NAS Jacksonville Manatee Cove RV Park

manatee cove campground camping

For those who have served our nation, or are currently serving, and their families, finding a tranquil and well-equipped place to relax and enjoy Florida's stunning natural beauty is a well-deserved privilege. Here in Florida, with our abundant sunshine and diverse landscapes, RV camping is a beloved pastime, offering freedom and comfort on the road. If you're part of the military community and looking for an exceptional RV park in Northeast Florida, then NAS Jacksonville Manatee Cove RV Park is a destination that consistently earns high praise from its patrons. Located right on the picturesque St. Johns River, it offers not just a place to park your RV, but a welcoming community with a host of convenient amenities.

NAS Jacksonville Manatee Cove RV Park, part of the Navy Getaways program, is renowned for its excellent service and well-maintained facilities. It's a place where service members, retirees, and eligible DoD civilians can find a peaceful retreat, often described as a "God send" by those who've experienced its hospitality, especially during challenging times. The park prides itself on going "above and beyond" to ensure guests have everything they need, from smooth reservation processes to helpful camp hosts who assist with everything from site assignments to even, as one reviewer noted, finding jumper cables in a pinch. This commitment to guest satisfaction, combined with its prime waterfront location, makes it a highly desirable spot for the military community in Florida.

NAS Jacksonville Manatee Cove RV Park is situated on Mustin Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32212, USA. This places it directly on Naval Air Station Jacksonville, providing a secure and exclusive environment for eligible patrons. Its location overlooking the beautiful St. Johns River offers scenic views and direct access to water-based activities.

Access to the park requires entry onto Naval Air Station Jacksonville, which means visitors must be eligible patrons (Active Duty, Reservists, National Guard, Retired Military, DoD Civilians, and certain sponsored guests) and adhere to base access policies. This controlled environment contributes to the park's sense of security and community. While on base, the RV park is conveniently located near various MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) facilities and essential services. Key aspects of its location and accessibility include:

• On-Base Convenience: Being within NAS Jacksonville means easy access to the Commissary, NEX (Navy Exchange), a gas station with propane fills, a hospital, auto care services, and other base amenities without having to leave the installation.
• St. Johns River Frontage: The park's position on the St. Johns River provides opportunities for waterfront sites and beautiful natural views, including the chance to spot local wildlife like manatees.
• Proximity to Jacksonville Attractions: While on base, the park is still conveniently located relative to downtown Jacksonville (approximately 15 minutes away) and Jacksonville Beach (around 30 minutes), offering access to city attractions, dining, and entertainment options.
• Gate Access: Visitors should be aware of specific gate hours. For example, the Yorktown Gate is typically open 24 hours, 365 days a year, while the Birmingham Gate has more limited hours. Confirming gate access procedures is essential for smooth arrival.

The clear directions provided by the MWR manager and camp hosts, even for midnight arrivals, contribute significantly to the ease of settling in, making it a stress-free experience for travelers, especially those arriving after long journeys or during emergencies like hurricane evacuations.

NAS Jacksonville Manatee Cove RV Park provides a comprehensive array of services designed to make every stay comfortable and convenient for its eligible guests:

• Full Hookup Sites: The park offers 39 full hookup sites, including sewer, water, and 30/50 amp electric service, ensuring all the comforts of home for RVers.
• Partial Hookup Sites: Additionally, there are three partial hookup sites that provide water and electric only, catering to different RVing needs.
• Dump Station: A convenient dump station is available for waste disposal, along with a strict "no discharge" policy to maintain cleanliness.
• Bathhouse with Showers & Restrooms: The facilities are consistently praised for being clean, well-maintained, and even heated, ensuring a comfortable experience for all campers.
• Complimentary Laundry Room: A highly valued amenity, the free laundry room (both washers and dryers) is a significant convenience for short and long-term stays.
• Free Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi access is available throughout the park, though, as one reviewer noted, it may be better for Browse on phones than for streaming heavy content.
• On-site Camp Host: A dedicated camp host is available on-site for after-hours assistance, site assignments, and general support, providing invaluable help, especially for late arrivals or emergencies.
• Package Acceptance: The RV Park Office can accept packages from FedEx and UPS, offering a convenient mailing solution for longer stays (USPS mail is not delivered directly to sites).
• Reservations: Reservations can be made well in advance – one year for Active Duty and Reservists, and six months for all other eligible patrons, with site locations assigned upon check-in.

