Camp Blanding Recreation Sites

Featured
 
3.8 (47)
217899 1 38 2 88

Location

Installation
Camp Blanding National Guard Post, Starke, FL
GPS Coordinates
29.953617, -81.988963
Location Information
Starke, FL
RV Gate Coordinates
29.97947, -81.98505

Directions

Directions
FROM SOUTH - US-301: Look for Camp Blanding sign and turn right onto FL-16. Take FL-16 to main gate on the right. ---- FROM NORTH - I-10: Take exit 343 South onto US-301. Go 17 miles at sign for Camp Blanding onto Lake St(CO-225). Go 7 miles , turn left onto FL-16. Go 2 miles to main gate on right. ---- FROM MAIN GATE: After entering gate, turn left at intersection onto Avenue B. Go 2 miles and turn right onto Hollywood St. Check-in office is at the end of Hollywood St. Turn South onto Avenue A and campground is around the corner on the right.

Map

Google Map (Click on the map to enlarge)
Map of James E. Johnson Memorial RV Park

Contact Information

Phone Number
(904) 682-3104
Mailing Address
Camp Blanding Recreational Department, 5629 SR 16 West, BLDG #1530, Starke, FL 32091

Campground Information

Authorized Users
Active Duty, National Guard, Reservists, Retired Military, 100% DAV, DoD Civilians, Sponsored Guests, Public with an approved "Associate Membership" (call office).
Season
Year round.
Reservations
Required with first night's deposit up to 90 days in advance.
Internet Access
There is a dial up connection in the office with a limit of 45 minutes per day. Strong Verizon signal.
Mail Forwarding
Campground office will accept mail for guests.
Pet Information
Pets are not allowed in the "Primitive" section, but are allowed in the other areas with usual leash and clean-up rules. 2 pet limit. There is a $4 per pet fee. You MUST have current proof of rabies vaccination.
Campground Information
Maximum stay 21 days. Office offers "Associate Membership" to the public. Call the office for details.
Big Rig Friendly?
Yes
Facilities
Johnson RV Park accepts reservations, is only for RV's and doesn't have laundry, restrooms or showers. McKenna Campground is first-come only, allows tents, and has showers, restrooms and laundry. 2 tent limit per primitive site. There is a new Wal-mart super center in Starke, Fl. about 15 miles from the Campground. There is a small px with limited food supplies available on post.
Amenities
  • Dump, Sewer
  • Water
  • Electric
  • Tent Area
  • Laundry
  • Showers
  • Playground
  • Picinic Area
  • Beach
  • Fishing
  • Boating, Boat Rentals
  • Shoppete
  • Museum

Site Information

Type of site
Spaces
Hook-ups
Daily
Weekly
Monthly
RV Site
29
W/30,50A/S
$28 - $40
N/A
N/A
RV Site
12
W/20,30.50A
$28 - $40
N/A
N/A
Primitive
57
W
$14 - $20.25
N/A
N/A

Other Information

Dining Hall Policy
Firearms Policy
Must register firearms at gate (Military police bldg) after register at campground. You can keep firearms with RV.
Weather Information

Located on Lake Kingsley, offering many beautiful sunsets.

Photos

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James E. Johnson Memorial RV Park
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Videos

Driving Tour of Camp Blanding Recreation Sites, Starke, FL

Attachments

  • File Description
    File Size
    File Type
    Downloads
  • Blanding20320Site20Maps-11-1540843111
    3 MB
    3128
  • New RV Area Map
    Map of the "new sites."
    122 KB
    6887

Map

Swap Start/End

User reviews

47 reviews
 
26%
 
43%
 
26%
 
2%
 
4%
Overall rating
 
3.8
Location
 
3.8(47)
Cleanliness/Hospitality
 
3.6(47)
Amenities/Facilities
 
3.3(47)
Value
 
3.9(47)
Overall Experience
 
3.9(47)
To write a review please register or
View all user reviews View most helpful
Jan 2023
Overall rating
 
