Best Tent Camping near Lantana, FL
State parks and conservation areas surrounding Lantana, Florida provide several tent-only camping options for outdoor enthusiasts. Jonathan Dickinson State Park, located approximately 20 miles north of Lantana, offers two primitive tent campgrounds: Kitching Creek and Scrub Jay. Peanut Island Campground in Riviera Beach provides tent-only sites accessible exclusively by boat, while Little Gopher offers primitive tent camping along the Ocean to Lake Trail. DuPuis Campground and Loop 4 provide additional backcountry tent camping experiences within reasonable driving distance.
Tent campsites in this region vary significantly in their amenities and accessibility. Many primitive tent sites require advance permits, particularly at DuPuis where campers need to register through the South Florida Water Management District website. Water availability is inconsistent across locations, with some sites like Loop 4 offering pumps that may produce discolored water with sulfur odors. Campers frequently filter water from nearby creeks and canals, though alligator awareness is essential. Most tent campgrounds include fire rings and picnic tables, but facilities like showers are limited to established sites such as Peanut Island. During Florida's rainy season, tent campers should anticipate potentially muddy conditions at locations like Sawgrass Recreation Park.
Walk-in tent sites provide unique experiences compared to drive-up campgrounds. According to reviews, Little Gopher accommodates multiple tents and hammock setups with four wooden benches surrounding a fire pit and poles for hanging backpacks. One camper noted that Loop 4 can easily accommodate 30+ people and offers occasional cell service. At Peanut Island, tent campsites are described as being close together, with limited shade making summer camping particularly hot. The island's popularity as a weekend boat destination means tent campers should expect crowds during peak periods. Primitive tent camping at Kitching Creek offers what one visitor called "serene solitude," making it ideal for backcountry tent camping enthusiasts seeking quiet natural surroundings.