St. Johns Campground, East Palatka, FL

Introduction / Overview

For Floridians looking for a convenient and amenity-rich camping experience in the heart of our state, St. Johns Campground in East Palatka presents itself as a practical choice. This campground aims to offer a comfortable retreat for both RVers and tent campers, boasting features like a refreshing pool and an abundance of shade trees—a welcome relief in the Florida sunshine. While some past reviews indicate areas for improvement in property upkeep and site maintenance, recent information suggests ongoing efforts to enhance the guest experience. The campground provides essential services like full hookups for RVs and has recently renovated its bathroom facilities, ensuring a more pleasant stay. Located strategically with easy access to local attractions and the iconic St. Johns River, it positions itself as a suitable base for exploring Northeast Florida. This article will provide local Floridians with a balanced and factual overview of St. Johns Campground, highlighting its features and helping you decide if it aligns with your camping preferences.

Location and Accessibility

St. Johns Campground is conveniently located at 436 US-17, East Palatka, FL 32131, USA. This address places it directly on a major highway, US-17, ensuring straightforward and easy access for RVs and vehicles of all sizes. For Floridians, East Palatka offers a more relaxed, small-town atmosphere compared to bustling urban centers, providing a peaceful backdrop for your camping adventures. Despite its tranquil setting, the campground benefits from its strategic location, offering proximity to various points of interest. It's just a short drive to the St. Johns River, renowned for its fishing and boating opportunities, and provides "immediate access" to this significant waterway, as mentioned in public listings. Furthermore, the campground is strategically positioned for exploring wider regional attractions; it's approximately 30 minutes from historic St. Augustine and its beautiful beaches, and about an hour's drive from major cities like Daytona Beach, Jacksonville, and Gainesville. This central yet serene location makes St. Johns Campground an excellent base for exploring the diverse offerings of Northeast Florida, whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay to truly soak in the local charm and natural beauty.

Services Offered

Full Hookup RV Sites: St. Johns Campground provides 56 full hookup RV spaces, ensuring convenience with water, sewer, and both 30-amp and 50-amp electric connections at each site. There are also pending entitlements for 21 additional pads.
Tent Sites: In addition to RV spaces, the campground also offers dedicated tent sites, with entitlements for up to 4 tent spaces, catering to a broader range of camping preferences.
Swimming Pool: A sparkling outdoor swimming pool is available for guests, offering a refreshing way to cool off and relax, especially during Florida’s warm seasons.
Renovated Bathrooms and Showers: The campground boasts "renovated bathrooms with ample showers and toilet stalls," ensuring clean and comfortable facilities for all campers.
Clubhouse / Recreation Hall: A welcoming clubhouse (also referred to as a recreation hall) is equipped with entertainment options such as a pool table and televisions, providing a communal space for relaxation and social interaction.
Community Fire Pit: While individual site fire rings may not be consistently available or permitted, there is a designated "community fire pit" where guests can gather.
Laundry Facilities: Convenient on-site laundry facilities are provided, making it easy for campers to keep their clothes clean during their stay.
Full Coffee and Tea Bar: Guests can enjoy the convenience of a full coffee and tea bar, adding a touch of comfort to their mornings.
Cable Hookups: Many RV sites offer cable hookups, providing entertainment options directly at your site.
WiFi Connectivity: Guests can enjoy Wi-Fi connectivity during their stay, allowing them to stay connected to the outside world or stream entertainment.
Dump Station: A sanitary dump station is available for RV waste disposal.
Propane Filling Equipment: Newly updated propane filling equipment is on-site for convenient refilling of LP gas tanks.
Pet-Friendly Amenities: The campground welcomes pets, and features a dedicated dog park, making it convenient for guests traveling with their furry companions. Note that some breed and weight restrictions may apply, so it's always best to confirm directly.

Features / Highlights

Abundance of Shade Trees: The campground features "lots of trees for shade," a significant benefit in Florida's climate, providing natural cooling and a pleasant ambiance for campsites.
On-site Swimming Pool: A key highlight is the pool, offering a convenient way to relax and cool down, especially appealing during warmer months.
Modernized Restroom Facilities: The "renovated bathrooms" with "ample showers and toilet stalls" stand out as a positive feature, indicating a commitment to guest comfort and cleanliness in essential facilities.
Community Recreation Hall: The presence of a clubhouse with amenities like a pool table and televisions fosters a sense of community and provides indoor entertainment options regardless of weather conditions.
Pet-Friendly with Dog Park: The inclusion of a dedicated dog park makes St. Johns Campground particularly attractive to Floridians traveling with pets, offering a safe and convenient space for exercise.
Strategic Location: Its location directly on US-17 and relatively close proximity to the St. Johns River, as well as being just 30 minutes from St. Augustine, makes it a convenient hub for exploring regional attractions.
Full Hookup Sites with Cable & WiFi: The availability of full hookups, cable TV, and Wi-Fi at sites enhances the comfort and convenience for RVers, allowing for a more home-like experience.
Immediate Access to St. Johns River Area: While not directly on the river, it offers "immediate access" to the St. Johns River, appealing to those interested in boating, fishing, and other water activities.

Promotions or Special Offers

While specific, time-sensitive "promotions" were not explicitly detailed in the provided customer reviews, St. Johns Campground offers inherent value through its comprehensive amenities and strategic location. The campground offers competitive rates for its sites, and prospective guests should always inquire directly about any current specials for longer stays. Standard rates are often structured to provide value for extended visits, such as weekly or monthly bookings, which can be more economical than nightly rates. The inclusion of amenities like a swimming pool, renovated bathrooms, a clubhouse with entertainment, a dog park, cable hookups, and Wi-Fi all contribute to the overall value proposition, effectively enhancing the guest experience without additional fees. Furthermore, its location offers indirect "promotions" by minimizing travel time to popular Florida destinations like St. Augustine, saving on fuel and maximizing sightseeing time. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on rates, availability, and any potential unadvertised specials, particularly for long-term stays or group bookings, contacting St. Johns Campground directly is always the best approach.

Contact Information

To inquire about availability, specific site features, or to make a reservation at St. Johns Campground, direct contact with their friendly staff is recommended for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Address: 436 US-17, East Palatka, FL 32131, USA

Phone: (386) 328-4470

Mobile Phone: +1 386-328-4470

Please note that both phone numbers provided are identical. You can use either number to reach St. Johns Campground. Given some past feedback on site conditions, it is advisable to communicate your specific needs and expectations when booking, especially concerning site cleanliness or amenities, to ensure your stay is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Their management has been noted as friendly and helpful by some reviewers, so direct communication will be beneficial.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Floridians, St. Johns Campground in East Palatka is a suitable camping option, particularly for those seeking a practical base with essential amenities and convenient access to key regional attractions. Its location directly on US-17 makes it easily reachable from various parts of Florida, and its proximity to the St. Johns River is a definite draw for local fishing and boating enthusiasts. The campground shines with its core amenities: a refreshing swimming pool, a major plus in Florida's climate, and recently renovated bathhouses that ensure comfort and cleanliness. The presence of abundant shade trees offers natural relief from the sun, enhancing the outdoor experience. For pet owners, the dedicated dog park is a thoughtful addition that makes traveling with furry family members much easier. While some past reviews indicate that general property upkeep could be improved, the available amenities like full hookups, cable, and Wi-Fi, along with the community clubhouse, provide a comfortable setting for both short visits and longer stays. For locals looking for a straightforward camping experience with a pool and good access to North Florida's natural beauty and historic sites like St. Augustine, St. Johns Campground offers a viable and convenient option.