Fort Clinch State Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Fort Clinch State Park offers exceptional RV camping at Florida's northeasternmost tip with 62 campsites across two distinct campgrounds—Amelia River Campground nestled under Spanish moss-laden oaks and Atlantic Beach Campground steps from the ocean. This 1,400-acre paradise combines pristine beaches, one of America's best-preserved 19th-century forts, 6 miles of hiking and biking trails, and year-round access to fishing, wildlife viewing, and living history programs, located just 30 miles northeast of Jacksonville on beautiful Amelia Island.
What Makes Fort Clinch State Park the Perfect RV Destination?
Fort Clinch State Park is not only an excellent place to enjoy coastal waters and hiking adventures—it's also a significant historic site. Located on Fernandina Beach at Florida's most northeasterly tip, this diverse 1,400-acre park features maritime hammocks with massive moss-covered live oak trees, three miles of pristine Atlantic Ocean shoreline, and strategic views across the St. Mary's River into Georgia.
History meets nature at Fort Clinch State Park. A row of cannons pointing across Cumberland Sound is silent testimony to the strategic importance of Fort Clinch during the Civil War. Although no battles were fought here, the fort was garrisoned during both the Civil and Spanish-American wars. Visitors can explore the fort's many rooms, galleries and grounds, and learn about the life of a Union soldier through unparalleled living history programs. Make plans to visit on the first weekend of every month when a soldier garrison fires cannons and demonstrates other battlefield skills—these reenactments bring 1864 to vivid life.
Beyond the historic fort, the park is known for its gopher tortoises, painted buntings, and diverse wildlife. Several miles of hard-packed beach sand can be ridden with large-tire bicycles during low tide. Camping, fishing, shelling, and shark-tooth hunting are popular activities. The park sits at the confluence of the Caney Fork, Collins, and Rocky Rivers on Center Hill Lake, offering exceptional opportunities for water-based recreation.
The park became part of the Florida State Park system in 1935, making it one of Florida's oldest state parks. During the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps began preserving and rebuilding many of the abandoned forts' structures. Today, Fort Clinch stands as one of the most well-preserved 19th-century fortifications in the country—a powerful reminder of America's coastal defense history.
Located just 30 miles northeast of Jacksonville and easily accessible from Interstate 95, Fort Clinch State Park serves as an ideal destination for both weekend getaways and extended RV adventures along Florida's Atlantic Coast.
Park Alerts: Check current Florida State Parks alerts before your visit. As of 2025, construction of a new dump station for the River campground may cause intermittent noise disruptions.
RV Rentals in Fort Clinch State Park
Transportation
Driving
Fort Clinch State Park is located on a peninsula at the northernmost point of Amelia Island in Fernandina Beach, Florida. From Interstate 95, take Exit 373 (the Fernandina Beach/Callahan exit) and stay to the right. Travel east on A1A (which becomes 8th Street within Fernandina Beach town limits) for approximately 16 miles. At the intersection of 8th Street and Atlantic Avenue, turn right on Atlantic Avenue and continue about 2 miles—Fort Clinch State Park will be on the left at 2601 Atlantic Avenue.
All roads within the park are paved and RV-friendly. The park drive provides 3.3 miles of oak-shaded canopy road that ends at the visitor center for historic Fort Clinch. There are no steep hills to contend with, and the park's roads easily accommodate RVs and trailers of all sizes permitted in the campgrounds. The park entrance is open year-round from 8 a.m. to sunset, 365 days a year.
Where Are the Best Gateway Cities for RV Rentals?
Jacksonville Access: Jacksonville RV rentals position you approximately 30 miles from Fort Clinch State Park via Interstate 95 and A1A. Florida's largest city offers full services, major shopping, Jacksonville International Airport access, and serves as an excellent base for exploring Northeast Florida's state parks, including nearby Little Talbot Island State Park.
Fernandina Beach Gateway: Fernandina Beach RV rentals offer the closest access to Fort Clinch—just minutes from the park entrance. This charming historic city on Amelia Island provides immediate access to the park while positioning you to explore the island's 13 miles of pristine beaches, historic downtown district, and famous Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival (held annually in May).
