The Best Camping near Jacksonville, Florida

Whether you’re on a summer vacation or looking to escape cold winter temperatures, set your sights on the white sandy beaches of Northeast Florida. There’s no better way to experience the year-round sunshine here than by camping near Jacksonville.

You’ll be greeted by comfortable oceanfront temperatures in your tent, trailer, or RV. Try to stay closer to the water if you’re looking for a breeze. If you’re visiting during the hotter months, make sure to stop by some of Jacksonville’s nearby natural springs. Considered “warm” springs, ranging from 68-72° F mostly, these swimming holes are perfect for cooling off.

Jacksonville’s Top Tent and RV Campgrounds

There are terrific campgrounds on all sides of Jacksonville, the state’s largest city. The main beaches, such as Jax Beach and Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach reside just thirty minutes east of town. They hold beautiful white, sandy stretches of coastline, waiting to be explored. Several campgrounds can be found oceanside and others closer to the city.

Given the northern geography of the city, Jacksonville stays cooler in the winter than other Florida hot spots like Tampa and Miami and features a slightly shorter season of oppressive summer heat. So pack your winter jacket if camping around the capital city.

Here are the best and closest campgrounds to Jacksonville, FL, in order of proximity:

Pecan Park RV Resort (14 miles)

If you want all the comforts of home, park your rig at Pecan Park RV Resort. Located near Jacksonville International Airport, this is the perfect base camp for all your Jacksonville adventures. If you fly in, you’ll have several amenity-rich cabins to choose from instead.

If you’re not heading into the city, you’ll be just a short drive from some of the best beaches in the Jacksonville area. Visitors to Pecan Park note that the sites are flat and well-spaced, and the park is open year-round. If you’re looking to make friends, the park offers a number of structured activities. Alternatively, hit the pool and soak up some Florida sun.

• Closest Town: Jacksonville, FL (14 mi)
• Specs: 102 back-in and pull-through RV sites, four premium rental cottages, full hookups
• Amenities: Dog park, planned activities, boat ramp, laundry, potable water, fishing lake, horseshoes, boat storage, showers, store, lake, clubhouse, restrooms, Wi-Fi, propane
• Reservations: Yes, visit campspot.com/book/pecan-park
• Address: 650 Pecan Park Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32218 (Map)

Flamingo Lake RV Resort (14 miles)

Also located a short drive from Jacksonville International Airport, Flamingo Lake is another conveniently located resort option. You’ll get all the comforts you expect from a resort-level RV stay, with firepits, a restaurant on site, and even a fitness center, so you never have to miss a workout while traveling. Like Pecan Park, Flamingo Lake is open year-round and has a staffed office daily from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.

The main draw for visitors is the 17-acre pond, perfect for fishing or swimming. Don’t want to leave the resort to put your toes in the sand? No problem! You’ll love the white sands by the lake here. With a Family Fun Zone, there’s something for everyone at the lake here.

• Closest Town: Jacksonville, FL (10 mi)
• Specs: 183 back-in and pull-through RV sites, 10 cabin rentals, two yurt rentals, full hookups
• Amenities: Beach, fishing and swimming lake, cable TV, clubhouse, dog park, general store, Wi-Fi, laundry, pavilion, playground, pool, restaurant, waterfront, boat ramp, potable water
• Reservations: Yes, visit campspot.com/book/flamingo-lake
• Address: 3640 Newcomb Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32218 (Map)

Dutton Island Preserve (16 miles)

If you’re looking for a secluded experience in nature, Dutton Island is the place for you. With a single-digit number of primitive sites, you’ll have everything you need and nothing you don’t.
This is perfect for anglers, campers, and kayakers alike. You’ll have a fishing pier right near your campsite, so make sure to bring your rod and reel.

You’ll need a permit to reserve the site, so make sure you apply for it in advance. Note that you must be at least 21 to obtain a permit and that campsite availability is subject to weather and conditions on the island. The sites are, however, open all year. If you have a larger party and want to book all six sites, you can book them together for a slightly discounted rate.

• Closest Town: Neptune Beach, FL (4 mi)
• Specs: Six tent-only primitive sites
• Amenities: Fishing pier, kayak/canoe launch, leveled tent sites, restrooms, no potable water
• Reservations: Yes, permit required. Apply at secure.rec1.com/FL/…
• Address: 793 Dutton Island Rd W, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233 (Map)

Hanna Park Campground (18 miles)

If you don’t want to commit to primitive camping, but you still want to be secluded in nature, Hanna Park is the perfect compromise. Operated by the Jacksonville Department of Parks and Recreation, these year-round sites are nestled in the woods and offer an experience in nature with plenty of creature comforts.

