What is Camp Chowenwaw?
Camp Chowenwaw Park (Cho’-wen-waw), is a beautiful 150-acre recreation site on Black Creek, located in Green Cove Springs near its confluence with the St. Johns River. The park offers camping, event facilities, hiking, fishing, kayak access, a volleyball court, picnic areas, a seasonal pool, a museum, a nature center, and a playground.  For more information, you can visit Camp Chowenwaw Park | Clay County, FL.

Are pets allowed?
Pets are allowed outdoors from 8 a.m. to sunset and cannot stay overnight, cannot be in any buildings, must be kept on a leash at all times, never left unattended, have proof of rabies immunization on the collar, and you must pick up after your pet. Service dogs are allowed under titles II and III of the ADA. Please contact camp staff for more information.

What does Camp Chowenwaw offer?
Visitors can enjoy free access to the park to enjoy during the day, overnight camping (cabin or tent), or to rent a day-use building for weddings, family gatherings, business functions. Visitors can hike trails, have a picnic, fish, play on the playground, view fish in our pond, play volleyball on a sand court, swim in the pool (seasonal), visit the museum, and visit the nature center.

What are the park hours?
All Clay County parks are open from dawn to dusk including all holidays, unless otherwise posted. No overnight parking is permitted at any county park without a parking pass for camping. Camp Chowenwaw is closed for overnight camping on New Year’s Eve only. 

How much does it cost to visit Camp Chowenwaw Park?
There is no fee to come into the park and use the public areas during our regular park hours.  There are fees for overnight camping and renting indoor spaces for event use. There is a fee for use of the swimming pool when it is open during the summer, but the museum and the nature center are free to the public. 

Is there RV camping/parking at Camp Chowenwaw?
There is no RV camping/parking at Camp Chowenwaw. However, we do have cabins, tent sites, and day-use indoor spaces for events. If you are looking for RV parking, there may be available RV parking at the Clay County Fairgrounds. You can contact the Clay County Division of Parks and Recreation for availability.

When is the pool open?
The pool at Camp Chowenwaw is open annually May through September. You can find more information about the pool, including hours, by visiting the Pool | Clay County, FL webpage.

What do I bring for overnight camping?
For our outdoor spaces, we recommend that you bring charcoal or firewood from a 60-mile radius for grilling, skewers for roasting hot dogs or marshmallows (please do not use branches from the area) insect repellent, and flashlights. For our indoor spaces, such as cabins and tents, we recommend that you bring bedding. Our bunk beds are sized at 32 x 74; the Ahwenassa bunk beds are sized at 39 x 74, and our full size mattresses are sized at 54 x 74. Our tent pads are sized at 14x18 and can accommodate two two-person tents or one six-person tent. For our bathhouses we recommend that you bring towels, washcloths, shower shoes, soap, and shampoo along with any other toiletries that you may need. Lastly, for our dining halls we recommend you bring all cooking utensils, disposable plates, cups (please do not bring glass items), dish pan, dish soap, sponges, towels, etc.

What do you provide for overnight camping?
Our outdoor spaces include picnic tables, barbecue grills, fire ring with benches, and carts for transporting gear. Cabins - Vinyl mattresses, electricity (except our treehouses), AC/heat in the Ahwenassa Cabins and Squirrel Run Cabins, shared Dining Hall with a fireplace, range, refrigerator, tables and chairs. Bathhouses - commode stalls, sinks, hot showers, electric lights, hand soap, paper towels, toilet tissue, garbage bags. Dining Halls - standard sized range and refrigerator, fireplace inside with connecting wood-burning grill outside, tables and chairs.

The Fairgrounds provide a variety of options, ranging from weddings and banquets to distinctive events like horse shows and monster truck shows. Facility rental hours are available from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM. For more information, visit the Fairgrounds website.

To reserve your event, you can fill out the online reservation form on the Clay County Fairgrounds website. Alternatively, contact Parks and Recreation at (904) 284-6378 or email fairgrounds@claycountygov.com for assistance with any questions or concerns.

The range is open to the public on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, except on all major holidays. Bays 1-15 are available for public use. The gun range may close for special events or other reasons without prior notice. Please call our office at (904) 917-2405 for more information. The last check in for the day is at 3 PM. Local law enforcement agencies will use the range for training Monday through Wednesday, which will be closed to the public during that time.

What do I need to do to use the gun range?
The public must bring a valid photo ID to use the range, complete a safety training video on site at the time of their arrival, and sign a waiver.

Is there wheelchair access?
Yes, there is wheelchair access.

Can I shoot rifle and pistol on the range?
Yes, we have rifle lanes and pistol lanes.

Is there hunting allowed at the range?
Our range is a wildlife sanctuary, and hunting is NOT allowed.

Both green-tipped and steel-cased ammunition is allowed. Shooters can use any firearm up to .50 caliber, semi-automatic and fully automatic. Range staff reserves the right to deny any firearm they deem unsafe.

Can I buy ammunition onsite?
Not at this time, but we have plans to sell basic calibers in the near future. We'll announce that on our website.

Can groups shoot together?
Yes. Groups can make a reservation by calling (904) 917-2405. In the future, groups will be able to make those reservations online. At this time the facility can not be rented for events, but discussions on the future plans include the ability to rent out the range or fields.

How old do you have to be to use the range?
You must be a minimum of 12 years old to use the range, and children ages 12-17 years old need to be under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian to shoot.  All shooters under the age of 18 must be accompanied on the same lane by a parent or legal guardian at all times on the range.

Can I bring my young children while the adults shoot?
Children under the age of 12 cannot be on the range itself, but kids can wait, supervised in the area behind the range buildings.

