From beachfront campsites where you can wake to ocean breezes, to shady forest hideaways alive with the sounds of birdsong, camping in St. Augustine lets you trade hotel walls for open skies and quiet trails. Whether you’re traveling in a fully equipped RV or setting up a tent on a patch of wild Florida land, this guide will walk you through some of the area’s best spots to unplug, unwind, and immerse yourself in nature—without straying too far from the heart of one of America’s most historic cities.
Beachfront Bliss: Oceanfront Camping Options
One of the most unforgettable ways to experience St. Augustine’s natural beauty is by camping along its picturesque coastline. Imagine waking up to the sound of waves crashing, stepping out of your tent or RV into the salty breeze, and watching the sunrise over the Atlantic. Camping near the beach offers the best of both worlds: direct access to water activities and the serenity of Florida’s coastal ecosystems. Whether you’re a tent camper seeking simplicity or an RV traveler looking for resort-style amenities, these beachfront options provide scenic stays with unbeatable proximity to the ocean.
Anastasia State Park
Located just minutes from downtown, Anastasia State Park is a crown jewel of Florida’s state park system. This sprawling 1,600-acre coastal park is home to four miles of protected beach, a tidal salt marsh, maritime hammock forests, and a rich diversity of plant and animal life. The park offers 139 campsites tucked beneath the shady canopy of ancient oaks and palmettos, providing natural shelter from the coastal sun and wind. All sites are suitable for tents and RVs and come equipped with water, electricity, picnic tables, and grills, plus access to clean restrooms and hot showers.
What makes Anastasia State Park a favorite among campers is the seamless connection between recreation and relaxation. You can spend the day surfing the beach break, paddling Salt Run on a rented kayak or paddleboard, or hiking the Ancient Dunes Trail. Birdwatchers will be thrilled by sightings of ospreys, herons, and migratory species that frequent the area year-round. The park also features a small camp store, beach concessions, and bike rentals—making it easy to stay active and enjoy the outdoors without leaving the park. Whether you’re camping for a weekend or a full week, Anastasia offers the perfect blend of beach access and wild Florida charm.
North Beach Camp Resort
Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the North River, North Beach Camp Resort delivers an immersive coastal camping experience on a barrier island just north of historic downtown St. Augustine. This privately owned campground feels like a hidden oasis, shaded by towering oak trees and thick palmetto groves that offer both beauty and privacy. The campground offers a mix of full-hookup RV sites, primitive tent camping, and cozy cabin rentals—giving campers flexible options depending on their setup and preferences.
The real magic of North Beach Camp Resort is in its location. Within a few minutes’ walk, you can dip your toes in the Atlantic or launch a kayak on the quieter waters of the North River. The campground also offers excellent on-site amenities like a swimming pool, laundry facilities, and clean bathhouses. Just steps away, you’ll find Aunt Kate’s Restaurant, a local favorite for fresh seafood with waterfront views. Whether you’re fishing off the dock, cycling along scenic A1A, or watching the sunset from your hammock, North Beach Camp Resort offers a laid-back, nature-filled escape with easy access to both beach and river adventures.
Bryn Mawr Ocean Resort
If oceanfront access is at the top of your list, Bryn Mawr Ocean Resort may be your dream destination. This resort is the only beachfront RV park located directly on St. Augustine Beach, giving campers the rare opportunity to stay just steps from the sand. All RV sites are full hookup and come with concrete pads, picnic tables, and cable TV—blending the comfort of home with the unmatched experience of sleeping beside the ocean. The resort also offers park model rentals for those who prefer a cabin-style stay.
The amenities at Bryn Mawr are designed to elevate your camping experience. Two swimming pools, a tennis court, shuffleboard, and a private beach boardwalk create a resort-like atmosphere with a casual, friendly vibe. The beach here is quieter than the public access points, making it ideal for early morning walks, shell hunting, or a peaceful day in the sun. Plus, you’re just a short drive from downtown St. Augustine’s historic attractions, dining, and entertainment. For RV campers seeking prime beach real estate without sacrificing convenience, Bryn Mawr Ocean Resort is a standout choice.
Nature’s Retreat: State Parks and Forests
For campers who crave a deeper connection with Florida’s wild side, the state parks and forest preserves around St. Augustine offer a peaceful escape from the bustle of everyday life. These natural spaces invite visitors to unplug, slow down, and immerse themselves in landscapes shaped by ancient rivers, dense pine forests, and coastal hammocks. Whether you’re pitching a tent beneath towering longleaf pines or paddling through glassy blackwater creeks, these retreats provide a raw, restorative camping experience grounded in conservation and quiet.
Matanzas State Forest – Cedar Creek Campground
Tucked away just south of St. Augustine, Matanzas State Forest offers one of the area’s most peaceful and primitive camping experiences at its Cedar Creek Campground. This small, tent-only campground features just four sites, each surrounded by longleaf pines and palmetto thickets. The minimal setup—picnic tables, fire rings, and a shared portable toilet—means you’ll need to bring your own water and supplies, but what you get in return is serenity that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area
Roughly 30 miles south of St. Augustine in Flagler Beach, Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area is a coastal park that offers the rare luxury of camping with an oceanfront view. The campground features 34 sites perched just behind the dunes, allowing campers to fall asleep to the sound of the surf and wake up with the sunrise over the Atlantic. The campground also includes a riverside loop with sites along the Intracoastal Waterway for those who prefer a more sheltered location. All sites include water, electricity, picnic tables, and access to modern restrooms and showers.
