Mckenna Campground

For Floridians seeking a cherished getaway filled with fond memories and beautiful natural surroundings, McKenna Campground at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center in Starke, Florida, is a truly special destination. Known for its picturesque setting on Lake Kingsley, this campground has been a beloved spot for military families for generations. It offers a unique blend of rustic charm and essential amenities, creating an ideal environment for relaxation, family fun, and connecting with the great outdoors.

Unlike many commercial campgrounds, McKenna Campground provides a more authentic and serene camping experience, steeped in history and shared camaraderie. It’s a place where families return year after year, building traditions, celebrating milestones, and simply enjoying the simple pleasures of lakeside living. If you’re an active duty service member, a veteran, or have other military affiliations, McKenna Campground invites you to discover why it’s been a go-to spot for making "great loving memories" since as far back as Summertime '94. From cookouts by the water to fun-filled days on Lake Kingsley, this campground truly offers a home away from home.

McKenna Campground is situated on Ave A, Starke, FL 32091, specifically within the expansive Camp Blanding Joint Training Center installation. This location, while officially in Starke, is nestled in a natural setting that feels far removed from urban bustle, yet remains conveniently accessible for Floridians. Getting to McKenna Campground requires navigating onto the Camp Blanding installation. While general GPS might sometimes be misleading, a highly recommended tip from experienced visitors is to set your GPS to the Camp Blanding Museum (address: 5629 SR 16 West, Building 3040, Starke, Florida 32091). This will guide you directly to the correct gate for entry onto the base.

Once inside Camp Blanding, follow the signs to McKenna Campground. The roads within the campground are generally well-maintained, contributing to easy access for various types of vehicles, from passenger cars pulling pop-ups to larger RVs. The campground's location on the installation means added security and a quieter environment, as access is generally restricted to eligible personnel. The drive from major North Florida cities like Jacksonville is manageable, making it an excellent choice for a weekend escape or a longer vacation for military families residing across the state. The seclusion, combined with the relative ease of access, makes McKenna Campground a perfect balance for those seeking both adventure and convenience.

McKenna Campground is thoughtfully equipped with a range of services designed to make your camping experience comfortable and convenient, while still maintaining its rustic charm.

• Clean Bathrooms: Visitors consistently highlight that the bathrooms are "clean enough" or "well kept," a crucial amenity for any campground, especially those with primitive sites.

• Showers: The campground provides shower facilities, allowing campers to freshen up after a day of water activities or exploring the surrounding nature.

• Laundry Room: A significant convenience, particularly for longer stays, is the presence of a laundry room. This allows campers to wash clothes on-site, minimizing the need to leave the installation for this chore.

• Well-Kept Campsites: Reviews indicate that the campsites themselves are "well kept," suggesting attention to maintenance and cleanliness across the park.

• Picnic Tables: Most campsites come equipped with a picnic table, providing a dedicated space for meals, games, and social gatherings.

• Fire Rings: Many sites include a fire ring, perfect for enjoying campfires, cooking outdoors, and creating that classic camping ambiance.

• Water Hookups: Many sites offer water hookups, providing direct access to fresh water at your site. Some sites even feature both water and 30/50 amp electric.

• Full Hookups (Limited): While primarily a primitive campground, McKenna does offer a limited number of full hookup sites (5 of them) that include water, electric, and sewer connections, catering to RVs requiring these amenities.

• Dump Station Access: While not all sites have sewer hookups, a dump station is available for campers to properly dispose of their wastewater.

• Boat Ramp: Given its lakeside location, a boat ramp is open for patrons to use, making it easy to launch personal watercraft onto Kingsley Lake.

McKenna Campground boasts several features and highlights that contribute to its enduring popularity, particularly among its eligible clientele.

• Beautiful Lakeside Setting on Lake Kingsley: A consistent highlight is the campground's stunning location right on Lake Kingsley. Reviewers describe it as a "beautiful little get away" and praise the "fun in the water." The lake is known for its clear, sandy bottom and is excellent for boating, swimming, and various water activities.

• Ideal for Family Fun: For years, families have made "great loving memories" here, hosting birthday celebrations, summer kick-offs, and cookouts. It's clearly a place designed for family bonding and creating lasting traditions.

• Rustic, Quiet, and Relaxing Atmosphere: Despite offering amenities, McKenna Campground maintains a rustic and peaceful ambiance. This is ideal for campers looking to escape the noise and commercialism of larger parks, allowing for true relaxation.