4.7
Location
 
3.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
 
5.0
Amenities/Facilities
 
5.0
Value
 
5.0
Overall Experience
 
5.0
Location: about an hour from NAS Jax and about an 1:30 to St. Augustine. We started with a week and was able to extend for another 30 days. Second site was waterfront. There are 3 sections. 2 have full hook ups and the 3 (in the middle) is more for tent camping then RV. Staff was helpful with our questions, and ability to extend our stay. Only 2 sections of the park allow pets and there is an extra fee for pets, and you must show proof of rabies shot. Gate staff are extremely friendly and we have enjoyed short conversations and helpful tips for shopping and travel tips to local areas.
The base over all is very quiet. The sunsets are stunning over the lake. Golf carts are allowed but not really needed. Electric bikes are allowed but only allowed on certain roads so get clarification on that. And of course like all military bases a bike helmet is needed. Civilians are allowed to camp here with background check and some kind of yearly pass we didnt inquire b/c we have ID's.
They have a few camp host onsite for after hour check in and any issues that come up. I strongly encourage arriving before dark b/c there are some narrow "bridges" that could be hard to see in the dark. We camped here in a 44 ft 5th wheel so its big rig friendly. Water pressure was good, 50 amp, level concrete pads in back in sites, pull thru have gravel (I think there are 9 pullthru) 2 are used by camp host this season, Im not sure if thats the case every season. There is a place to eat next to the Rec center check in, however if the sea cadets are on base for training they are fed there and it's not open for meals. They also have a few food trucks but Ive not gotten a full understanding on the time and locations they serve on base.
Report this review Comments (0) | Was this review helpful? 12 1
Rejected by staff
Overall rating
 
1.0
Location
 
1.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
 
1.0
Amenities/Facilities
 
1.0
Value
 
1.0
Overall Experience
 
1.0
The information above is not correct. I attempted to make reservations for the campground and was rejected. The staff advised me that veterans are not allowed to stay in the campgrounds.
Report this review Comments (0) | Was this review helpful? 5 15
March 2021
Overall rating
 
4.2
Location
 
5.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
 
3.0
Amenities/Facilities
 
4.0
Value
 
5.0
Overall Experience
 
4.0
Good place to go, don’t count on talking to anyone over the phone, they don’t answer, and do not return calls. I’ve been in the office a few times, they aren’t busy, so I don’t see why they can’t answer the phone.
Report this review Comments (1) | Was this review helpful? 19 3
March 13-15, 2020
Overall rating
 
3.6
Location
 
3.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
 
3.0
Amenities/Facilities
 
3.0
Value
 
4.0
Overall Experience
 
4.0
We had reservations for a week in a full hook-up site, but got delayed on our travels and had to cancel. We lost our 1-day deposit. We did eventually make it to the campground, but had to take a "primitive" site with water and electric. We liked the site, and the $15 a night savings. Nice view of the lake out our window. Sites in the primitive area are first-come and not all level. Some sites do have 50amp electric. The campground started to get a little busy over the weekend with many families enjoying the lake. Camp host was very friendly.
Report this review Comments (0) | Was this review helpful? 8 1
March 2020
Overall rating
 
4.4
Location
 
4.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
 
4.0
Amenities/Facilities
 
4.0
Value
 
4.0
Overall Experience
 
5.0
What a hidden gem! beautiful scenic lake, quiet, clean, concrete full hookup sites. if you like kayaking or jet skiing this place would be great in season. we love to walk and took great walks around base. there are NO facilities on this base and it is 11 miles from town, which is inconvenient. the young woman working the desk at checkin was less than helpful.
Report this review Comments (0) | Was this review helpful? 5 1
January 2020
Overall rating
 
3.4
Location
 
3.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
 
4.0
Amenities/Facilities
 
3.0
Value
 
2.0
Overall Experience
 
4.0
A nice quiet campground on Kingsley Lake. I was there helping a buddy replace the heating element in his hot water tank. It is on a reserve base so there are no amenities. It is not near any major towns either. If you are looking for a place to get away, this may appeal to you. Bring you kayak and paddle on the lake. The daily fees are a little high when you compare them to Pelican's Roost which is on the ocean with a beach.
Report this review Comments (0) | Was this review helpful? 3 0
April 2019
Overall rating
 
