9 Fish Camps Along the St. Johns River That Anglers Love

Here in the “Big Bass Capital of the World,” anglers have their pick of fish camps dotted along the St. Johns River and its connected waterways. For those hoping to hit the water before sunrise in search of lunkers, there’s not a more convenient way to experience a taste of Old Florida. However, today’s fish camps offer much more than just a place to sleep before a day on the water.

Local fish camps on the St. Johns River give visitors a chance to wake up to colorful sunrises and sit by a crackling campfire trading fish tales at night. Some serve up tasty waterside bites and cold beverages, and others offer amenities that include swimming pools, pickleball, and live music. If you’re looking for peace, you’ll find St. Johns River fish camps that provide that, too.

No two fish camps on the St. Johns River are the same, and that’s part of what we love. Each is unique in its own way, yet they all have one thing in common: friendly locals who welcome visitors like old friends. Some may even raise a glass with you at the end of the day to celebrate your biggest catch. You can’t go wrong with these nine fish camps located along the St. Johns River and its connected waterways.

1. Crescent Fish Camp
Address: 100 Grove Ave., Crescent City, FL 32112

Sunrise over water with dock at Crescent Fish Camp

Crescent Fish Camp is located on the shoreline of Crescent Lake, which connects to the St. Johns River via Dunns Creek. Accommodations include RV sites, cottages, and vacation homes. There’s an onsite store, swimming pool, fenced dog run, a fitness center, and an onsite dock where you can fish. You can buy bait there, too. If you happen to stay on a Friday evening, you can also enjoy their sunset happy hour festivities and swap fishing stories with fellow anglers. However, sunrises are just as spectacular there.

2. Renegades on the River
Address: 1171 CR #309, Crescent City, FL 32112

A dock view of Renegades on the River from the lake

If your idea of a fish camp includes live music and a tiki bar after a day on the water, Renegades on the River is your spot. This fish camp has an RV campground, cabins, and a house that’s available for larger groups. Onsite amenities include pickleball courts, a pool, and a full restaurant. Anglers can pick up everything they need in the onsite bait shop, and there are boat and jet ski rentals available there, too.

3. Bass World Lodge and Marina
Address: 209 Browns Fish Camp Rd., Crescent City, FL 32112

Bass World Lodge Sign with Boat Beside Dock

Bass World Lodge and Marina is located on the St. Johns River at the north end of Lake George and has welcomed anglers for over 70 years. This old-school fish camp has vintage cabins that range from one to five bedrooms, as well as RV sites. Boat rentals are available onsite, as well as live bait. They also offer discounts to veterans, teachers, nurses, and first responders.

4. Georgia Boys Fish Camp
Address: 217 Butler Dr., Satsuma, FL 32189

View over the water from Georgia Boys Fish Camp

Sitting along Dunns Creek, one of the waterways that connects to the St. Johns River, is where you’ll find Georgia Boys Fish Camp. Cottages and motel rooms offer options for anglers hoping to start their fishing journey there. If you need bait before you head out on the water, you can pick it up there. They also have a sandy beach and fire pit where you can hang out when you’re not fishing.

5. Stegbone’s Fish Camp and Resort
Address: 146 Norton’s Fish Camp Rd., Satsuma, FL 32189

Relaxing on a dock at Stegbone’s Fish Camp and Resort

You can embrace Old Florida when you stay at Stegbone’s Fish Camp and Resort, located on the east bank of the St. Johns River between the Oklawaha and Barge Canal. The fish camp was built on an old citrus farm, and most of the cabins have been there since the 1950s, allowing visitors to experience the area’s history uniquely.

6. Andersen’s Lodge
Address: 10 Boston St., Welaka, FL 32193

Exterior of Accommodations at Andersens Lodge

Another fish camp on the St. Johns River that has welcomed visitors for generations is Andersen’s Lodge. It’s in the same spot where the Doc-Lafevers’ Fishing Lodge first opened in the 1920s, and anglers can still book a stay there in the one- or two-bedroom accommodations. There’s an onsite bar and grill that has a nice deck overlooking the water.

7. Welaka Lodge & Resort
Address: 1002 Front St., Welaka, FL 32193

Welaka Lodge and Resort overlooking the lake

If you’re looking for waterside accommodations that come with a private hot tub, you’ll want to check out Welaka Lodge and Resort. Many of the comfortable cottages have a spot for you to soak after a day of fishing on the river, but RV sites are also available. There’s also a swimming pool and waterside restaurant and bar. You’ll also often find live music there.

8. Porky’s Lodge
Address: 120 Georgetown Landing Rd., Georgetown, FL 32139

Tables in a waterfront dining area at Porky's Lodge Bar & Grill

Porky’s Lodge is located on the St. Johns River at the mouth of Lake George. The lodge has multiple rooms that include either one or two beds. There’s also an onsite pier where you can fish, and a restaurant and bar that overlooks the water. It's an easy place to unwind with dinner overlooking the river after spending the day on Lake George.

9. Georgetown Marina and Lodge
Address: 1533 CR #309, Georgetown, FL 32139

Dock and Gas at Georgetown Marina

On the St. Johns River near the northeast corner of Lake George, you’ll find Georgetown Marina and Lodge. There are RV spots and cabins available for those who want to stay overnight. Boat rentals are available onsite, as well as live bait.

If you’re chasing trophy bass or just looking for a quiet weekend by the water, these nine fish camps on the St. Johns River all offer great places to enjoy our little piece of paradise. You’ll quickly see that fishing is certainly one of our favorite pastimes around here, but there’s more to see and do when you visit. For information on shopping, dining, and more outdoor adventures, download the Visit Putnam FL app for Apple or Android to learn more.