Atlantic Beach Campground — Fort Clinch State Park

Welcome to Amelia Island and Fort Clinch State Park, which is just about the only campground on the island (more on that later), where rich Floridian history is complemented by one of the more popular seaside beach destinations in the state – and with 825 miles of oceanfront here in sunny Florida, that’s saying something! As you arrive to this prized Florida state managed park – and let me add that with all of my journeys exploring all of the amazing SPs the Sunshine State has to offer, this is definitely one of the finest – you will be almost immediately captivated by the never-ending maze of ancient Oaks with their signature cascading Spanish Moss that appear to have been hanging on for dear life for centuries, if not millennia. 

At first, the idea of camping out on or near a gloriously flat endless blue horizon of gentle lolloping white-crested waves set against the singular frontline of pastel-colored umbrella-strewn beaches like what is found on the northern edge of Amelia Island sounds so idyllic, what with its sunsets, white powder beaches and fairly uncrowded beaches … but then, when you put that to the test, well, it’s another thing altogether. To begin with, the month is July and our location, lest you forgot, is northern Florida where 100 degree weather and cloudless skies, coupled with the southern reaches of Georgia, with its swamp-like, muggy humidity, combined can make for a sweltering hot outdoor experience, to say the least. So while shoulder seasons like spring and autumn might be more favorable than the middle of summer, if you do plan on camping at this particular campground here at Fort Clinch, then you will want to ensure your RV has A/C and if you are tent camping, you better bring plenty of shade with you, because for some unknown reason, the good folks at Florida State Parks saw fit not plant any shade whatsoever in the tent camping area. 

As for the campground itself, you will discover Atlantic Beach Campground is quite small and sits on the northeastern most corner of Amelia Island offering just 6 tent campsites, which will be the first half dozen sites you see on the left as you approach the campground, following by a small oval loop with only 21 slots, definitely earmarked for the RV driving or 5th Wheel toting campers. There’s just a dump station that separates the RV parking oval from the tent camping area. In the center of the RV parking oval is a very good-sized restroom and shower facility that is spartan-clean and also features coin-operated washer and driers. On the eastern side of the RV oval is the beach access point which has a very nice, well-maintained beachwalk offering both a shower (for rinsing that sand and salt off after you leave the beach, which I have to admit, is a HUGE bonus as most beaches in Florida don’t have this, which makes all the difference when you’re trying to keep sand out of your RV or tent) that will welcome you to a most glorious beachfront with white powdered sand waiting for your footprints. 

Insider’s tips? Here’s quite a few: (1) If possible, time your stay here to coincide with the first weekend of every month when a soldier garrison re-enacts battlefield movements and skills by firing off cannons and offering up some hands-on storytelling of what it was like to live centuries ago when this area was a key military outpost; (2) You will want to note that there are several oceanfront beach access points that unfortunately lead to ocean water that apparently you are prohibited from swimming in – according to the signs at least, due to rough currents, which seemed odd as there weren’t even waves in those parts – so if actually getting in the ocean is an important factor to you actually deciding to come here (let alone camp here) in the first place, then I would STRONGLY recommend you call the Rangers Station ahead of driving or reserving here to confirm that swimming is actually allowed and if so, specifically where; (3) I was absolutely blown away by the bicycle wonderland that exists here at Fort Clinch SP – with more than 6 miles of off-road, bush-wacking, hill rolling and dune descending, oak tree canopy covered multi-use bike trails that are just begging for your wheels to leave their mark here – the best bit? Unlike the beachheads, these maritime forested bike trails are completely covered by shade, so while you can escape the heat and humidity, at least you won’t get sunburnt as you pedal throughout this park. Do note that this multi-use trail is also used by hikers, which can move in both directions, but bikers may only be pointed in one direction and helmets must be worn at all times; (4) Don’t have a bike or forgot yours at home? Not a problem, the good people at the visitor center will rent you one (if there are any left) but as this is a very popular activity here, be prepared to get here early (or better, call ahead and reserve one); (5) If you are here to experience the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, you’ll be delighted to know that there’s more than 100 species that are protected here from Red-tailed hawks and great horned owls to purple sandpipers, barred owls and painted buntings, to name but a few; and (6) My best tip is saved for last (who are still reading) – as I am a tent camper, when I first came here to Fort Clinch, I was certain that I would fall in love with the Atlantic Beach Campground, but honestly, with absolutely ZERO shade, coupled with the timing of our visit being in July, we were completely miserable with the heat, humidity and unrelenting heat. After several hours of doing our best to enjoy ourselves, we ultimately contacted the Ranger Host and asked to be moved over to the Amelia River Campground, which is also here at Fort Clinch (and you thought there was only 1 campground here, didn’t you?!). After moving to this location, complete with tons of shade … as well as its very own access to the beach, we were much happier. Just something to bear in mind – know the difference between where you want to hang out for a few hours, like a super sunny hot beach location, and where you want to spend several hours relaxing and ultimately spending the night. We definitely learned our lesson and just want to pay that forward here. 

