For those in search of unique, overnight accommodations, Clay County offers a variety of out-of-the-ordinary spots to call home for a night or two during your getaway.
From quiet, quaint spots in Keystone Heights to nightlife right outside your door, you’ve got options here in Northeast Florida. Choose from a night on a boat, a treehouse under the stars or even a glamourous night overlooking the St. Johns River.
Let’s take a look at some of the unique accommodations available here in Clay County –
Relax at The W River Retreat
If you’re looking for a more luxurious option, The W River Retreat in Green Cove Springs offers comfort and relaxation right on the banks of the St. Johns River. This spacious vacation rental accommodates up to 12 guests, making it a wonderful choice for larger families or groups traveling together. With five bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a fully equipped kitchen complete with a cozy bay window overlooking the water, this home blends convenience with charm. The Owner’s Suite provides added comfort with a soaking tub, walk-in shower, and private patio access. Step outside to enjoy beautifully landscaped grounds and direct riverfront access, perfect for a peaceful escape in Clay County.
Take in the View at Treehouse Point
For an adventurous overnight stay surrounded by nature, Treehouse Point at Camp Chowenwaw in Green Cove Springs is a one-of-a-kind option. These rustic treehouses offer a quiet perch above the forest floor, perfect for families or small groups looking for a unique camping experience. Each screened cabin features four built-in bunks and accommodates up to four people. While the treehouses do not have electricity, guests can take advantage of shared amenities, including a bathhouse with hot water, a communal kitchen with a refrigerator and stove, picnic tables, and fire rings for evening campfires. It’s the ideal setting to unwind, listen to the sounds of the forest, and enjoy stargazing around a crackling fire.
Experience History at The Inn at Palmetto
Celebrating its 100th anniversary alongside the founding of Keystone Heights, The Inn at Palmetto is full of historic charm. This boutique inn offers an inviting stay in downtown Keystone Heights, complete with a wrap-around porch perfect for sipping your morning coffee. Guests can book one of the three cozy rooms individually or reserve the entire inn, which accommodates up to six people. Blending Old Florida charm with modern comfort, The Inn provides a delightful, small-town atmosphere ideal for couples, families, or anyone looking to enjoy a slower pace during their Clay County getaway.
It’s a Boatiful Life Vacation Rental
Get ready to spend the night on the shores of Doctors Lake in a lovely houseboat that is now a luxury vacation rental. Known as ‘It’s a Boatiful Life’, this houseboat is easily accessible off of Highway 17 at the Doctors Lake Marina, the houseboat is just a short walk from the onsite Sunset Tiki Bar.
This stationery houseboat features a fully equipped kitchen, a washer and a dryer, a queen sleeper sofa, two, twin beds in the loft and a queen bed in the master bedroom along with vaulted ceilings and surrounding window views that make this property feel large and open with views of the water just outside.
Camping at Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park
Other popular spots for overnight and rustic camping in Clay County include Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park in Keystone Heights, home to 2,000 acres with 5.44 miles of trails along the Florida National Scenic Trail. As a full-facility campground with 73 camp sites, overnight accommodations are available for RVs, tents and cabin rentals.
At nearly 24,000 acres, Jennings State Forest located just outside of Oakleaf is open daily during daylight hours for visitors interested in hiking, bicycling, canoeing and horseback riding throughout the land. There are three hiking trails ranging from 1.7 miles to 5-mile loops taking visitors along area waterways and primitive areas in the forest. Overnight camping and primitive campsites are available at the Hammock Campground.
Stay in an Esteemed Mansion
Located in Orange Park near River Road, Club Continental was once known as the Palmolive Estate (yes, like the soap). In the 1880’s, B.J. Johnson, owner of the Palmolive Soap Company, was looking to escape the harsh winters of Wisconsin and moved his family to Orange Park for the winter months.
The home was host to many, riverfront parties throughout the 1920’s ranging from social events, equestrian meets, yacht parties and more.
Today, Club Continental is home to a fine dining restaurant, twenty-two guest rooms, seven tennis courts and three swimming pools. The pristine lawns, along with 300-year-old Live Oaks, Magnolia trees and formal gardens are carefully maintained as part of Club Continental’s deep history.
Seven of the twenty-two rooms on the property are located within the main mansion. All rooms feature a private bath, cable TV and free Wi-Fi, along with a complimentary continental breakfast each morning. Guests also have access to the property’s tennis courts and three swimming pools.
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Each of the main mansion’s rooms feature views of the St. Johns River with some rooms offering balconies. The property’s Continental Suite is luxuriously appointed with a mahogany antique king size bed, hardwood floors and French doors that lead to an oversized private deck overlooking the gardens, pool and river.
The property’s impressive one- and two- bed River Suites all feature a private balcony overlooking the St. Johns River.
Escape to The Treehouse on Black Creek
Bring your boat to the 30-acre oasis along Black Creek known as The Treehouse in Middleburg. This vacation rental offers peaceful views of the woods and sightings of deer, turkeys and other native Florida creatures.
With access to Black Creek, this is a fisherman’s delight with the home offering small boats, kayaks and canoes direct access to the waterways. For those with larger boats, the home is a short drive from Middleburg’s Main Street Boat Ramp. After a day of fishing, enjoy the home’s ‘man cave’ with a great seating area, TV with antenna, a barbecue grill, refrigerator/freezer, cornhole, dart board and canoes.
Upstairs, the home features an open concept living area with full kitchen, stainless steel appliances – including dishwasher; dining area for four along with bar counter seating. The open living area with Queen sleeper sofa, two recliners and a cozy King size Corda-Roy Bean Bag that also opens into a King mattress.
Stay Conveniently at Local Hotels
In addition to these unique stays, Clay County offers a range of convenient hotel options for travelers. Orange Park is a great home base, with plenty of shopping, dining, and easy access to Jacksonville. Here, you’ll find well-known brands like Woodspring Suites, Days Inn, and Hilton Garden Inn. In Middleburg, the Hampton Inn provides a comfortable option for those exploring the area. Over in Fleming Island, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites is a popular choice, located near restaurants and shopping plazas, making it easy to enjoy all the community has to offer. Check out more places to stay by downloading the Explore Clay mobile app.