Parking
Parking is abundant within Fort Clinch State Park at multiple locations. The Atlantic Beach parking area offers 250 parking spots with direct beach access. The Visitor Center parking area accommodates approximately 150 vehicles, and the East and West Inlet parking areas near the Visitor Center provide additional parking for boats, kayaks, and RV day visitors.
Free parking is available at the fort's office, near the beach, and at each of the inlets. During peak summer season (June-August), arrive early on weekends as popular areas like Atlantic Beach fill quickly. Registered campers have designated parking at their campsites plus access to all day-use parking areas.
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Fort Clinch State Park
Campsites in Fort Clinch State Park
Reservations camping
Atlantic Beach Campground (Sites 1-27)
Located along the northeast tip of the park, just steps from the ocean, Atlantic Beach Campground offers 21 RV sites and 6 tent-only sites (Sites A-F) surrounded by snow white sand dunes and sunny, open sites typical of the Florida beach atmosphere. This campground puts you mere steps from three miles of pristine Atlantic Ocean shoreline—perfect for beachcombers, sunrise watchers, and those who want to fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves.
RV Sites (1-21): Each of the 21 RV sites accommodates rigs from 25 to 45 feet in back-in configurations. Sites feature a mixture of 30-amp and 50-amp electrical hookups, potable water connections, in-ground fire rings, charcoal grills, picnic tables, and lantern hangers. All RV sites include solid surfacing and accessible routes to the restroom facility. The campground's location provides unobstructed sunrise views and easy beach access via short walking paths through the dunes.
Tent-Only Sites (A-F): Six primitive, walk-to tent sites offer a more secluded beach camping experience. Each tent site includes a parking spur (approximately 10×20 feet) for one vehicle, but no wheeled camping equipment is permitted. These sites provide fire rings, picnic tables, and access to the modern bathhouse.
Amenities:
- Modern, fully accessible heated bathhouse with hot showers
- Air-conditioned restrooms
- Laundry facilities with washers and dryers
- Dump station near campground entrance (free for registered campers)
- Direct beach access via boardwalk
- All sites include Wi-Fi access
Atlantic Beach Campground operates year-round, making it perfect for winter snowbirds seeking Florida sunshine and warm Gulf Stream waters. The open, sunny sites provide natural warmth during cooler months while ocean breezes keep things comfortable during summer.
Amelia River Campground (Sites 22-62)
The Amelia River Campground is located at the north end of the park along the St. Mary's River, offering 41 shaded sites under a canopy of large, Spanish moss-laden live oak trees. This campground provides an "old Florida" ambiance with breathtaking views of the Amelia River just a short distance from each campsite. The heavily shaded sites create a cooler camping experience during hot summer months and provide excellent habitat for wildlife viewing.
All 41 sites accommodate RVs and trailers from 25 to 45 feet in back-in configurations. Each site is equipped with 30-amp or 50-amp electrical hookups (mixture varies by site), potable water connections, in-ground fire rings, charcoal grills, picnic tables, and lantern hangers. The riverside location offers serene water views, excellent fishing access, and opportunities to see dolphins, manatees, and wading birds.
Premium Sites: Sites #35 and #25 are ADA-accessible, equipped with concrete pads, water service, grills, and accessible walkways to the restrooms. These sites provide enhanced accessibility for visitors with mobility challenges.
Amenities:
- Two modern bathhouses with hot showers and accessible restrooms
- Air-conditioned restrooms (during warmer months)
- Laundry facilities with washers and dryers
- Dump station near campground entrance (free for registered campers)
- Playground nearby for children
- Picnic pavilion available
- All sites include Wi-Fi access
Sites 31-50 remain open year-round, while sites 22-30 close seasonally. The natural shade provided by massive live oaks creates a comfortable camping environment even during Florida's hottest months, while the river views and gentle breezes enhance the relaxing atmosphere.