Happy Camping!

We were lucky enough to snag 3 days in May at this state park. It was a great stop if too short to really enjoy the amenities and just relax.  Sites are mostly back-in, main park roads were in good shape, but the campground roads were rutty and tough.  Camp sites were spacious with packed sand and dirt, and usually some foliage between sites.  We were at the Amelia River campground which appears to be the older of the two campgrounds in the park.  Plenty of beach area, sunset views, biking, and hiking.  Do take time to visit Fort Clinch for its historical perspective.  Fernandina Beach is right outside the park gate, but you would never know it from the campground locations.  Very private and quiet.  Bath houses were very convenient and well maintained.

The green tunnel oak canopy and Spanish moss over the roadway is your welcome to this state park, an anachronistic island surrounded by quiet suburbs on Amelia Island. High profile vehicles need to watch overhead clearance, due to the canopy.

The eponymous 19th century third system fortification and museum has a wealth of information and interactive living history volunteers describing its operational span of Civil War, Spanish American War, and World War Two. Hiking, biking, wildlife, fishing, and birding are the other major activities here. There is a beach for swimming and surfing, Note St. Mary’s inlet is an active shipping channel with strong currents. Camp store and souvenir shop, special event and wedding planning. This is a major stop on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, with some 100 avian species represented.

Group Primitive Campground favors youth groups with up to 11 month advance reservations, 30 days for adult groups if available. Three sites with capacity for 75. One of the best in the state parks system.

42 established tent sites in oak and Spanish Moss. Climate controlled bathrooms.

RV camp 21 back in sites with another six tent sites near the dunes. Renovated bathroom and laundry facilities, dump station.

Great fishing on Amelia River Clean facility

What a lovely park. We stayed at the Atlantic RV Campground and it was pretty great. Cross the dunes and you’re on the beach! 25 minute beach walk will get you to Fort Clinch where for $2.50 you can explore the 170 year old fort. Tons life of wild life. Deer seem to really enjoy hanging out near the camp. Armadillos always seem to be crossing the road, please watch your speed around here. We saw a beautiful sea turtle while walking to the fort. Not too many bugs in the campground, because of the proximity to the ocean. We got spot # 10, which I think is the best spot in this campground with direct view of the dunes and the Atlantic. The bathrooms are cleaned every day, showers are spacious with good water pressure. While fishing off the beach you can catch red fish, drum, whiting, pompanos, etc. Oh and Georgia is just across the channel. Stark teeth hunting is big here, too! Awesome, knowledgeable staff. We loved our 4 days here and are definitely coming back!

Large shady spot with a beautiful tropical feel. You could hear the waves from the site. The kids loved it, they were able to walk to the beach and ride bikes all around.

