Matanzas State Forest Group Camp
Open — Open year-round with reservations available through the Florida Forest Service. Campgrounds close automatically if St. Johns County is under a Tropical Storm or Hurricane Warning.
Dense Fog Advisory issued March 3 at 10:15PM EST until March 4 at 9:00AM EST by NWS Jacksonville FL
* WHAT...Visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog. * WHERE...Portions of northeast Florida and southeast Georgia. * WHEN...Until 9 AM EST Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous.
Special Weather Statement issued March 3 at 10:02PM EST by NWS Jacksonville FL
Sea fog continues to reduce visibilities to around 1 mile with a few local spots reporting under mile at this hour. Dense sea fog will likely expand inland around midnight, when Dense Fog Advisories will likely be re-issued for all of coastal southeast Georgia and coastal northeast Florida before it expands westward across most of the area through late tonight and early Wednesday morning. Motorists should remain alert for sudden changes in visibility this afternoon, particularly along coastal roads such as A-1A in northeast Florida and U.S. Highway 17 in southeast Georgia. If you encounter sea fog while driving in these coastal locations this afternoon, slow down and leave extra distance ahead of you in case a sudden stop is needed.
About
Matanzas State Forest Group Camp is a primitive group camping facility situated in the Matanzas State Forest in St. Johns County, approximately 25 minutes south of St. Augustine, Florida. The forest encompasses over 4,699 acres of protected woodlands and wetlands, safeguarding the remaining undisturbed salt marsh within the Guana-Tolomato-Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve. The group camp provides basic amenities including a communal portalet, a pitcher pump supplying non-potable water, picnic tables, fire rings, and grills. No electricity is available at this primitive campground. The forest is home to diverse wildlife including songbirds, wading marsh birds, bald eagles, deer, otter, turkey, and gopher tortoises, making it an excellent location for wildlife viewing and bird watching. The area is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. Recreational opportunities abound with forest roads offering access for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The forest also provides opportunities for hunting, photography, and nature study. Nearby attractions include historic downtown St. Augustine, Fort Matanzas National Monument, Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, and St. Augustine beaches. Reservations are made through the Florida Forest Service reservation system.
Directions
From Exit 305 on I-95, travel east on County Road 206 for 2 miles. Turn right (south) on US Hwy 1. Travel 2.8 miles on US Hwy 1, and turn left (east) on Double Gate Road into the main entrance of Matanzas State Forest. Travel 1.4 miles and turn left (north) on Longleaf Road. Travel 0.4 miles and turn right (east) on Evans Road. Travel 1 mile and turn left (north) on Group Camp Road. Travel 1.2 miles to the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
- Matanzas State Forest Cedar Creek Campground 1.6mi
- Faver-dykes State Park Campground 5.4mi
- Anastasia State Park Campground 8.8mi
- Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area Campground 23mi
- Bennett Field Campground Tiger Bay State Forest 30mi
- Tomoka State Park Campground 30mi
- Equestrian Campground Welaka State Forest 30mi
- Welaka Primitive Campsites 32mi
- Tiger Bay State Forest Foster Pavilion 36mi
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $9.05 - $20 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 18ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (904) 797-5073 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
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