Alternate camping
Private Campgrounds & RV Parks Near Fort Clinch
If Fort Clinch's campgrounds are full or you're seeking additional amenities, several excellent private options operate nearby:
Little Talbot Island Campground (17 miles south of Fort Clinch) offers stunning natural beauty on an undeveloped barrier island with 40 campsites featuring water and electrical hookups, modern restrooms and showers, playground, and direct access to 5 miles of pristine beaches perfect for surfing, fishing, and beachcombing.
Jacksonville North/St. Mary's KOA in Kingsland, Georgia (just across the Florida-Georgia border) provides full-service RV camping with sites up to 90 feet, 50-amp service, Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast, swimming pool, convenience store, and easy access to both Fort Clinch State Park and Cumberland Island National Seashore.
Bow & Arrow Campground in Yulee offers family-oriented camping just 15 minutes from Fort Clinch with full hookups, a peaceful country atmosphere, and proximity to Interstate 95 for convenient access to Jacksonville and Fernandina Beach attractions.
Explore more RV parks and campgrounds in Jacksonville and Fernandina Beach campgrounds for additional options near Fort Clinch State Park.
Seasonal activities in Fort Clinch State Park
In-Season
Fort Clinch
Fort Clinch is packed with history. Take a day to look around and you’ll find five bastions, enlisted men’s barracks, a prison, guard rooms, storehouses, bakery, kitchens, blacksmith’s shop, lumber sheds, the hospital, and galleries. You can truly get to see what it was like to be a soldier stationed here.
For more Northeast Florida coastal adventures, explore our Jacksonville state parks guide and Fernandina Beach area parks.
Playground
Let your kids roam free for a bit by letting them loose at the playground. You can relax while your kids get to release some wild energy. During the peak season, they might even get to make a few friends, and what better way to spend a summer is there than with new friends?
Picnicking
Bring some great food and great company for a good time at one of the picnic areas in the park. The picnic area at the Visitor Center even has a playground that the kids can play at and has grills for you to cook on. Enjoy a nice meal under the shade of the oak trees here and look out at the sand dunes and maritime hammock areas. There’s a picnic area near the main boardwalk as well.
Geocaching
When you combine technology with nature, you get loads of fun with this new take on the traditional scavenger hunting game. You’ll use GPS tracking and coordinates and your own exploration skills to find all the caches you’ll be looking for. This is a great way to get those who seem glued to their phones out in nature without actually having to put their phones down.
Wildlife Viewing
Florida’s tropical climate, marshes, and beaches make this state park abundant in different kinds of wildlife. Many people come here to go bird watching, but you’ll also get to see a lot just by looking down at your feet when standing in the sand. You might even get to see sea turtles and dolphins out in the ocean if you’re lucky.
Off-Season
Mountain Biking
The six-mile long trail located at the park is also available to cyclists. Park at the Visitor Center, unload, and ride off from there. Just be sure to watch out for hikers, as you’ll be sharing the path with them. This is a great way to exercise and enjoy the fresh air. Stay safe by wearing a helmet, as the trail can be challenging.
Hiking
There is a six-mile long trail available to those who are looking for a hiking challenge. You can also check out the Willow Pond Hiking Trail that takes you around a series of pretty freshwater ponds. You might even get to see alligators, deer, and birds here. If you’re looking for something shorter, there is a quarter mile long trail that can be accessed from the west inlet parking area. The beach is also always available for a stroll.
Beach
If you choose to visit the beach during the off-season, there will be fewer crowds so it can feel like you have the beach all to yourself. You can expect the weather to be a bit cooler, but never too cold with Florida being close to the equator. You’ll still get to enjoy many of the usual beach activities, without having to deal with all the people.
Campfire Circles
Every Saturday evening from November through April, the park rangers host these campfire programs at the Amelia River Amphitheater. This can be a really fun way to spend the evening and is entertaining for all ages. Topics can vary widely and range from animals and wildlife to camping tips and life in Florida.
Fort Clinch Museum
The Fort Clinch Museum is located near the Visitor Center and is free for all of those who wish to check it out. It’s also where you’ll find the entrance to the fort itself. Available year-round, the museum is a great part of the park to visit any time. Here you’ll see various historical displays of weapons used, uniforms and gear that was worn, letters from the soldiers, and many other important and interesting artifacts.
