Pine Grove Campground at Jonathan Dickinson State Park and Ocean Breeze Resort provide designated pet areas with fire rings and picnic tables for campers traveling with dogs. Both parks maintain well-kept grounds with grassy spaces between sites, offering ample room for pets to stretch their legs while leashed. Ocean Breeze Resort features paved RV sites with propane barbecues at each pad, creating a convenient setup for pet owners. Pets must remain leashed throughout both properties, with leash restrictions strictly enforced. The tent sites at Phipps Park Campground, while located on platforms overlooking water lilies, have mesh gaps that allow mosquitoes inside, creating potential discomfort for pets and owners. The canvas glamping tents at Phipps offer additional space for queen-sized air mattresses with room for pet beds.
St. Lucie South campground, located alongside the St. Lucie Canal, offers concrete pads for RVs with covered picnic tables and fire rings in gravel spaces, providing comfortable accommodations for pets and their owners. The canal-side location allows pets to enjoy water views, though swimming is prohibited due to alligator presence. Several campers have spotted 3-5 foot alligators trolling just offshore from tent sites. Walking paths throughout the parks provide exercise opportunities for leashed dogs, with Phipps Park featuring paved and gravel trails winding through the property. The extensive bike path along the river at Phipps Park creates additional pet exercise options. During summer months, early morning walks are recommended to avoid midday heat on exposed campsites, as many locations have limited shade coverage.
$26 / night
"The cost of camping in Florida isn't cheap though this one actually had the value in it given that you could also rent boats and paddle up river alongside manatees to the wild man encampment."
"There is water access for boating and paddling, mountain bike trails, a nature center, and miles of hiking trail to explore. They are also pet friendly."
$20 - $35 / night
"Located just outside Stuart, FL. the site is located on the St. Lucie lock and dam. The park is small with only 3 primitive tent sites and maybe 10 RV sites.
The tent sites all are on the St."
"Located just minutes off of Indiantown Road at I-95, getting in and out of here is no problem. Tucked into a beautiful green spot next to the St."
"Offer wifi for free along wth free books and movies to borrow. excellent tv reception, good tmobile signal. 2 dog parks, lot of hiking, canoe renal available. Close to variety of shopping."
"Tennis, basketball, canoe rental. 2 dog parks one for over 30lbs and one for under 30 lbs."
$40 - $60 / night
"The other guests were friendly and we saw a bunch of dogs around. The property manager was highly responsive when we requested the gate code via email."
"Great biking, easy access to boating, kayaking, and paddle boarding.  close to beaches and shopping so there’s something for everybody to do. "
"Walking distance to fun restaurants snd bar."
"Walk to town with shops and restaurants. Pool was wonderful with a snack bar and bar. We used the gym everyday. It was very clean. The bathrooms were very nice and clean."
$29 / night
"There is something special about arriving at Savannas Recreation Area, where the landscape opens up into wide marsh views and you immediately feel like you have stepped into a quieter, more natural side"
"Very clean, dog friendly and spacious site. Paved walking path. Lots of birds & gaters. The staff is very friendly. Free bike rental & kayaks were $5 per hour."
$26 - $95 / night
"Location is a bit busy and there's road noise from the freeway depending on where your site is but it's conveniently located between I95 and the Florida Turnpike."
"It’s full on snowbird season and it’s Florida (retired people)😬 So needless to say, it’s the worst time to start the “rv lifestyle “ Thankfully Treasure coast RV in Ft pierce was able to get us in several"
ScoutGreat place for a stop over. Needed a place to hangout for a few weeks. This place fit the bill. Dog park, little restaurant, general store, pool, basketball court and lots of shaded spots (my fave when in Florida) would definitely recommend.
GuideReally had a fantastic time at this campground, I'm typically a tent camper and had great facilities. The cost of camping in Florida isn't cheap though this one actually had the value in it given that you could also rent boats and paddle up river alongside manatees to the wild man encampment. Amazing hiking nearby, the tower to check out, even a little mini museum with reptiles. I enjoyed it so much I would go back.
