Last Updated on May 19, 2024 by Marybeth
There are fish camps and there are fish camps; you know that, right? Some of us (me) just want to sit down and be waited upon, a steaming plate of fresh fish set down before us, drink at hand, and take in all the funky fish camp decor, the kitschy signs, and taxidermied mammals, while others (me as well, just not right now) want to stay at a campy, low-key, fish camp lodge. And fish.
Is there something about the word camp that has always called to you? The allure of the idea of summer camp, the simple sunny days of crafts, cooking over a fire, and evening swims in murky waters that now that I think about it, probably were full of gross predatory creatures, and definitely mud. No television. Hard bunk beds in a rustic room shared with strangers, and all those letters written home PLEASE COME GET ME. Yes, the idea of summer camp.
No matter if you had stellar memories of your summer camp days or not, now that we’re grown we can take part in a campy visit, pay the bill and leave without needing parental permission. Today we’re bringing you all the fish camp restaurants around Florida. There are literally thousands of seafood restaurants in Florida, so we’re just telling you about the ones with “fish camp” in their name.
Going by region, starting in the Panhandle and making our way down each coast, including one or two in central Florida.
THE PANHANDLE
With a name like Stinky’s, you know you want to go! Anyone brave enough to combine “stinky” with “fish,” we want to meet. Choose from their famous Oysters All Days All Ways, fresh Gulf-to-table seafood, many many Po Boy or Sweet Bun Sandwiches, baskets, raw bar, and so much more. Check out Stinky’s on Instagram for updates about specials, live music, and more.
Listen to live music and enjoy that view at this rustic waterfront spot. While chilling out to the tunes try brisket fresh off their smoker, gator with fries, Angus beef burgers, shrimp, catfish and more. Menu item specials and drink specials happen often, take a drive to the lake! Or pull up in your boat. Check the Fish Camp at Lake Iomonia Facebook page for the live music schedule and updates on current menu offerings.
GULF COAST
Here is a great slice of history – there used to be a Hog Island here, named so when settlers in the 1800s attempted to raise hogs. But in 1921 a hurricane split the island in two, resulting in the southern half being named Caladesi Island and the other part Honeymoon Island (a developer built “honeymoon huts” there to lure visitors.)
Hog Island fish camp owner Walt Wickman, whose family settled here during the Great Depression, writes on his site about fish camps of yore, and says it way better than I have: “There was a time not so long ago when folks from the Southern states gravitated not toward massive theme parks with their claustrophobic crowds and endless parking lots…but toward fish camps on the rivers, lakes, and coasts, where they could find a rental rod, some serenity, and someone to fry up their catch for dinner. These fish camps were places where dads taught their sons and daughters to cast, where husbands and wives could escape for a weekend, and where children could live out the stories that they would tell their own kids someday.”
Nostalgia aside (but never forgotten), visit Hog Island Fish Camp for fresh catch of the day, mussels, shrimp Po Boys, crab cakes, open face meatloaf sandwiches, fish camp plates, burgers, peel and eat Key West pinks, and more. Check them out on Instagram and Facebook.
You’ll find southern dockside cooking at The Salt Cracker Fish Camp.
After a day of fishing, you can come here with your cleaned catch and they’ll cook it. Or choose to do no work on your part and order from dockside snacks; salads; sandwiches like their Captain’s Burger or Just Caught Grouper; favorites such as their Low Country Seafood Boil or bone in ribeye; raw bar; or their fresh catch – depending on what the Salt Cracker Charter Boys brought in that day. Check their Facebook page for specials and live music schedules.
At Big Ray’s you can choose from The Chum – Grouper Cheeks, Big Ray’s Wings, Conch Fritters and more; The Slick – Caesar Salad you can add shrimp, chicken or grouper to; The Frenzy – Traditional Cuban sandwich, Hot Chicken Sandwich, Shrimp Corn Dog, Fried Shrimp Basket and more. Big Ray’s is family owned – “From our bay to your belly.”
“Small” and “quaint” are terms you’ll hear about triangular shaped Burns Court, with locally owned shops, galleries and restaurants in a sweet walkable neighborhood. Owen’s Fish Camp is in a (small, quaint) cottage-y structure that looks like it’s been there for years, with a shady, funky yard that you may spend some time in while you wait for your table. Well worth it, and you can order food from the bar and eat outside if you can’t wait.
