7 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"Although less pretty and less remote than Kitching Creek, it is only 5 mi from the park entrance, wich makes it perfect if you are a beginner hiker or have small children."
from $10 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
Check Availability"There are bathrooms with shower next to the campground. All sites are tent only sites and they are very close to each other. You can get two sites instead of one when available."
"Kayak and puddle board to snorkeling with beautiful fishes and manatee if you are lucky;) The best place to spend on long weekends away from crowds and technology."
"A primitive campground on the Ocean to Lake trail, it is well maintained by the FTA-Lox chapter."
"little nice quiet camping spot away from civilization"
"Each site has a fire pit and picnic table. Various trees at the camp sites to provide shade. First come first serve. Two cars, two tents, 6 people max per camp site. The sites surround a pond."
"All the sites are wrapped around a pond. Palm trees and all kinds of other shrubbery are throughout the campground. There are a couple of small alligators 🐊 in the pond and some big ole turtles 🐢."
"Plenty of trees for hammock camping and shade. There are two picnic tables/firepits and a water pump. However the water from the pump came out with a purple tinge and smelling of Sulphur."
"this is a verynice campground with water pump, fire ring and picknic tables"
TravelerMy family stayed at the park for a long weekend. Great park, but the vendor contract expired and a new one hasn’t been chosen. Because of this, canoe rentals, firewood, ice, etc. are not available in the park. Thankfully Publix is just up the road. We will be back, but not until the vendor situation is resolved.
RangerI returned back to St Lucie South based on the price, proximity to nearby resources (and I95), and because it was so peaceful during my previous stay. This visit was mostly the same. When I arrived, the host wasn't around. I parked my rig and waited for about 30 minutes before I left the site, and they got me checked in while I was out. With such a small campground, you can generally expect a quiet visit right on the water. That said, this visit included some less courteous neighbors who brought two big dogs across basically every site, barking at people trying to enjoy the peace. I don't blame the park for that one. Side note, if you visit in the summer, consider looking at the angle of the sites and picking one based on your rig. The afternoon sun is pretty brutal on the driver side of some spots (I think mostly 7 and 9).
LegendThere is something quietly thrilling about settling into Savannas Recreational Park, where the landscape feels wide open and wonderfully untamed, with a thoughtfully spaced campground of mostly level sites set among marshes and winding canals that immediately make you feel connected to nature. The park offers clean restrooms, hot showers, laundry and simple but well-kept amenities, and while shade can be limited, the peaceful atmosphere and slower pace make it feel safe and grounding for families who enjoy the outdoors. One evening after dinner, we wandered along the canals and the boys froze in amazement spotting several alligators resting along the banks, barely moving in the fading light, turning a simple walk into one of those unforgettable, wide-eyed moments that had them talking long after bedtime. I would absolutely recommend this campground for families looking for a true Florida wilderness experience thanks to its abundant wildlife, peaceful setting, and those incredible up-close encounters that you just cannot replicate anywhere else.
RangerThis campground is basic but offers some nice marsh-like scenery and is totally worth the price. Full hookups, but they are essentially dirt lots with 15-20 ft of space between them. It's safe to say your neighbors matter. 4 laundry setups at 2.00 per wash or dry. There's a long trail that held some wildlife and there is technically kayaking, but it looked nearly impossible to get through the foliage. The staff up front were kind. They may have the most obnoxious triple speed bumps I've encountered in my life.
RangerI enjoyed a 4-day stay at this campsite. I ended up staying longer than expected, so I used 3 different sites, and there are only about 10 to choose from.
The campground was quiet and pleasant my entire stay. I'd prefer to have a sewer hookup but the dump station is just on the way out. Facilities and dumpster just a minute walk away. Boat ramp and pavilions near the water. Plus, every site has a covered picnic table. I really enjoyed the simplicity of this place, but there isn't a ton to do unless you venture out, depending on your preferences.
RangerOverall a pleasant experience, especially for only my second trip in the RV. My lot was mostly clean, had plenty of space for my truck and 30ft trailer, and had everything I needed. I was expecting a more peaceful trip out in nature, but about 12 people were camping in the lot beside me with their dog off-leash, so there were some moments of frustration with noise and my dog, who is leashed as expected. The observation tower was closed and basically all concessions/tours were as well, but it was still nice to get on some trails.
ScoutFriendly staff, clean bathrooms, big rig friendly, paved pull in sites, catch & release fishing in pond
LegendThere 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 of Florida, with a well-laid-out campground offering both RV and tent sites, mostly level ground and a VERY relaxed, open setting surrounded by water and native vegetation. The campground is thoughtfully equipped with clean restrooms, hot showers, laundry, picnic tables, fire rings and even WiFi, making it comfortable without taking away from the outdoorsy feel, and while shade can be limited and wildlife is very much part of the experience, the area felt safe, peaceful at night and incredibly engaging for kids who love nature. One evening, after a simple dinner at our site, we walked down toward the water and let the boys spot birds and fish while keeping a careful eye out for the occasional alligator, turning it into one of those wide-eyed, whisper-quiet moments that only happen in places like this. I would absolutely recommend this Old Florida campground for families looking for a true outdoor experience thanks to its abundant wildlife, affordable and well-equipped sites, and the kind of natural setting that turns an ordinary night into an adventure.
