August 20th to August 28th 2023

Exploring Anastasia State Park August 20th-22nd 2023

Sunday, August 20th, 2023 marked the beginning of an unforgettable journey as we arrived at Anastasia State Park for a two-night stay. Nestled in the Coquina loop, our campsite was well shaded, conveniently close to the beach that boasted a captivating view that stretched out over the tranquil waters. Our canine companions rejoiced as they frolicked on the lookout boardwalk, their tails wagging in rhythm with the crashing waves. It worth noting that dogs are not allowed on the beach or most of the boardwalks at Anastasia State Park but there is a public beach with dog access a few miles away near the St Johns County Ocean Pier

The allure of Anastasia State Park lies not only in its sandy shores but also in its intricate trail network. Our exploration took us on paths that led to hidden gems of nature’s beauty. However, it wasn’t all idyllic landscapes; nature revealed its wild side as we encountered a majestic Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, a creature both awe-inspiring and humbling.

One of the highlights of our trip was a leisurely stroll along the Salt Run lagoon. As we ambled by the water’s edge, we were treated to a mesmerizing spectacle: countless tiny crabs darting into their sandy sanctuaries at the slightest disturbance. It was a reminder of the rich and intricate ecosystem that thrives in the park’s diverse habitats.

The weather, though hot, gifted us with picturesque days that showcased the park’s true charm. Each step we took was a step into the heart of nature’s majesty, where the beauty of the surroundings seemed to cast a spell that made the heat more bearable.

No adventure is without its hiccups, and ours came in the form of an RV issue. The LPG tank pigtails, essential for the functioning of our appliances, decided to give up the ghost. With no gas flowing to power our devices, including the hot water supply, our camping experience took a slightly unexpected turn. Yet, every problem presents an opportunity, and so we ventured to the nearest RV store. A $102.85 expenditure later, our troubles were resolved, and our camping escapade continued unabated.

As we packed up on the morning of our departure, the memories we had made at Anastasia State Park stood out as vibrant as the waves that had welcomed us. This journey had been more than a vacation; it had been a rendezvous with nature’s grandeur, an encounter with creatures both delicate and fierce, and a testament to the resilience of travelers in the face of unforeseen challenges.

Anastasia State Park had not only offered us a temporary escape but had woven itself into the fabric of our experiences. Its beauty, its trails, its creatures, and even its minor setbacks had etched themselves into our memories, creating a story that we would fondly recount for years to come.

Highlights: Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, Armadillo
Internet access: T-Mobile 5G acceptable, Verizon weak
Repairs: lpg gas tank pigtails replaced

Park Map Campground Map

Onto Fort Clinch State Park August 22nd-28th 2023

Fellow adventurers! We’re excited to share the fantastic experience we had at Fort Clinch State Park from August 22nd to 28th, 2023. We set up camp at the Atlantic Beach campsite, and let us tell you, it was a week to remember.

We lucked out with Campsite 9, right next to the boardwalk leading to the beach. The campsite area was cozy, with only 21 sites surrounding a large building that housed laundry facilities, toilets, and showers – all impeccably clean, which is a camping luxury!

What made this trip truly special were our nightly visitors – deer. These graceful creatures wandered among campers and strolled along the sandy dunes flanking the boardwalk. It was magical watching them so close to our campsite, especially during those tranquil, moonlit nights.

Now, the park had a rule against dogs on the beach, but that didn’t stop our two furry friends from having a blast. They happily roamed around the campsite, especially at night when they got to witness the enchanting deer visits. It was a dog’s paradise!

The only minor downside was the lack of shade around the campsites and the need to drive to reach some of the trails. However, once we ventured out, we discovered hidden gems like the Willow Pond and Magnolia trail. Towering trees formed a lush canopy, and there was plenty of water around to add to the serenity. Alongside the main road to and from the fort, we also found some lovely shaded trails.

Speaking of the fort, we didn’t get to explore the historic Fort Clinch, which dates back to 1847, because of the no-dogs policy. But hey, that gives us a reason to plan another trip sans our four-legged companions.

When we weren’t communing with nature, we took a trip to the charming town of Fernandina. It’s a foodie’s paradise, with numerous restaurants to choose from. The best part? We found a pet-friendly eatery, so our dogs got to enjoy lunch with us.

And here’s a lovely touch – we stumbled upon a beautifully painted stone near the Fort. Evidently some kind folk paint stones and hide them for others to find and then re-hide at another location. A bit like the travelling gnomes. We couldn’t resist joining in on the fun and will be carrying this token of our visit with us on our next adventure to re-hide. In fact, Helen is going to paint some herself to build on this little piece of fun.

Unfortunately our week was cut short by one day because of the pending arrival of Hurricane Idalia and our next two days at Santos Trail Head was also cancelled so we’ll have to visit there another time.

All in all, our time at Fort Clinch State Park was filled with natural beauty, close encounters with wildlife, and some unexpected surprises in Fernandina. It’s a place we won’t soon forget, and we’re already planning our next camping excursion. Until then, happy trails, fellow explorers! 🏕️🦌🐾

Park Map