Their Naked Fish dish changes daily, and comes with 2 sides and a choice of sauce. The rest of the menu is fairly large and diverse for a smallish place; choose from lots of seafood options of course, but also Really Good Burger with Pimento Cheese, grilled NY strip, pulled BBQ pork, low country boil and other creative items that we wanted to choose almost just for the name alone like the My Way or the Highway Cheesy Grits. Something for everyone!
“Go ahead – take a drive down that dirt road!” And also “So much (strange) history!” If those aren’t reasons to check this place out, I don’t know what will pique your interest. There is so much to talk about regarding Snook Haven, I should do a separate post! One of those there is nothing else like it destinations you need to try.
“Experience old Florida: Best BBQ, Brews, and Bands on the Myakka River.” (Another Triple B!) Rustic, with a gorgeous setting overlooking the river, featuring an extensive smokehouse-style menu and renowned for the live music (blues, country, rock and more) Snook Haven will take you back to the simpler days (but maybe not as far back as some of its original functions, thankfully. Think contraband, smugglers, an owner who made big bucks manufacturing “gentlemen’s products”…)
Try their smoked pulled pork tacos, catfish dinner, Snook smash burger, tacos and wraps, platters, and much, much more.
CENTRAL FLORIDA
Just under an hour from Orlando (and close to Okahumpka, Yalaha, and Howey-in-the-Hills!) is picturesque Tavares. Fish Camp on Lake Eustis is one of those fish camps that isn’t just a place where you can get fried food in a paper basket. The menu items elevate the “fish camp” moniker with choices like Cast Iron Grilled Half Pound Filet Mignon, Soft Shell Crabs a la Meuniere, Antarctic Salmon, and Aquaponics Lynx Farm-to-Table Salad . Choices also swing toward the fish camp vibe with Fish Camp Tacos, wings, burgers, and more.
Worth the drive for the food, atmosphere, and that view! Check out their Instagram gallery and Facebook for specials.
NORTHERN ATLANTIC
Located on Clapboard Creek that leads right out to the St. Johns River, Palms Fish Camp has a GIANT outdoor deck. Fresh caught local seafood straight off the boat (never ever frozen.)
Voted Best Waterfront Dining in NE Florida by JAX BEST! You can boat on up – dock and dine! Be prepared to spend some time perusing their huge and varied menu. Our choice to start is Mayport Peel n’ Eat Shrimp (we have a connection living in Jax who goes out of her way to hook us up with some Mayport shrimp! You have to try it; it’s caught just up the road.) Gumbo, chowder, seafood kabobs, seafood tacos, seafood pasta, Palmbalaya (their southern spin on the Cajun classic), build your own masterpiece Palms Platter, pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, flat breads and if I keep listing we’ll be here all day! Just go and enjoy!
The North Beach Fish Camp family (Southern Table Hospitality Family) is so impressive I don’t know where to start. Impressive not in any kind of intimidating way but the strong work ethic, community-minded, cool-ideas kind of way. Liza and Ben Groshell have opened a number of fish camp restaurants, all with the philosphy serving causal seafood in an elegant atmosphere.
While many of the fish camp restaurants on our list are waterfront, North Beach Fish Camp is a lively, hip downtown-vibe location, Beaches Town Center. Pedestrian friendly, beautifully landscaped, full of shops, restaurants, galleries and just a block to the beach, this is a place where you might want to put on your newish sundress rather than that worn-out old favorite you’ve been slipping over your head after your shower since 2002. The whole area is super casual, but you’ll find it’s more stylish casual than some of the others on our list.
The bright, contemporary interior with an upstairs seating area as well as outside seating gives us the options we’re looking for during this pandemic. The menu is interesting and diverse, with the shrimp and grits being a fan favorite. We branched out for the Low Boil for Two which was delicious. Some other options are the Pan Fried Fish Sandwich, many choices and combos of seafood baskets, burgers and chicken for landlubbers. Or you can choose a more unusual option such as Fried Gator Tail with Cowgill’s Datil Pepper Aioli or a Grilled Octopus & White Bean Salad.