ScoutWe sold our house in West Palm Beach and relocated to Vero Beach for work, choosing to stay in our RV at this park while awaiting our new home to be built. Initially, we were excited, but the management at this park turned out to be a nightmare. Despite the reasonable and straightforward rules, we faced constant harassment. We have two dogs that we walk multiple times a day. There are no trash cans or doggy bags on the property except in the dog park, so we took the initiative to buy an outdoor trash can and a bulk supply of dog waste bags to ensure we cleaned up after our pets. Yet, we received weekly notices accusing us of not cleaning up after our dogs. Each time I went to the main office to discuss these notices, I was told to“just ignore it” as it was likely a“pesty neighbor.” Additionally, when family visited us for the day and parked at our RV slot, we received notices about parking violations. After discussing this with the office, we were advised to have our visitors park in the lot by the restaurant, which we did. Despite this, we continued to receive notices for various infractions, such as improper water hookup and not stopping completely in the neighborhood. This felt like borderline harassment. As responsible adults who strive to follow regulations, we were perplexed and frustrated by these continuous and unfounded accusations. Each time we sought clarification from the office, they dismissed our concerns, blaming"nosey neighbors" and suggesting neighborly disputes were at play. Ultimately, we were given a 30-day notice to vacate the property. This experience is particularly disappointing because we had suggested this park for our upcoming family reunion, which would have brought 47 rentals for a week. Now, I can't wait to leave this place. For anyone considering a short-term stay, this park may suffice. However, I strongly advise against bringing pets unless you want to be harassed and falsely accused. For those seeking a long-term rental, avoid this park at all costs, as you will face weekly harassment. Furthermore, we had several packages confirmed as delivered to the“receptionist/front desk,” which mysteriously went missing, apparently mishandled by the staff. Our initial excitement to be part of the Road Runner community has completely dissipated. I am eager to leave and will never return. I do not recommend this park and will be warning others. 0/10.---
Ranger2nd time here, secure area, friendly staff.. My only negative is the condition of the picnic tables. Offer wifi for free along wth free books and movies to borrow. excellent tv reception, good tmobile signal. 2 dog parks, lot of hiking, canoe renal available. Close to variety of shopping. Ocean is 20-30 mins away. Clean facilities. Friendly staff. Winter months hard to get a spot.
RangerThe campground was clean. Our site had pavers that were in disrepair and could be a tripping hazard. The sites were roomy for our 42’ 5th wheel. Pool area appeared to be well maintained as well as the laundry. The machines required a card instead of coins. At $1.75 it was reasonable compared to other places. The configuration of the park in relation to the full time residents was odd. The campers were placed randomly in between the full time residents. We had plenty of room but we were wedged in pretty tight with the full time residents. It was ok but just have never been situated like this. You had to purchase the Wi-Fi. Don’t bother. We paid $20 for the wk and had absolutely no internet. There was a number to call and we did call them. It was a huge deal and only got one device working. They did have a huge dog park but the path to walk your dog I would never use as it had a lot of debris.
ScoutTent area provided zero privacy. It was basically a lineup of like 6 sites without any tree/bush coverage. The rest of the park was packed with RVs. Not my scene at all. We left after about an hour of being there. They do have a small dog park, however
RangerI have done several reviews of this place each time I discover more. Full Hookups, 50amp at all sites, sewer/water and free wifi. Excellent cell service on T-mobile. Clean laundry facilities. Tennis, basketball, canoe rental. 2 dog parks one for over 30lbs and one for under 30 lbs. My biggest complaint has been the picnic tables so happy to see the were all replaced with new in the last 3 month. Great walking trails and wonderful wildlife and landscape for viewing. Great opportunities for some excellent photography shots why I keep coming back. Of course the friendly staff. Enjoy my video.
