Fort Clinch State Park RV & Campground Guide
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History buffs, nature lovers, and everyone in between will find something to enjoy at Fort Clinch! The fort was strategically important during the Civil War, and today you can see the cannons that face St. Mary’s River in Georgia to guard the area. On the first weekend of each month, watch as a soldier garrison fires cannons and demonstrates other battlefield maneuvers.
But the fort is only one part of the park. Giant live oaks and maritime hammocks provide beautiful, natural scenery for hiking and biking along the trails at the park. The park is also known for its wildlife - gopher tortoises, Painted Buntings, and plenty of other birds and animals make the area their home.
The weather at the park is warm, although not as hot as it can get in other areas of Florida. The average high in summer months is just at 90°F, and in the frigid days of winter, the January low is in the mid-40s. July, August, and September are the rainiest months of the year.
Spring 52-83 F
Summer 72-90 F
Fall 54-85 F
Winter 44-66 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Fort Clinch State Park
Camping is available at 69 sites in two areas. The Amelia River campground has shady, Spanish moss-draped trees and there is a beautiful view of the river. The Atlantic Beach Campground is just steps from the ocean. Pets are allowed in the campground area, but not in much of the park. If you choose to rent an RV, consider renting with RVshare. Each rental vehicle comes with nationwide insurance coverage, 24/7 roadside assistance, and a dedicated team that will work to make sure you have the perfect RV for your travel plans and unique needs.
Jacksonville North/St. Mary’s KOA
Relax in the shade of the Georgia pines at this campground, twenty miles from Jacksonville, FL. The pool has a waterfall and waterslide, and there are plenty of on-site activities as well.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wi-Fi: yes
Pet friendly: yes
Other amenities: pool, laundry, showers, mini golf, complimentary breakfast
Bow & Arrow RV Campground
This family-owned campground is on a secluded, wooded tract, and is quiet and safe.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wi-Fi: yes
Pet friendly: yes
Other amenities: pool, showers, laundry
What to Do at
Fort Clinch State Park
Inside Fort Clinch State Park
There are a number of things to do at Fort Clinch State Park.
Bicycling: There are 3.3 miles of paved shady road that ends at the Visitor Center for the historic fort. There is also a 6-mile off-road, multi-use trail, near the park drive, that winds through the maritime forest.
Birding: There are plenty of birding opportunities in the park, and it’s one of the first stops on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. The dunes, beaches, forests, and marshes offer a variety of habitats for birds to thrive, and more than 100 species either live in the park or migrate through it.
Paddling: There are canoe and kayak launch areas, although there are strong, unpredictable currents, and St. Mary’s Inlet is advised for only the most experienced sea kayakers.
Fishing: There are plenty of places to fish in the park. Anglers can fish along the Atlantic shoreline or in St. Mary’s Inlet, or near the jetties by Fort Clinch. You could catch redfish, black drum, whiting, flounder, mullet, sheepshead, sea trout, or possible grouper.
Geocaching: Find coordinates and hints at geocaching.com, then search the park for hidden caches. Geocaching is the perfect activity for the whole family and gets everyone out running around searching for treasures.
Hiking: There is a 6-mile trail for hikers and cyclists, which begins at the fort parking lot. Parts of the trail are heavily forested, and hikers also travel through ancient dunes. Willow Pond Hiking Trail has two loops which go by a series of fresh water ponds, and you may see lots of wildlife while hiking either loop. There is also hiking along the beaches of Cumberland Sound.
Shelling: Shell-collecting is a favorite activity of many visitors, and lets you head home with a very special souvenir afterward! You can find a variety of shells, along with fossilized sharks’ teeth. Make sure to plan your shelling around low tide times, when the most area of the beach is exposed.
Surfing: You are able to surf the beautiful shoreline of Fort Clinch. The beach break is good when you have the right swell and wind, though surfers need to exercise caution. There are no lifeguards on duty, and many people swim at the beach.