4.9
Location
 
5.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
 
5.0
Amenities/Facilities
 
4.0
Value
 
5.0
Overall Experience
 
5.0
Nice RV Park for relaxation. Just found out that military users may be in for a shock. The group setting the MWR useage rules for the park is now allowing Associate Members to reserve and use 2 RV lots. Doesn't make sense but that what money can buy. It makes sense to maximize park useage in the long run but travelers that show up at the last minute will be less likely to get a spot for overnight or even a couple of nights. 
Report this review Comments (0) | Was this review helpful? 6 2
Jan/Feb 1019
Overall rating
 
5.0
Location
 
5.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
 
5.0
Amenities/Facilities
 
5.0
Value
 
5.0
Overall Experience
 
5.0
Really great RV Park. Quite peaceful. Not great Wifi, we used our Sprint Phone Hotspot to Stream Netflix and Fire stick. Everyone that manages the park are so friendly and helpful. The dining facility is close, not expensive and good breakfast lunch items.
Report this review Comments (0) | Was this review helpful? 5 0
Oct 27 - Dec 31, 2018
Overall rating
 
4.7
Location
 
4.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
 
5.0
Amenities/Facilities
 
4.0
Value
 
5.0
Overall Experience
 
5.0
Since going full time in May (part time for a year before that), this is easily one of our favorite camp sites! It's completely peaceful, clean, and enjoyable! The staff are quite friendly and the camp hosts have become friends (at the least). The base is very quiet, and almost seems deserted at times... but that's what makes it so nice. No traffic, no crowds, nothing! You get this big, beautiful lake almost to yourselves. There are three camping areas.. the old RV campground, closest to the office, the primitive and tent sites in the middle, and the new RV camp at the far end. In our opinion, the older RV campground is the best! The spaces are very large and spread out in such a way that you barely notice your neighbors. There are lots of trees for shade, and an asphalt road. This camp does not have a dock, like the other two, but has a couple small beach areas and a nice deck to sit your chair and enjoy the sunsets. There is a small PX on base, but it's more of a glorified convince store. The towns of Middleburg and Starke are close by, and can take care of all your needs. Starke is quite rundown and we suggest going to Middleburg for anything and everything. Jacksonville and St Augustine are less than an hour drive, and give you all the premium Florida touristy things to do. Cell signals, for ATT and Verizon, are fantastic. There is fee wifi, but there is also the option to pay for upgraded services. The signals are very good. The PX has ice, sodas, snacks, a few grocery items. There is no fuel or propane on base. The recreation center (camp office) has kayak and paddle boats for rent. Pets are allowed in the RV parks, but not in the primitive section. They are not allowed any where else on base. You need to get pet pass from the camp office, for your car, if you will be taking your pets on and off base. We had a reservation for one month. Because of issues at our previous camp we came early. Thankfully Blanding was able to accommodate us. We love it here so much, we have decided to skip going to The Keys for Christmas and to stay here through the end of the year!
Report this review Comments (0) | Was this review helpful? 12 2
May 7, 2018
Overall rating
 
2.8
Location
 
5.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
 
1.0
Amenities/Facilities
 
5.0
Value
 
5.0
Overall Experience
 
1.0
The place is absolutely beautiful, but we had a horrible time with the staff. It is not known that there is no pets allowed in the cottage area, we even went through 2 100% vehicle checks with our cat in the car with us and they didn't tell us she wasn't allowed, we had no idea, then we were kicked out, harrassed, had our privacy invaded, and threatened to pay a $50 fine because they had to "strip the beds and disinfect" when I thought that was mandatory for rooms anyways? It was not a pleasant experience. I do not recommend this place at all.
Report this review Comments (0) | Was this review helpful? 10 7
Jan 2018
Overall rating
 
