St. Augustine is old. Like, really old. You walk down St. George Street and feel the weight of centuries of Spanish colonial history pressing in on you from every limestone block. But for people traveling in a rig, the challenge isn't finding history; it’s finding a place to park that doesn't feel like a cramped parking lot on the side of a highway. That’s why Ocean Grove RV Resort has become such a massive talking point for the East Coast camping crowd lately.
It’s weirdly positioned. Honestly, most "resorts" are either way out in the sticks or stuck behind a gas station. This place sits right on State Road A11A, practically throwing distance from the Atlantic Ocean and a short hop from the Bridge of Lions.
If you've ever tried to navigate a 40-foot Class A through downtown St. Augustine, you know it's a nightmare. Absolute chaos. Ocean Grove basically offers a release valve for that stress. You get the saltwater breeze, the marsh views, and enough space to actually extend your slide-outs without hitting your neighbor's side mirror. It isn't just about a slab of concrete; it's about the fact that you can smell the salt in the air the second you step out of your door.
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The Reality of Staying at Ocean Grove RV Resort
People get confused about what "resort" means in the RV world. Sometimes it's a fancy word for "we have a pool that isn't green." Here, it's a bit different. You’re looking at over 200 sites. Some are paved, some are gravel, and some are tucked into the shade of old-growth oaks that look like they've seen a pirate or two in their day.
The layout is a bit sprawling. It’s bordered by the Matanzas River (the Intracoastal Waterway) on one side and the Atlantic is just across the street. This creates a specific microclimate. Humidity is a real thing here. You will feel it. But the trade-off is the access. You can launch a kayak into the marsh in the morning and be sitting at a high-end seafood restaurant in the historic district by lunch.
Most folks don't realize that St. Augustine’s beach scene is distinct from its "old city" scene. Ocean Grove bridges that gap. You aren't just camping; you're living in that weird, beautiful intersection of Florida marshland and high-end coastal tourism.
What You Get for Your Money
Is it cheap? No. Florida beach real estate is never cheap. But compared to the price of a boutique hotel on the bayfront, it’s a steal for families.
- Full hookups are standard. This includes 30/50 amp electric, water, and sewer.
- There’s a dedicated fishing pier. If you like catching redfish or just watching the tide come in, this is the spot.
- The pool area is massive. It’s the kind of place where kids actually tire themselves out so parents can have a quiet evening.
- On-site dining. Ebb Tide Poolside Bar & Grill is right there. You don't even have to unhook the toad to get a burger and a cold drink.
Why Location Is the Actual "Killer App" Here
Let’s be real for a second. You aren't staying at an RV park to stay inside the park. You’re there for St. Augustine.
The resort is located on Anastasia Island. This is a big deal. Staying on the island means you’re on the "right" side of the bridge. When the drawbridge goes up—and it goes up a lot—you want to be on the side with the beach. Ocean Grove RV Resort puts you minutes away from Anastasia State Park, which has some of the most pristine white sand dunes in the entire state.
If you’re into birding or photography, the nearby St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park is world-famous. Not just for the gators, but for the rookery. During nesting season, thousands of wild herons and egrets nest right above the alligator lagoons. It’s loud, it smells like nature, and it’s spectacular.
Then there’s the Lighthouse. You can see the beam at night from certain spots in the park. It’s a constant reminder that you’re in one of the most historically significant corners of North America.
Navigating the Marsh and the Tide
One thing the brochures don't always emphasize is the tidal nature of the Matanzas. If you’re bringing a boat or a kayak, pay attention. The current in the Intracoastal can be ripping. It’s not a lazy pond. It’s a living, moving body of water.
The resort has its own boat ramp. This is a huge perk. But if you aren't used to Florida tides, you might find yourself stuck in the mud if you timing is off. Talk to the locals at the pier. They know the water.
