Unique Overnight Stays in Clay County, Florida

camp chow treehouse

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 –

View of Its a Boatiful Life unique overnight stay in Clay County FL
It's a Boatiful Life

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.

Sleep Under the Stars

Dating back to 1933, Green Cove Springs’ Camp Chowenwaw County Park was once Florida’s first Girl Scout Camp. Today, the public park offers 150 acres, a swimming pool and numerous trails for exploring and pristine conditions for overnight camping too. From one of the many onsite cabins to a night in one of the nine treehouses that sleep four people, families can sleep under the stars at this historic campground.

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.

Exterior of Club Continental in Orange Park, FL
Club Continental in Orange Park

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.

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.

Ready to explore more about Clay County, Florida? Pack your bags and get ready for a vacation that stands out from all of the rest. We invite you to experience a side of Clay County that allows you to experience your surroundings and enjoy a great night’s sleep too!

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