RangerThe staff is friendly. Facilities are kept clean. Full hookups; water, sewer, 50 amp. Free wifi however poor connection. Good size nicely kept lots. Unable to pick lots why a 4 rating. Reservations recommended. Restrooms showers are 3 star. Nice laundry facilities. TV antenna good reception. No problem with AT&T or Tmobile for cell service. Fenced dog park, Tennis, playground, canoeing available onsite.
LegendIf you are looking for an outdoors ‘nature’ experience that is well-manicured, perfectly organized and brand-spanking new – and you find yourself in Central Florida – then look no further than Fort Pierce West KOA Holiday, which is so close to I95 (exit 129 FL70 Okeechobee Road) that you will feel (and hear) the constant SWOOSH! of passing traffic 24 hours a day. This could either make this destination just outside of Fort Piece (a.k.a The Sunrise City) a gem or nightmare, depending upon what you are looking for.
While I’m sure the very great folks at this ‘Treasure Coast’ KOA would make room for tent campers, this destination is really geared towards those that are towing their campground living room behind them. There’s perfectly flat and evenly situated diagonal RV parking lanes with which to park your wheeled campground wherein you will enjoy traversing the entire campground on freshly poured black asphalt. Each pull-through or back-in evenly laid pebble-strewn site comes complete with a little swath of green grass, on-ground BBQ grill rings, picnic table and all the traditional hook-ups (50 / 20 / 30 electric, water and sewage).
But wait! There’s more (and because this is a KOA, that actually means, a LOT more!): complimentary WiFi, horshoe pit, Kamp K9 dog park, cable TV, endless neon-colored outdoor tables and chairs, community firepits, corn hole, ladder ball (don’t ask me), laundr-O-mat, library, shuffleboard, group picnic areas, pickleboard as well as being satellite friendly. There’s an absolutely gorgeous (too gorgeous IMHO for any campground, but hey, it’s KOA) in-ground heated pool as well as a small ‘catch& release’ pond that you can either fish from the perimeter of or drop in a little boat/ kayak. And, just in the event that you’ve forgotten anything, this KOA has an on-site camp store that would put Disney World to shame – there’s hats, shirts, tchotchkies and all of the food and drink items you would expect.
Insider’s tips? Here's a few: (1) There’s a lot to explore in and around Fort Pierce and a I highly recommend heading on over to Indian River Lagoon and Manatee Observation & Education Center for some excellent fishing and kayaking; (2) If you’re looking for a few restaurant recco’s – I’d steer you towards Manatee Island Bar & Grill, Sailfish Brewery and Jack & Diane’s (big nod to my hero John Cougar Mellancamp); (3) Of course, being this close to the ocean, you need to get yourself over to the beach where I would recommend a day-trip to Hutchinson Island, and if you’re toting your fishing poles with you head on over to Herman Bay for some excellent fishing and sundowners where The Jetty Lounge is very well regarded; and (4) If you'd like to discover a really nice slice of paradise in close proximity to this KOA, then head no further than a few miles south to George Le Strange Preserve where there are a handful of really great hiking trails (all basic BTW), a very decent lake to do some decent fishing in as well as a small canoe launch.
Happy Camping!
Stuart's location on Florida's east coast features a subtropical climate with average year-round temperatures between 60-80°F. The camping areas sit at elevations near sea level and have access to both inland waterways and Atlantic coast. Campgrounds typically maintain standard leash requirements of 6 feet or less for pets.
Kayaking the St. Lucie Canal: The waterways near Stuart offer paddling opportunities with wildlife viewing. "Several campers have spotted 3-5 foot alligators trolling just offshore from tent sites" at St Lucie South. No swimming is allowed due to alligator presence.
Mountain biking trails: Jonathan Dickinson State Park has trails for all skill levels. "We live the mountain biking trails. Perfect for all levels and ages," notes Edward R. at Pine Grove Campground.
Boat lock viewing: Watch vessels navigate the St. Lucie Lock. "It's awesome to watch the boats come and go" at St. Lucie South according to Lorilee S. The lock connects the Gulf to the Atlantic Ocean.
