Best Campgrounds near Penney Farms, FL

State parks and forests surrounding Penney Farms, Florida feature diverse camping options within a 30-mile radius. Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park, just 15 miles south in Keystone Heights, offers tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins nestled among ravines and lakes. Camp Chowenwaw Park in nearby Green Cove Springs provides more rustic accommodations with tent sites and cabins along Black Creek. Jennings State Forest Hammock Campground northwest of Penney Farms maintains primitive sites for tent campers seeking solitude. For those willing to travel slightly farther, Anastasia State Park near St. Augustine combines beachfront camping with historical attractions, while Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park in Jacksonville offers oceanfront sites with full amenities.

Florida's humid subtropical climate affects camping conditions year-round near Penney Farms. Summer months (May-September) bring temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F with afternoon thunderstorms common. "Be cautious around hunting season, as Delancey West appears to be where the hunters all camp with their ATVs," notes one camper about nearby forest service campgrounds. Sandy roads throughout the region can become challenging after heavy rains, particularly at primitive sites. Most established campgrounds require reservations, especially during winter months (November-March) when northern visitors seek Florida's milder temperatures. Cell service varies significantly, with state parks typically offering better coverage than forest service lands.

Waterfront sites receive consistently high ratings from visitors to the Penney Farms area. "Despite being in a dense urban area, this campground is a natural oasis. Beach close by - walking distance on park roads/paths. Nice lake for fishing," writes one reviewer about Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park. Spanish moss-draped oak trees provide essential shade at most campgrounds, with sites cut into natural vegetation offering privacy. Wildlife sightings, including alligators, turtles, and numerous bird species, are common near water bodies. Campers frequently mention the importance of mosquito protection, particularly during warmer months and near wetland areas. Most state parks offer well-maintained facilities with clean restrooms and showers, while forest service campgrounds typically provide more basic amenities.

Best Camping Sites Near Penney Farms, Florida (170)

    1. Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park Campground & Cabins

    32 Reviews
    Keystone Heights, FL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 473-4701

    $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."

    2. Camp Chowenwaw Park

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

    "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. "

    3. Jennings State Forest Hammock Campground

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

    $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!"

    4. Anastasia State Park Campground

    114 Reviews
    St. Augustine, FL
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (904) 461-2033

    $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."

    5. Camp Blanding RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Starke, FL
    11 miles
    +1 (904) 682-3104

    "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"

    6. Black Creek Ravine

    2 Reviews
    Middleburg, FL
    7 miles
    Website

    "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."

    7. Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park

    96 Reviews
    Atlantic Beach, FL
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (904) 255-6767

    $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."

    8. Starke-Gainesville NE KOA

    13 Reviews
    Starke, FL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (904) 964-8484

    $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."

    9. Bayard Conservation Area

    3 Reviews
    Green Cove Springs, FL
    11 miles
    Website

    "**Campground Review: **

    Bayard Conservation Area is located in Green Cove Springs Florida and is maintained by the St. Johns River Water Management District."

    "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."

    10. North Beach Camp Resort

    47 Reviews
    St. Augustine, FL
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (904) 824-1806

    $67 - $245 / night

    "We stayed in number 18 and we were very close to the bathroom area (which has AC) and close to the Pool."

    "Very shady spots and plenty of space for long walks on the paths, along the river or across the street at the beach. I had 2 dogs & appreciated the doggy stations with poo bags and garbage."

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Recent Reviews near Penney Farms, FL

1026 Reviews of 170 Penney Farms Campgrounds


  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Anastasia State Park Campground

    Great park

    Feels secluded and amazing and the shops are great they have everything you need that you may have forgot or fun stuff for you to do

  • Jerri K.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Black Creek Ravine

    Very nice

    Was a very nice and quiet place to camp

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Gateway Fish Camp

    Laid-Back Old Florida Waterfront Hideaway

    Tucked along the shores of The St. Johns River flowing southward to Lake George, Gateway Fish Camp feels like stepping back into a gentler, quieter version of Florida where fishing poles outnumber smartphones. This little slice of Old Florida charm has a down-home, relaxed atmosphere that’s equal parts rustic and welcoming. The first thing you’ll notice is the water – calm, wide-open lake views that practically beg you to sit (although as there's actually no chairs, I would encourage you to bring your own) a spell on the dock and watch the sun do its magic at either end of the day. Just follow the sandy ‘streets’ or road pathways covered in shade down to the main office.

