Family-Friendly RV Trips Near Jacksonville, Florida: 8 Unforgettable Destinations

Planning a road trip with kids doesn’t have to be stressful — especially when you stay close to home. If you're looking for memorable family RV trips near Jacksonville, Florida, there’s no shortage of destinations where adventure meets comfort. From historical sites and natural springs to quiet beaches and wildlife-packed trails, these eight locations are perfect for families with young children or teens.

Let’s explore where your next family RV road trip could take you.

1. St. Augustine, FL

Where history and adventure meet the beach

Only about an hour south of Jacksonville, St. Augustine offers a vibrant mix of education and entertainment. It’s a must-stop on any list of family RV trips near Jacksonville, Florida.

Kid-Friendly Highlights:

• Castillo de San Marcos – Kids can roam the fort and watch cannon firing demonstrations.
  
  
• Alligator Farm – Zipline over live gators or take a behind-the-scenes tour.
  
  
• St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum – Hands-on history that feels like playtime.
  
  
• St. Augustine Beach – Great for boogie boarding, building sandcastles, or flying kites.
  
  

RV Stay: North Beach Camp Resort or Anastasia State Park — both offer family-friendly amenities and beach access.

2. Amelia Island & Fort Clinch State Park

Coastal fun and natural beauty just north of the city

Located less than an hour away, Amelia Island combines historical exploration with calm, family-friendly beaches and forested campgrounds.

Kid-Friendly Highlights:

• Fort Clinch tours with costumed reenactors.
  
  
• Bike trails winding through old oak groves.
  
  
• Main Beach Park – Includes a playground, restrooms, and picnic shelters.
  
  
• Horseback riding on the beach for older kids.
  
  

RV Stay: Fort Clinch State Park offers electric/water hookups, beach access, and lots of shade.

3. Ichetucknee Springs State Park

Float, swim, and snorkel in crystal-clear waters

Roughly two hours west of Jacksonville, this natural wonder is ideal for water-loving families.

Kid-Friendly Highlights:

• Tubing down the Ichetucknee River – Calm, shallow waters make it great for beginners.
  
  
• Blue Hole Spring snorkeling – A magical experience for confident swimmers.
  
  
• Picnic areas with BBQ grills and shaded seating.
  
  
• Wildlife sightings – Look for turtles, otters, and colorful birds.
  
  

RV Stay: Ichetucknee Family Campground offers full hookups and a peaceful setting close to the park.

4. Fanning Springs State Park

Peaceful springs and riverside recreation

Two and a half hours west of Jacksonville, Fanning Springs is a relaxing spot for families who love swimming and nature.

Kid-Friendly Highlights:

• Safe spring swimming with sandy bottoms and shallow areas.
  
  
• Boardwalk trails for strollers and young explorers.
  
  
• Canoeing and kayaking along the Suwannee River.
  
  
• Manatees in cooler months – a memorable wildlife encounter.
  
  

RV Stay: Suwannee River Hideaway Campground – family-focused with clean facilities and river views.

5. Ginnie Springs – High Springs, FL

Crystal-clear fun for active families

A little over two hours from Jacksonville, Ginnie Springs is privately owned and known for its incredible spring water and outdoor activities.

Kid-Friendly Highlights:

• Multiple spring-fed swimming holes – ideal for young swimmers.
  
  
• Inner tube floats and paddleboard rentals.
  
  
• Grill-friendly picnic zones
  
  
• Wildlife-rich trails for curious young hikers.
  
  

RV Stay: Ginnie Springs Campground – has full hookups, restrooms, and picnic tables.

6. Stephen C. Foster State Park – Okefenokee Swamp, GA

Swamp tours and gator sightings in Georgia’s wilderness

Just across the border, this park makes a great family RV destination for those ready to explore a truly unique ecosystem.

Kid-Friendly Highlights:

• Guided swamp boat tours
  
  
• Tons of gator sightings (from a safe distance!)
  
  
• Nighttime stargazing – it’s an official Dark Sky Park.
  
  
• Easy boardwalk trails for spotting birds, turtles, and frogs.
  
  

RV Stay: The on-site campground is quiet, clean, and perfect for family travelers looking to experience the wild side.

7. Blue Spring State Park – Orange City, FL

Manatees, springs, and shaded trails

About 2.5 hours south of Jacksonville, this park is a top destination for manatee viewing in the winter and spring water fun in the summer.

Kid-Friendly Highlights:

• Crystal-clear spring swimming in designated safe areas
  
  
• Scenic boardwalk along the St. Johns River
  
  
• Guided river cruises that entertain and educate
  
  
• Large picnic areas with grills and shade
  
  

RV Stay: Blue Spring has an on-site campground with electric and water hookups, plus modern restrooms and easy access to trails.

8. Silver Springs State Park – Ocala, FL

Glass-bottom boats and jungle-like beauty

Roughly two hours south of Jacksonville, this park offers iconic Florida scenery, rich wildlife, and the legendary glass-bottom boat experience.

Kid-Friendly Highlights:

• Glass-bottom boat tours for spotting fish, turtles, and ancient artifacts
  
  
• Kayaking the Silver River – smooth, clear, and scenic
  
  
• Interactive exhibits about Florida's wildlife and natural springs
  
  
• Hiking trails and butterfly gardens
  
  

RV Stay: Silver Springs Campground has family-friendly RV sites with full hookups, a playground, and space for outdoor games.

How to Prepare Your RV Rental for a Family Trip

Whether you're heading to a spring, a beach, or a historic town, prepping your RV for a family trip makes the journey smoother:

• Pack kid essentials like snacks, toys, and bedtime comforts.
  
  
• Plan for meals with easy-to-cook ingredients, and bring a cooler or portable fridge.
  
  
• Keep kids entertained during the drive with audiobooks, games, or road trip bingo.
  
  
• Safety first – include a first aid kit, check child seat placement, and review your RV’s safety features.
  
  
• Choose a family-sized RV with a separate sleeping space or bunk beds for the kids.
  
  

Renting from a trusted local provider means the RV will be clean, reliable, and equipped for families.

Browse Family-Sized RVs for Your Next Adventure

From tubing in crystal springs to stepping back in time at historic forts, family RV trips near Jacksonville, Florida offer something for every age group. With the flexibility of RV travel and the comfort of home on wheels, your next memory-making getaway could be just a short drive away.

Let the experts at RVM’s Jacksonville Territory help you find the right RV for your crew. Their fleet includes family-sized RVs with everything you need to travel safely and comfortably.

Browse available RVs today and start planning your unforgettable family road trip near Jacksonville, Florida.

‍