This park is especially well-suited for outdoor recreation. Campers can spend the day beachcombing, fishing from the surf, launching a kayak from the on-site boat ramp, or exploring interpretive trails that weave through the coastal scrub habitat. The area is rich in wildlife, and lucky visitors may catch glimpses of sea turtles nesting in the summer or dolphins playing in the river.
Moses Creek Conservation Area
Just a few miles south of downtown, Moses Creek Conservation Area offers one of the most rustic and wild camping experiences near St. Augustine. This 2,000-acre preserve protects a mosaic of habitats—from hardwood hammocks to tidal marshes—and features a few primitive campsites accessible by hiking or paddling in. There are no hookups, electricity, or modern restrooms, so campers should come prepared to rough it.
For those willing to make the effort, Moses Creek rewards with unmatched solitude and some of the best stargazing in the area. The preserve is home to an abundance of wildlife including otters, bald eagles, and bobcats, and it’s crisscrossed by miles of hiking and equestrian trails.
Pellicer Creek Campground
For a cozy, peaceful place to park your RV or pitch your tent, Pellicer Creek Campground offers a family-friendly base tucked along the calm waters of Pellicer Creek. This small, privately owned campground features about three dozen sites shaded by tall oaks and pines, each with full hookups and Wi-Fi access. It’s a quiet, low-key spot where many campers return year after year for the welcoming atmosphere and scenic natural surroundings.
The real charm here lies in the easy access to the water. Bring your kayak or canoe—or rent one nearby—and spend the afternoon paddling past marsh grasses and herons. The campground also puts you within close driving distance of both Faver-Dykes State Park and the beaches of St. Augustine, making it a great central location for exploring the region.
Family-Friendly Campgrounds and RV Parks
Image by Siggy Nowak from Pixabay
Not every camping trip has to mean roughing it in the wilderness. If you’re traveling with kids, extended family, or simply prefer a few extra comforts, St. Augustine offers a range of campgrounds and RV parks that combine natural beauty with family-friendly amenities. These locations are ideal for travelers looking for a balance between the outdoors and the conveniences of modern vacationing—think swimming pools, playgrounds, and easy access to attractions. Whether you’re in a tent, RV, or cozy cabin, these campgrounds provide a fun, stress-free way to experience St. Augustine together.
St. Augustine Beach KOA Holiday
Just a short bike ride from the beach and minutes from downtown, St. Augustine Beach KOA Holiday is one of the most family-oriented campgrounds in the area. It offers a wide variety of accommodations including shaded tent sites, full-hookup RV spots, and air-conditioned deluxe cabins—ideal for campers of all comfort levels. With paved roads and level sites, it’s easy to navigate even for large RVs or first-time campers.
What makes this KOA particularly great for families is the abundance of kid-friendly activities. The campground features a seasonal swimming pool, a stocked fishing pond, and a playground to help young campers burn off energy. There are also planned family events during peak seasons, as well as a shuttle service into historic downtown for sightseeing without the parking hassle.
Ocean Grove RV Resort
Located just across from the beach on A1A South, Ocean Grove RV Resort is a great choice for families looking for a full-service camping experience with a tropical vibe. The resort offers RV sites, tent camping areas, and cottage rentals, giving guests a range of ways to stay. With palm-lined streets, colorful buildings, and a laid-back atmosphere, it feels like a small beach town within a campground.
Ocean Grove is packed with family-friendly amenities, including a heated swimming pool, hot tub, playground, and basketball court. There’s also a dog park for your four-legged family members, a convenience store, and even a restaurant and bar on-site—great for parents who want to relax while the kids play. The resort also has a boat ramp and fishing dock, making it easy to spend a day on the water without ever leaving the property.
St. Augustine RV Resort
Conveniently situated just off I-95, St. Augustine RV Resort offers easy access to both the historic downtown district and the surrounding natural attractions. With 145 spacious sites, each with full hookups, concrete pads, and Wi-Fi, the resort caters especially well to RV travelers looking for convenience and comfort. The grounds are clean, well-maintained, and designed for both short- and long-term stays.
This resort is perfect for families who want a peaceful retreat that still keeps them close to the heart of St. Augustine. On-site amenities include a lakeside swimming pool, clubhouse with games and activities, a fenced dog park, and picnic areas. The resort is also just minutes from major grocery stores and family restaurants, making it easy to stock up and settle in. It’s a great option for families who want a quieter base with a short drive to beaches, museums, and other downtown attractions.
Embrace the Outdoors in St. Augustine
Camping in St. Augustine isn’t just about finding a place to pitch a tent or park an RV—it’s about experiencing Florida in its most authentic form. With landscapes that range from sunlit beaches and maritime hammocks to freshwater creeks and longleaf pine forests, this region offers something truly special for every type of camper. Whether you’re sipping coffee under an oak canopy, falling asleep to the sound of crashing waves, or watching a great blue heron glide across a tidal marsh, the moments you create here are grounded in nature and shaped by the land’s quiet beauty.
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