    The campground here is small and unpretentious (that is my kind word for it at least), offering both pull-in and back-in RV sites, although if I’m honest, there’s a handful of RVs that looked like they’ve been here for a while and have no pretensions of leaving anytime soon. Is the place a bit disheveled and in need of a fresh coat of paint and a good bit of gardening manicure?  Yes.  Expect electric hookups, basic water access, and a layout that’s easy enough to navigate without fancy maneuvering. Restrooms (albeit primitive) are serviceable and clean, and the overall vibe is one of practicality rather than polish. Pet owners will be glad to know furry friends are welcome, and the pace of life here makes it easy to wander with them. It’s not luxury camping, but it’s honest, comfortable, and refreshingly straightforward.

    What really makes Gateway shine is its direct access to Lake George, a dream come true for anglers, kayakers, and birdwatchers. You can drop a line for bass, launch a kayak from the dock, or just sit by the water and spot ospreys circling overhead. Crescent City itself is a short drive away for groceries, gas, or a diner breakfast, but the lake and surrounding marshes provide the real entertainment. This is the kind of place where the sound of boat motors mixes with bird calls and nobody seems in a hurry.

    Insider Tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you can, snag a campsite close to the water’s edge – you’ll get front-row seats to sunrise and a constant cool breeze; (2) For a memorable local meal, head over to 3 Bananas Restaurant right on Crescent Lake in Crescent City. Their blackened fish sandwich is as good as the view from the deck; (3) If you are a tent camper like me, you’ll want to take note that this place only has primitive bathrooms, so either bring your own, otherwise, you’ll be hiking to the nearest Publix or Dollar General; (4) Kayakers will love paddling out toward the lake’s eastern shoreline. And if you don’t have a kayak, fret not, the good folks here at Gateway Fish Camp will rent you 1 of the 2 that they have. Early morning trips often reward you with glimpses of herons, egrets, and even the occasional alligator – all from a safe distance, of course!; and (5) Apart from having direct access to Lake George (and nearby access to Crescent Lake), one of the very big upsides to being here at Gateway Fish Camp is the direct access to Fort Gates Ferry, which docks here and for a small fee will transport you to the other side of the St. Johns River, saving you substantial amount of time driving around this body of water.

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Bass World Lodge & Marina

    Backwater Bayou Fishing Hole

    Located so close to the St. Johns River that if you were any closer to it, you’d be swimming in it! For those anglers that are looking for no frills accommodations – whether those be from the confines of your own RV or 5th Wheel… or in the event that you need to rent a place for the night – then Bass World Lodge & Marina has you covered by offering up one of the 4-5 RV slots it has or by renting you one of its basic cabin rentals (up to 10 people can be accommodated). Fishing is coveted in these parts that will place you on the northernmost tip of Lake George in the very itty bitty enclave of Georgetown, which if you want to discover what Old Florida looks like, then just stop on by here for a spell.

    Given the weather conditions in this part of Central Florida, you can check-in to Bass World Lodge & Marina year-round and within minutes of getting set up, you’ll easily have access to the St. Johns in no time by leveraging one of 2 boathouses that sit adjacent to the property here. If you’ve got angling on your mind, you’ll have no problems casting for big- and small-mouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, pickerel, bluegill, lake trout, landlocked salmon, yellow perch, bluegill, panfish, northern pike and even American eel. While on the lake, you can enjoy all sorts of watersports like waterskiing, tubing, paddleboarding, kayaking, wakeboarding, canoeing, boating and even gator hunting (permit required).

