Anastasia State Park Camping Review: St. Augustine's Beach Campground

Anastasia State Park is the campground that makes people fall in love with Florida camping. It sits on Anastasia Island, a few miles south of St. Augustine’s historic district, with 139 shaded sites nestled under a canopy of live oaks draped in Spanish moss. The park protects 1,600 acres of coastal habitat — tidal salt marshes, ancient maritime hammock forest, sand dunes, and four miles of undeveloped Atlantic beach. It is not a resort. It is not a gravel lot with hookups. It is a genuinely beautiful state park campground that happens to sit minutes from the oldest European-founded city in the United States.

Here is the honest verdict: Anastasia State Park is the best campground in the St. Augustine area and one of the best state park campgrounds in Florida, period. The live oak canopy creates a cathedral-like atmosphere that no private RV park can replicate. The beach is pristine and uncrowded. The kayak and paddleboard launches onto the park’s tidal creeks are spectacular. And the proximity to St. Augustine — with its Castillo de San Marcos, cobblestone streets, restaurants, and 450 years of history — gives you a campground that combines natural beauty with genuine cultural depth.

The caveats: there are no sewer hookups at individual sites, only water and electric. The maximum RV length is 38 feet, which excludes larger Class A motorhomes and long fifth wheels. The sites are Florida-standard sandy pads, which means some are tight for bigger rigs. And the campground books out fast — Florida residents can reserve 11 months ahead, and popular dates fill within hours of opening. This review covers all the details so you can plan your stay.

For a broader look at Florida camping options, see our best RV parks in Florida guide.

Getting There#

Anastasia State Park is located at 300 Anastasia Park Road, St. Augustine, FL 32080, on Anastasia Island just south of the historic district. The park entrance is on A1A South (FL-A1A), approximately 2 miles south of the Bridge of Lions, which connects St. Augustine’s mainland to the island.

From I-95: Take Exit 311 (FL-207 East) and follow the signs toward St. Augustine Beach. FL-207 becomes FL-312, which crosses the Intracoastal Waterway to Anastasia Island. Turn left (north) on A1A, and the park entrance is about 2 miles ahead on your right.

From the north on US-1: Follow US-1 through St. Augustine to the Bridge of Lions (FL-A1A), cross the bridge to Anastasia Island, and turn right (south) on A1A. The park entrance is approximately 1 mile south of the bridge.

From Jacksonville: Approximately 40 miles south on I-95, about 50 minutes depending on traffic.

The park is easy to find and access is straightforward for RVs within the 38-foot length limit. The roads on Anastasia Island are well-maintained, and the park entrance road is paved and suitable for RVs.

St. Augustine itself has everything you need for provisioning. There is a Publix supermarket less than 2 miles south of the park on A1A, along with gas stations, pharmacies, and restaurants. For big-box shopping, Jacksonville (40 miles north) has the full complement.

Navigation tip: Avoid routing through the narrow streets of downtown St. Augustine with your RV. Use I-95 and FL-312 to reach the island directly. The Bridge of Lions in downtown is passable but the surrounding streets are tight, congested, and stressful with anything over 25 feet.

The Campground#

Anastasia State Park’s campground is set within a maritime hammock forest — a coastal ecosystem dominated by live oaks, cabbage palms, palmetto understory, and Spanish moss. The canopy creates a shaded, enclosed atmosphere that feels worlds apart from the open beaches just a short drive away. This is not scrub flatlands or pine plantation — it is dense, mature coastal forest with a character that makes the campground genuinely special.

The campground has 139 sites across seven loops: AWNG, COQU, QCON, SAND, SEAB, SEAU, and SEYE. Each loop has its own personality, and understanding the differences helps with site selection.

Site Types and Layout#

All 139 sites offer:

• Electric: 20/30/50-amp service (availability varies by site)
• Water: Individual water connections
• Picnic table: One per site
• In-ground grill and fire ring: At each site

There are no sewer hookups at individual sites. A dump station is located near the campground entrance. This means you will need to manage your gray and black water tanks and make periodic trips to the dump station during your stay. For stays of three nights or fewer, most RVs can manage comfortably. For longer stays, you will want to schedule dump runs every two to three days depending on your tank capacity and water usage.

