Save
You must be signed in to save park lists.
Your Park Lists
add New List
Add Photo
You must be signed in to add photos.
state route ranger badge
Florida
17

Florida State Parks

responsive menu icon
USA Parks
Florida
Northeast Region
Fort Clinch State Park
start slideshow
Fort Clinch State Park Sea Oats on dunes © Ed Taylor
The Sea Oats on Ft. Clinchs Dunes.
Fort Clinch State Park © Stan Curtis
Fort Clinch State Park © Stan Curtis
Fort Clinch State Park © Stan Curtis
Fort Clinch State Park © Stan Curtis
Fort Clinch State Park © Stan Curtis
Fort Clinch State Park © Stan Curtis
Fort Clinch State Park Sunset over the St. Marys inlet © Judy Barrett
Fort Clinch State Park Sea oats © Ed Taylor
Search
Availability
Calendars
Availability Search
FORT CLINCH STATE PARK
FORT CLINCH STATE PARK
2601 Atlantic Avenue
Fernandina Beach, Florida   32034

Phone: 904-277-7274
Reservations: 904-277-7274
A part of the park system since 1935, Fort Clinch is one of the most well-preserved 19th century forts in the country. Although no battles were fought here, it was garrisoned during both the Civil and Spanish-American wars. During the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps began preserving and rebuilding many of the structures of the abandoned fort. Daily tours with period reenactors depicting garrison life bring the fort to life for visitors. Sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing are popular activities at the beach. Anglers can fish from the pier or take advantage of excellent surf fishing. Hikers and bicyclists can enjoy a six-mile trail through the park. Self-guided nature trails provide opportunities to learn about and observe native plants and wildlife. A full-facility campground and a youth camping area provide overnight accommodations. Located north of the city of Fernandina Beach, off State Road A1A.
History of the Area
Fort Clinch was named for General Duncan Lamont Clinch, an important figure in Florida?s Seminole War of the 1830s. Construction of the fort started in 1847 by the federal government and continued during the Civil War.

Occupied by Confederate forces when the war began in 1861, it was taken by federal troops when a withdrawal was ordered by Gen. Robert E. Lee the following year.

The garrison operation was greatly reduced in the years following the Civil War and eventually ceased altogether. In 1898, the fort was reactivated for several months during the Spanish-American War. Today, it remains in a remarkable state of preservation.

In 1935, the state of Florida purchased 256 acres which included the abandoned fort. It was the beginning of a program to acquire adjacent lands and begin development of one of the first and finest state parks in Florida. The civilian Conservation Corps was responsible for the initial building and development of the park. It was formally opened to the public in 1938.
Passes
Annual Entrance Passes can be purchased at all park ranger stations and museums. If you require immediate use of your pass, this is the best option. Passes can be purchased during regular business hours 365 days a year. Please call the park in advance to ensure availability. Those who are eligible for discounted or free passes may use this method to receive their pass. Annual Entrance Passes may be purchased online by visiting the FLORIDA STATE PARKS ANNUALENTRANCE PASSES web page.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Swimming Beachyes
 Bike Trailsyes
CampingElectric Sitesyes
 Water/Electric Sitesyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Camping
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. Camping Fees: The Amelia River and Atlantic Beach campgrounds are $22.00 plus tax per night. Primitive group camping is $4.00 per person.

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.
Swimming
1. Fort Clinch State Park offers swimming on its 3-mile long beach.
2. Lifeguards are not available, so swim at your own risk.
3. The park's Atlantic coastline provides ample space for swimmers and sunbathers alike.
4. Swimming is permitted during daylight hours only; night-time swimming is prohibited in the park area.
5. There aren't any designated areas or lanes specifically for swimmers but plenty of open water to enjoy safely.


Boating
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. It has boat ramps that provide easy access to the Amelia River and surrounding waterways, perfect for personal motorboats or sailboats. Canoeing and kayaking are also popular activities in this area due to its calm waters and scenic views. Fishing is allowed from boats as well, with many species such as flounder, redfish, trout being common catches here.

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.



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.
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. Willow Pond Hiking Trail is located centrally along the park drive. Parking is available. Two loops encircle a series of fresh water ponds, the shorter loop takes around 20 minutes, the longer takes 45-50 minutes to complete. Wildlife observation is very good on these trails. Alligators, deer, and a variety of bird life can be seen in this area. A guided nature walk is conducted on these trails every Saturday morning at 10:30 AM, weather permitting. Hiking along the beaches of the Cumberland Sound, one can stand on the northernmost reaches of Florida and look over to Cumberland Island National Seashore where wild horses sometimes roam the beaches there. Some of the largest dunes in the state loom over this section of coast where rugged windblown oaks and gnarled cedar trees anchor the sands in steep inclines.

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. The off road bike trail is accessible in several locations along the park drive. Traffic is one way for off road bikers and helmets are required for everyone riding the trail. 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.
Bicycling
Be aware, biking options are plentiful but vary in difficulty. There's a 6-mile off-road trail for experienced cyclists.

This challenging path winds through maritime hammocks and along the park's western boundary. It requires skill and caution.

