Best Tent Camping near Hobe Sound, FL
Primitive tent camping around Hobe Sound, Florida centers on several small, dispersed sites within natural conservation areas. Jonathan Dickinson State Park offers two distinct primitive tent campgrounds: Scrub Jay and Kitching Creek, both accessible only by hiking in. These walk-in tent sites serve as remote overnight options for hikers on the Florida Trail and Ocean to Lake Trail system, particularly for backpackers seeking a natural Florida experience without RV neighbors.
Tent sites at these primitive campgrounds feature basic amenities with variable facilities. Scrub Jay Campground lies approximately 5 miles from the park entrance, making it suitable for beginning hikers or families with children, while Kitching Creek offers more remote tent camping farther into the park. Loop 4 and Little Gopher provide free primitive tent camping options in the region, though water sources can be unreliable. Drinking water access varies significantly between sites, with some pumps reported as non-functional or producing sulphur-smelling water. Campers typically need to filter water from nearby creeks or bring their own supply.
Several tent campgrounds in the area require special access arrangements. Peanut Island Campground is accessible only by boat, offering a unique island tent camping experience near Riviera Beach. Most tent sites throughout the region include fire pits, and several feature picnic tables. DuPuis Campground requires permits from the South Florida Water Management District, though camping remains free. A recent review noted: "Each site has a fire pit and picnic table. Various trees at the camp sites provide shade." Campers should maintain awareness of wildlife, particularly when collecting water, as multiple reviews mention adolescent alligators in nearby creeks and canals. Primitive tent campgrounds in this region typically experience seasonal variations, with some sites becoming more challenging during hunting season or summer heat.