The sites are sandy pads — standard for Florida — and generally level. Most are designed for rigs up to 38 feet, though some sites accommodate shorter rigs more comfortably than others. The campground was not designed in the era of 40-foot fifth wheels and triple slide-outs. Smaller rigs (travel trailers, Class C motorhomes, vans) will find the sites comfortable and easy to navigate. Larger rigs approaching the 38-foot limit should request specific sites known to work for bigger vehicles.

The Live Oak Canopy#

The defining feature of Anastasia’s campground is the live oak canopy. These are not recently planted saplings — they are mature, spreading oaks with massive limbs that arch over the campground roads and sites, creating a continuous green ceiling draped with Spanish moss. The effect is both shading and atmospheric. On a hot Florida afternoon, the temperature under the canopy can be 10 to 15 degrees cooler than the open beach, and the dappled light filtering through the leaves gives the campground a quality of light that no awning or shade structure can replicate.

The Spanish moss, the palmetto understory, and the sandy forest floor create a distinctly Florida environment — lush, subtropical, and alive with birdsong. In the early morning, the campground fills with the calls of painted buntings, cardinals, mockingbirds, and the occasional pileated woodpecker. This is a campground where nature is the primary amenity.

Sites to Request#

Recommended sites for larger RVs (based on camper reports): 24, 43, 48, 66, 77, 78, 80, 84, 96, 111, 114, 127, and 134. These sites have wider pads, better maneuvering room, and handle rigs approaching the 38-foot limit more comfortably.

For the best campground experience regardless of rig size:

• Sites in the SAND and SEAB loops tend to have the most mature tree cover and the most secluded, natural feel.
• Sites on loop ends and corners generally offer more space and fewer immediate neighbors.
• Sites near the nature trails provide easy access to the park’s hiking paths without walking through other camping areas.

Sites to Avoid#

• Sites near the campground entrance and dump station see more vehicle traffic and the dump station generates noise and occasional odor.
• Sites closest to A1A may catch some road noise, though the forest canopy provides significant sound buffering.
• Interior sites in the more developed loops can feel tighter, with less vegetation screening between neighbors.

Pro tip: Study the campground map on the Florida State Parks website before booking. The site map shows pad dimensions, and you can cross-reference with user reviews on Campendium and The Dyrt for site-specific feedback. For the most desirable sites during peak season, set a reminder for the moment the reservation window opens — popular sites book out within hours.

Hookups and Amenities#

Hookups#

Every site includes:

• Electric: 20/30/50-amp service (varies by site — verify your site’s amperage when booking)
• Water: Individual water connections

There are no sewer hookups at individual sites. The dump station is located near the campground entrance and is included with your camping fee.

The electrical service is reliable for a state park. The 50-amp outlets (where available) are particularly valuable during summer months when air conditioning is running continuously. Check your specific site’s amperage during the booking process — not all sites have 50-amp service.

There is no Wi-Fi at the campground. Cell coverage on Anastasia Island is generally good on all major carriers, so a cellular hotspot is your best option for internet access. T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon all provide usable LTE coverage at the park.

Facilities#

• Bathhouses: The park has updated bathhouses with flush toilets and hot showers. Reviews consistently describe the facilities as clean, well-maintained, and abundant — there are enough bathhouse locations that you are never far from a restroom. The recent facility upgrades are noticeable and appreciated.
• Dump station: Located near the campground entrance. No fee for registered campers.
• Camp store and rental concession (Anastasia Watersports): Located in the day-use area, the concession rents bicycles, kayaks, canoes, sailboats, and stand-up paddleboards. This is one of the park’s best features — having quality watercraft rentals on-site means you do not need to haul your own kayak to explore the tidal creeks.
• Nature trails: Several miles of trails wind through the maritime hammock, salt marshes, and dune systems. The Ancient Dunes Nature Trail is a short, easy loop through the maritime hammock. The Salt Run Trail follows the tidal waterway and is excellent for birding.
• Picnic areas: Available in the day-use area near the beach access.

What’s Missing#

There is no pool, no hot tub, no laundry facility, and no on-site grocery store. This is a state park, not a resort — the amenities support nature-based recreation rather than resort-style comfort. If you need laundry, the nearest laundromat is on A1A about 2 miles south. Groceries are available at the Publix less than 2 miles from the park entrance.

