Fort Clinch Amelia River Campground

For us Floridians, finding that perfect campground that blends natural beauty, well-maintained facilities, and a touch of local charm is always a treasure hunt. And when it comes to coastal camping, the Fort Clinch Amelia River Campground in Fernandina Beach truly stands out as a five-star gem. Nestled within the incredible Fort Clinch State Park on Amelia Island, this campground offers an experience that many are calling their "new Florida State favorite." It’s more than just a place to park your RV or pitch your tent; it's an immersion into Florida’s pristine nature and rich history.

One of the most striking aspects of this campground, frequently highlighted by fellow campers, is the incredible sense of privacy and the abundance of wildlife. Imagine waking up to the sounds of nature, spotting deer, armadillos, gopher tortoises, and osprey right from your campsite. The sites are generously spaced and tucked beneath majestic old oak canopies, providing not only ample shade but also a cozy, protected feeling. Even on a windy Florida weekend, you'll find your campsite comfortably shielded, allowing for a truly relaxing outdoor experience.

Beyond the natural allure, the operational excellence of the Fort Clinch Amelia River Campground is consistently praised. The hosts do an amazing job, and the bathhouses are sparkling clean—a "gold standard for State Park facilities" according to many. These are new, climate-controlled, and spacious, a welcome relief after a day of exploring. This dedication to cleanliness and comfort, combined with the stunning natural surroundings, ensures a memorable and highly enjoyable stay for every visitor from across our beautiful state.

The Fort Clinch Amelia River Campground is ideally located at 2601 Atlantic Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034, USA. This places it within the northernmost tip of Amelia Island, a part of the larger Fort Clinch State Park. For Floridians, this location offers a unique blend of coastal access, natural beauty, and historical significance, all within a reasonable drive from many parts of the state.

Amelia Island itself is a cherished Florida destination, known for its charming Victorian-era town of Fernandina Beach, its beautiful beaches, and its laid-back atmosphere. While the campground provides a sense of being truly "away from it all," it's remarkably accessible. The park entrance is straightforward to find, and once inside, the drive to the Amelia River Campground is scenic, passing beneath Spanish moss-draped live oaks.

Despite being on the "river side" of the park, offering picturesque views of the Amelia River and the St. Marys inlet, the campground provides convenient access to various parts of the state park. While it's not within quick walking distance to a swimming beach on the ocean side, the park itself boasts miles of beautiful shoreline for walking, shelling, and watching the boats and larger ships pass by. Plus, the historic Fort Clinch, a well-preserved 19th-century fortification, is also within the park, offering a fascinating historical excursion. Getting to downtown Fernandina Beach for dining, shopping, or exploring its historic district is also a short and pleasant drive, combining the tranquility of nature with easy access to charming local attractions. This blend of seclusion and proximity makes it a highly accessible and desirable destination for Florida residents looking for diverse experiences.

Services Offered:

• 41 well-spaced campsites, mostly level
• Water hookups at each campsite
• Electric hookups (30- and 50-amp) at each campsite
• Picnic table at each campsite
• Fire ring at each campsite
• Sparkling clean and modern bathhouses with hot water
• Climate-controlled and spacious showers (not cramped)
• Washer and dryer facilities available at bathhouses
• Dump station facilities (free for registered campers, available for a fee for day visitors)
• Pet-friendly environment (pets are welcome in the park but not on the beach, fort, or boardwalks)
• On-site park hosts who do an amazing job
• Visitor Center offering snacks, refreshments, ice, firewood, bait, tackle, and camping supplies.
• Accessible campsites (e.g., sites 25 and 35 with concrete pads and accessible routes to restrooms).

Features / Highlights:

• Abundant wildlife viewing opportunities including deer, armadillo, gopher tortoises, osprey, and various bird species.
• Very generous and well-spaced campsites, providing excellent privacy.
• Campsites are cozy and nestled beneath old oak canopies, offering shade and protection from wind.
• Bathhouses are considered the "gold standard" for Florida State Park facilities due to their cleanliness, modernity, and spaciousness.
• Convenient walking access along the river to the jetty and the ocean.
• Opportunities for watching boats and larger ships on the Amelia River.
• Access to the historic Fort Clinch, one of Florida's best-preserved 19th-century fortifications, offering living history programs.
• Extensive trails for hiking, biking (including a 6-mile multi-use trail), and nature walks within the state park.
• Opportunities for surf fishing along the Atlantic or St. Marys inlet.
• Beautiful beach areas for shelling, sunbathing, and beachcombing (though the closest swimming beach may require a short drive).
• Part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.
• Offers a true "Old Florida" ambiance with Spanish moss-laden oak trees.

Contact Information:

Address: 2601 Atlantic Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034, USA

Phone: (904) 277-7274

Mobile Phone: +1 904-277-7274

For reservations, it is recommended to use the Florida State Parks reservation system. For specific inquiries about the park or campground, calling the ranger station is the best approach.

For us Floridians, the Fort Clinch Amelia River Campground is an incredibly suitable and highly recommended destination that truly showcases the best of our state's natural and historical offerings. Its position on Amelia Island, within Fort Clinch State Park, strikes a perfect balance. We get the serene, secluded feeling of being surrounded by lush maritime hammock and the Amelia River, teeming with wildlife, yet we're just a short drive from the charming historic town of Fernandina Beach and its beautiful Atlantic beaches. This combination means you can spend your days exploring Civil War history at the fort, hiking through diverse ecosystems, or enjoying coastal activities, and return to a peaceful, private campsite.

The commitment to excellence evident in the campground's management is a significant draw for locals. Knowing that the park hosts are doing an "amazing job" and that the bathhouses are "sparkling clean," climate-controlled, and spacious, elevates the comfort level considerably. This attention to detail, from well-maintained, level sites to convenient laundry facilities, makes for a truly hassle-free camping experience, allowing us to fully relax and enjoy our time outdoors.

Furthermore, for those of us who cherish Florida's unique ecosystems, the abundance of wildlife and the opportunity to walk along the river to the jetty and the ocean are invaluable. Whether you're an avid birder, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply enjoy the peace that comes from being immersed in nature, this campground delivers. Despite minor considerations like "no-see-ums" (which are a part of Florida life, easily managed with bug spray!) and the walk to a swimming beach, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, leading many Floridians to declare it their new favorite state park. It’s a place where lasting memories are made, cementing its status as an ideal local escape.

Fort Clinch Amelia River Campground

2601 Atlantic Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034, USA