Managed by Martin County, St Lucie South sits adjacent to the St Lucie Canal lock system, where boats navigate between Lake Okeechobee and the Atlantic Ocean. The campground accommodates RVs up to 38 feet with electric and water hookups at nine paved sites, plus three primitive tent sites positioned directly along the water. Reservations are available for $20-$35 per night, and the facility operates year-round.
The compact layout features level concrete pads for RVs, each with a covered picnic table, fire ring, and gravel area for outdoor gear. Mike Y. notes the "grounds are kept clean, cut, trim and edged," with mature trees providing shade throughout the campground. Tent campers occupy waterfront sites with gravel pads and small picnic shelters, though they share restroom facilities located up the road. The bathhouse includes hot showers and remains consistently clean according to multiple reviews.
Campers watch boats traverse the lock system from their sites, creating ongoing activity during daylight hours. The canal supports fishing, though swimming is prohibited due to alligators that reviewers regularly spot near the shoreline. Wildlife includes gopher turtles wandering through sites, various raptors, and abundant dragonflies. Cell coverage reaches 2-3 bars for major carriers, while WiFi is available only at the office area.
Access requires navigating some rough roads, particularly after rain, but the campground remains reachable by standard vehicles. The facility includes a dump station near the exit, though RV sites lack individual sewer connections. A $20 fee applies for additional dump station use beyond the weekly allowance. Gates close around sunset, requiring late arrivals to park outside and walk in. The location provides easy access to Stuart's restaurants and shopping, plus beaches within 20 minutes. For additional options, campers can explore campgrounds outside Palm City to the north.
Description
Overview
St. Lucie Campground provides a relaxing camping experience on the St. Lucie Canal, part of the 152 mile Okeechobee Waterway that spans South Florida from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico. Campers can enjoy watching boats and the occasional manatee pass through the St Lucie Lock while sitting under the warm Florida sun.
Recreation
Hike the St. Lucie Nature Trail on the north side of the canal, or spend the day fishing and boating on the St Lucie Canal and the south fork of the St. Lucie River.
Facilities
The St. Lucie South Campground offers waterfront RV and tent sites, plus cruiser sites for boat campers. All RV and cruiser sites have 50 amp electric and water hookups. Our tent sites also have electric. A trailer dump station is on site for your convenience A family-friendly visitor center, group picnic shelter, horseshoe pit and are onsite to entertain the group.
Natural Features
Tropical vegetation surrounds the campground, which is about 25 miles east of Lake Okeechobee, the second largest freshwater lake in the United States. The lake is 451,000 acres and on average only 9 feet deep.
Nearby Attractions
The Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge is recommended for visitors who are interested in the many species of birds in the area. The city of Stuart is just down the road with restaurants and shopping. Sandy beaches located on nearby Hutchison Island make for a fun days trip to the Atlantic Ocean. Nearby Fort Pierce is home to the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum.
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Attention Boaters: When using our courtesy dock, boat slips and boat ramp- PLEASE BE AWARE-- DUE to Drought conditions, there is a possibility of fluctuations in water levels along the C-44 (Saint Lucie Canal). Remember to Always Wear Your Life Jacket!
- Saint Lucie Lock and Dam area is currently under construction , so the walkway across to the Northside trail is closed at this time. Saint Lucie South campground water supply may be interrupted from time to time. So please be prepared for potential outages.
- NOTICE: For the Protection and Security of Staff and Visitors - No Packages of Any kind will be accepted at Saint Lucie Recreation Area. Please make arrangements with your delivery service for pick-up from a Secured Delivery Service pick-up location.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsSt Lucie South is located in Florida near Palm City
Directions
From I-95, take Exit 101 (Stuart/Indiantown), following SR 76 W for 0.5 miles to Locks Road. Turn right onto Locks Road for 1.3 miles to SW Canal Street and turn left into the campground.
Address
2170 SW CANAL STEET
Stuart, FL 34997
Coordinates
27.1102778 N
80.285 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 11 usersLast on 5/22/26- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 5/22/26
AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 3/6/26
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 11 usersLast on 5/22/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 5/22/26
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 3/6/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 10 min from Port St. Lucie, FL
- 55 min from Sebastian, FL
- 1 hr 24 min from Miami, FL
- 1 hr 27 min from Sebring, FL
