04 Feb One of our favs…

The PipesTraveler.com troupe took a trip back up to Amelia Island, FL to visit old friends and neighbors in the area and booked a few nights at Fort Clinch State Park to be close.

This park, as the name would imply, is another outstanding Florida State Park. We knew of the park from previous visits and we’re happy to report that the park is still in good stead. Located on the most Northern barrier island on the NE coast of Florida. The small town of Fernandina Beach is THE town on the island. https://www.ameliaisland.com/

We LOVE this part of the state as it’s still about as real as it gets for that old Florida beach town fun and lifestyle. The beaches have shells, lots of sharks teeth and are often almost deserted. No tall obnoxious condo buildings or hotels either. Beachcombing here is truly enjoyable. The bars and restaurants in Fernandina Beach are aplenty to sample and we’ll never come to town without a visit to an island favorite by locals and tourist alike– The Green Turtle Tavern. It has a roomy porch with live music on most nights, two dollar beer specials (tall boys) and a big BBQ sammich with chips for five bucks. This writer has found that if you ask for Ismeralda give her a wink and a smile, she’ll take excellent care of you! It’s dog friendly too!! http://www.greenturtletavern.com/

Back to the RV and camping experience… the RV campgrounds are in two areas, the Amelia River (40 sites) and the Atlantic Beach (21 sites) sections. The beach section is very exposed with no vegetation separating the sites and no trees for shade BUT its within an easy walk to the beautiful ocean side beaches. All the sites on the ocean side lay out around one big circle. No privacy at all. The wind is the common complaint over in that area and with wind blowing beach sand its no fun. The river section is well shaded with some foliage between most of the sites. The focal point are the views across the Amelia River and everyone gathers for the sunsets which are very cool.

All campsites have electric and water but no sewer connections. The sites all need a nice heavy topcoat of gravel to help with the drainage….most of the river sites were muddy and annoying to deal with especially with a four-legged friend. Pets are not allowed on any of the boardwalks or beaches but welcomed otherwise. Between the beachcombing, fishing, hiking trails and the historic civil war fort, the 1,400 acre park will keep you busy. Just outside the main gate to the park lies all the town’s amenities, including lots of shopping for the ladies.

Taking into consideration our overall experience this park will receive a 4 Pickle rating out of five. The muddy sites and no full hookups were the only negative points but they hurt our recommendation.

Fort Clinch State Park – 2601 Atlantic Ave. Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 Contact info: (904) 277-7274 https://www.floridastateparks.org/fortclinch