Jacksonville RV Park

We are presently at NAS JAX. On check in we were assigned to site 36. On arrival in the campground, site 36 was occupied. I was about to pull into another site and was told by a camper that many sites didn’t have power. Trusty voltmeter and I checked out three sites and after the CB had been flipped, all were good. We picked the most level and still had front tires barely touching in the level position. The entry drive is very narrow and would be almost impossible for anyone with a long trailer to back into. Folks also park their vehicles on this drive which provides more restrictions. We have many young campers at this time and they do not seem to be familiar with the dog codes. My dog was attacked by a small one running loose at 630 AM. Also found evidence of not using their doggie bags. The Navy Lodge is adjacent to the FAMCAMP and would be a much better landlord. An RV site is just like a room and can be booked in the same fashion. They are also open longer hours than the auto hobby shop, which is a half mile away. Great camp ground.

We've stayed here many times before and not much has changed, except that the laundry room has been re-done with all new (and FREE) washer's and dryers. When we arrived (with a reservation) we were told we would have to settle for a site "down below" rather than on the paved sites we'd requested since there had been power problems and the power didn't work on about 6 sites. We drove to the park and realized that there was no way our large rig would fit into the site assigned. A fellow RVer suggested we check the board posted near the laundry facilities to see what sites showed as available. One site (41) was listed as available so we checked the power and found that it worked just fine. We called the office and the young woman working the desk told us that power didn't work on that site. When we explained that it DID work, she rather curtly said "fine, then take it"--which we did and stayed for 4 nights. During that time we realized that the "board" which lists available sites for late arrivals was never updated and it appeared that no one was working on the power problem. One major issue is that there is no host and the MWR office seems more concerned with running the Auto Hobby Shop--which is excellent--than dealing with the RV park. Other than that, the park is very conveniently located, the Exchange and Commissary are wonderful and there are lots of places to walk safely--including a walk way out to a platform along the river. Unlike on previous visits, we found that we had good signal strength from our Verizon Air Card and our phone.

R.R. left this review using the Directory software: We are enjoying our stay in JNAS Campground. It is beautifully located on the saint Johns River. NEX is close. Beautiful nature walk along river. Staff has been very helpful. A nice extra is that the naval hospital provides excellent care to us snow-birds. Beautiful golf course, fitness center and indoor swimming pool. We enjoy the sounds of freedom as airplanes and jets are constantly in the air. All this and free laundry.

Stopped by to check the place out. We'd never been here before. This is a nice RV Park, also with a few tent sites. It appeared there were still a few sites available. Part of the campground is in trees and a bit rustic, while the other half appears fairly new in the open and with concrete pads. The air station is fully equipped, making this a great place to spend some time at.

We have just completed a two week stay at the NAS Jacksonville RV Park. We have stayed there many times in the past six years and there are no major changes in the RV Park area. We had a little problem after we checked in because there were two of us with the same last name showing up on the same day. We had called early before we got there and were assigned to site 35. After getting there and dropping the trailer off on the site I went to the office to complete the check-in process and paid the remaining rent due. About an hour after returning to our trailer and getting it completely set-up the other people showed up and informed us we were in their spot. On the computer we were to have site 11 and they were to be in 35. Well we were completely set-up and not about to move. You cannot reserve by site number, they are assigned when you show up or call on your way in. Because the management had assigned us to the site 35 and taken our money we did not feel we had to move because someone else had also been assigned to the site. In the end all worked out and the other people took site 11. WiFi still has to be paid for here and there is no CATV. Cell phone service gets very weak in the parks lower sites. In site 35 we had two ticks on our cell phones as well as our Verizon USB internet connection. There are two major changes in the NAS Jacksonville MWR community. The new facilities at the golf course are completed and are top notch. The whole facility has been centralized into a single building with the golf cart storage in the huge basement type lower floor. Much of the grounds leading to the starters hut have been improved giving the entire experience a little more character. The Marina basin has undergone a major overhaul with all new anchoring and alignment and will be completely finished within the next few months as will an additional boat storage area. There are currently spaces available in the RV storage area. If your tow vehicle/motorized RV has current base stickers you can enter the Birmingham gate and go directly to the RV Park. If you do not have valid DOD stickers you will have to enter through the commercial gate where the visitor passes will be issued for your length of stay. Propane is very reasonably priced at the NEX service station and they will fill all portable bottles and also those with motorized RVs whose tanks are permanently attached. Although diesel fuel is not depicted on the marquis it is available at the NEX service station and is always within a cent or two of any you will find off base so save some time and fuel up there. The NEX retail store is under renovation but almost completed. The commissary is huge and has everything. FastEagle

