Located in north central Florida just south of Florida’s agricultural heartland in Palatka, you’ll spot 333 Fish Camp if you are driving slow enough on Highway 17 heading north out of Crescent City, but only if you have your eyes peeled looking for the place. Apart from an oversized relatively new roadside sign that somehow sits back from view, an entirely thick shrubbery and tree line and 30 degree downgrading, albeit well-paved lane block this waterfront oasis from passing-by view.
The best part about 333 Fish Camp? If you’re an angler or simply want to be out on the water, then this place is a perfect spot as it offers easy-to-maneuver and immediate access to Crescent Lake along with the St. Johns River, which through its many intracoastal waterways, will grant you access to the Atlantic Ocean if you so choose. As for the layout of the place itself, 333 offers up Deluxe Waterfront RV Sites (adjacent to marina and pool, but with direct views of Lake Crescent) and Premium RV Sites (offer both back-in and pull-thru sites and are located further up the hill and further away from the lake, but still offer great views, just a slightly longer walk to the water). All sites offer dedicated BBQ grill, fire pit and 50 amp hookups, except the Premium, which offer 30 and 50 amp. In addition to these 2 types of RV accommodations, 333 offers up (6) Efficiency Cottages, (1) Vacation Home and even a couple Waterfront Tiny Homes (all are perfect for 2 Adults / 2 Children, save the Vacation Homes, which are larger and may accommodate more people), which I thought were particularly amazing. All of these alternative modern housing rentals feature kitchenettes, private restrooms and showers, refrigerators (with freezer), coffee machines, TV’s, A/C and screened in porches.
Amenities: Pet-Friendly, General Store (fishing apparel, bait, tackle, rods & reels, lures, baits, basic groceries, sodas, beer, sunscreen, bug spray, etc.), Full Marina (w/ 3 dedicated slots), Lakeview Wooden Dock (w/ pristine, elevated views of Lake Crescent, along with a jumbo TV for watching your favorite game), Hillside Heated Pool (complete with lounge chairs, gazebos and even views of Lake Crescent), River House (offering TV, seating, office space, WiFi, meeting space, kitchen / bar area, bathroom, shower facilities and even a laundr-O-mat), Fishing Pier (there’s even a standing prize for anyone who catches the largest fish on the pier!), Boat Fuel Station, Boat Ramp, Charcoal Grills & Fire Pits, Efficiency Cottages, RV & Trailer Storage and Complimentary Hi-Speed WiFi.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you are a beginner fisherman like me, I highly recommend booking a pro fishing guide and Cole Hewitt is the on-sight angling ombudsman who will not only educate you on how to fish, but he knows Lake Crescent like the back of his hand, so you’ll benefit from also knowing WHERE to catch bass; (2) While we always go camping with our kayaks and canoes entowe, if you forgot yours or simply want to try out a true angling kayak, then you’re in luck as 333 offer up a handful of rentals, and even if they are fully-booked up, you can head back into town where there’s plenty of spots that will rent you some watercraft; and (3) When you get tired of trying to figure out what’s next for dinner or simply want to try out the local fare, I highly recommend the fun and vibrant 3 Bananas, which basically serves up some fairly decent glorified American bar food, of which I highly recommend the grilled, blackened Mahi Mahi as well as their buffalo wings – but don’t forget to order the fried banana cheesecake– it’s out of this world!
Happy Camping!
