Family Day-Cation

from Family Magazine Summer Edition

by North Central Florida Advertiser

Let’s Get Crafty: Angie Oglesby

at Anastasia State Park

By Carly Meyers

As the days continue to get warmer, many of us are planning our next beach day. Though a little farther than Jacksonville Beach, Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine, is well worth the drive from Columbia County for the views, amenities and warm waters for a perfect summer day.

Anastasia State Park is 160 acres of campgrounds, beaches, hiking and nature trails and facilities for both beachgoers and campers alike including a store, restaurant and rental storehouse so that you never have to leave the park during your stay.

CAMPING AT ANASTASIA STATE PARK

Though Anastasia State Park is just under a two-hour drive from Lake City, we like to spend the night at the park in the camping facility. My ancé, Phillip, converted a trailer into a “camper” of sorts with an AC, shower, toilet and even a small TV. If pulling a pop-up camper or driving in an RV, be sure you’re booking

a camping spot that can accommodate you. Some spots are smaller than others and are designated for primitive camping exclusively, so just be sure to double-check your reservations while booking. The campground contains 139 sites for both RVs (up to 38 feet) and tents, all located within a short walk or bike ride from the beach.

Certain campsites are paved and have grills, but all the sites have electricity, water, a picnic table, an in-ground grill and a re ring. A communal dump station is free for park campers, and bathhouses with restrooms, showers and washers and dryers are located on each loop and cleaned daily. The camping spots are spacious and mostly private with tree coverage, and the bathhouses are kept impeccably clean. Also, you are not permitted to scavenge the grounds for rewood to burn, so be sure to come prepared or purchase some on-site. We love to bring our dog Rainbow along with us camping. Many campgrounds don’t permit pets, so we love camping at Anastasia because, though she’s not allowed on the beach, she’s permitted to walk around the park and campsite with us if she’s on-leash. Many campers bring outdoor leashes so their pets can be outside with them while at the campsite.

AMENITIES

If you’re not bringing any of your own water equipment, no worries! Anastasia Watersports provides guests with rental opportunities for bicycles, paddleboards, kayaks, sailboats and canoes. Paddlesport launch is located behind the Anastasia Watersports building. Here, you can put your personal or rental equipment in the water to enjoy Salt Run. This 3-mile lagoon borders Anastasia Island and Conch Island, with water depths ranging from 15 to 20 feet and provides an up-close view of the St. Augustine lighthouse. We love to bring our paddleboards and paddle to the lighthouse and back. Dependent on the current, it’s usually a 3-hour roundtrip. If the water isn’t your cup of tea, try the nature trail that borders Salt Run, or take the foot bridge to the Ancient Dunes trail, both on the property. Did you forget rewood or marshmallows? The Island Beach Shop has you covered. Here you’ll nd supplies you may need for camping or a day at the beach. There is also a concession and restaurant where visitors can enjoy dining in an accessible dining area with connection to Wi-Fi. If your family includes small children, there is a playground at the entrance of the campground that is open until sunset.

DOWNTOWN

Looking to venture out to historic downtown St. Augustine? The gates to the state park close at sundown, but not to worry if you’re a camper. Upon arrival, visitors will receive a gate code at check-in so they can come and go as they please from their campsite. We like to unhook the truck and visit downtown for dinner and drinks at least one night per camping trip. Try the lobster macaroni and cheese beachside at Sunset Grille or a giant pretzel at Prohibition Kitchen. Regardless, don’t forget to get some Kilwin’s homemade ice cream or chocolates before you head back to camp. If you’re looking for a grocery store to cook up some burgers or hotdogs, there is a Publix less than 4 miles away from Anastasia State Park. Alcohol is not permitted in the park or on the beach, but is permitted at the campsites.

THE BEACH AT ANASTASIA STATE PARK

Anastasia State Park encompasses 4 miles of pristine beach. A designated swimming area is monitored by a lifeguard from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The beach is open to bicyclists and pedestrians; however, motorized vehicles are prohibited. Beach wheelchairs are available upon request at no charge. The park provides elevated boardwalks and a mobi-mat down to the beach to make pulling wagons a breeze. We like to bring chairs, a canopy and a cooler as our set-up. Restrooms and outside showers are available at the beach entrance so you don’t have to carry any unwanted sand back home or to your campsite. If you’re looking for a quicker way to get from your campsite to the beach, the Island Beach Shop has two golfcarts for rent that are rst come, rst serve and are $50 for 24 hours of renting. Anastasia State Park usually has enough room for the whole family to park with a total of 350 parking spots. Parking only seems to reach capacity on busy summer weekends or holidays, but you can usually nd a spot if you go for lunch and come back. Parking is covered with admission, though overnight parking is prohibited. Regardless if you’re just spending the day on the beach or if you’re reserving a campsite, Anastasia State Park is a great place to t into your summer plans. Not only does the park have a lot to o er, but the surrounding area of downtown St. Augustine has endless activities the whole family will enjoy. ■