5.0
Location
 
5.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
 
5.0
Amenities/Facilities
 
5.0
Value
 
5.0
Overall Experience
 
5.0
Nice quite campground. Was very easy to find. Does have open wifi, works good. Dogs can not go outside campground unless in vehicle. No walking them outside campground anywhere. There is a charge per night for pet up to 2 pets.
Report this review Comments (0) | Was this review helpful? 2 1
Dec 27-30, 2017
Overall rating
 
5.0
Location
 
5.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
 
5.0
Amenities/Facilities
 
5.0
Value
 
5.0
Overall Experience
 
5.0
New rates 12/01/2017 are $28. per night not water side and $35. per night water side. Their is a fee of $3.50 per pet 2 pets max. You must have updated rabies paperwork for each pet. If you don't have a pet pass they will not let you back on base if you leave.
Report this review Comments (0) | Was this review helpful? 4 1
August 10-12, 17
Overall rating
 
4.6
Location
 
5.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
 
4.0
Amenities/Facilities
 
3.0
Value
 
5.0
Overall Experience
 
5.0
Spent a few days in the middle of august camping in tents. Beautiful camp grounds. Tried to bring a dog but it's worth noting they only allow pets to stay long term not short term. Had to drive out to a kennel before we could get on base. There is a PX a short ways to the right of the gate. It's very small and doubles as a commissary. Only carries essentials and snacky stuff. 
Report this review Comments (0) | Was this review helpful? 6 0
March 6-10, 2017
(Updated: January 23, 2023)
Overall rating
 
3.9
Location
 
4.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
 
4.0
Amenities/Facilities
 
3.0
Value
 
4.0
Overall Experience
 
4.0
We never saw any signs directing to the campground. When we arrived, we asked the gate security how to get to the campground. "Right, left, right and you'll see it." About the time we thought we'd made the wrong turn somewhere, about 1 mile after the last "right" we found it. However, we missed the building where sign in was located and had to go back. Sign in/registration is the brown quanset hut before you get to the campground. There's a large parking lot at the quanset hut so there's no problem getting any vehicle combination in and out of the parking lot. Our campsite was long, clean, and great view of the lake. During our stay it was quiet. We saw very little activity on the installation. We did not find a BX/PX or commissary. There isn't a whole lot to do nearby but it is less than 1 hour drive into either St Augustine or Jacksonville.
Report this review Comments (0) | Was this review helpful? 3 1
17-21 November 2016
Overall rating
 
3.7
Location
 
4.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
 
3.0
Amenities/Facilities
 
4.0
Value
 
3.0
Overall Experience
 
4.0
Signage directing you to the park did not exist. There appears to be only one gate open onto the installation, which is co-located at the museum entrance. Nice RV concrete pad campsite, things are a bit old but functional. Our 50amp breaker was inop when we arrived. Our site was next door to the camp host, and I notified him. Within a short time, a maintenance technician arrived and replaced the breaker. The lake is very scenic and was a short walk from our patio area. The price ($24.75 a night) is at the high end of military campgrounds. And they charge you an additional $2.75 fee for pets. Still a fair value, but not a bargain in my opinion.
Report this review Comments (0) | Was this review helpful? 5 1
October 2016
Overall rating
 
4.0
Location
 
3.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
 
5.0
Amenities/Facilities
 
4.0
Value
 
4.0
Overall Experience
 
4.0
Very nice, quiet and clean. Worth your time and money. Visited in October. Will be very hot in the summer.
Report this review Comments (0) | Was this review helpful? 2 1
October 21st-23rd 2016
Overall rating
 