You’ll have all hookups and basic facilities covered as well as kayak and mountain bike rentals available on site. Do note that there are specific rules listed on the campground’s website that you need to familiarize yourself with before reserving a spot at Hanna Park.

• Closest Town: Atlantic Beach, FL (5 mi)
• Specs: 256 RV sites, 31 tent sites, six cabins, RV max length of 45 feet, full hookups, dump station, space for slideouts
• Amenities: Playground, bathhouse, picnic area, amphitheater, boat ramp, store, picnic table, fire ring
• Reservations: Yes, visit web1.myvscloud.com/… For same-day reservations, email HannaPark@coj.net
• Address: 2999 Wonderwood Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32227 (Map)

Rainbolt Utopia Primitive & RV Camping (18 miles)

Don’t write this one off just yet if you’re looking for luxury camping. While it says “Primitive” in the name, you’ll find a surprising amount of amenities here. This is one of the best values around, with prices below the area’s average and an amenities list that includes showers, Wi-Fi, and a security system on the premises. Do note that you can only reserve here Monday-Friday.

If you want to be off the grid, that’s definitely an option. However, if you’re visiting with an RV, you’ll have to option to connect to hookups, which are included in the nightly price. If you’re using electrical hookups with your tent, you’ll pay by the watts needed.

• Closest Town: Lakeside, FL (9 mi)
• Specs: Primitive RV and tent sites, full hookups
• Amenities: Restrooms, showers, fire pits, Wi-Fi, 24/7 security system, ADA accessible
• Reservations: Yes, visit rainboltutopia.us
• Address: 8359 Walden Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32244 (Map)

Huguenot Campground (23 miles)

You’ll find plenty of waterfront camping opportunities at Huguenot Campground, with lots of shoreline sites to choose from. This municipal park opens daily at 6:00 am year-round, so you can enjoy the day-use sections while you wait for your campsite to be ready. You’ll find lots of room to roam in the area with hiking, nature watching, fishing, and more to occupy your time.

While Huguenot is pet friendly, note that pets are not allowed on the shoreline. You can access the Atlantic Ocean from your campsite via car if you have a capable four-wheel drive vehicle. Otherwise, you’ll want to park and walk to avoid being stuck in the soft sand.

• Closest Town: Atlantic Beach, FL (9 mi)
• Specs: 70 tent, RV, and trailer sites, electric hookups, dump station
• Amenities: Restrooms, showers, kayak launch, boat ramp, nature center, playground, picnic area, potable water, seasonal lifeguard station
• Reservations: Yes, visit web1.myvscloud.com/… or call (904) 255-4255 from Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:00pm
• Address: 10980 Heckscher Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32226 (Map)

Cary Campground – Cary State Forest (24 miles)

The Cary Campground is a small RV and tent campground that’s open throughout the entire year. While this campsite has all the basics, you’ll be less than ten minutes from Bryceville if you need to pick something up.

For travelers looking to experience Florida’s natural beauty, the Cary State Forest is one of the best places to do so. You’ll have more than 13,00 acres of woodlands and swamps to explore. Since this is a state forest, the required rules and passes may be slightly different from the other options, so make sure you understand the regulations.

• Closest Town: Bryceville, FL (2 mi)
• Specs: Six RV or tent sites, 45 feet max RV length, dump station
• Amenities: Bathhouse, campground host, fire rings, kiosk, ranger station, picnic tables, restrooms
• Reservations: Yes, visit floridastateforests.reserveamerica.com/…
• Address: 7465 Pavilion Rd, Bryceville, FL 32009 (Map)

Camp Chowenwaw Park (25 miles)

Camp Chowenwaw offers probably the most unique camping experience on this list. While you’ll have plenty of cabins and tent sites to choose from, the best option here is camping in one of the nine treehouses! While the cabins offer more amenities and extra privacy, the treehouses are easily the most unique choice.

All campsites here are accessed via the walking trails. If you have heavy gear, you can pick up one of the push carts to transport it. While there are kitchens, visitors must provide their own cookware and utensils. Linens are provided in the cabins and treehouses.