More of an RV park. If you are tent camping be aware that you are going to be pretty close and exposed to your neighbors. Our first night we had a large, loud group right next to us. The next night we had a new large group that decided to watch a movie outside. Plus they kept the lights they had strung up on all night, so no relief from those lights in our tent. They did all quiet down at night, which was nice. If you are tent camping, these sites had somewhat of a buffer: Sites #41,45,46,53. On the bright side you have easy access to the beach, hiking trails and fort. The fort is pretty cool. Bathrooms were nice and clean. It is very affordable. Customer service was a mixed bag. Upon entry they were super nice and helpful, subsequent days they were not as much. We wanted to extend our stay and asked about possible cancellations as the online booking looked full. They were short with us, told us to go online to check, meanwhile we saw sites sit empty the entire time we were there. If you are traveling with teenagers who don’t find old forts cool, there is a basketball court and skatepark right outside the park.

This is the second time we have been to Fort Clinch and it was even better than the first. Bathrooms are clean. Various trails and overlooks are worth it. Hiking, the beach, and a fort to see - cannot be beat. The kids love it and we will be back again and again.

Great sites,clean with easy access. River side is shady and private. Beach side is right on beautiful white sand beach. Much to do, great hiking and biking. Cant wait to go back

Great location a 5 min. walk to the beach with very clean and well appointed bathrooms with showers. My only wish is that we had a longer stay!

Not only a great clean campground, with immaculate restrooms, boardwalk to the beach with great shelling, but a FORT too, on the beach!

I love this place

This wasn't our first choice as a camping spot, as we had made reservations at Little Talbot Island 12 miles away. Upon arrival, we were told that we had no electric at the site, so they found us a site at the nearby Fort Clinch Campground.  

We stayed in Site 35 and it was next to one of the restroom/laundry/shower facilities, but it was very clean and quiet.  It was one with a concrete pad, so it stayed nice and clean during our stay and was level. It had a large picnic table, a grill and a fire pit. The shower facilities are very nice and super clean and we had zero complaints. It's just a short 5 minute walk to the beach, where you can fish.  It's not a swimming area, but that's not far away either. It right in the beach area of Fernandina Beach and is just a few minutes from downtown old Fernandina, where there are lots of restaurants, shops and bars to visit.  We rode our bikes and walked trails and saw several deer, a lot of gopher tortoises and had an armadillo looking for bugs at our site.  Keep your food inside your camper or car, as racoons love to go through your stuff looking for treats.  Great Campground!

Great campground. Our site was 51 which was a smaller site but great on the river side. River camp was plenty shaded and some privacy between sites. You could walk down to the river area. Great area to fish and sit on the beach but no swimming here. Actual beach was about 1 mile from river camp. Nice beach and facilities not too crowded. There is another campground loop by the beach. In my opinion not as nice since the sites are very open and sunny but just a few steps from the beach. Just a few dollars you can visit the fort which was excellent!! Great sunsets with fort in background. Bathhouses were very nice here. Park has many activities. Some trails, paved roads for bikes. Close to many amenities.

We camped in the beach sites during December and the mild weather made the sun bearable. These sites are in full sun, so bring some covers if you are going outside of winter. The bathroom was very clean, and it was a short walk to the shore. There was access to the hiking trails and fort via walking as well.

This is the most clean and well kept park i have ever been to. They rake the gravel and clean every site after each camper leaves. It is right on the water and there are hiking pathes, bicycling, fishing, site seeing and so much more. It is a beautiful and serene setting

Located on the beach and withing walking distance to Downtown Fernandina Beach where you will find shopping, restaurants and lots more. RV campsites are a bit close to each other other that a very nice facility and worth the visit !

We stayed here this weekend and had a blast. The campsites are located walking distance to the water. It wasn’t at all crowded and the campsite had a decent amount of privacy. Dogs are allowed at the campsite but not on the beaches or coastlines. Fernandina Beach is a cool town with tons to do! We stayed at an RV site with power and water. Bathrooms were clean and well maintained. We are already planning our next trip here (without our dogs).

We enjoyed our visit to Fort Clinch. We tent camped which placed us in the west side of the park, the riverside which we preferred. That side is shadier due to the large oak trees. The bathrooms and showers were squeaky clean and the staff were very helpful. The park is stunning in its beauty. Highly recommended.