Hike Hobe Mountain: This sandy peak provides excellent views. "Must climb Hobe Mountain, the views are stunning. From there you can see both the intracoastal waterway and the Atlantic Ocean in one direction and sand dunes every other direction," reports Karen from Jonathan Dickinson State Park.
Clean restroom facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept facilities. At Savannas Recreation Area, "bathrooms, hot showers and laundry" are available, according to Lisa R., who adds they're "very clean."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The parks host diverse animal species. "We've seen otter, tortoise, birds, eagles so far," mentions janet H. about her stay at Pine Grove Campground. At Savannas Recreation Area, Carol B. reports they "enjoyed the wildlife" but warns visitors to "watch out for the gators."
Covered picnic areas: Multiple campgrounds provide sheltered eating spaces. "Concrete pads, fire pit and covered picnic tables" are standard at St. Lucie South, making them comfortable for pet owners during hot or rainy periods.
Platform camping: Unique elevated camping options exist at Phipps Park Campground. "Adorable, enchanting island camping amongst water lilies, turtles, white ibis', blue heron and friendly folks," describes Breezy and Max R. about their platform tent experience.
Summer heat considerations: Lack of shade affects comfort in warmer months. "The campground is amazing, but due to not having many trees we don't have shade in the campsites. Just one another have trees, unfortunately. Coming in the summer was a bit tough staying here without an RV with air conditioning," notes Arnaldo N. about Pine Grove Campground.
Train noise at some locations: Certain campgrounds experience railroad disruptions. At Ocean Breeze Resort, Wolfram B. mentions "the campsite is right by the train tracks to Miami, and it feels like the train is barreling through your van. This goes on all night, thanks to a few railroad crossings with plenty of honking!"
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during winter. "Make your reservations early as it books up a year ahead of time," advises Edward R. about Pine Grove Campground.
Platform tent considerations: The canvas accommodations have specific limitations. Tucker B. notes at Phipps Park, "I really enjoyed an evening stroll around the ponds where they have 'glamping' tents set up," but another camper mentioned challenges with platform tents.
Playground access: Campgrounds with play equipment provide recreation for children. St. Lucie Lock features "Boat Ramp, Picnic Shelters, Comfort Station, Parking, Dump Station, Fishing Area, Trails, Tent Sites, Playground, Showers, Picnic Area" according to Mike Y.
Pet-friendly hiking options: Trails accommodate leashed dogs of all sizes. "Great trails to ride your bike," mentions Karen about Jonathan Dickinson State Park, which offers extensive paved and unpaved options suitable for family walks with pets.
Educational opportunities: Visit the historical exhibits at park visitor centers. "On site Visitor center with history of the Lock and dams. You are able to tour the locks walk across them," notes Mike Y. about St. Lucie Lock.
Early morning activities: Schedule outdoor time before midday heat. "We took a 3 hour canoe trip, $25 well spent. Next day rented a bike. Good hiking trails too," reports Brian M. from Jonathan Dickinson State Park.
Concrete pad advantages: Level parking makes setup easier. At Treasure Coast RV Park, Rick shares, "Good lot size, concrete pad for parking wide enough to sit with awning extended," providing stable placement for larger vehicles.
Hookup placement considerations: Site design affects setup convenience. Mike Y. notes that at St. Lucie South, "Concert pads, gravel fire pit and covered picnic tables. No bad views i was in 3 different sites during my stay."
Amenities that add convenience: Campground features enhance longer stays. At Ocean Breeze Resort, "RV spots are close together but well appointed. The facilities are amazing. Beautiful large pool with a bar and very clean modern bathrooms and showers. Gym area and laundry as well," reports Ransom J.
Dump station access: Waste disposal has specific rules at some parks. "All sites have 30/50 amp service and water. Sewer is not available. Dump station near exit on way out," explains Mike Y. about St. Lucie Lock.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Stuart, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Stuart, FL is Pine Grove Campground — Jonathan Dickinson State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 61 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Stuart, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 65 dog-friendly camping locations near Stuart, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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