Jacksonville is a bustling city. To relax, residents take frequent weekend trips to the outskirts of the city where there are beaches, preserves, and rewarding hiking trails.
But when it comes to an RV trip in Jacksonville, there are very few places better than Pecan Park RV Resort. If you’re considering booking your next RV campsite at Pecan Park, this article is for you.
Here’s a thorough review of the Pecan Park RV Resort. Find out about the features and amenities and what you should expect at the resort. Along with that, check the rates and reservation procedures.
Pecan Park RV Resort: Overview
Pecan Park RV Resort is a big mile-long RV resort located in Jacksonville, Florida. It’s part of the Sun Outdoors brand and promises the best camping experience in the city,
The RV resort is located approximately 14.3 miles away from the Jacksonville city center near the lush Seton Creek Historic Preserve. You can reach the resort by following Interstate 95. It takes less than half an hour to drive from Downtown Jacksonville as the resort is next to the Interstate.
Pecan Park is a well-designed RV resort, which becomes apparent as you make your way through the entrance. Paved roads with fenced landscaping and space to park near the front office create a welcoming ambiance.
There are about 183 RV campsites, and many of them are full paved hook-up sites. So you’ll have water, 30/50-amps electricity, sewer, and cable TV at each site. The resort has both back-up and pull-through RV sites, which can be as long as 70 feet.
Pecan Park has a longitudinal design; the deepest section of the resort is almost a mile away from the entrance gate.
The amenities are on par with any traditional resort, with the availability of a pool, clubhouse, gym, and laundry, among other things within the property. Perhaps the best part is how clean and well-maintained all of these are.
The Pecan Park RV Resort is only a few miles away from many tourist attractions in Jacksonville. You can hit the beaches and explore the natural preserves all in a day. The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, famous for its white tigers, is a 15-minute drive from the resort.
Facilities and Amenities at Pecan Park RV Resort
Pecan Park is a family-friendly resort that aspires to keep every member happy and engaged. So you’ll find an impressive amenity package that includes the following:
- Full Hook-up RV Sites
Experience the luxury of camping at a full hook-up RV site at the resort. There are more than 100 full hook-up sites where you’ll have water, electricity, and cable TV made available to you.
At a few sites, you also have a fireplace made from bricks. But you can get a BBQ grill and picnic table on request.
The majority of the sites are paved and ideal for all-season camping. The sites are also big enough to accommodate Class A rigs with each. With ample space between each RV site, you can ensure privacy and space to move around freely.
- Premium Cottage
Besides the RV sites, the resort has cottage suites for the guests. This is a great accommodation option if you have more campers than what’s allowed at a campsite.
Like the RV sites, the suites are pretty spacious. They are provided with all the amenities you’d expect, like king-size beds, sofas, bathrooms, in-room safes, and wardrobes, among other things. On top of that, the on-site staff will leave no stone unturned to make your stay comfortable.
- Swimming Pools
There are two swimming pools in Pecan Park RV Resort – one near the entrance and the other towards the end. The pool at the back has a hot tub open to both adults and children.
Both the pools have a patio with sun loungers. So grab a beverage of your choice and relax by the poolside soon after arriving at the RV resort.
Near the swimming pools, you have restrooms with shower facilities. These are regularly cleaned by the staff and have good hygiene.
- Lake with Boat Ramp
There are two lakes located near the RV resort. These are equipped with boat ramps from where you can check your angling skills.
The lake is well-stocked, and you’d be able to catch a few fish. But these are catch-and-release lakes, and you, unfortunately, can’t have them for dinner.
There’s also an option of setting up temporary campsites near the lakes for picnics. But just make sure to obtain the necessary permission from the resort authorities.
- Gymnasium and Clubhouse
Make use of the on-site gym to keep up with your fitness goals. It is equipped with necessary and functioning equipment and is spacious enough to accommodate multiple campers. The staff opens the gym in the early morning hours, which stays open till late evening.
After a gym session, you can unwind at the clubhouse and spend the rest of the day with your fellow campers. It has a relaxing lounge with indoor games like snooker.