    Amenities include: 2 individual boat houses, fish cleaning stations complete with running water, boat slips for rent, non-ethanol fuel, FHU’s offering water, sewage & electric, bait & tackle, community grills, makeshift car rim fire pits, fish cleaning stations, lakefront seats & benches, fishing pier, boat docking, boat rentals, scattered card tables, assorted dock seating and on-site market with souvenirs, cold beverages, beer, ice, snacks and all the fishing gear you can swing your fishing pole at. There’s even a guide you can hire here to show you around the nearby fishing holes.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) While brackish, somewhat darker-than-usual waters makes for just mediocre (at best) swimming accommodations, you’re in luck if coming here as nearby, there are gorgeous springs like Silver Springs, Juniper Springs and Alexander Springs, which all 3 will offer crystal-clear snorkeling and swimming options unlike you’ve ever experienced; (2) Because Georgetown is tiny, there’s barely any restaurant options, although we were able to find nearby a few really good spots like Idle Awhile for Cajun Fried Pickles & Blackened Haddock chased down by Rum Runners, Fatboy’s Saloon for Peel & Eat Shrimp, Hawg Burners with iced Tall Boys and Renegades on the River serving up Gator Tail and the best Shepherd’s Pie on the St. Johns – all within reach of a proper Tiki Bar where the Mai Tais pour freely; (3) This RV outpost on the St. Johns River has been up and running by the same family for 3 decades, so when it comes to knowledge of where to cast your line or how to get to a secluded area and away from the crowds, you can ask any one of the family here for some spartan tips and recommendations; (4) IMHO the best RV spots are those closest to the inside loop (#6 and #7), while if you are wanting to rent a cabin, I actually rate those a bit further away from the main office / riverfront, where it is quietest (#3 - #5); and (5) If you’ve come without a boat to get on the water, no worries, Bass World Lodge & Marina has you covered by offering up Pontoon and Bass Boat rentals, which at $175 - $315 per day is incredibly affordable.

    Happy Camping!

  • Darren F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park

    Didn't like it at all

    When you come in, they give you your site number and a convoluted map no direction at all. Smell sewage as soon as you roll your window down to check in. Whenever you do find your site, it might be really tight. Mine was on a curve from the road. Once I got into the muddy pit, I had to sqeezed my vehicle between my rig and a tree to park so as not to block the curve. The sewer line was 4 inches off the ground, and at a 90-degree angle, gravity doesn't work well with this setup. I left the park and spent the night at a rest stop, instead of where I felt safer. Also, finding your way out is a challenge. I saw 1 exit sign after driving in seemingly circles for 20 minutes. It's a cheap rental but you understand why after being there for more than 10 minutes. Will NOT go back.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Stagecoach RV Park

    Stagecoach

    Very clean . 20 min away from Downtown

  • Clean Slate D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park Campground & Cabins

    Wonderfully quiet State Park

    Nice hikes and birding abound! Amazing sunrises with the birds at the lakes. It's quiet, and the sites are relatively private. The volunteers are amazing, as are the Rangers that run the park. Highly recommend to get away from the city.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 3, 2025

    Georgetown Marina, Lodge & RV Park

    Angler’s Paradise w/ Gorgeous Dockside Views

    If your idea of a sublime slice of heaven includes being surrounded by a body of water, complete with docks to tie up your boat so that you can rise early to hook lake trout, smallmouth and largemouth bass, black crappie, brown bullhead, yellow perch, landlocked salmon, chain pickerel, pumpkinseed, rock bass, smelt and northern pike (even though you are here in the south), then Georgetown Marina, Lodge& RV Park might just be the perfect place for you. I will add, this is a small fisherman’s town kind of place – don’t expect creature comforts here and modify your expectations that this spot is incredibly functional for those that just want to get on the water, fish and bring back trophies to carve up for dinner.

