Fort Clinch State Park
Historic Civil War fort, pristine beaches & Florida's best camping
Why Fort Clinch is a Must-Visit
Fort Clinch State Park is the crown jewel of Amelia Island attractions. This 1,400-acre park combines a remarkably well-preserved Civil War-era fort with pristine beaches, excellent nature trails, and two of Florida's most sought-after campgrounds.
🏰 Park Quick Facts
Historic Fort
One of America's best-preserved 19th-century forts with living history events
Pristine Beach
Uncrowded shoreline famous for shark tooth hunting and shelling
Top Camping
83 sites in two waterfront campgrounds ranked among Florida's best
Nature Trails
6+ miles through maritime forest, salt marsh, and coastal dunes
Fishing Pier
24-hour pier access for campers with excellent catches
Wildlife
Dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and diverse shorebirds
🏰 The Historic Fort
A remarkably intact Civil War-era fortification and the park's centerpiece
Fort Clinch's massive brick fortification is one of the best-preserved 19th-century forts in the United States. Construction began in 1847 to defend the deep-water port at the mouth of the St. Marys River, but the fort was never fully completed and never fired a shot in battle.
Fort Timeline
What to See Inside
🏛️ Parade Ground
Central courtyard surrounded by restored barracks buildings
💣 Casemates
Vaulted gun rooms with original cannons in place
🛏️ Officers' Quarters
Furnished period rooms showing garrison life
🔐 Prison Cells
Original jail cells in the guardhouse
🌅 Ramparts
Walk the walls for harbor entrance views
🔨 Blacksmith Shop
Working forge during living history events
💡 Best Time to Visit the Fort
Come on the first full weekend of each month for living history programs. Costumed interpreters portray Union soldiers from 1864, demonstrating daily garrison life, firing cannons, and sharing stories. It's an incredible experience, especially for kids.
🏖️ Fort Clinch Beach
Amelia Island's premier spot for shark teeth, shelling, and uncrowded shoreline
The beach at Fort Clinch is one of Amelia Island's most beautiful and least crowded. A long stretch of sand curves from the jetty at the St. Marys River inlet around to the park's eastern boundary. The combination of rock jetty, shell beds, and minimal development makes this the island's top spot for finding fossils and shark teeth.
Shark Teeth
Low tide reveals fossil beds. Look for black, triangular teeth in the shell hash near the jetty.
Shelling
Excellent variety including whelks, sand dollars, and sea glass near the rocks.
Fishing
Jetty offers great fishing for redfish, flounder, and sheepshead.
🥾 Nature Trails & Wildlife
Over 6 miles of trails through diverse habitats
Willow Pond Trail
Beautiful interpretive trail through maritime forest with a freshwater pond. Great for bird watching and an easy walk for all fitness levels.
Beach to Fort Trail
Connects the main beach parking to the fort through shaded forest. A pleasant walk through varied habitats.
Egan's Creek Greenway
Paved trail connecting park to downtown Fernandina Beach. Great for biking and connects to the broader island trail system.
Wildlife to Watch For
Birds
Painted buntings, osprey, wood storks, herons, pelicans
Marine Life
Dolphins, manatees (seasonal), sea turtles (May-Oct)
Land Animals
Gopher tortoises, armadillos, deer, raccoons
⛺ Camping at Fort Clinch
Two excellent campgrounds ranked among Florida's best
Amelia River Campground
Marsh & river views- 62 sites with electric/water
- Beautiful sunset views over marsh
- Closer to park entrance
- Near fishing pier
- Some waterfront sites
Atlantic Beach Campground
Oceanfront in maritime forest- 21 sites with electric/water
- Steps from the beach
- Shaded by live oaks
- Near the fort
- More private, smaller
💡 Camping Pro Tips
Atlantic Beach: Request sites 1-7 for closest beach access. Amelia River: Sites 1-15 have the best water views. Book through ReserveAmerica.com up to 11 months in advance. Peak season sites book 3-6 months ahead!
📋 Visitor Information
| Park Hours | 8:00am to Sunset, 365 days/year |
| Fort Hours | 9:00am - 5:00pm daily |
| Park Entry Fee | $6 per vehicle (up to 8 people) |
| Pedestrians/Cyclists | $2 per person |
| Fort Admission | $2.50 per person (6+ years) |
| Annual Pass | $60/individual, $120/family (all FL state parks) |
| Address | 2601 Atlantic Avenue, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 |
| Phone | (904) 277-7274 |
Suggested Itineraries
Quick Visit (2 hrs)
- Enter park, drive to fort
- Explore Fort Clinch (1 hr)
- Walk to beach (30 min)
- Drive out via beach parking
Half Day (4 hrs)
- Explore fort thoroughly
- Willow Pond Nature Trail
- Beach - swim, shell, shark teeth
- Fishing pier overlook
- Lunch in downtown Fernandina
Full Day
- Fort exploration + trails
- Picnic lunch at pavilions
- Afternoon beach time
- Fish from pier or jetty
- Sunset at north jetty
Continue Exploring
Plan Your Fort Clinch Visit
Just 10 minutes from downtown Fernandina Beach restaurants and shops.