 Summary:
Fort Clinch State Park is just north of Fernandina Beach about as northeast in Florida as you can get. Located between the Amelia River and the Atlantic Ocean, fishermen have an opportunity to pull out fish like flounder, whiting, redfish, striped bass, sheepshead, and speckled trout among others.
You'll be asked if you want to staty at the River Area Campor the Beach Area Camp on the way in.
The oldest of Florida's state parks, the park is well kept and comfotable. Whether for a day or a week, you'll find plenty to do here.
Of course the largest draw is the fort. Built just before the Civil War, it's seen armies come and go, and today you'll see docents dressed in period costume running around the grounds ready to talk about the history of the fort.
There's a wonderful beach area, hiking, as well as other ongoing programs here.
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2601 Atlantic Avenue
Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034
Phone: 904-277-7274
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Features:
There are two family camps, a youth camp, hiking and bicycling trails, a pier, the Fort and an adjacent gift shop. About once a month their are garrison weekends when the fort is manned by uniformed soldiers. Candelight tours are offered in the summer and guided natur walks on Saturdays. See the official site for schedules.
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History:
 Ft. Clinch was named for General Duncan Clinch. Listed on the official site as an important figure in the Seminole war. Other sources like Our Georgia History say that he helped slaveowners stem a tide of slaves escaping to the help of the Seminoles.
Construction on the fort started in 1847 and continued while Confederate forces occupied it during the Civil War and federal troops took it over after a withdrawal a year later.
The State of Florida bought 256 acres in 1935 which included the fort and the Egan Creek Marsh. This was the first purchase for state parks in what would later become a program of preservation and recreation which now includes 151 parks.
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Activities:
Picnicking, hiking, fishing, camping, beach and river activities. |
Area Attractions:
Amelia Island Museum of History
Amelia Island
Kelly Seahorse Ranch
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 Food & Sundries:
Food, restaurants, and other shops surround the park just outside the gate. |
Directions:
From I–95 take the Fernandina Beach/Callahan exit east (Milepost Exit 373 - Old Exit 129). This road is A1A. This road becomes 8th Street within the town limits of Fernandina. Stay on A1 going 16 miles until you come to the intersection of 8th Street and Atlantic Avenue. Turn right on Atlantic Avenue and go about two miles, take a left at the entrance into Fort Clinch State Park. I had no problem driving this road in a 33' motorhome.
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Local Towns:
Amelia Island , Atlantic Beach , Fernandina Beach , Jacksonville , Yulee
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Local Accomadations:
Amelia Island , Atlantic Beach , Fernandina Beach , Jacksonville , Yulee
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 Camping & RV:
Camping spots were back in around the showers, the drive being circular. We had water and electric, there was a dump station on the way out. Take sandals, with the burrs you don't want to run around barefoot. Supplies need to be picked up in town.
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Notes:
The
park has an electric gate that requires a combination to get into at night, so make sure you get there before the office closes.
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