Half Shell Resort is a nice little fish-camp-style CG on the St. Johns River in San Mateo across the bridge and about six miles south of Palatka, Fla. It’s not a resort; it is, however, nicely and relaxingly rustic.
The Marina!
The first trick is getting there. Just east of Dunn’s Creek, turn northward off US-17 onto Roberts Blvd. That corner is at Chico’s Mexican hole-in-the-wall joint and across the highway from a quick-rip convenience store. Down Roberts Blvd. there’s a small sign for Half Shell on the left side.
CG roads are paved but turns are rather tight; campsites are gravel and level. Some have a paved patio and some don’t. Electricity, water, sewer and wifi worked just fine. For nature lovers there’s two alligators in the pond, one in the five-food range and a little squirt. Us crackers call that bathtub-size and kitchen-sink-size.
The Queens Barge! Our campsite by the pond!
Also in the CG is a showerhouse, laundry and clubhouse.
For the mariners, dockage is available for what seems to me to be reasonable rates. Controlling depth is 17 feet plus in the channel and around four feet on the south side of the channel. Controlling vertical clearance is 65 feet.
For you who didn’t come prepared, there’s a Winn Dixie supermarket and liquor store on SR-19 a bit west of US-17 in Palatka. Also, absolutely do not miss Corky Bell’s seafood restaurant on US-17 in East Palatka. It’s not fine dining but it’s mighty good dining in the same style as the fried seafood at St. Augustine.
An alligator in the pond behind our campsite!
When we finally pulled into Half Shell late in the afternoon the proprietors were watching for us; after a very quick tour to see a couple of sites we were all set. The daily rate is higher than a state park but appropriate for FHU; the weekly and monthly rates are a good deal for north-central Florida. Note that it’s cash or check; no cards.
We were at Half Shell for a week and saw a surprising number of short-term campers for such a small park. We did relax and enjoy being there even though the North Florida misty/mucky/cold winter settled in for most of that week.
The Entrance Sign!
Half Shell Resort
132 Roberts Blvd.
Satsuma, FL 32189
386-325-3166
halfshellresort@yahoo.com