Fort Clinch ArialView

Fort Clinch State Park

History, nature and beauty meet in an experience like no other

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Effective July 10, 2025: due to the construction of a new dump station for the River campground at Fort Clinch State Park, there may be intermittent noise disruptions.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Effective June 10, 2025: The playground at Fort Clinch State Park is temporarily closed. 

Hours

Park open 8 a.m. to sunset, 365 days a year. Ranger station open 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Fort open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Visitor center is open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. 

Fees

$6 per vehicle

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Location

2601 Atlantic Ave.
Fernandina Beach FL 32034

Get directions

Contact Info

904-277-7274

Welcome to Fort Clinch State Park

History meets nature at Fort Clinch State Park. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover or a bit of both, enjoy exploring the natural and historic resources of this pristine park.


A row of cannons pointing across the St. Mary’s River into Georgia are silent testimony to the strategic importance of Fort Clinch during the Civil War. Visitors can explore the fort’s many rooms, galleries and grounds, and learn about the life of a Union soldier through unparalleled living history programs.

Make plans to visit on the first weekend of every month when a soldier garrison fires cannons and demonstrates other battlefield skills.

The historic fort is only one aspect of this diverse 1,400-acre park. Maritime hammocks with massive arching live oaks provide a striking backdrop for hiking and biking on the park’s many trails.

The park is known for its gopher tortoises, painted buntings and other species of wildlife. Camping, fishing, shelling and shark-tooth hunting are popular activities.

Plan Your Visit

Heath Alboher, Park Manager
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Manager's Message

Greetings from Fort Clinch.
Three Owls.
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Walk the Willow Pond Nature Trail

All it takes in Fort Clinch State Park is to step on the path, turn the corner and suddenly you arrive in the Real Florida. After seeing historic Fort Clinch and the beautiful sand beaches, make sure you take the time to experience this hidden treasure.
Multiple multicolored shells lay on the sand at fort clinch state park.
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Shark Tooth Hunting

Sharks have been patrolling the waters around Florida since the last Ice Age, ensuring an endless supply of shark teeth on the beaches of Fort Clinch.

Experiences

Bicycling
Bicycling
Birding
Birding
Camping
Camping
Camping, Primitive Group
Camping, Primitive Group
Fishing
Fishing
Geo-Seeking
Geo-Seeking
Hiking
Hiking
Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking
Paddling
Paddling
Picnicking
Picnicking
Shelling
Shelling
Surfing
Surfing
Swimming
Swimming
Tours
Tours
Weddings
Weddings
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Amphitheater
Amphitheater
Beach
Beach
Campfire Circles
Campfire Circles
Campgrounds
Campgrounds
Gardens
Gardens
Historic Site
Historic Site
Historic Site
Historic Site
Interpretive Exhibit
Interpretive Exhibit
Meetings and Retreats
Meetings and Retreats
Museum
Museum
Parking
Parking
Pets
Pets
Playground
Playground
Recycling
Recycling
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities
RV
RV
Shower Station
Shower Station
Visitor Center
Visitor Center
Water Fountain
Water Fountain
Wheelchair Accessible
Wheelchair Accessible

Fort Clinch State Park Photo Gallery

Girl at Fort Wall
Beach View From Fort
Firing Cannon at Fort Clinch
Blacksmith in Period Clothing
Image of Fort when firing a cannon
Inside image of fort walls
Visitor with child walking down fort path
Deer on the Beach
a fiery orange sun sets behind clouds against a dark shoreline of sea oats.
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Beaches of Fort Clinch

White sand, strong breezes, gently waving sea oats and beautiful shells abound in a pristine coastal paradise.
a fort with pentagonal brick walls and numerous building and guns against the backdrop of the ocean.
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History of Fort Clinch

One of the most well-preserved 19th-century fortifications in the country, Fort Clinch is a powerful reminder of America’s past.

People Make the Parks

Jackie McGowan

Staff Spotlight, jackie McGowan

Jackie is a Fernandina Beach native, and Fort Clinch was always in his backyard. Jackie remembers the first time he saw Fort Clinch close-up.
Volunteer Awards

Volunteer Spotlight

Recipients of the 2023 Volunteer Awards at Fort Clinch State Park.
Friends of Fort Clinch State Park

Friends of Fort Clinch State Park

Friends groups meet the critical needs of individual parks and the system of state parks. They share one thing in common – passion for parks.

Park Map

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