What’s Nearby#

Anastasia State Park Beach#

The park protects four miles of undeveloped Atlantic beach, accessed from the day-use parking area about a 5-minute drive from the campground. Wooden boardwalks cross the dunes (including a wheelchair-accessible path) to reach the wide, sandy shoreline. This is not a developed beach with lifeguards, concessions, and umbrellas — it is a natural beach with clean sand, good surf, and far fewer people than the public beaches in St. Augustine.

Key beach activities:

• Swimming: The Atlantic surf on Anastasia Island is generally gentle enough for wading and moderate swimming. No lifeguards on duty — swim at your own risk.
• Surfing: St. Augustine has a modest but dedicated surf community. The beach break at the park produces rideable waves, particularly during fall and winter swell seasons.
• Shelling: The beach produces a variety of shells, especially after storms. Walk south toward the less-trafficked stretches for the best finds.
• Birding on the beach: Least terns, royal terns, sanderlings, and pelicans are common along the shoreline. During migration seasons, the beach hosts a wider variety of shorebirds.

Kayaking and Paddling#

This is Anastasia’s hidden gem and one of the best reasons to stay at this campground. The park’s tidal creeks and Salt Run waterway provide sheltered paddling through mangrove-like habitat with exceptional wildlife viewing.

• Paddleboard and kayak rentals: Available at Anastasia Watersports, located behind the watersports building in the day-use area. The launch is directly into the tidal creek system. No experience necessary — the sheltered waters are beginner-friendly.
• Salt Run: A tidal lagoon that separates Anastasia Island from the mainland. The calm, shallow waters are ideal for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Manatees, dolphins, and sea turtles are all possible sightings.
• Guided tours: Available through the concession for those who want an interpretive paddling experience.

St. Augustine Historic District#

St. Augustine was founded in 1565 by Spanish explorer Pedro Menendez de Aviles, making it the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the United States. The historic district is approximately 3 miles north of the campground, a 10-minute drive or a pleasant bike ride across the Bridge of Lions.

Key historic sites:

• Castillo de San Marcos: A 17th-century Spanish stone fortress, the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States. Managed by the NPS, with a small admission fee. The coquina walls, cannon demonstrations, and views across Matanzas Bay make this a must-visit.
• St. George Street: The main pedestrian street through the historic district, lined with shops, restaurants, cafes, and historic buildings. Walk it end to end for the full experience.
• Lightner Museum: Housed in the former Alcazar Hotel (built by Henry Flagler in 1888), the museum features decorative arts, antiques, and Gilded Age architecture.
• Flagler College: A stunning Spanish Renaissance-style building originally built as the Ponce de Leon Hotel. Tours are available and the architecture alone is worth the visit.
• St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum: A working lighthouse on Anastasia Island with 219 steps to the top. The views from the gallery are the best panoramic of St. Augustine and the Atlantic coast.
• Fort Matanzas National Monument: A smaller Spanish fortification 14 miles south of St. Augustine on Rattlesnake Island, accessible by free NPS ferry. Far less crowded than the Castillo and equally interesting historically.

St. Augustine Beach#

The public beach at St. Augustine Beach is about 3 miles south of the park entrance on A1A. It is a developed beach with lifeguards (seasonal), public restrooms, restaurants, and shops along the beachfront. If you want a more amenity-rich beach day than the state park offers, this is the alternative.

Dining in St. Augustine#

St. Augustine’s restaurant scene is strong for a city of its size, reflecting both its tourism economy and its long multicultural history:

• The Floridian: Farm-to-table Southern cooking with local seafood. The shrimp and grits are a standout.
• Cap’s on the Water: Waterfront dining on the Intracoastal. Excellent fresh seafood and sunset views.
• Columbia Restaurant: A Florida institution since 1905. Spanish-Cuban cuisine in a St. George Street setting.
• Catch 27: Fresh, seasonal seafood in the historic district. Reservations recommended.
• Hot Shot Bakery and Cafe: The best coffee and pastries in town. Start your morning here if you bike into the historic district.

Dining tip: Restaurant parking in the historic district is limited and stressful. Leave your tow vehicle at the park and bike across the Bridge of Lions, or use the city’s parking garages and walk. Do not bring your RV into the historic district.