Beyond the standard services, NAS Jacksonville Manatee Cove RV Park boasts several features and highlights that elevate the camping experience for military personnel and their families:

• Exceptional Staff and Customer Service: Repeatedly highlighted in reviews, the MWR manager and camp hosts are praised for their politeness, helpfulness, and willingness to go "above and beyond" to assist guests, even in unexpected situations like dead batteries or hurricane evacuations.
• Scenic St. Johns River Views: Overlooking the beautiful St. Johns River, many sites offer picturesque views and opportunities for wildlife observation, including the chance to see manatees.
• Access to Extensive Base Amenities: Staying at the RV park provides access to a wealth of MWR facilities on NAS Jacksonville, including a golf course (Casa Linda Oaks), fitness facilities, a bowling center (Tailhooks Bowling), swimming pools, a marina with boat rentals and a 24/7 launch ramp, bingo, various restaurants (like Spuds Dining), and a Commissary and NEX for shopping.
• Well-Maintained Sites: Sites are described as simple, easy to use, clean, and well-maintained, with options for concrete or gravel pads, and back-in or pull-through spaces.
• Secure and Quiet Environment: Being located on a naval air station provides an inherent level of security, and the park generally offers a quiet and relaxing environment, even when busy.
• Flexible Stay Lengths: Sites can be booked for up to 30 days at a time, with extensions possible up to a maximum of 180 days, and even longer for Active Duty personnel on orders, providing flexibility for various needs.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed (with specific rules like leash requirements and clean-up), making it a convenient option for those traveling with their furry companions.

For reservations, eligibility questions, or to confirm current rates and availability at NAS Jacksonville Manatee Cove RV Park, please use the following contact details:

Address: Mustin Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32212, USA (Located on Naval Air Station Jacksonville)

Phone: (904) 542-5898 (RV Park Office)

Mobile Phone: +1 904-542-5898 (Often the number for the Camp Host for after-hours assistance)

It's also advisable to check the official Navy MWR Jacksonville website for the most up-to-date information and online reservation portals.

For eligible Floridians who are part of our esteemed military community, NAS Jacksonville Manatee Cove RV Park stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly desirable camping destination. Its appeal to locals, particularly those with military affiliations, is multi-faceted, combining convenience, security, and a wealth of amenities.

Firstly, the park's location on Naval Air Station Jacksonville provides a unique blend of accessibility and security. For military families residing in Florida, a quick trip to NAS Jacksonville offers a safe and familiar environment for a getaway. The peace of mind that comes with staying on a secure installation is invaluable, allowing families to fully relax and enjoy their time. This is particularly appealing for those seeking a quiet retreat from the everyday hustle.

Secondly, the comprehensive range of services and on-base amenities makes it incredibly convenient. Having full hookup RV sites, free laundry facilities, and clean bathhouses right at your fingertips significantly enhances the comfort of camping. Furthermore, the ability to easily access the Commissary, NEX, medical facilities, and extensive MWR recreational options like golf, bowling, and a marina, means that all needs, from practical supplies to leisure activities, are met without ever having to leave the base. This level of convenience is often unmatched by civilian campgrounds.

Finally, the consistent praise for the "above and beyond" customer service from the MWR manager and camp hosts highlights a truly welcoming and supportive atmosphere. For a local military family or retiree, knowing that help is readily available, even for unexpected issues, fosters a strong sense of community and trust. Whether evacuating from a hurricane or simply seeking a relaxing weekend by the St. Johns River, NAS Jacksonville Manatee Cove RV Park offers a premier, tailor-made camping experience for those who have dedicated so much to our country, right here in the heart of Florida.

NAS Jacksonville Manatee Cove RV Park

Mustin Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32212, USA