• Closest Town: Green Cove Springs, FL (4 mi)
• Specs: 15 tent sites, 18 cabins, nine treehouses
• Amenities: Shared bathhouses, private bathrooms, shared kitchen, microwave, refrigerator, stove, electrical outlets, covered patio, grill, fire ring, picnic tables
• Reservations: Yes, call (904) 529-8058
• Address: 1517 Ball Rd, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 (Map)

Little Talbot Island State Park (26 miles)

Little Talbot Island is a quaint, undeveloped section of Northeast Florida. If you want to be free from distractions with plenty of beach to roam, Little Talbot has five miles of shoreline and a few miles of bike trails as well. If you want to experience Florida’s waters, this is a perfect spot for surfers, kayakers, or just anyone looking to dip their toes in the water.

This state park is open year-round for campers but in a limited capacity. While you’ll still have several campsite options, erosion has closed the south end beach for the time being.

• Closest Town: Franklintown, FL (8 mi)
• Specs: 12 tent or pop-up only sites, electric hookups, dump station, the maximum length of 30 feet
• Amenities: Potable water, fire rings, picnic tables, laundry, bathhouses, hot showers, ADA accessible facilities, playground
• Reservations: Yes, visit reserve.floridastateparks.org/…
• Address: 12157 Heckscher Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32226 (Map)

Stagecoach RV Park (34 miles)

In nearby St. Augustine, this RV park offers campers plenty of room to spread out among the trees. With lots of outdoor sports and activities, this is the perfect place for families looking to spend time together in the sun. With updated bathhouses and laundry facilities, you’ll have all the basics in a well-maintained package.

Visitors with Good Sam or AAA memberships, as well as active military, can receive discounts on the daily rate here. If you rented your rig through an RV share program, you’ll need to provide the contact info of the RV owner as well when booking.

• Closest Town: St. Augustine, FL (8 mi)
• Specs: 80 pull-through and back-in RV sites
• Amenities: Dog park, outdoor sports and games, bathhouse, laundry, trolley pickup, cable TV, Wi-Fi, park office, store, covered game area, playground
• Reservations: Yes, call (904) 824-2319 or (877) 824-2319
• Address: 2711 Co Rd 208, St. Augustine, FL 32092 (Map)

Hammock Campground – Jennings State Forest (37 miles)

The Hammock Campground is a small but popular site in the Jennings State Forest. Though there are only ten sites, they are all pet-friendly and open year-round. While you’re short on amenities here, Hammock Campground makes up for that in access to the outdoors. With plenty of hiking and nature viewing nearby, you won’t have to go far to hit the trail.

Campers can reserve with peace of mind here. If weather causes your reservation to be canceled, you’ll receive an automatic refund.

• Closest Town: Middleburg, FL (9 mi)
• Specs: 10 tent-only primitive campsites
• Amenities: Pet-friendly, no potable water, picnic table, toilets
• Reservations: Yes, visit floridastateforests.reserveamerica.com/…
• Address: 682 Wheeler Branch Rd, Middleburg, FL 32068 (Map)

Fort Clinch State Park (37 miles)

Last but not least is this state park steeped in Florida History. This Civil War-era fort is open for history enthusiasts and outdoor lovers alike. This park spans 1,400 acres, so if you aren’t here for the history, you’ll have plenty of nature to explore. With a diverse array of native wildlife, amateur and seasoned photographers alike will have plenty of opportunities to practice their craft.

Fort Clinch State Park opens at 8:00 am 365 days a year, so you’ll have plenty of time to explore while you wait for your campsite to be ready. Note that both the fort and the visitor center open at 9:00 am.

• Closest Town: Fernandina Beach, FL (2 mi)
• Specs: 54 sites for RVs and tents, one ADA accessible tent site, one ADA accessible RV and trailer only site, seven tent-only sites, one primitive group site, one RV and trailer only site, dump station, electric hookups, dump station
• Amenities: Potable water, restrooms with hot water, laundry, showers, fire ring, picnic table
• Reservations: Yes, visit reserve.floridastateparks.org/… or call (800)326-3521. For primitive group campsite, call (904) 277-7274
• Address: 2601 Atlantic Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 (Map)

If spending time in the city isn’t your main objective, there are so many great spots for camping near Jacksonville! With its ample flow of year-round visitors, the Jacksonville area (and Florida as a whole) has a full range of amenities for campers of all interests and desired comfort levels.