The "Quiet" Side of the Resort
Everyone talks about the pool and the proximity to the beach, but the back end of the park near the marsh is where the real magic happens. It’s quieter. The wind whistles through the palm fronds. You’ll see ospreys diving for fish right in front of your campsite.
It’s a different vibe than the front of the park which feels more like a traditional vacation hub. If you prefer solitude, ask for a site further back. If you want to be in the middle of the action—near the playground and the office—stay toward the front.
There’s a certain "RV culture" here that’s pretty welcoming. You’ll see everything from $500,000 Prevosts to vintage Airstreams and small pop-up campers. It’s a mix. Nobody cares what you’re driving as long as you’re enjoying the weather.
Dealing With the Florida Elements
Look, Florida isn't all sunshine and oranges. It’s hot. It’s bugs. It’s sudden rain.
When you stay at a place like Ocean Grove RV Resort, you have to be prepared for the salt air. It’s corrosive. If you’re staying for a month or more, give your rig a good rinse every now and then. The salt spray from the Atlantic, even just a few hundred yards away, will find its way onto your chrome.
Also, gnats. "No-see-ums." They are tiny, and they bite. They usually come out at dusk and dawn when the wind dies down. Bring the heavy-duty spray or some Skin So Soft. Don't let them ruin your sunset cocktail.
Practical Tips for Your Trip
Don't just wing it. St. Augustine is one of the most popular destinations in the Southeast.
- Book early. I’m talking months in advance, especially for winter "Snowbird" season or holiday weekends.
- Check the event calendar. The "Nights of Lights" festival runs from November through January. The city is covered in millions of white lights. It’s beautiful, but the traffic is legendary. Plan your shuttle or Uber accordingly.
- Bring bikes. The island is flat. You can bike to the beach, to the grocery store, or even across the bridge to the historic district if you’re feeling athletic. It beats fighting for a $20 parking spot downtown.
- Pet friendly. They have a dog park. Use it. St. Augustine is generally a very pet-friendly city, with many outdoor patios allowing four-legged friends.
The Verdict on the Experience
Is it perfect? Nothing is. Some of the sites are closer together than others. The road noise from A1A can be a factor if you're a light sleeper. But you’re trading those minor inconveniences for the ability to wake up and be at the beach in five minutes.
Most people get wrong the idea that you have to choose between a "beach vacation" and a "historical tour." You don't. That’s the whole point of this location.
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The staff generally knows the area well. If you want to find the best local shrimp—the kind the tourists don't know about—just ask. They’ll point you toward the small docks or the local markets where the catch comes in fresh daily.
Making the Most of Your St. Augustine Stay
Once you've settled into your spot at Ocean Grove, your first move should be the beach. Cross the road and get your toes in the sand.
After that, head to the Castillo de San Marcos. It’s the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States. The walls are made of coquina, a stone made of compressed seashells. It literally absorbed cannonballs during sieges. It’s a mind-blowing piece of engineering that you can’t see anywhere else.
If you’re hungry, skip the tourist traps on the main drag. Head to the local spots on the island. There are taco stands and fish shacks within a mile of the resort that will change your life.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Visit
- Secure your spot: Check the Ocean Grove availability calendar immediately. If you're looking at a weekend stay within the next three weeks, your chances are slim, so look for midweek openings.
- Audit your gear: Make sure your AC filters are clean and your water pressure regulator is working. Florida water pressure can be wonky, and the heat will stress your cooling system.
- Map your arrival: Do not take a massive rig through the narrow streets of the "Old Town" (south of King Street). Stay on the main arteries like US-1 and SR-312 to get onto the island. Your GPS might try to be "clever"—ignore it and stay on the wide roads.
- Plan for the Sun: The Florida sun at the beach is different. It reflects off the sand and the water. Even on a cloudy day, you will burn. Pack the high-SPF stuff and a wide-brimmed hat.
- Explore the Matanzas: Rent a paddleboard or a kayak for at least one afternoon. Seeing the resort and the St. Augustine skyline from the water gives you a perspective that most tourists never get to experience.