We had a great weekend camping at Fort Clinch! We stayed at a tent site near the beach. The bathrooms were nearby and very clean. The campsite included a fire pit, picnic table and potable water. There are no trees/shade at the campsite and lots of gnats and mosquitos if the wind isn’t blowing so be sure to bring repellent.

We toured the fort, hiked some trails, went to the beach and saw lots of deer. It was a great weekend getaway!

Nice size campsites with fire pit and table. The bathrooms / showers and very nice and big. The park is very big but has very little campsites to stay at. The fort is right on the beach but if you want to go inside it does cost money. Dogs are welcome at the campsites but not on the beach.

Lovely beach to walk on,lots of wildlife, Bathrooms are spotless, great for the kids also

Awesome state park. Georgia visible just on the other side. Beautiful Spanish moss roads into the park. Enjoyed biking the roads in the park between the campgrounds and to the fort. Stayed in the campground by the river. Beautiful views of sunset and nice walks in the morning. Nice hikes as well. Visited the lighthouse also. Can’t wait to return!!

Love the Amelia river section. We stayed in site 23. The other loop is very windy, no shade or privacy between sites. The river section sites are huge, lots of trees and foliage and nicely spaced. All appeared pretty level. Most were dirt, a couple are concrete pads. Paid $26 per night. Super quiet in February, no kids. We had electric and water no FHU, fire pit, table, clothes line. Great bathhouse, clean, updated. Washer and dryer $2 per load. Great areas to bike and hike. Amazing sunsets viewed at the end of our loop. The fort is awesome! Cost $2.50 pp, well worth price. The fort is decorated with period furnishings. Self guided tour. A man dressed as a soldier answered all our questions. The campground is in a nice location, is gated. It's close to Fernandina beach and Amelia island. Amelia island, lots of nice shops and restaurants.

Stayed at the beach campground. Level site, newer hookups. Clean and up to date bath facilities. Easy walk to water and great beach for seashells and birdwatching. Old historic fort in park. Paved areas for biking. Nice old mossy trees. Good access to nearby restaurants too. I'd return!

Nice spot to relax and unwind. I stayed at the campground by the beach. Very clean restroom and shower facilities. Level sites. Easy access to hiking or biking. Lots of birds and mossy hammock areas. Would definitely return! Great place to explore an old historic fort too!

Paddle to Cumberland Island, catch some flounder, explore some Florida history, mountain bike, hike some trails, hit the ocean and of course...camp!

This Florida park next to Fernandina Beach Florida and Amelia island is a gem. 6 miles of paved canopied roads in the park, in addition to 6 miles of single track mountain biking and hiking trails with elevation! The shady river campground is the one we prefer and has easy access to launch our kayaks. There is no swimming at this campground due to the river currents. (Be sure to look at the site you book- some are 30amp and others are 50AMP) The ocean side campground is very open and less private because of lack of trees but you are close to the beach. This is also where the tent ⛺️ sites are. It is easy biking distance to historic Fernandina, close to Amelia Island biking trails and lots of parks. Our video has a lot more info on this park and campground.

A few too many rules for me but overall a good experience. It isn’t terribly pet friendly but we were able to quickly tour the fort within the allotted 30 minutes we could leave our dog alone. Stayed in the river loop and the drive in was beautiful with overhanging trees and Spanish moss. Bathrooms were clean and well maintained. Site size was good enough for us and hammocks are permitted. Cannot speak to the Atlantic loop as dogs are not allowed. The beach along the river was a nice walk and accessible from our campsite. People often find shark teeth but we weren’t as lucky.

Must reserve online, rangers are only able to book same day reservations.

We came here when it was chilly and we scored a great spot w a view. I definitely want to come back when it’s warmer.

This is one of the most beautiful and interesting state parks I have ever been to.

There are not any full hook up sites. The river side of the campground has many trees and shade. The ocean side lots are small and out in the open.  You can pay 2.50 to tour the fort and small museum.  Definitely worth it.