Visit their Instagram for gorgeous food pics!
Plan on extra time to find parking as Beaches Town Center is a busy place.
Not on the beach but overlooking the Intracoastal waterway, down a winding road and tucked away, getting here is part of the charm. Peaceful, shady, and then bright and welcoming as you enter. Also owned by the above-mentioned fish camp family (who aren’t entirely all about seafood; check out their Valley Smoke BBQ and Marker 32.)
Smaller than North Beach Fish Camp but just as popular, you may have a wait on the weekends. Outdoor seating overlooking the water, under shade trees is our choice! The menu is the same as above. You’ll get the same excellent service here as well.
As of our publication update, Clark’s is CLOSED. We read that new owners have taken over and it may reopen! Let’s hope, because despite the rather plain name, Clark’s is by far the most…. unusual on our list. As you can see from this first photo, if you don’t enjoy looking at taxidermied animals – the largest public taxidermy collection in the United States! – you might want to cross this one off your must-visit list. Will the new owners keep all the taxidermy? Do we hope?
For us this truly is a must-visit, even just so you can tell people you went. When you enter you can turn left and wind your way down passageways that twist and turn, almost like a theme park exhibit, and be amazed. Whoever came up with this idea, wow. Whoever has the task of dusting all these guys, kudos to you, but wouldn’t want to be you.
Overlooking Julington Creek, which meanders out into the St. John’s River, and not too far from I-95 (but feels far far away) and technically in Jacksonville (but not really) Julington Creek Fish Camp is another of the Fish Camp group’s fish camp restaurants. Julington Creek’s has a more spacious feel, with plenty of outdoor dining in the shade, with that view, above.
The menu is similar to (if not the same as) the Neptune Beach and Ponte Vedra locations; much to choose from, elevated gourmet feeling and taste but something for everyone. We had the Fried Clams with Fish Camp Tartar sauce (outstanding) and the Abaco Conch Fritters with Lemon Aioli (delicious.) We were in a fried food mood that day but there are plenty of fresh options and also burgers and chicken.
Visit their Instagram and Facebook for updates, info, and tempting up-close pics of their excellent dishes.
Fleming Island sounds so exotic and far away, doesn’t it? Had you ever even heard of it? We’re here to tell you it’s not exactly an island, and is close to Jacksonville but still has that worlds-away feeling of some of the above-mentioned fish camp restaurants. Overlooking Swimming Pen Creek, which flows out to Doctor’s Lake which leads to the St. John’s River, Whitey’s has been The Place to be Since 1963! In business that long you know they’re doing all the things right.
What attracts us is the giant outdoor deck and tiki bar. And have you heard me mention “Stay where you play!”? Whitey’s has an RV park; bring your camper, have a delicious meal, a few drinks, watch the sunset and toddle back to your RV for the night. An on-site bait and tackle shop and affordable docking fees entices us to bring our boat! (When we get one, someday.) Boat rentals are available as well.
But back to food and drinks! Consistently voted #1 for catfish and gator tail, try those or any number of fried baskets, tacos, seafood dinners – grilled, blackened, steamed, broiled – steaks, chicken, pasta; the list goes on.
Go to Whitey’s Instagram and Facebook for updated specials and events.
Brought to you by the prolific fish campers Liza and Ben Groshell (of North Beach, Palm Valley, Julington Creek Fish Camp restaurants) St. Augustine Fish Camp opened within the last few years. Riberia Street in the Lincolnville section of Florida’s oldest city is becoming a happening place, with its San Sebastian waterfront lending gorgeous views and open-air dining. You’ll find the Ice Plant Bar, St. Augustine Distillery, several marinas and a food truck venue in this more peaceful part of town.
While we love the funky rustic campy vibe of most of Florida’s best known fish camp restaurants, there’s something about modern architecture and everything new as well. Clean and bright.
St. Augustine Fish Camp’s menu features many delicious starters from the simple – Peel & Eat Shrimp – to a little more fancy – Broiled Oysters with Horseradish Bacon Cream. Mains are mostly seafood (Fish Camp!) fried, seared, broiled, grilled. You can also choose from fried chicken, steak, and salads.