The range accommodates two people per bay, and there are 30 bays, so 60 people at a time can use the range.

What are the specs of the range? The range spans 200 yards and includes 22 pistol bays, 15 rifle bays, 2 shotgun bays, and 1 tactical bay.

What safety features were built in to the range?
The range includes ballistic sand downrange, a range tower, a control tower, shooters will have to complete a safety training video, and range officials will be onsite at all times while the range is open. The range is also equipped with security cameras and it is well-lit. Shooters must also wear safety gear and closed-toe shoes.

Is safety gear provided?
We will provide safety glasses and hearing protection. We will also have that safety gear for sale.

Will there be county staff on hand while the range is open?
Yes. Range officials will be onsite at all times while the range is open.

What is the cost to use the gun range?

Daily Rates

• Clay County resident: $15.00 per person, $10.00 for second person sharing lane (maximum two people per lane)
• Non-Clay County resident: $20.00 per person, $15.00 for second person sharing lane (maximum two people per lane)
• Current sworn law enforcement officers (must show badge and ID): No charge, $8.00 for second person sharing lane (maximum two people per lane)
• Retired law enforcement officer, active duty military or veteran: $12.00 per person, $10.00 for 2nd person sharing lane (maximum two people per lane)

• Individuals ages 16-12 are free but must be with parental or adult supervision.

How do I get a yearly pass?

Talk to our range staff to set up your yearly pass, and make sure you bring your valid photo ID and proof of military or law enforcement status. The memberships includes no range usage fees, lane waitlist priority, three guest passes, a $5.00 fee for second person sharing the lane (one per day), a 10% discount off pro shop merchandise, and one free range shirt.

• Clay County resident: $250.00 per year
• Clay County resident - retired law enforcement officer, active duty military or veteran: $200.00 per year

• Non-Clay County resident: $300.00 per year Non-Clay County resident - retired law enforcement officer, active duty military or veteran: $225.00 per year

The fields are not to be utilized without a reservation as the Regional Sports Complex is grant funded and therefore has certain regulations that need to be followed to remain operational.

Pets are not allowed on the athletic fields. Those walking on the trail may bring pets on a leash and pet waste stations are provided. Please clean up after your pet. We welcome all service animals.

Are there concession stands?
No, concession stands are not available. However, some tournaments may bring in food trucks.

Initially, field usage is for scheduled tournaments only, and the public is welcome to use the walking trail through the park. Residents have access to the walking trail via a pedestrian access point to the right of the entrance gate. The trail and access point are open from dawn to dusk, seven days a week. We plan to allow recreational practices on the fields during the weekdays in the future for local teams. The park will be built in phases. You can learn more about future phases as they're announced through our Newsroom and our social media pages. Parks Recreation | Clay County, FLwill lead you to our monthly Newsletter sign up as well as the links to our social media pages.

Multiple rectangular sports, including soccer, lacrosse, flag football, field hockey, spike ball, and ultimate frisbee can be played on the fields.

For park rentals, please contact Parks and Recreation at athletics@claycountygov.comor call (904) 284-6378.

I want to book a tournament. Who do I call?
Call Parks and Recreation at (904) 284-6378 or emailathletics@claycountygov.com.

Is equipment available for rent?
Field equipment such as goals and nets will be provided for rental parties.

All reservations require a Certificate of Insurance (COI). Download or view ourCOI requirements here.

Currently, tournament play can occur on five lit fields. In the future, the park will be open for weeknight reservations Monday through Thursday at select times.

Yes, the grounds are ADA-accessible.

Yes, restrooms will be opened during scheduled events.

Parks and Recreation FAQs

Is smoking or the use of tobacco products allowed in Clay County parks?

All County parks are tobacco-free. Smoking and the use of tobacco products are not allowed.

Are there electrical hookups at park pavilions?

No, electrical hookups are not available at park pavilions.

Can I have a bounce house at a park for a birthday party?

Bounce houses are allowed in designated grass areas. You must provide your own power source, as electrical hookups are not available. A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is also required before your reservation.

View Certificate of Insurance (COI) requirements

Where can I find a list of pet-friendly parks?

Clay County has more than 20 pet-friendly parks. For a list of locations, visit the Find a Park webpage.

Where can I find a local park?

Visit the Find a Park webpage.

What are park hours?

All Clay County parks are open from dawn to dusk.

How do I make suggestions or improvements to local parks?

You can email parksandrecreation@claycountygov.com or submit a request through Clay Connected .

Can I bring fireworks to a park?

No, fireworks of any kind are not allowed in County parks.

Is alcohol allowed in County parks?

No, alcohol is not permitted in Clay County parks.

Where can I launch a boat in Clay County?

Clay County offers more than ten boat launch locations. For a list of locations and addresses, visit Piers, Boat Ramps, and Kayak Launches.

Where can I launch a kayak?

Kayak launches are available at multiple locations. For details, visit Piers, Boat Ramps, and Kayak Launches.

What youth sports are offered in Clay County?

Clay County has nine athletic associations that offer programs for youth ages 4 to 18. Sports include baseball, softball, basketball, lacrosse, football, and more.

For more information, call (904) 284-6378 or visit the Athletic Complexes webpage.

Are there adult sports available at the parks?

For information about adult sports, email athletics@claycountygov.com.

Are your programs and events only for children?

We offer many events catering to different community groups around Clay County. There are children events, adult events, senior events, etc. Please visit our Event Calendar to view all events and programs.

Do you offer programs and events for veterans?
We offer many events catering to different community groups around Clay County including veterans. Please visit our Event Calendar for more information.

What programs and events are you offering soon?
Please visit our Event Calendar for all of our events and programs. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to get park information straight your email once a month.