With all the attractions Florida has to offer, it becomes hard at times to decide which one you may want to do. If the beach is what you are looking for, I recommend camping at one of the State Campgrounds listed below.
Gamble Rodgers Campground at Flagler Beach on A1A is a campground with only thirty four lots. Twenty four of these lots will accommodate any size camper while the rest is best suited for tents, popups, and small campers. Half the lots back up to the Atlantic ocean with most of these having a wonderful view of the ocean. On the North side of the campground is a park with a public beach and picnic area. The ranger station is located on the west side of A1A where there is a picnic area, nature trails, and a boat ramp with access to the Intracoastal Waterway. There is nowhere to ride a bike except on the highway. However, it is only three miles into Flagler Beach which is a good but short bike ride. Gamble Rodgers is an excellent place for the beach lover; however, getting a reservation during beach weather can be hard to do.
Sebastian Inlet State Park located in Melbourne on A1A is divided into two separate parts. South of the inlet is the campground which has over fifty lots that will accommodate most any size camper. Fourteen of these sites have an excellent view of the Sebastian Inlet. This campground is excellent for the fisherman as well as the beach lover. The boat ramp allows for easy access to the Indian River as well as the Atlantic Ocean. Fishing is allowed along the shores of the Inlet as well as the small docks located along the inlet. A short walk east of the campground is the Atlantic Ocean with beautiful beaches for swimming, surfing, and fishing. On the north side of the inlet there is a great place for the younger children to swim in the inlet where there are no currents or surf and the water is shallow. On the ocean side one will find bait and tackle shop, concession stand, bathhouse, and a jetty for fishing.
Little Talbot Island State Park just north of Jacksonville has one of the prettiest beaches along the East coast of Florida. The campground is located on the west side of Heckscher Drive with thirty six sites that are well shaded. Due to the large oak trees this campground has a thirty foot maximum for RV length. Across the road from the campground is five miles of undeveloped beaches, at low tide the sand is packed well enough for bicycle rides along the shore line. In addition, there is a paved road along the island that is great for bicycle riding as well as rollerblading. The nature trail winds through the woods and ends with a spectacular view of the ocean.
Fort Clinch State Park also located just north of Jacksonville at Fernandina Beach has two campgrounds. The circle on the Atlantic Ocean has twenty sites and has no shade, yet they are within easy walking distance to the beaches. The River circle has over thirty lots all under a canopy of oak trees. The campground circles are a little more than three miles apart and have a paved road connecting the two which is great for bike riding or jogging. Also there are several miles of beach that is great for bike riding at low tides.
Article by Larry West