The Honest Details#

What Works#

The live oak canopy is the headline feature. No amount of resort landscaping can replicate what nature has built at Anastasia over centuries. The mature live oaks draped in Spanish moss create a campground atmosphere that is genuinely magical — cool, shaded, and alive with birdsong. This alone sets Anastasia apart from every private RV park in the area.

The beach is pristine and uncrowded. Four miles of undeveloped Atlantic beach within a state park means clean sand, natural dunes, and far fewer people than the public beaches. Having this caliber of beach access from your campground is rare on the Florida Atlantic coast, where most beachfront is developed.

The paddling is world-class for a campground. Having on-site kayak and paddleboard rentals with direct launch into sheltered tidal creeks full of manatees, dolphins, and birds is an extraordinary amenity. Many visitors say the paddling at Anastasia is the highlight of their entire trip.

The St. Augustine proximity adds a dimension no other Florida campground can match. Being 10 minutes from a city with 450 years of history, a National Monument, museums, and excellent restaurants gives your camping trip a cultural depth that pure-nature campgrounds cannot offer. You can spend the morning on the beach, the afternoon in a 17th-century fortress, and the evening grilling dinner under the oaks. That range of experience is special.

The updated facilities are clean and well-maintained. Florida State Parks have invested in facility upgrades across the system, and Anastasia reflects this. The bathhouses are clean, the trails are maintained, and the park staff is attentive. The overall quality of maintenance is noticeable and appreciated.

What Doesn’t Work#

No sewer hookups. This is the most significant infrastructure limitation. You will need to manage your tanks and make dump station runs during stays longer than two to three nights. For short stays, this is a minor inconvenience. For longer stays, it becomes a regular chore.

The 38-foot RV limit excludes many larger rigs. If you drive a 40-foot Class A or a long fifth wheel, Anastasia is not an option. The campground was designed for an era of smaller RVs, and the oak canopy that makes it beautiful also makes it impossible to expand site dimensions. This is the price of camping under century-old trees.

Some sites are tight. Not all 139 sites are created equal. Some pads are narrow, some have trees that limit slide-out deployment, and some require careful maneuvering that can be stressful for inexperienced drivers. Research specific site dimensions before booking, and err on the side of choosing a site rated for slightly longer than your actual rig length.

Booking is fiercely competitive. Florida residents can book 11 months ahead; non-residents can book 10 months ahead. Popular dates (Thanksgiving, Christmas, February through April) fill within hours of the reservation window opening. This is not an exaggeration — you need to be online at the exact moment reservations open and prepared to book immediately. Weekend stays during any season are harder to get than weekday stays.

Summer heat and humidity are intense. June through September brings daily temperatures in the low 90s with high humidity. The live oak canopy helps, and the ocean breeze provides some relief, but if you are not accustomed to Florida summer weather, it can be oppressive. The mosquitoes also intensify in summer, particularly after rain. Bring repellent and consider visiting in the shoulder months instead.

No-see-ums and mosquitoes. This is coastal Florida hammock habitat, which means biting insects are part of the ecosystem. They are worst at dawn and dusk and during still, humid conditions. Quality insect repellent (DEET-based or picaridin) is essential. Some campers bring screened enclosures for their outdoor living areas.

Who It’s Best For#

• Nature-focused campers who value a beautiful natural setting over resort amenities
• Kayakers and paddlers who want direct access to outstanding tidal creek paddling
• History enthusiasts who want to combine camping with the St. Augustine experience
• Birders who appreciate the park’s diverse coastal habitats
• Couples and families with smaller rigs (under 38 feet) who enjoy state park camping

Who Should Look Elsewhere#

• Large-rig owners with rigs over 38 feet — private parks on A1A offer full hookups for any size rig
• Campers who need sewer hookups and do not want to manage tanks — several private parks in the area offer full hookups
• Visitors who want resort amenities (pool, hot tub, organized activities) — the Ocean Grove RV Resort and St. Augustine Beach KOA provide resort-style facilities
• Snowbirds seeking long-term monthly rates — most state parks limit stays to 14 consecutive nights, which is too short for seasonal stays