C.H. left this review using the Directory software: This was our second stay here. We had made our reservation about two months prior, but when we arrived on 1 Dec, they had us down as arriving on 2 Dec and staying a day later than we intended. All the hookup sites were taken that first night so we stayed in one of the primitive sites, #19, down facing the river. They did not charge us for that night and refunded our last night's payment. The next day we were able to move to a gravel site with full-hookups. The next day we spotted an empty concrete site, so I called the office and we were able to get it. There really is quite a difference between the old and new sections of the campground. Sites in the old section are gravel and dirt, quite close together and some could present a challenge for large rigs. That area is quite wooded and fairly dark. The newer section with its concrete pads and grass is much more pleasant. Some of the pads are pretty tilted, though, and it takes some major leveling. The bathouse is heated with hot showers and free laundry facilities. We did not have any issues with its cleanliness. I agree with previous reviews about the lack of a campground host. I asked about that at the office and was told that they didn't want to pay for one. A Host would be a big help in keeping an eye on things, helping with late arrivals and being available to answer questions. All in all, we would definitely come back.

Stopped through on my way from NC on to Texas. Did not meet any camp host. The site was adequate. Some sites have all hookups--ours did not have sewer. And, I did not find a dump station. You have to pay for wi-fi and the television reception is limited. Things on base are fairly easy to get to. For one or two nights, this is a pretty good value.

Was in JAX for a week long training. Stayed at the Navy Lodge, right next door to the CG. Family PCS to JAX next summer so I took the opportunity to make several visits to this campground. Plan on staying a few weeks next summer (while house hunting)so wanted to take a good look. Can't beat the location! Walk to golf w/ newer restaurant (ate here twice cheap and good food), hospital, O club, gym, and church. Great nature walks and running trails. Very quiet, lots of security drive by's. Minutes away from any store you can possibly imagine. Coming from Beaufort, I was very excited! Target is right outside the front gate along with Firehouse Subs (Yum).
Internet (have to pay for it in CG and Navy Lodge) worked pretty well. Cell service was a little off. I have Verizon but many people from my class also had reception problems (different carriers). Maybe because it's an air station?? The negative is a strong odor coming from the direction of the river. Some days were worse than others and it wasn't just the CG, the entire area when the wind was right. Still, I think the benefits prevail. We plan on making several visits this coming year.

Location of RV park is very convenient. Enjoy the golf club for meals and reasonable priced drinks. However it sure would be nice if there was a camp nanny (person who would enforce rules at the campground) a person who lives in campground stays free for taking care of campground and ensures that ALL have a pleasant and safe visit. People that walk their dogs and carry leashes is definitely a NO! NO! Not safe for dog other dogs or people! Had to mention it twice to campground office and nothing changed... dogs were still potting on anyone's property so I finally had to call main office of MWR and dog walkers started actually walking dogs on leash (with leash connected to dog). Besides some people park in the middle of the road so another car cannot pass..leave security doors open on head and laundry which is supposed to be only for campground! This campground really needs a camp nanny!

We've stayed here at least a dozen times now and will definitely return every chance we get. (btw, another highly recommended JAX area FamCamp is at Mayport NAS.) The check-in staff are very friendly - heads-up: the registration office is still at the Auto Skills Center on Birmingham, a "long block" away from the FamCamp. Be sure you call in advance ahead for a reservation as this park is often filled to capacity. If arriving after hours (1700), they will have written your name and your spot # on the whiteboard at the bath/laundry house. This park is very comfortable and has all normal amenities, all of which are kept clean and in good working order. Even the tenter's "primitive area" is very well-kept. The laundry machines are still free :). The "old" area is our preferred location due to its forest sounds and smells and being right next to the St. John's River bank w/ its nature trails, and this older area still receives clear WiFi. NASJAX has a marina, Navy hospital, very well-stocked exchange and commissary, and most every large base feature. There are several places to eat on base, though none are 24/7. Right off base are Orange Park and Jacksonville where you'll find no shortage of places to see and things to do.

We have been here for three days and are really enjoying our stay. Arrived well after dark and had no problem getting into our site. Did get a little turned around coming in from the Yorktown late at night. We are in a nice shady spot on the lower side. Glad I brought extra blocks to get level. I would say it would be worse on some of the paved spots. Great free washers and dryers and close to PX and commissary. Hope to get south to Patrick in mid. Feb. steve

Great RV Park! If entering thru Birmingham Gate during after quitting time, the traffic pattern change makes you enter the park by the Navy Lodge. If your vehicle is without miliary ID stickers you must enter thru the Yorktown Gate to get a pass.

