Tent campsites near Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida sit within a unique ecological transition zone where coastal marshlands meet maritime forests at elevations generally under 20 feet above sea level. The region experiences mild winters with temperatures rarely dropping below 40°F, though summer humidity levels regularly exceed 80% from June through September. Most primitive camping areas require advance planning as summer thunderstorms can flood low-lying areas within minutes.
What to do
Kayaking at Black Creek: Access the water directly from Black Creek Ravine where site 8 offers a dedicated launch spot. "It has its own little spot to launch kayaks/canoes from. We were able to get in the water as soon as the conditions looked perfect," notes one camper who visited in 2021.
Wildlife viewing at Princess Place Preserve: Early mornings provide the best opportunities to spot deer, birds, and other wildlife. "We saw deer more frequently than we saw other humans," according to a visitor who stayed at Princess Place Preserve in October 2020. The preserve features multiple hiking trails through diverse Florida habitats.
Beach exploration at Cumberland Island: The undeveloped beaches stretch for 18 miles with limited crowds, especially during weekday visits. A camper described: "Walking out on beach from tent every morning just to watch the sun rise over the Atlantic ocean...you are first and only person on an 18 mile long beach until around 10 a.m." Pack binoculars for spotting shorebirds and possibly wild horses along the shore.
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: Many campsites at Princess Place Preserve offer direct water access. "Each campsite has a place to launch kayaks or a canoe. All sites are pet friendly. There are multiple hiking trails, and plenty of places to fish. Dock Site 2 had water on 2 side of the site," according to a May visitor.
Wild horse encounters: Cumberland Island's Stafford Beach Campground offers opportunities to see the island's famous wild horses. "Wild horses running on the beach (and all over the island). Be sure to bring/rent a bike so you can explore all the interesting sites along the islands trails," notes a visitor who mentions the site feels "magical."
Secluded camping at Dutton Island: The preserve offers a true island camping experience within city limits. "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," one camper wrote, adding, "if you are lucky and select the right campsite, you'll actually find yourself waterfront with an amazing cityscape of Jacksonville."
What you should know
Insect protection is essential: Most sites require serious bug prevention strategies. At Camp Chowenwaw Park, a camper noted: "The frogs serenaded us every night loudly, so that was a cool experience. We had no issues with mosquitoes or yellow flies." However, most reviews across other sites emphasize bringing repellent.
Water access varies significantly: Many sites require bringing all water or filtering from natural sources. At Black Creek Ravine, a visitor explained: "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."
Crowds vary seasonally: Winter and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures and fewer visitors. A camper at Matanzas State Forest observed: "It's amazing you are 10 minutes from a major highway yet feel like you are 1000 miles from anywhere. Easy to get to... no bugs, no animals. Definitely the time of year to be there [January]."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Camp Chowenwaw Park offers unique accommodations perfect for first-time campers. "The treehouses are very cool and sleep four people... The park has a swimming pool and other places to camp besides the treehouses. There is a fun trail to hike with a wooden bridge over the swamp," explains a visitor.
Pack appropriate transportation: Many sites require walking gear from parking areas. A Jennings State Forest visitor advised: "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. The camping is hike in."
Consider hiking distances: Plan routes appropriate for children's ages and abilities. A visitor to Black Creek Ravine shared: "My family hiked about 2.4 mi in to this campsite and stayed one night. We liked that you have to hike in, there is no car access... 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."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Primitive camping dominates near Ponte Vedra Beach, with few full-service RV sites. A visitor to Cedar Creek Campground at Matanzas State Forest mentioned: "Took some rough dirt roads to get to this campsite... It's more primitive than anything in my opinion. Star gazing out here is absolutely immaculate. The sites here are pretty large."
Plan for off-grid capabilities: Most nearby forest camping requires self-sufficiency. "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," advised one Cumberland Island camper.
Access limitations: Many roads to primitive camping areas have challenging terrain. At Dutton Island Preserve, a visitor noted: "The dirt roads that lead in were very muddy. Small cars may have a hard time in rainy season."
