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RE: Fort Clinch SP & St. Joe SP, Fl

Started by RamblingWreck, Jan 15, 2003, 06:39 PM

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slowpez

Sep 28, 2003, 07:05 PM
 We just returned from Fort Clinch and St. Joe State Parks.  Has the best time.  Can t believe how well-kept both parks were.  St. Joe charged $8.00 per night plus $2.00 for electricity.  Can t remember what the charge was at Ft. Clinch.  If anyone is looking for a quiet get-away, far from the maddening crowds, these parks are great choices.  St. Joe is almost 30 miles from civilization so, if you need something, you are going to have quite a drive to get it.  Fort Clinch is near Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island.  Rangers at both parks were very helpful and really were proud of their parks.  
 
 Susan

RamblingWreck

#1
Jan 15, 2003, 06:39 PM
 slowpezWe used to camp at Ft. Clinch when I was a child.  It was a very nice camp ground in the 60 s and 70 s and as far as I know they have continued to improve it over the years.  This is an 1,100 acre state park.
 
 It gets its name from a civil war era fort which is in good shape today.  Day as well as night candle lit tours are available of the fort.  There is an additional admission fee to the actual fort, payable at the visitors center.
 
 The park also has a fishing peer.  If you want to fish after a dark a special permit is required (cost is between $6 and $7).  Florida requires a fishing license for salt water fishing.  In the past they sold 3 day non-resident fishing licenses.  (If you are on a party or charter boat you are fishing on the Captain s license and no additional license is required).
 
 The Florida DEP has web site which details rate for all the state camp grounds.  From your internet browser, search on Florida DEP.  Same Website should also have information about non-resident fishing licenses, etc.
 
 I looked at the website earlier today and camp sites are $17 per day plus $2 additional for a site with electricity.  Be sure and Check the site regarding any other additional fees.
 
 The camp grounds have a unique feature in that they get a very light rain shower each day at about the same time during the summer months.  You can set your watch by it.  It is sure to amaze your children.  This is a feature shared by few geographical spots around the World.
 
 Really, all the fees at the camp ground, fort and fishing peer help keep undesirables out.  You don t have to worry as much about the possability your stuff disappearing.  
 
 My extended family holds a family reunion on Amelia Island every summer.  Its a great place for family activites, e.g. child friendly.  Very tame compared to Daytona Beach, West Palm Beach or South Beach in Miami.  
 
 Regards,
 
 Rambling Wreck

RamblingWreck

#2
Jan 26, 2003, 12:19 PM
 slowpezSusan,
 
 Does the Ft. Clinch SP water supply still have the sulphur tinge?  That was the only down side about camping there in the 60 s and 70 s.   If the water was allowed to stand long enough or if you boiled it you could rid of the sulphur aroma.
 
 Rambling Wreck

slowpez

#3
Jan 27, 2003, 08:22 AM
 slowpezWe didn t notice any sulfer tinge Rambling Wreck.  I usually travel with water but didn t that week so we would have noticed it.  
 Susan

Joe Gleason

#4
Jan 28, 2003, 10:17 PM
 slowpezGoing to St Joe in mid March 2003... Really looking forward to it.   Took the advice of several and when with the rustic camping area.   Looking at pictures of the companground I found on the web that looks like the area if you like privacy.
 
 I tried using mapquest Arial Photo option but it didn t work for that area.  It did for Fort Desoto (whcih I LOOOVE)...

Gamecock Camper

#5
Jan 31, 2003, 12:52 PM
 slowpezFort Clinch is on my list to visit some day.  It looks good via the description.  What sites are best?

Joe Gleason

#6
Feb 01, 2003, 12:20 PM
 slowpezWe ll be going there... Would love to learn some good info from anyone who s been there before...
 
 
 Activities...
 Favorite Areas of the Park..
 Do the rent Hobie Cats?..
 Water Temp in March?
 Sprint Cell Phone - Does it work?
 Good Day Trips in near bye Towns?  Museum?s etc...
 
 Thanks much in advance!
 
 Joe
 

slowpez

#7
Feb 02, 2003, 11:10 AM
 slowpezJoe, my sprint phone never seems to work when I m camping - including St. Joe.  I never use roaming however so it may work if you do.  St. Joe is miles from anywhere so be prepared to do a lot of driving if you want to see some town life.  We wandered around Apalaciacola because DH promised me some local oysters but other than that, we spent the rest of the time on the peninsula.  We don t have young ones anymore and enjoy hiking and birdwatching and there was plenty of both to do.  The area leading into the park is not built up as yet but looks like it will be before too long.  Any of the sites excluding those on the water are great with lots of privacy.  The beach sites were cheek by jowl with no screen of any kind to protect from the guy next door or the sun.  Ugh!  Wish we had a kayak because it was a great place to use one.  
 We also went to take a look at St. George while we were in the area.  We didn t care for it as well, much more built up but it looked like a place with more to do for those with kids.  There were places to get food, etc. much closer also.
 Hope this helps - Susan

Joe Gleason

#8
Feb 03, 2003, 04:53 PM
 slowpezHi Susan,
 
 Thanks SOOOO much for writing we are really excited about the park - sounds wonderful!
 
 Yeah, I wouldn t go to St. Joe if it meant being " crowded in" ... I saw some photo of the RV section... Not our style... Picked 110 In shady pines... Looks nice... We ll have 3 little ones 2,4,6.  And an inflatable kayak and bikes... That should do us fine!
 
 So when they mean 20 foot Vehicle think I can squeeze in a Niagara (20 down 26 up)
 
 How s the Snorkeling there?
 Water Temp that time of year?
 
 Finally, do you know if they rent Hobie cat s at the boat rental place?  I LOOOVE those boat (I have one where I live)....  Great for getting around ... The bay looks like a great spot for one...
 
 Glad to hear there isn t much around... Should keep it a neat place for awhile..
 
 Was wondering if there was Museums or such in the area or special places for a day trip...  Historical value kind of place...    
 

slowpez

#9
Feb 04, 2003, 09:09 AM
 slowpezSorry Joe, can t answer your questions re: Hobie, snorkeling, etc.  We really prefer mountains and only go to the coast when it s too cold to go to the mountains.  Wish I had my camping journal out so I could be more specific but it is in the PU.  We have a Coleman Cheyenne and had no trouble getting into our site - the rangers are really helpful so if you think it is going to be too tight, give them a call.  They seem more than willing to help in any way they can.  They can probably answer your other questions too.  Apalachiacola really is a small town with nothing more than a few gift shops (and those great oysters).   We didn t check out any place else since we were only there for 3 days.  There was enough to explore in the park to keep us busy.
 Have a great time.  Hope you find answers to you questions.  
 Susan

Joe Gleason

#10
Feb 04, 2003, 12:58 PM
 slowpezSusan, thanks for you input.
 
 Really looking forward to this campsite... Sounds Great!
 
 
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