Full Specs and Booking#

Anastasia State Park Campground

• Address: 300 Anastasia Park Road, St. Augustine, FL 32080
• Phone: (904) 461-2033 (park office); (800) 326-3521 (reservations)
• Website: floridastateparks.org/anastasia
• Total sites: 139
• Hookups: Water and electric (20/30/50-amp, varies by site) — no sewer at sites
• Dump station: Yes (free for registered campers)
• Max RV length: 38 feet
• Wi-Fi: None
• Cell service: Good on all major carriers
• Bathhouses: Yes, recently updated, with hot showers
• Laundry: None on-site
• Camp store: Anastasia Watersports concession (rentals and basic supplies)
• Beach access: Yes (4 miles of undeveloped Atlantic beach, short drive to day-use area)
• Kayak/paddleboard launch: Yes (on-site rentals available)
• Nature trails: Yes (several miles through hammock, dunes, and salt marsh)
• Pet-friendly: Yes (leashed, not permitted on beach)
• Park entry fee: $8 per vehicle (up to 8 people)
• Season: Year-round
• Rates: Approximately $28 to $42 per night depending on season + $6.70 reservation fee + utility surcharge (verify current rates on reserveamerica.com)
• Reservations: Online at floridastateparks.org or by phone at (800) 326-3521

Booking strategy: This is one of the most popular state park campgrounds in Florida. For peak season (November through April), set a calendar reminder for exactly 11 months (Florida residents) or 10 months (non-residents) before your desired arrival date. The reservation system opens at 8 AM Eastern. Log in before 8 AM, have your desired dates and sites pre-selected, and book immediately when the window opens. Weekend stays fill fastest. Midweek stays during shoulder season (May, September, October) are the easiest to book and offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds.

FAQ#

How far is Anastasia State Park from downtown St. Augustine?#

The campground is approximately 3 miles from the St. Augustine historic district, about a 10-minute drive. You can also bike to the historic district via the Bridge of Lions — the ride is flat, scenic, and takes about 20 minutes. The St. Augustine Lighthouse is even closer, about 1.5 miles from the park entrance on Anastasia Island.

Can Anastasia State Park accommodate large RVs?#

The maximum RV length is 38 feet. Some sites accommodate rigs at or near this limit more comfortably than others. Recommended sites for larger RVs include 24, 43, 48, 66, 77, 78, 80, 84, 96, 111, 114, 127, and 134. If your rig exceeds 38 feet, you will need to look at private parks in the St. Augustine area.

Are there sewer hookups?#

No. Individual sites have water and electric only. A dump station is available near the campground entrance at no additional charge for registered campers. Plan to manage your gray and black water tanks and schedule dump station visits every 2 to 3 days during longer stays.

Can I walk to the beach from my campsite?#

Not directly. The beach is in the day-use area, about a 5-minute drive from the campground. You can bike to the beach access boardwalks or drive and park in the day-use lot. The campground is separated from the beach by the park’s interior road system and natural dune habitat.

When is the best time to visit?#

October through April offers the most comfortable weather (60s to 80s), the fewest biting insects, and proximity to St. Augustine’s holiday events and Nights of Lights celebration (November through January). February through April is peak demand, with the highest occupancy and toughest booking competition. May and September are excellent shoulder months — warm enough for the beach, less crowded than winter, and still pleasant for outdoor activities. Summer (June through August) is hot and humid with active mosquitoes, but the beach and paddling are at their best.

How far in advance should I book?#

For peak season (November through April weekends, holiday weeks), book at the moment the reservation window opens — 11 months ahead for Florida residents, 10 months for non-residents. Desirable dates sell out within hours. For summer and shoulder season weekdays, you may find availability 1 to 2 months out. Last-minute peak-season availability is extremely rare — check for cancellations if you are flexible on dates.

Are pets allowed?#

Yes, leashed pets are welcome in the campground. Pets are not permitted on the beach — this is a state park rule and it is enforced. The campground itself has adequate space for walking leashed dogs along the campground roads and nature trails.

Is Anastasia State Park worth it compared to private parks?#

It depends on your priorities. If you value natural beauty, a live oak canopy, pristine beach access, and paddling in tidal creeks, Anastasia is worth the booking effort and the lack of sewer hookups. If you need full hookups, resort amenities, and larger site pads, the private parks along A1A (Ocean Grove, St. Augustine Beach KOA, Bryn Mawr Ocean Resort) offer those at higher nightly rates. The state park rate of $28 to $42 per night represents exceptional value for the experience. For a broader comparison, see our best RV parks in Florida guide.