FORT
CLINCH STATE PARK
Fernandina Beach, FL
Contact Information
2601 Atlantic Avenue
Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034
Phone: 904-277-7274
Description
Fort Clinch State
Park, one of the oldest parks in the Florida Park
system, was acquired in September 1935. The Civilian
Conservation Corps (CCC) was responsible for some
of the initial development of the park. A steep
ramp leads to the second story of the Fort and Living
History reenactors talk about life as a soldier
stationed at Fort Clinch.
Hours of Operation
Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown
365 days a year.
Driving Directions
Take I-95 to the Fernandina Beach/Callahan exit
(Milepost Exit 373 - Old Exit 129), and stay to
the right. You will then be traveling east on A1A.
(This road becomes 8th Street within the town limits
of Fernandina.) Stay on this road, (A1A), for 16
miles until you come to the intersection of 8th
Street and Atlantic Avenue. Turn right on Atlantic
Avenue and go about two miles, Fort Clinch State
Park will be on the left.
ACTIVITIES
Full Facility Camping
Fort Clinch State Park has two campgrounds.
The Atlantic Beach campground has 21 sites with
20- and 30-amp hookups, potable water, in-ground
fire rings, and a picnic table for each site.
Bathrooms with hot showers are centrally located
in this campground and washing machines are available
also. These sites can accommodate rigs of any
size, and are all back-in sites. Dump station
is located near the entrance to the to the campground.
The Amelia River campground has 41 campsites located
near the Amelia River in an oak hammock. All sites
are shaded by large trees and are back-in sites.
All sites have 20- and 30-amp hookups, potable water,
in-ground fire rings, and picnic tables. There are
two bathrooms, each with hot showers. Washing machines
and dryers are located at the larger of the two
bathrooms. A dump station is located near the campground’s
entrance.
Youth Camping
The Youth Area Campground at Fort Clinch State Park
can hold up to 100 occupants. There are four sites
located at this area. Bathrooms with hot water are
provided and both men and women facilities are ADA
accessible.
Beaches
Shell collecting is excellent on the beaches and
avid shark tooth hunters will have plenty of sand
to cover in their search.
Bicycling
The park drive has approximately 3.3 miles
of paved road for those wishing to ride a touring
bicycle. There are several miles of beach with hard
packed sand that can be rode upon during low tides.
Please walk bikes on boardwalks leading to beaches.
Biking is not permitted on the pier. Florida laws
require helmets to be worn by all children 16 and
under when bicycling roads or trails. Children under
18 must be accompanied by parent or guardian while
bicycling in the park.
Fishing
One can fish along the Amelia River on the west
side of the island, along the Cumberland Sound where
finger jetties provide excellent haven for game
fish, or off the half-mile long fishing pier that
divides the Cumberland Sound from the Atlantic Ocean.
Surf fishing in the Atlantic Ocean is also quite
popular.
Nature Trails
Fort Clinch offers a six-mile trail for hikers and
off road bicyclists. Traffic is one way for bikers
and helmets are required. Hikers may travel in either
direction. The trail begins at the fort parking
lot and parallels the park drive for approximately
three miles, then crosses the road and returns back
toward the fort on the opposite side. Parts of the
trail are heavily forested and traverse ancient
dunes that are very steep, offering a challenge
to off road bicyclists and hikers as well.
Picnicking
The picnic area is located in a maritime hammock
area surrounded by relic dunes and oak trees. Free
standing grills and picnic tables are located there.
There is a playground with swings, slide, and climbing
bars available for children to play on.
Showers
The boardwalks that lead to the Atlantic Ocean access
and the pier are equipped with showers as well as
restroom/changing rooms. Hot water is available
at the Amelia River Campground's two shower facilities
and at the Atlantic Beach Campground's restroom/shower
facility. A shower station is also available along
the boardwalk from the campground to the beach along
the Cumberland Sound.
Swimming
Swimming in the Atlantic Ocean is offered but there
are no lifeguards provided.
