A proposal to establish a new RV campground in St. Johns County will go before the Board of County Commissioners (Florida), following a split vote by the Planning and Zoning Agency last month.
The proposed site, located at 8000 U.S. Highway 1 South, is currently home to an equestrian service and sits west of Matanzas State Forest and Wildlife Management Area, about five miles east of Interstate 95.
The proposal seeks a Large-Scale Comprehensive Plan Amendment to change the site’s land use designation from Rural/Silviculture to Rural Commercial. The amendment would affect approximately 77.2 acres of the property.
According to an article published by News 4 JAX on August 2, the Planning and Zoning Agency reviewed the request during a public hearing held July 17.
The motion for approval failed in a 3-3 vote. Members Perkins, Matovina, and Labanowski supported the proposal, while Hilsenbeck, Spiegel, and Olson opposed it. Member Green was absent.
The county clarified that the project remains under review and has not received final approval. Officials issued the clarification after confusion arose following a recent interview referencing a separate project, Ocean Club RV Park, which has been approved in Vilano Beach.
“The request proposes to expand the current equestrian activities and primitive campground to include RV campground,” the meeting agenda states.
“As pointed out within the narrative, RV campsites are currently limited in availability within our county,” the agenda adds.
The agenda notes the proposed site’s proximity to recreational amenities, including trails, parks, and beaches, aligning with goals set out in the county’s Comprehensive Plan.
“The applicant explains that the site will be ideally situated near a variety of trails, parks, beaches, and other natural resources,” the agenda continues. “Thereby supporting the goals and objectives outlined in our Comprehensive Plan to encourage the utilization and appreciation of the local trails, parks, beaches, and area natural resources.”