TravelerAmazing little fishing spots & great environment with the kids. Will be back for sure.
Primitive camping opportunities around Hobe Sound, Florida extend beyond established state park campgrounds into several dispersed sites across conservation lands. Campers can find tent-only sites within the greater Palm Beach and Martin County regions, ranging from boat-accessible island camping to walk-in sites along the Florida Trail system. Many primitive sites experience seasonal variations in accessibility due to water levels in the summer wet season and hunting restrictions during fall and winter months.
Water adventures near Peanut Island: The Peanut Island Campground provides unique water-based recreation options. "Kayak and puddle board to snorkeling with beautiful fishes and manatee if you are lucky. The best place to spend on long weekends away from crowds and technology," notes camper Maimi T.
Hiking the Ocean to Lake Trail: The 63-mile Ocean to Lake Trail passes through several primitive campsites in the region. At Little Gopher, J.R. reports: "A primitive campground on the Ocean to Lake trail, it is well maintained by the FTA-Lox chapter. I stayed there during the dry season and out of hunting season. Check for both as the camping experience will be drastically different."
Wildlife observation opportunities: Many campgrounds provide natural habitat viewing. Watch for adolescent alligators in creeks near Loop 4, particularly when collecting water. The canals and waterways throughout the region host diverse wildlife including wading birds and reptiles native to Florida's ecosystem.
Remote solitude: The Kitching Creek Primitive Campground receives high marks for isolation. "This campground as beautiful as it is remote, just the way I like it. Perfect if you seek serene solitude," according to Pavel T., highlighting the appeal for those seeking quiet camping experiences.
Accessible primitive sites: Some primitive sites balance remoteness with reasonable access. Alex P. notes about Little Gopher: "All of it easily accessible from road. You don't need 4x4 to get there from bee highway," making these sites approachable for campers without specialized vehicles or extensive hiking experience.
Water access: Campers appreciate sites with water features, though water quality varies significantly. At Loop 4, J.R. notes: "There are two picnic tables/firepits and a water pump. However the water from the pump came out with a purple tinge and smelling of Sulphur. I opted to get my drinking water from the creek after filtering it."
Water sources require filtering: Many primitive sites have unreliable or questionable water sources. A camper at Loop 4 advises: "The creek farther down had adolescent gators, nothing to worry about. But I kept my eyes pealed for sudden movements when I got the water." Always bring filtration equipment and exercise caution around water sources.
Reservation and permit requirements: Several campgrounds require advance planning. At DuPuis Campground, J.R. explains the process: "FREE stay, register at the SFWMD site and request a permit. You need the code for the combination lock to open the gate which is included with the permit."
Seasonal considerations: Camping conditions vary dramatically between wet and dry seasons. Hunting seasons also affect camping availability and safety in wildlife management areas. Several sites flood during summer months, while winter offers more moderate temperatures but potential hunting activity.
Choose shorter hiking approaches: For families with younger children, Scrub Jay Primitive Campground offers reasonable access. "Although less pretty and less remote than Kitching Creek, it is only 5 mi from the park entrance, which makes it perfect if you are a beginner hiker or have small children," advises Pavel T.
Island camping adventure: Families seeking unique camping experiences might consider boat-accessible camping. Ilena R. describes Peanut Island: "The only way to get to this campground is by boat. All sites are tent only sites and they are very close to each other. There is some shade in the campground area but in the summer can get very hot."
Group camping capacity: Some sites accommodate larger family groups. A camper described Loop 4 as "large, can easily accommodate 30+ people and is well maintained. I had an occasional cell signal. Plenty of trees for hammock camping and shade." This makes it suitable for extended family camping trips.
Limited RV options: The best tent camping near Hobe Sound primarily consists of primitive sites not suitable for RVs. Indiantown Marina represents one of few options with RV accommodation, though Johnny A. notes it offers minimal amenities: "Drove pass to check it out and there are spaces to camp but without anything else."
Tent camping as alternative: Most RVers seeking overnight options near Hobe Sound should consider state parks with developed campgrounds farther afield or prepare for basic accommodations. The primitive camping network in this region primarily serves backpackers, hikers, and tent campers seeking natural experiences away from developed facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Hobe Sound, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Hobe Sound, FL is Scrub Jay Primitive Campground — Jonathan Dickinson State Park with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Hobe Sound, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Hobe Sound, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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