For those preferring paved paths, there is also an option available - a scenic 3-mile loop around the historic fort area.

Remember to bring your own bike as rentals aren't provided on-site. Helmets are highly recommended due to varying terrain conditions.

Children should always be supervised while cycling; some areas can prove difficult even for adult riders.

Please respect wildlife by keeping distance when encountering them during rides - this ensures safety of both parties involved.

Birding
The park offers diverse birding opportunities with over 200 species recorded. It's a hotspot for migratory birds. Birdwatchers can explore various habitats including beaches, marshes and maritime forests. The site is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail.

Area Attractions
CIVIL WAR FORT GARRISONSDate: Aug. 6 & 7

Description: Soldiers will be manning the fort during the following times: Saturdays 9 AM ? 5 PM Sundays 9 AM ? 12 PM

Fees: Park Admission Fee is $5.00 per vehicle (limit 8 people per vehicle). Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicles with a holder of an Annual Individual Entrance permit. Admission Fee $1.00 per person. Single Car Occupant - $3.00 Motorcycle Fee (one or two persons) - $3.00 Admission fee allows visitors admittance to the beaches, trails, pier, and picnic area.

CIVIL WAR FORT GARRISONSDate: Sept. 3 & 4

Description: Soldiers will be manning the fort during the following times: Saturdays 9 AM ? 5 PM Sundays 9 AM ? 12 PM

Fees: Park Admission Fee is $5.00 per vehicle (limit 8 people per vehicle). Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicles with a holder of an Annual Individual Entrance permit. Admission Fee $1.00 per person. Single Car Occupant - $3.00 Motorcycle Fee (one or two persons) - $3.00 Admission fee allows visitors admittance to the beaches, trails, pier, and picnic area.

CIVIL WAR FORT GARRISONSDate: Oct. 1 & 2,

Description: Soldiers will be manning the fort during the following times: Saturdays 9 AM ? 5 PM Sundays 9 AM ? 12 PM

Fees: Park Admission Fee is $5.00 per vehicle (limit 8 people per vehicle). Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicles with a holder of an Annual Individual Entrance permit. Admission Fee $1.00 per person. Single Car Occupant - $3.00 Motorcycle Fee (one or two persons) - $3.00 Admission fee allows visitors admittance to the beaches, trails, pier, and picnic area.

CIVIL WAR FORT GARRISONSDate: Nov. 5 & 6Description: Soldiers will be manning the fort during the following times: Saturdays 9 AM ? 5 PM Sundays 9 AM ? 12 PM

Fees: Park Admission Fee is $5.00 per vehicle (limit 8 people per vehicle). Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicles with a holder of an Annual Individual Entrance permit. Admission Fee $1.00 per person. Single Car Occupant - $3.00 Motorcycle Fee (one or two persons) - $3.00 Admission fee allows visitors admittance to the beaches, trails, pier, and picnic area.

CIVIL WAR FORT GARRISONSDate: Dec. 3 & 4

Description: Soldiers will be manning the fort during the following times: Saturdays 9 AM ? 5 PM Sundays 9 AM ? 12 PM

Fees: Park Admission Fee is $5.00 per vehicle (limit 8 people per vehicle). Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicles with a holder of an Annual Individual Entrance permit. Admission Fee $1.00 per person. Single Car Occupant - $3.00 Motorcycle Fee (one or two persons) - $3.00 Admission fee allows visitors admittance to the beaches, trails, pier, and picnic area.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
October 9 by Victoria_T
park review stars; one to five
November 1 Emergency number by NOT HAPPY
park review stars; one to five Our power went out at 9:45 pm... and there is NO POSTED EMERGENCY NUMBER TO CALL!
October 15 A wonderful experiance by Kevin
park review stars; one to five We tent camped there and the sites are nicely laid out, the bath house at the Atlantic Beach Campground is probably the nicest that we have ever encountered in a State Park. The areas were clean, staff we spoke with were knowledgeable and helpful. The wife has already said that we will be going back and the grandsons agree.
write a review read more reviews
Share On

Area Campgrounds
Lofton Creek Campground
463516 East State Road 200
Yulee, FL
904-225-1990
Horne Lake RV Park
77219 Hance Parkway
Yulee, FL
904-225-2080
Bow & Arrow Campground
850430 Highway 17
Yulee, FL
904-225-5577
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com
Pets
Well-behaved dogs are welcome at Fort Clinch State Park. They must be kept on a 6-foot leash at all times and can not be left unattended for more than a half-hour. Dogs are not permitted in buildings, boardwalk or on the beach.

Pet Camping

Pet camping is available in our campground. Florida law requires that pets be vaccinated against rabies. Pets must be confined, leashed, or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Leashes must be hand-held and may not exceed six feet in length. Pets must be well-behaved at all times and must be confined in the owner's camping unit during designated quiet hours (11:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.). Unconfined pets must be leashed and cannot be left unattended for more than thirty minutes. Pet owners are required to pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Pets considered a nuisance are not allowed to remain in the park.

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.

state route ranger badge
Florida
17

Florida State Parks

X