We had a couple of days with some down time so we took a quick trip up to St. Augustine to camp at Anastasia State Park. We stayed at camp site 33. When we book again we probably won't book this site as it's really close to the playground and the kiddos kept cutting through our site, but it wasn't a big deal since we were there for just a couple of nights. It's great if you have kids with you though! Our site and every other site we saw were clean and came with a picnic table and a fire ring. You can purchase fire wood at the store. I think it was $8.50 a bundle. It's really shaded with beautiful canopies of oak trees and Spanish moss. The bath house was just a short walk away and they also had a washer and dryer and a sink to do your dishes in. There are tons of walking trails here as well that are really pretty and easy enough that anyone can participate. What's unique about this park is they also have a very nice beach area with about four miles of sand where you can walk or ride your bikes. There is also a spot where you can rent paddle boards, kayaks and Hobe Cat sail boats. They also rent bicycles. Unfortunatley there was a small craft advisory so the store was closed during our stay but we will absolutely rent something the next time we go. They also have a small camp store where you can get souvenirs. You're also really close to the Alligator Farm as well as the lighthouse and museum. You're about a 10 minute drive to downtown St. Augustine if you want to check out all the old buildings, restaurants and bars they have there. Make sure you secure your food while camping though. Those cute little racoons are sneaky! 😉 We had a really nice time here and will...
Read moreAnastasia State Park is a wonderful escape and a fantastic option for nature lovers visiting the Saint Augustine area. Its convenient location, just a short hop from the main road, makes it incredibly easy to access, a definite plus for day-trippers and campers alike.
From equipment rentals for water activities and biking to a convenient camp store for essentials and a handy snacks bar, everything you might need is readily available. The several large parking lots ensure that finding a space is rarely an issue, even on busier days.
For those looking to relax and enjoy the outdoors, the park offers pleasant picnic areas scattered throughout. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the several interesting hikes that wind through diverse ecosystems, offering opportunities for birdwatching and scenic views. However, the real star of the show is the extensive beach area. Perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or simply strolling along the shore, it provides ample space for everyone to enjoy the Atlantic coastline.
Beyond the impressive facilities and natural attractions, Anastasia State Park truly shines in its upkeep. The park is noticeably clean, safe, and well run, a testament to the dedicated staff. While day use is straightforward, it's worth noting that reservations are highly recommended for camping, a clear indication of the park's popularity.
Overall, my experience at Anastasia State Park was overwhelmingly positive. It offers a fantastic blend of natural beauty, convenient amenities, and a welcoming atmosphere. I look forward to returning soon and would highly recommend it to anyone seeking a memorable outdoor experience near Saint Augustine. Highly...
Read moreWe just came back from a road trip where we stayed at Anastasia State Park for 2 nights. The park is very basic. It is well kept and the bathrooms and showers were clean. Just a few notes: 1- Site 98 has no privacy at all. If you look at the picture attached, our tent was facing the middle of the road and the light from passing cars lit us up at night. If you want more privacy, site 99 is better, or I feel avoiding any sites right at the top of the loops might be a good idea. 2- Make sure to keep all your food in a locked location. We kept it in our car. There are many small animals that will definitely have a feast at the first opportunity. We had a baby raccoon that patiently waited on top of a tree for us to go to sleep to do a full site inspection. 3- We did not like the -No Pet- policy at the beaches. This is a family park, and they are our family. Pets cause (For Sure!) less damage and trash than humans. Many other parks allow you to bring them with you everywhere as long as they are leashed, they don't cause disruptions, and you clean up after them. I took a picture (see attached) of the entrance to the sand dunes. We were not able to check them out up close as a result of their no pets policy. This policy certainly limited our ability to enjoy the full experience of the park. 4- In terms of bugs, there are a lot of ants so be mindful of keeping food contained. The tent in the picture is slanted bc we were shaking off the ants that got inside when we left it a little bit open.
Finally, PLEASE make sure to clean up after yourself. There was some trash thrown in the trees when we got there. Do your best to leave everything better than...
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