This is the third largest Naval Installation in the United States. Military planes flying overhead quite regularly. There are free laundry facilities just a short walk from any of the campsites. We've stayed here several times and we like it. Reveille is heard as the flag is raised and the retreat bugle call as the flag is lowered each day on the base and it makes this military brat feel right at home! We have been in both the old and new area. We prefer the new area as we get better TV and cell reception but keep in mind, that there are no trees in the new section so if you're there during the summer, it's going to be HOT. There is a nice nature walk trail that begins at the Navy Lodge, next door to the RV park. Free car wash area across from the chapel. You can schedule a massage at the gym for only $30 for a full hour. The massage room is ODD but the massage itself was great. There are water aerobics at the gym too for those who want to take advantage of that.

As a basic RV campground this place has everything you should expect and it is all in pretty good shape. The restroom and showers were spotless, the water had good pressure and there was plenty of hot water. The FREE laundry was a real bonus, particularly as the equipment appeared almost new. We stayed in overflow in the older section within a mature forest. We could see the river through the trees. For those desiring amenities, the new section has concrete pads, full hookups, sun for your solar panels and that always necessary clear view of the southern sky for satellite reception. You certainly get more here than you pay for here. If your expectations are higher you should stick to those civilian destination parks and pay the fifty bucks a day. We are full-timers on a retired NCO budget and for us this place is on our keeper list. Some of the pads are not level and not having a resident manager is a bit of a problem at times. Perhaps they should look into a Workamper Campground Host. Thank you Phil and the crew for a nice place to stay.

This CG was very nice, Phil and Vicki at the RV MWR were very helpful. We stayed in the upper level area on a concrete pad. Everything was fine and it is very quiet. Great location to stop and visit St. Augustine, about a 30 minute drive from the base. Base has everything you'd need -- commissary was great and MWR Ticket center had all that you would need including the trolley tour of St. Augustine -- check there first before going outside for tours. Bathrooms and Laundry Room were very clean. Would definitely come back.

Being retired Navy I exspected more from NAS JAX. The restrooms and showers were in bad need of repair and the power hookups were lacking. I had to share power with my neighbor, which would not have been bad except the RV park knew at 1000 the 14th and we arrived at 0300 the next morning and they could have called and gave us a heads up. The signs getting to the park, behind the Navy Lodge were not very displyed either. The gate guards at 0300 were not very friendly either. Thank God for the race.

My name is Phil Collins and I am the new manager of the RV Park on NAS Jacksonville (I also manage the marina and Navy Outdoor Recreation). Thank you for all of your comments, both the good and the areas in which we need improvement. A few comments on some of the issues so far: - Pets: this is addressed in the NASJAXINST 1700.1D.4.c. Leash regs, cleaning up, nuisance, etc. I plan to install "doggie stations" for more visible reminders for cleaning up. Any nuisance animals should be reported to the RV Park office and we will definitely take care of the issue. - Level Pads: while there is little we can do with the new concrete pads, we will insure that future concrete pads are perfectly level. Regardless, I will investigate this issue. - Staff Onsite/Office Onsite: The War on Terror has redirected funds to the extent that we have lost funding in many areas, and have had to cut labor drastically. The RV Office is always available for questions, and after hours you may reach me on my cell phone, or contact NAS Jax Security. The phone numbers will be posted at the RV Park. - Place to Congregate: There are no "near future" plans to install this onsite, but I am working on creating an area in the RV Office reception area to include a table, coffee, TV, magazines, book exchange, and other amenities. It is a start anyway... - Grass/Restroom Cleanliness: Our facilities are under contract to be maintained. I have a staff member check this on a daily basis. If things are not up to snuff, please notify the RV Park Office. - Dryer Screens Full of Dog Fur: placing dogs in the dryers is forbidden. We do not want PETA getting involved. Use a towel please. It is the kind thing to do. - Info Packet: MWR Marketing has developed a new info packet that lists all the other MWR facilities on base, as well as non-MWR places to go. I also plan to install a brochure rack for attractions "outside the fenceline." - Please feel free to contact me via email, if anyone has questions or suggestions: PHILIP "dot" S "dot" COLLINS "at" NAVY "dot" MIL Thanks!

Great location and view. Kids loved free internet access in clubhouse. Free laundry was a plus after 2 weeks on the road. Hosts and other travelers were very friendly. Site was level, easy access and restrooms were clean. Would visit again!

Nice clean camp with free laundry. Neighbors dog stayed tied up outside, barked and did his job in the yard. Camp would be better if they had better rules for pets.

We are still here, leaving tomorrow. Very nice park, especially for the cost. Laundry facilities are very clean and FREE. We are in the older section, down in the trees. Rained heavy last night and we do have a water puddle in front of our front door. Prefer the older section because the sites are more level. The new concrete pads in the new section slant down toward the front causing several of the large motor homes to have their front wheels completely off the ground and on blocks to get level.