- Dog Park
There are two dog parks within the resort where you can let your pooches play around. One park is for the big dogs, while the second is for the smaller ones. Since the parks are fenced, your dog will be safe. But it’s better to have the leash with you and follow proper etiquette.
- Playground
Close to the dog park, you’ll find a playground for kids and adults. It has a horseshoe pit in one section where you can play a game or two. You can also organize other sports but make sure not to bother other campers at the resort.
- Laundry
The on-site laundry center is where you can keep your clothes clean. There are plenty of washers and dryers, and all of them function properly.
You have to pay per use, and there are no restrictions unless otherwise specified at the time of reservation.
- Dump Station
The Pecan Park RV Resort has an on-site dump station. It’s open to all the campers for free, while outsiders can use it for a fee. You can empty the gray and black water tanks by connecting them to the sewer.
- General Store
There’s a general store within the resort, open to all campers. You can grab essential groceries, snacks, and gift items. During the seasonal period, you may receive discount coupons as well. The store is open till late at night for your convenience.
Things to Do In and Around Pecan Park RV Resort
Jacksonville is a lively city with numerous value-friendly travel attractions. From tranquil beaches to world-class museums, the city has got it all. The RV park gives you easy access to all these attractions, even though it’s located miles outside Jacksonville.
Here’s what you get to do in and around Pecan Park RV Resort:
- Fishing and Boating at the Resort
The resort has two lakes next to the property. These are ideal for an afternoon or evening fishing session. These are catch-and-release lakes, and you’d have to release the fish back into the water. The boat ramp allows you to go deep into the lake for better angling. Besides that, the park permits seasonal boating in the lakes.
Another prominent place to go for boating is the Fort George River inlet, which is about 23 miles from the park toward the coast. It’s where the river opens into the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll be rewarded with a fabulous ocean view and long sandbars.
- Kayaking and Canoeing at Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park
Jacksonville enjoys hundreds of miles of rivers, tributaries, coastal plains, and marshlands.
These offer prime opportunities for watersport activities like kayaking and canoeing. But perhaps the best opportunity lies at the Pumpkin Hill Preserve State Park, which is 14 miles from the RV resort.
The tributary along the Nassau River is a paddler’s dream. It will take you through the marsh water between Pumpkin Hill Creek and Black Hammock Island. As you paddle through the slow-moving waters, you will get to witness the dolphins, otters, shore birds, and rich vegetation.
You can take out your fishing gear and catch some fish. This time, you get to keep all that you catch! It’s possible to set up a picnic table and BBQ grill at designated sites.
- Hiking at the Seaton Creek Preserve
You won’t have to travel long from the Pecan Park RV Resort for hiking. Just 1.9 miles away is the Seaton Creek Preserve, which contains a 4.5-mile loop trail. Considered an easy to moderate route, it’d take you close to 90 minutes to complete.
You’ll come across diverse plant and animal species that call the preserve their home along the trail. It is also the place where the southernmost battles during the American Revolution took place. Furthermore, you’ll find a kayak launch to explore the preserve by water.
But there are other hiking trails like the Upper Ravine Trail in Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens and the Castaway trail at the Castaway Island Preserve. The latter runs through 300 acres of coastal habitat and will take you through diverse typography.
- Visiting the Catty Shack Ranch
Another popular tourist attraction near the Pecan Park RV Resort is the Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary. It’s a small sanctuary housing more than 35 wild animals.
This is a must-visit destination for your entire family or camper group. It’s a chance to get close to big cats like the lions, tigers, and leopards. Along with them, you’ll also encounter bobcats, arctic foxes, and coatimundis.
The day tours last 45 minutes, wherein you get to see all the animals at the ranch. The night feeding tours are even better, and you can witness meat being fed to the animals at 8 PM.
- Refresh at the Miles-Long Shoreline
You can’t miss the beaches of Jax while at this resort. You can drive down to the Black Hammock Island Park and sunbathe in the calm, serene surroundings. Or, if you prefer crowded places with more amenities, visit Atlantic Beach or Neptune Beach, which are closer to the city.