4.4
Location
 
4.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
 
5.0
Amenities/Facilities
 
3.0
Value
 
4.0
Overall Experience
 
5.0
We arrived on Friday October 21st about 1 pm. I followed the directions on the website and it was right on the money. At the end of Hollywood St. is the Check in office straight across Avenue B. Its a large parking lot so it makes a great place to unhook the toad if you are not going to a pull thru spot. Check in was no issue, she asked for our dogs rabies certificate then wrote pet on the two cardboard placards for the car and the sign in front of your site to slip the other in. They have a straight drive in to the 9 pull thru sites from this parking lot. For the other sites they are just a short, very short drive to the other RV area then the tent area. We were on site #24 which was very nice and facing the lake. Most sites are concrete slabs with full hookups and 30/50 amp power pedestals.They rent canoes, paddle boards, and kayaks where you check in at. it was very windy so we didn't do either this time. Pets are only allowed at the campground and no where else on base. Also there is a $2.75 per day per pet fee taken at check-in. There is a small restaurant by the check in office at the Convention Center building. We didn't utilize it either. Its about 8 miles to Starke from the base, which has anything you may want, restaurants, Walmart, gas stations.They have fire barrels on most sites but not all. we checked out the WWII Museum at the front gate on Saturday and it was very nicely stocked, outside aircraft and tank displays too. Donations accepted. Lots of shade and huge pine trees in the 1-29 site section. The newer section was quite open with little to no shade. There was only a bath house in the tent section, and a bathroom in the new area.There is a dog Park in the old section also. A couple of docks in the tent section for fishing or swimming too. We like quiet and this place was. We would go back again. They have some special rates for the winter also right now going on. 
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Sept 10-26, 2016
Overall rating
 
4.6
Location
 
4.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
 
5.0
Amenities/Facilities
 
4.0
Value
 
4.0
Overall Experience
 
5.0
Arrived here on a Saturday afternoon. Missed the office on the way in. It's the last building before you hit the park. Be sure to stop and check in. If you have a pet you have to get a "pet pass". If you don't have a pet pass and take your pet off post you can't get them back on post. Also pets are not permitted outside the RV park. The concrete parking pads are huge! I can fit my 40' RV, Spyder, Motorcycle and tow dolly and still have room for a table, chairs, etc. There is a picnic table, charcoal grill, and fire barrels. Camp host was extremely friendly and helpful.
Report this review Comments (0) | Was this review helpful? 5 2
Oct 1 - 21 2015
Overall rating
 
5.0
Location
 
5.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
 
5.0
Amenities/Facilities
 
5.0
Value
 
5.0
Overall Experience
 
5.0
This was our first time at this park. If you read any of my other reviews, you know I don't use numbers. I either like or dislike a FamCamp. Well I LIKE IT !!! Reserved 2 weeks, stayed 3. Our rate was pay for 5 days get 2 free, Great deal. By the lake, trees & bushes, sites not too close to each other, and full hook-ups. Internet is available if you pay. We had a concrete site with fire ring, grill, and table. Most sites have a view of the water and are easy to get in to. A little bit of a drive to town, but I like it that way, no road noises. During the weekends, park was about 90% occupied and it was still very peaceful. They have a great museum of WW2 equipment, from planes to bullets and every thing else in between. Great place to spent some time. No laundry on base, we went to Middleburg {12 miles) to do laundry. A few post back mentioned pets, they are allowed in the famCamp only, there is even a dog park for them, but no where else on base. We had a great time here and will definitely return.
Report this review Comments (1) | Was this review helpful? 12 6
March 31 2015
Overall rating
 
4.7
Location
 
4.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
 
5.0
Amenities/Facilities
 
4.0
Value
 
5.0
Overall Experience
 
5.0
We only stayed one night on the way across the state. After spending time in the Tampa area this was wonderful! Starke appeared to be a nice town with good shopping. The base is a bit off the beaten path but we didn't have to backtrack the next day to head north so it was fine. I was able to book and pay for the site by phone with no delays speaking to a very polite person when we were about an hour out. We were in pull thru site #2, gravel but nicely landscaped and spacious. The park was only about 30% occupied so it was very peaceful. Enjoyed walking around the lake and checking out the other newer areas. We heard it's usually very busy on weekends tho so maybe wouldn't have enjoyed it as much then. Did not use any of the facilities so can't comment on that. We'd do another mid-week stay here again.
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