• Variety of Site Types: McKenna caters to diverse camping preferences. It has primitive tent sites (with a two-tent limit per site), water-only sites for pop-ups or tents, and a limited number of full hookup sites for RVs. This flexibility allows a wide range of campers to enjoy the facilities.

• Accommodates Tents and RVs: Unlike some RV-only parks, McKenna Campground explicitly welcomes tents, making it a versatile option for different camping styles. Even large RVs (up to 44 ft 5th wheels have been accommodated) can find suitable sites.

• Well-Spaced Campsites: Reviews mention that the campsites are "spaced out nicely," providing a good degree of privacy and a less cramped feeling than some other campgrounds.

• Sense of Community: Being a campground primarily for military families fosters a unique sense of community and camaraderie, where guests often share similar backgrounds and values.

• Support Facilities on Base: While the campground itself is focused on camping, guests have access to limited support facilities on the Camp Blanding base, potentially including an Exchange for essential supplies.

• Recreational Equipment Rental: Patrons have access to sporting equipment rental, including canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards, making it easy to enjoy Lake Kingsley without bringing your own gear.

McKenna Campground offers clear and straightforward pricing, along with specific eligibility requirements that act as a benefit for its intended audience.

Daily rates vary based on the type of site:

• Full Hookup Sites (5 available): These sites, which typically include water, electric (30/50 amp), and sewer, cost $28 per night. These sites require reservations.

• Water and Electric Hookup Sites (e.g., sites #1-4, 30-31, 44, 58-69): These sites are priced at $20.25 per night. They allow RVs or one tent per site (note: tents are generally not allowed in these sites from May 1st to August 1st).

• Water-Only Hookup Sites (e.g., sites #5-29, 32-43, 45): These are more primitive sites with water hookups only and cost $14 per night. These sites accommodate pop-up trailers or a limit of two tents per site.

A significant "special offer" here is the reduced rate for military personnel and their families, as the campground is exclusively for active duty, National Guard, Reservists, Retired Military, 100% DAV, DoD Civilians, and sponsored guests. While not a traditional "discount" that changes, the very fact that these attractive rates are available to this specific group makes it a continuous value proposition.

It's important to note that McKenna Campground largely operates on a first-come, first-served basis for most sites, particularly the primitive ones. However, the limited full hookup sites do require reservations. While a previous review for Camp Blanding Recreation mentioned a one-day non-refundable fee for canceling reservations, it's always best to confirm current reservation and cancellation policies directly when booking a full hookup site. This structure ensures that both spontaneous campers and those planning ahead can find a spot, making it versatile for Floridians with varied travel plans.

For those ready to create their own "great loving memories" at McKenna Campground, here is the essential contact information:

Address: Ave A, Starke, FL 32091, USA

Phone: (904) 682-3104

Mobile Phone: +1 904-682-3104

When using your GPS to navigate to the campground, remember the crucial tip to aim for the Camp Blanding Museum gate, located at 5629 SR 16 West, Building 3040, Starke, Florida 32091. This will guide you to the correct entry point for the Camp Blanding Joint Training Center. It is always recommended to call the provided phone numbers in advance, especially to confirm eligibility, check current availability for full hookup sites, and inquire about any specific entry procedures or regulations for guests accessing a military installation. While not always busy, calling ahead can help ensure a smooth and hassle-free arrival.

McKenna Campground is an exceptional fit for Floridians, particularly those with military ties, looking for an authentic and memorable camping experience. For locals who value a peaceful atmosphere and a strong sense of community, this campground delivers on all fronts. Its status as a military-exclusive facility (for active duty, retired, DoD civilians, and sponsored guests) means a secure and respectful environment, fostering camaraderie among like-minded individuals. This makes it an ideal retreat where Floridians can truly relax without the overwhelming crowds often found at public parks.

The clean facilities, including well-kept bathrooms, showers, and a laundry room, provide essential comforts that enhance the rustic camping experience. The availability of both primitive tent sites and a limited number of full hookup RV sites caters to diverse camping preferences within the local community. For Florida families, the extensive opportunities for fun on Lake Kingsley – from swimming and boating to simply enjoying the lakeside views – create a perfect setting for creating lasting memories, much like the families who have cherished this spot since '94. McKenna Campground isn't just a place to park; it's a legacy of enjoyment and a natural haven for Florida's military community, right in their backyard.