Top Free Dispersed Camping near St. Augustine, FL

Camping near St. Augustine, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful scenery, outdoor activities, and family-friendly fun. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences.

What to do

• Beach Access: Many campgrounds are just a short walk from the beach. For instance, at Anastasia State Park Campground, one camper mentioned, "The beach was a 7-minute walk and easy," making it perfect for a day of sun and surf.
• Biking and Kayaking: Explore the area on two wheels or from the water. A visitor at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park shared, "Bike to the Old City or see it from the water in your kayak," highlighting the park's great trails and waterways.
• Wildlife Watching: Campers at Tomoka State Park Campground enjoyed the local wildlife, with one noting, "What a peaceful and relaxing visit to this beautiful campsite. Dog friendly! Really nice fishing spots to relax by the water."

What campers like

• Shady Spots: Many campers appreciate the shaded areas provided by trees. A review for Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park mentioned, "Sites here have a good amount of shade which is great for summers in Florida."
• Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms and showers are a big plus. A camper at Salt Springs Recreation Area said, "The bathhouse by us was always clean," which is a common sentiment among visitors.
• Friendly Staff: Campgrounds with helpful staff make a difference. A visitor at Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park noted, "The staff are very helpful and friendly."

What you should know

• Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially during busy weekends. A review for Juniper Springs Rec Area mentioned, "Over Thanksgiving weekend it got pretty noisy due to one large multi-site group."
• Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A camper at Alexander Springs Recreation Area pointed out, "For the price, no electric or water hookups and the facilities were not well maintained."
• Wildlife Precautions: Be cautious of wildlife, especially raccoons. A visitor at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park advised, "A few raccoons so take necessary precautions with trash and food storage."

Tips for camping with families

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. At Jacksonville North-St. Marys KOA, one reviewer said, "They have a pool, slide, jump pad, playground, and dog park."
• Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A camper at North Beach Camp Resort mentioned, "The camp is located in a great location between the beach and the river."
• Pack Snacks and Meals: Having food ready can save time and keep everyone happy. A visitor at Florida Salt Springs noted, "The pizza place across the street was really good."

Tips from RVers

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Tomoka State Park Campground mentioned, "Even the 40' sites on this loop seem a little more narrow than our last one."
• Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Some campgrounds may not have full hookups. A camper at Florida Juniper Springs Recreation Area pointed out, "No electric hookups, but the sites are nice."
• Plan for Dump Station Access: Know where the dump stations are located. A visitor at Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park mentioned, "Sewer drop was far in the back of the park."

Camping near St. Augustine, Florida, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, you're sure to find a spot that fits your needs.