Visit St. Augustine Fish Camp’s Facebook and Instagram for specials and events.
The Commander’s Shellfish Camp
Overlooking the Matanzas River, on a stretch of A1A that is mostly peacefully residential (and right next to a retreat and healing center, so you know it’s low-key) that is closer to Crescent Beach, south of St. Augustine Beach and Butler Beach. (Not sure why so many places say St. Augustine when they’re not really, but I guess I’d have to take this up with the post office…)
The Commander’s Shellfish Camp offers only fresh seafood; fried, blackened, sauteed. Local Mantanzas oysters, burgers, a veggie burger, Po Boys. Check their Facebook page for the complete menu, the catch of the day, and other specials. Their new observation deck is almost complete and it looks like the perfect place to book for an event.
CENTRAL ATLANTIC
Just south of downtown New Smyrna Beach (which is a must-visit while you’re visiting) across A1A from the beach and overlooking the Indian River, JB’s has been around since the 1970s with the current owner but even before that (very cool history, click here for details.)
JB’s has more than just a giant menu of delicious food, they also offer fishing pole rentals (bring your fishing license) and bait (they start selling bait at 7:30 am), kayak and paddleboard rentals. JB will tell you the best fishing guides in the area (no commission earned, just first-hand knowledge.)
We would be here all day if we started listing menu items so just know that you might want to view the menu online before going. As with all of our fish camp restaurant recommendations, you’ll find not just seafood but choices like hot dogs, grilled cheese, chicken, burgers, and steaks.
Another out-of-the-way totally-worth-it place to drive for a delicious meal, Jolly Gator Fish Camp sits on the St. John’s River not far from Cow Island and Gopher Slough. Geneva is surrounded by conservation areas and state forests, northeast of Chuluota and south of Pennichaw. And if you don’t recognize any of those places (such cool names though) how about these: Titusville is 22 minutes southeast of Geneva and Orlando is 38 minutes southwest.
Choose from garlic Old Bay shrimp, mahi mahi tacos, burgers, corn fritters, gator bites, Cajun fried catfish, and more. Visit their Facebook page for specials and updates.
State Road 520 is one of those quiet highways where you don’t see anything for a long time and then you glimpse an intriguing old-timey looking restaurant on the water, airboat rides leaving from the dock, with plenty of outdoor seating and you promise yourself you’ll go someday. That’s what happened to us – either on our way to the beach or back to Orlando when we used to live there (and sorry Orlando, we do not miss you!) Lone Cabbage Fish Camp is a step back in time; even their website first takes you to their airboat rides and you have to click around to find out restaurant info.
Lots of fried items are on the menu including baskets (gator, catfish, frog legs, fish and chips) but also peel and eat shrimp, and fish grilled or blackened. Lone Cabbage also has salads, grilled chicken breast, veggie burgers, hot dogs, wraps, grilled cheese, and pulled pork for those who aren’t a fan of seafood. Every Sunday they have their World Famous Fish Fry.
Public boat ramps are behind the fish camp as well as across SR 520, and if you come by car there is always plenty of parking.
FLORIDA KEYS
Geiger Key Marina Restaurant and Tiki Bar The Fish Camp
Geiger Key is located before you get to Key West – about 10 miles – which, for us, makes it one of those best-kept secrets (like Stock Island) because you can stay here (at their RV park) and visit Key West. The best of both worlds as you can get some P & Q, have some peaceful down time, after a day of bar sampling in downtown Key West. Or if you don’t have an RV you can still meander up here for lunch or dinner – and breakfast on Sundays with bottomless mimosas! – and get away from the hullabaloo.
Here your choices are many in “the back side of paradise.” Start with a Really Fun Appetizer – crispy fried hog fingers, killer conch fritters, then choose a Camp-Size Sandwich – fish, pulled pork, fried chicken, chili dog, N’Awlins Shrimp Po Boy. Salads, Hogfish, seared tuna nachos, tacos, and more. Bring your catch and they’ll cook it for you.
Check their Facebook page and Instagram for more info, photos, and live music schedule.
Have we missed any Fish Camp Restaurants in Florida?
At some point we’ll bring you our comprehensive list of fish camp lodging in Florida. But first a celebratory glass of wine – this round-up took awhile!