The city’s namesake beach, Jacksonville Beach, is ideal for watersports like surfing and kiteboarding. It boasts the best waves in Florida year-round.
The beach also has the Jacksonville Beach Pier that’s around 625 feet long. The wooden pier is an ideal spot for evening photography or fishing.
- Downtown Jacksonville
If you’re coming into the Pecan Park RV resort from outside Jacksonville, you should visit Downtown Jax.
It’s a central business district (CBD) with a rich historical core. Its museums preserve these historical values. Visit the Ritz Theater & Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art, and Museum of Science and History to get a picture of the city’s artistic heritage.
There are numerous shopping centers in this region, and you’ll find all types of stores. After that, dine at the finest restaurants, which can be found on almost every corner.
Downtown also boasts miles of gorgeous riverfront and riverwalk — a perfect place for a jogging session.
Pecan Park RV Resort Monthly Rates
Pecan Park RV Resort is one of the best resorts in Jacksonville. Hence, it tends to be a bit pricier.
The Elite back-in full hook-up RV sites with fireplaces cost $82 per night. The Elite pull-through full hook-up sites cost $90 per night.
Premium back-in sites with full hook-ups cost $65, while Premium pull-through sites with full hook-ups are priced at $84 a night.
Standard back-in sites with full hook-ups are the cheapest at $60 per night.
Premium cottage rentals start at $154 per night. For cottages with a fireplace on the porch, you’ll have to pay $177 a night.
Reservation at Pecan Park RV Resort
There are multiple ways to reserve a site at the Pecan Park RV Resort.
For convenience, the resort has an online portal where you can book a camping spot. It lists all the available sites. You have to select a spot and then specify the duration and number of campers.
The portal also allows you to make payment and confirm the camping spot weeks or months in advance.
The other way is to book the camping spot at the reservation counter. The friendly staff will list the available spots, and you can book a spot as per your liking.
Long-Term RV Parks in Jacksonville, Florida
In case you fail to book a spot at Pecan Park RV Resort, here are a few alternative RV parks you should consider:
Flamingo Lake RV Resort is another property of the Sun Communities brand. Hence, you should expect the same experience as the Pecan Park RV Resort.
Located near the Florida-Georgia border, it is named after the 17-acre Flamingo Lake that is within the resort. It’s a certified swimming lake that’s also fishing-friendly. Many of the RV sites overlook the lake.
At the resort, you’ll find full hook-up RV sites as well as facilities like laundry, swimming pool, and gymnasium.
With many tourist attractions nearby, it should be your first preference if you miss out on Pecan Park RV Resort. RV sites start at $65 per day.
This RV park is centrally located in Jacksonville in the heart of the city and close to the St. Johns River. Thus, it allows easy access to all corners and tourist attractions.
Fleetwood RV Park has full hook-up sites and can accommodate big rigs. There are on-site restrooms, a laundromat, and a dump station to take care of all the necessities of an RV camper.
Nearly everything, from museums to shopping centers to hospitals, is within walkable distance. With rates starting from $50 per night for an RV spot, you can indeed plan a long-term trip.
This RV Park is located close to the Flamingo Lake RV Resort. Unlike a resort and its luxurious amenities, you get to camp among beautiful trees in a minimalistic way. It’s a basic RV Park but with a lot of space between the sites.
The majority of the RV sites are partial hook-ups with laundry, showers, or community toilets.
Because of the lack of amenities, the Big Tree RV Park is quite affordable, with prices starting from $50 a day. Therefore, you can plan a long-term RV trip within a tight budget. You can also book for a month at a discounted price.
This campground is on the beaches and overlooks the North Atlantic Ocean. With over 300 oceanfront sites, Hanna Park Campground is an excellent place for beach camping.
There are sites for tents, RVs, and cabins. The RV sites are partial hook-ups with the availability of electricity, water, bathrooms, and a dump station. The rates start at $30 per night, great for a long-term RV trip.
