Camping

Vacationers looking for an affordable, refreshing escape this summer will be packing their tents, rubbing in the sunscreen and breathing in fresh air in Northeast Florida's green spaces.  For the outdoor enthusiast, what could be better than casting a line with the kids or snuggling close to someone special by an open camp fire?

Some of Jacksonville's best campsites are just steps from white, sandy beaches along the coast.  Huguenot Memorial Park has more than 70 primitive campsites on a 295-acre horseshoe-shaped peninsula surrounded by the Fort George Inlet, the St. Johns River and the Atlantic Ocean.  Wake up early for a romantic stroll as the sun rises over the clear waters.  Or take little explorers out for great fishing and bird watching.  The park has incomparable wildlife watching as one of the Great Florida Birding Trail sites.  The locals flock here, as it's a favorite spot for soaking up the sun, and it's the only stretch of coastline in Northeast Florida that permits driving on the beach. 

For a glimpse of unspoiled Florida with beaches on one side and salt marsh and maritime forests along the other, visit Little Talbot Island State Park, one of seven islands that make up the Talbot Islands State Parks.  This quiet campground invites you to take a step away from it all, but features many amenities to make even the apprehensive camper comfortable.  There are two full-facility bath houses and each of the 40 campsites has water, electricity, an in-ground fire ring and a picnic table.  Bike or hike five miles of pristine beaches or meander along a wooded nature trail.  Bike rentals are available at the Ranger Station. 

Kayak Amelia, located on Little Talbot Island, offers guided tours of the island and its critters, eco-system and history.  Tours begin with brief instructions for those less experienced and the tour guide's humor and stories of the island will keep everyone enthused.  Prefer a tour landside? Hop aboard a cross-terrain Segway with EcoMotion Tours. These eco-friendly, battery-operated modes of transport, designed to minimize visitors' environmental footprint, will allow for an off-road experience to witness wildlife and take a peek at the extensive history of the area. 

For the ultimate family experience head to Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, offering a refreshing experience in a natural playground.  Create your entire vacation within this 447-acre park showcasing the best of Jacksonville landscapes, from rolling sand dunes to shady wooded trails.  Put a roof over your head in Hanna Park's cozy cabins and then explore Florida flora and fauna on biking and hiking trails.  The kids' will be entertained for hours at the lake with fishing docks, paddle boat rentals and a nearby children's play and splash park.  Don't leave the beloved family pet; at home; leashed pets are always welcome on the beaches of Hanna Park. 

This summer, the beaches have free entertainment lined-up with the popular Moonlight Movies Series and the Summer Jazz Concert Series.  Grab wine and cheese from a local market and cuddle next to someone special as the sounds of jazz float on ocean breezes at the Sea Walk Pavilion.  Moonlight Movies offers the perfect opportunity for families to watch classic movies and new favorites under the stars.  Rowdy kids can play in the designated kids' area before the show and local vendors sell movie treats. 

Enjoy the luxurious side of camping at Flamingo Lake RV Resort.  Relax in the comfort of your motor vehicle with the resort's 288 full hook up sites including water, electricity, cable, sewer and free wireless Internet.  Families will enjoy time on the lakefront beach and swimming in the spring-fed blue waters.  There's a restaurant and general store on site as a convenience and family attractions like the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens are located minutes away.  Bring the entire family for a reunion.  The resort has a mess hall on site with a kitchen, dance floor and outdoor space for lakefront activities.  For affordable, unique accommodations, stay in the park's furnished cabins that can house up to six adults and four kids. 

To plan your outdoor escape to Jacksonville, call (800) 733-2668 or log on to www.VisitJacksonville.com.