Swimming: Swimming is possible in the Atlantic Ocean south of the jetty. There are no lifeguards on duty, so be sure to pay attention to beach warning flag signs that indicate swimming conditions.
Outside Fort Clinch State Park
There’s plenty to do outside the park as well! From learning about natural landmarks to relaxing with a tasty bite to eat, once you’ve explored the park, try one of these activities.
Restaurants
Timoti's Seafood Shak
Wild-caught seafood entrees like fish tacos, lobster rolls, poke bowls and other fresh fish is served at this shack with an outdoor patio.
Type: Seafood
Location: Fernandina Beach, FL
España Restaurant & Tapas
Known for their paella, this restaurant specializes in flavors from Spain & Portugal. You can dine in the cozy main dining room, the enclosed patio, or the lush outdoor garden space.
Type: Spanish
Location: Fernandina Beach, FL
29 South
Southern food with an upscale twist, using ingredients from the restaurant’s own garden or locally sourced farms. Try the lobster corn dog with vodka-spiked horseradish ketchup, or cornmeal fried catfish with rosemary garlic fries.
Type: Southern
Location: Fernandina Beach
Shopping
Driftwood Surf Shop
This family-owned, surfer-owned store has everything to satisfy the needs of surfers from beginners to experts. They carry reputable brands, and can help you with serious surf gear, or with fun purchases like flip-flops or sunhats.
Location: Fernandina Beach
Sightseeing
Amelia Island Lighthouse
The lighthouse, built in 1838, is the state’s oldest and the only one that has survived from the Territorial Period without major rebuilding. Tours of the lighthouse are available.
Location: Fernandina Beach
Amelia Island
Just off the coast of northeast Florida, Amelia Island is a beautiful barrier island with white sand beaches, native wildlife, and breathtaking pristine waters. Spend a day just taking in the scenery and walking in the surf!
Location: Amelia Island
Fernandina Beach Pinball Museum
This museum preserves the legacy of pinball from the early twentieth century to the present day. And yes, you can play them! Try an old game from the 1930s, or a more modern game.
Location: Fernandina Beach
How to Get to
Fort Clinch State Park
From Jacksonville: Take FL-200/Florida A1A S/The Buccaneer Trail in Nassau County. Take exit 373 for FL-200/FL-A1A toward Callahan/Fernandina Beach. Keep right at the fork and follow signs for Yulee/Fernandina Beach/Amelia Island. Merge onto FL-200/Florida A1A S/The Buccaneer Trail. Turn right onto State Hwy.108/Sadler Rd. Turn left onto Citrona Dr. Turn right onto Atlantic Ave. Turn left onto Fort Clinch Road.
The address is 2601 Atlantic Ave., Fernandina Beach, FL.
Entering Fort Clinch State Park
There is a fee to enter Fort Clinch State Park
Camping with friends and family is a wonderful way to make memories that are sure to last a lifetime! Renting an RV with RVshare takes a lot of stress off of you and makes the trip easier to plan. Whether you choose to rent an RV near your home and drive, or fly into Florida and rent an RV, you’re sure to have a trip you won’t soon forget! We would love to see pictures of your travels - be sure to send us photos of your trip to [email protected] and tag us on social media. Your memories could be featured on our blog, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter page!
Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Clinch State Park
The climate of Fort Clinch State Park is humid and subtropical. The average temperature is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It experiences a fair amount of rainfall, averaging about 50 inches yearly.
The best time to visit the state park is spring or fall. The weather is mild, and there are fewer crowds. However, hurricanes can be a threat during the late summer and early fall.
Yes, all campsites at Fort Clinch State Park must be reserved in advance. The cost is $24 for a primitive campsite and $28 per night for a waterfront campsite.
There are two campgrounds with more than 60 campsites in Fort Clinch State Park, but there are no designated RV camping spots. However, RVs and trailers are welcome on both campgrounds.
Some wildlife you can find in the state park include white-tailed deer, squirrels, raccoons, opossums, armadillos, and rabbits. There are also a variety of birds, including ospreys, woodpeckers, and bald eagles.