St. Augustine camping offers unique coastal experiences where campers can access both Atlantic beaches and inland waterways within short distances. With average winter temperatures between 55-70°F and summer temperatures consistently above 80°F, the region supports year-round camping. Most campgrounds near St. Augustine sit at elevations below 20 feet above sea level, contributing to their vulnerability during hurricane season.
What to do
Beach activities: 3 miles to Atlantic beaches from Compass RV Park. "Great location, clean facilities, helpful and friendly staff. Lots of things for kids to do at the campground (pool, playground, cornhole, ping pong table, fishing pond, etc)," notes Daniel G.
Fishing: Access to multiple waterways including the Matanzas and Tolomato Rivers. At Faver-Dykes State Park Campground, "Nice place! Has a great drive in. Plenty of wild life. Has a great 2.6 mile trail. Very secluded and quiet. Watch out for those no see'ms," advises Bryan.
Water recreation: Paddle boat rentals available at several locations. "They have paddle boats you can rent to go into the pond with. Also bikes and other bike related things to rent," explains Doug E. about St. Augustine Beach KOA.
Mountain biking: Extensive trail system particularly at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park. "Miles of biking/hiking trails at this park. Great quick getaway for those living in the Jacksonville metro area," mentions Chad P.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Varies significantly by location. At North Beach Camp Resort, "This is a wonderful place 5 minutes from Old Town in St Augustine. Love how it is set in between the ICW and the ocean. The sites are good sized and private. They have foliage in between every site that makes you feel like you could be out here all alone," reports Robert.
Beach proximity: Several campgrounds offer direct or nearby beach access. At Bryn Mawr Ocean Resort, "North Beach campground is super pretty with oaks and palm brush creating privacy between sites... The beach is GORGEOUS and right across the street with a great restaurant, The Reef."
Waterfront views: Multiple options for waterfront camping. "We selected Bryn Mawr after driving thru to check it out last year. If you love the beach we highly recommend. Currently staying a month and returning for a month in 2024. Our spot is beachside and we've found it spacious and level," shares pam O.
Clean facilities: Standards vary between state parks and private campgrounds. "The facilities at this camp ground are nearly immaculate. The beach access is spacious and pristine. Water sport equipment rental and snack shack on site," reports Kim A. about Anastasia State Park Campground.
What you should know
Insects are prevalent: Particularly ticks in wooded areas. "Left park after one night because of ticks. There were tick warning signs posted. The park is small and quiet. Our site (28) was loose sand," warns Annell N. about Faver-Dykes.
WiFi reliability varies significantly: Even at campgrounds advertising connectivity. At Stagecoach RV Park, "This is one of the nicest parks I have stayed out. Mostly pull throughs that are on angle to main roads. Lots of shade. Friendly staff. And wild turkeys in the back. Gravel pads. I had trouble with the Wifi, and email would not send," notes Steve H.
Site sizes can be tight: Particularly at popular beachside locations. "It's dated and tight... The sites are tight together. I have a 24ft trailer and my site (#20) was on the outer road along a wooden fence," observes Doug E. about St. Augustine Beach KOA.
Hurricane evacuation plans: Should be considered during June through November. "We have stayed in both 71 and 107. 107 is a buddy site and great if traveling with friends," mentions Joe R. about Sun Outdoors St. Augustine.
Tips for camping with families
Children's activities: Multiple campgrounds offer kid-specific amenities. "Anastasia Island State Park is located in the middle of all that makes St Augustine amazing! It's a 10 minute drive into the heart of the historic city. The campground is located in the park that has the most beautiful beaches, with dune mountains that peak over the salt marsh as you dry through the park," explains Kat G.
Playgrounds and pools: Available at several private campgrounds. "Great full hook up, paved site with easy access to beautiful St Augustine Beach. There's also a large, clean pool area with hot tub, big fishing dock with small boat/kayak ramp, and bar/restaurant at the pool," describes Amy M. about Ocean Grove RV Resort.
Family-friendly beach access: Some beaches less crowded than others. "This campground was pretty great. Beach to the East and river to the west of the property. We loved the private beach area which kept the crowds to a minimum, compared to the public areas," shares Erika P. about North Beach Camp Resort.
Holiday camping traditions: Thanksgiving and other holidays can be special times. "First of all we stayed during thanksgiving week. The amount of families and kids having fun and exploring nature was so refreshing! The walk from the camp to the beach was short and the bathhouse was close and clean as well!" reports Mateo M. about Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Research exact sites before booking. "The campground was well maintained and had good facilities. The spots were nice but overall nothing too special about this place," mentions Jenny W. about Compass RV Park.
Leveling challenges: Some sites require significant work. "It does not have a shade pavilion like others so we set up a canopy. Other campers & park model owner/renters are friendly and polite," notes pam O. about Bryn Mawr Ocean Resort.
Full hookup availability: Most sites offer water and electric, but sewer varies. "Nice state park close to St Augustine. Large campsite with privacy," shares Christian D. about Anastasia State Park Campground.
RV length restrictions: Some parks have maximum length limitations. "Nice state park for the beach. We had a nice wooded separation between the other campsites. The beach was a short walk for us. At each campsite has a fire ring and a grill. All sites have electric and water hook up. Max length is 38 feet," advises Rob V.
