions affecting comfort levels throughout the year. The region's low elevation wetland environments create unique camping opportunities where water access and wildlife viewing become primary attractions.
What to do
Kayaking and fishing access: Princess Place Preserve in Palm Coast features waterfront tent sites where campers can launch directly from their campsite. "You can launch your boat from your site, fish and enjoy. There are creeks meandering all through the preserve for paddleboard and or kayaking," notes one visitor to Princess Place Preserve.
Wildlife viewing: The natural environment supports diverse animal sightings. At Bayard Conservation Area, campers report seeing "many animals including: deer, otter, turkey, and wild pigs" during hikes to their sites. The area's primitive nature allows for uninterrupted wildlife observation.
Trail exploration: Etoniah Creek State Forest offers multiple hiking options including the George's Lake Trail with lake observation deck. "Six Sites have picnic tables, lots of room, fire ring with grate, bbq grills, a latrine nearby. Etonia Creek is a couple miles from camp but a beautiful destination on its own," shares a recent visitor.
What campers like
Water proximity: Many tent sites provide direct water access. One camper at Black Creek Ravine appreciated their site's location, noting "It is about 30 feet through some trees to the river... The downside of that is the occasional boats or jet ski that come flying past, but for us that only happened a small handful of times."
Site privacy: Tent campers consistently mention the separation between sites. At Jennings State Forest Hammock Campground, a visitor observed, "There was only one camper but did not know that until I left the next morning. It was quiet and felt secluded. The sites were close as you would normally get in an established campground but there was plenty of brush to separate each site."
Nighttime solitude: After public areas close, overnight campers gain exclusive access to surrounding natural areas. A camper at Princess Place Preserve noted, "The park doesn't seem like it gets busy in general, but it closes to the public at 6 pm, so that means you basically have the next three hours of daylight to roam the entire place by yourself!"
What you should know
Site preparation: Several tent locations feature elevated platforms for better water management. At Princess Place Preserve, tent sites are "expansive and beautifully shaded" with multiple reviewers noting the water access and breeze conditions at waterfront sites.
Water access limitations: Non-potable water sources require treatment at most locations. A Camp Chowenwaw Park visitor warns, "The water provided is non-potable," making personal water supplies essential for multi-day stays.
Weather considerations: Summer visitors should prepare for daily afternoon showers. As one Cumberland Island camper described, "It rained every day while we were there and past clothing not drying it was still an amazing trip." Elevated sites and proper rain gear become crucial during wetter months.
Wildlife interactions: Raccoons present challenges at most campgrounds. A visitor to Cumberland Island reported, "Raccoons will pry open just about everything!" making proper food storage containers essential equipment at all area tent sites.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly amenities: Camp Chowenwaw Park offers unique accommodations appealing to younger campers. "The treehouses are very cool and sleep four people. The camp is an old Girl Scout camp but was then purchased by Clay County. The park has a swimming pool and other places to camp besides the treehouses," notes one visitor.
Swimming access: Pools provide controlled water environments for children. A Camp Chowenwaw visitor warns, "The only downside was the fact that they are very strict at the pool. The children had to do swim tests and wear a necklace denoting which portion of the pool they could be in."
Distance considerations: Several campsites require moderate hiking with gear. One family at Jennings State Forest Mule Landing Campground reported, "To reach Mule Landing Campground, you'll have to first park in the Phillips Branch Crossing parking lot and from there, you'll just want to follow the Dunns Farm Trail, passing the first campground (Dunn Farms) after about 1/3 of a mile in, where you'll need to keep hiking for another mile."
Tips from RVers
Accessibility challenges: Most tent-focused areas have limited RV access. At Jennings State Forest, the roads leading to campsites consist primarily of "soft sand, or grass" trails not suitable for larger vehicles.
Site spacing: Where RVs are permitted, sites provide adequate separation. At Jennings State Forest Hammock Campground, one RVer mentioned, "The sites are all on one loop, but there are trees and bushes separating each one for some privacy."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Orange Park, FL?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Orange Park, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Orange Park, FL is Hammock Campground - Jennings State Forest with a 4.6-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Orange Park, FL?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Orange Park, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 33 tent camping locations near Orange Park, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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