    This RV park is a bit on the smaller side, and in all, there’s about 33 slots with FHU’s offering 20, 30 and 50 amp electric to choose from which the best of the lot being those sites (#1–#4) that are closest to the water or those sites that sit on the northern perimeter that are most isolated from the rest of this encampment thereby delivering a heavier dose of peace & quiet. Those sites that sit further back are quite crowded and offer no view, so look at this area as more of a glorified parking lot exclusively organized for RVs and 5th Wheelers. If you are a tent camper, this is not an ideal place for you, so I would recommend you look at other nearby accommodations. The gem here is the dock that will provide you with a place to house your boat enabling you again to access the lovely waters of Lake George swiftly and securely.

    From an amenities’ standpoint, this watery outpost offers up marine fuel, docks, fishing and boating guides, airboat charters, facilitated gator spotting, bait & tackle for sale, boat storage, boat lift equipment, restrooms, showers and laundry facilities (that are just passable), scattered picnic tables and grills, dockage (up to 60’), airboat rides, narrow boat launch that provides quick and EZ access to Lake George, WiFi, concrete patios, pump out, fish cleaning tables with hoses, dockside lounge chairs, access to nearby springs, designated dump stations and a small marketplace in the main office that will sell you bait, lures, ice cream, candy bars, boat supplies, ice, beer and wine as well as souvenirs. In the event that you don’t have an RV, there’s 7 small cabins that this CG will rent you that come with LR, BA, BR that sleeps 4-8 people and kitchen areas along with screened porch.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) Whether with a motorboat or paddling kayak and canoe, you will want to be very careful to watch the swarms of manatee that live in this lake; (2) If you’ve never gone out to see gators at night, you really should give it a try and here with Captain Adam Delaney, you’ll have an excellent time as this is his specialty; (3) At $45 / night, $225 / week and $450 / month along with $10 nightly dock fees this is a very affordable spot; and (4) While there’s not a whole lot in the surrounding area of Georgetown, there is a handful of restaurants like Idle Awhile Resort that serves up an incredibly awesome breakfast with local fare like River Shrimp Hash and Banana Nut Bread French Toast, The Oaks Golf Club Café offering proper British Fish-n-Chips and other American-fare as well as Renegades of the River featuring a Tiki Bar and its own kitchen dishing out calzones, pizzas and typical bar fare like cheese curds, fried pickles and wings but the dish that steals the show is the Catfish platter.

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 22, 2025

    Little Talbot Island State Park Campground

    Beachfront Bliss But Swamplike Campground

    There’s very few SPs in Florida that will put you right on or near the ocean as Little Talbot Island SP does. And to be clear, this CG isn’t RIGHT on the beach, but you’ll just have to cross the street, after hiking or biking 100 yards from the campground, to reach the amazing white caps here. As my post from 2½ years ago provided quite a bit of detail on this campground, I’m following up on that review by sharing more fotos as well as providing a topline update:

    Highlights: (1) Very quick access to the Atlantic Ocean – and the beaches here are not crowded and incredibly well-maintained - some of the cleanest I've ever encountered; (2) Solid peace & quiet surrounded by ancient live oaks just dripping with Spanish moss; (3) Amazing kite-surfing just due south of here at Huguenot Memorial Park; (4) The SP Rangers are incredibly friendly, helpful and very professional; (5) Approximately 4 miles of excellent paved biking / walking on the Timucuan Trail that runs parallel to A1A; (6) For anyone wanting to take iconic photos next to the ocean, go check out Boneyard Beach that has hundreds of salt-washed skeletons of live Oak, Cypress and Cedar trees; (7) Call upon Kayak Amelia for a guided tour of the estuaries; (8) Key-coded security gate provides solid safety, especially being located right next to A1A, where the opportunity for random, wandering visitors exist; (9) Bring your own kayak and canoe as there are access points to launch from right near the campground; and (10) Should you want to ‘get off the reservation’ you just need to head north to Amelia Island where you’ll have no shortage of AMAZING restaurants to choose from and there’s also a well-appointed Harris Teeter that has wood and ice for sale as well as just about anything you might need to stock up on

    Lowlights: (1) While functional and fairly clean, the restroom and shower facilities are in dire need of refurbishment; (2) The sites are fairly unlevel with roots from the ancient and live Oaks popping up here and there making it very difficult to find a decent level patch of ground to set up camp; (3) Some of the sites have dips and depressions in them, making those particular areas prone for flooding – which happened to us; and (4) Mosquitos, midges and bugs exist here in swarms that never go away … so bring your repellent as well as smoke fogger machine!

