A proposed RV park development in Vilano Beach is raising concerns among local residents. The property, located at 3453 and 3455 Coastal Highway (A1A), was previously a campground but has remained abandoned for years. 

In 2021, the county approved an RV park for the site under its previous ownership.

Since the approval, new owners acquired the land and revised the project’s scope, prompting questions about the scale of the development. 

Neighbors say the updated plans significantly increase the park’s size and impact on the surrounding area.

The project—now named Ocean Club RV Park—would include 170 rentable cabins instead of traditional RV sites.

According to an article published by First Coast News, Cathy Aissen, a nearby resident, compared the cabins to short-term rentals, noting their potential effect on the community. “It’s like opening the door to your very own tiny house,” Aissen said. “And they’ll be rented on a daily basis, weekly basis.”

Infrastructure concerns also emerged, particularly regarding the area’s utilities. Local water systems are in transition from an outdated provider to St. Johns County Utilities. 

Residents argue that adding 170 more units could exacerbate existing water pressure issues. “People don’t have water pressure here,” Aissen said. “I mean, they take their showers at night because there’s not enough water pressure during the day.”

Traffic and flooding are additional worries for the community. Residents fear the development could increase congestion on the two-lane A1A highway, complicate evacuation routes, and worsen flooding in an area already prone to water accumulation.

Another point of contention is the park’s proposed amenities. Some neighbors argue that the revised plans include larger structures than those approved in 2021. “I think they need to go back to the county commission,” resident Joanne Conrad said, adding that changes such as relocating the swimming pool and expanding the clubhouse should require further review.

Despite these concerns, county officials have indicated that the modifications may not be significant enough to necessitate additional county commission approval. “They say they’re minor,” Conrad said. “To me, they’re major.”