    Happy Camping!


Guide to Penney Farms

Camping near Penney Farms, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different preferences.

What to do

  • Explore the beach: Anastasia State Park Campground is just a short drive away and features a beautiful beach. One camper mentioned, "The beach was a 7-minute walk and easy," making it perfect for a quick dip or a relaxing day in the sun.
  • Bike and kayak: At Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, you can bike to the Old City or paddle in your kayak. A visitor shared, "Bike to the Old City or see it from the water in your kayak," highlighting the park's accessibility to both land and water activities.
  • Visit local attractions: Ginnie Springs Outdoors is known for its crystal-clear springs and offers a lazy river to float down. One reviewer noted, "This is clearly one of the best natural springs in all of Florida," making it a must-visit for nature lovers.

What campers like

  • Shady spots: Campers at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park appreciate the shaded sites, especially during the hot summer months. One visitor said, "Sites here have a good amount of shade which is great for summers in Florida."
  • Clean facilities: Many campers rave about the cleanliness of the bathhouses. A reviewer from Anastasia State Park Campground mentioned, "The bathrooms and showers are right at average," indicating a satisfactory experience.
  • Friendly staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of the staff. A visitor at Salt Springs Recreation Area remarked, "A camp host came to our site immediately after we unhitched," showcasing the attentive service.

What you should know

  • Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for some wildlife sightings, especially raccoons. One camper at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park warned, "A few raccoons so take necessary precautions with trash and food storage."
  • Noise levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially during busy weekends. A visitor at Ginnie Springs noted, "Loud and rowdy campers all weekend long—day and night," so plan your visit accordingly if you prefer peace and quiet.
  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. For instance, at Florida Salt Springs, a camper mentioned, "In 20-degree exterior temperatures, both campground bathhouses had windows open," indicating that some facilities may not be as comfortable as expected.

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose family-friendly sites: Look for campgrounds with spacious sites and activities for kids. At Crooked River State Park Campground, one family shared, "The sites have lots of room & a fire ring & picnic table," making it ideal for family gatherings.
  • Plan for activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep the kids entertained. A camper at Fort Clinch State Park suggested, "Be sure to stroll on the beaches at sunset!" which can be a fun family outing.
  • Pack snacks and drinks: Having food on hand can make your camping experience smoother. A visitor at North Beach Camp Resort noted, "There are two restaurants within walking distance," which is great for families who want to eat out.

Tips from RVers

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campground's site dimensions. A camper at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park mentioned, "This particular site is a little odd-shaped," which can be a concern for larger rigs.
  • Be prepared for dirt roads: Some campgrounds have unpaved roads that can be rough. A reviewer at O'Leno State Park said, "Unpaved roads with potholes that may not be bad at other times," so be cautious if you're driving a big rig.
  • Look for full hookups: If you need full hookups, check the campground features. At Silver Springs State Park Campground, a camper noted, "Very few sewer spots but there is a dump station," which is helpful for RV travelers.

Camping near Penney Farms, Florida, has something for everyone, from beautiful beaches to family-friendly activities. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Penney Farms, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, Penney Farms, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 170 campgrounds and RV parks near Penney Farms, FL and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Penney Farms, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Penney Farms, FL is Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park Campground & Cabins with a 4.5-star rating from 32 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Penney Farms, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Penney Farms, FL.

What parks are near Penney Farms, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 parks near Penney Farms, FL that allow camping, notably Osceola National Forest and National Forests in Florida.