Tent camping near North Palm Beach, Florida offers a unique mix of coastal and inland wilderness experiences. During summer, daytime temperatures typically reach 90°F with high humidity, making spring and fall the preferred camping seasons. Sites span from island-based campgrounds to primitive inland spots along the Ocean to Lake Trail, each with distinct water access considerations.
What to do
Water activities at Peanut Island: Peanut Island Campground offers exceptional snorkeling opportunities. "Kayak and puddle board to snorkeling with beautiful fishes and manatee if you are lucky," notes camper Maimi T., who adds the island is perfect "away from crowds and technology."
Wildlife viewing at DuPuis: Bird and wildlife watchers frequent DuPuis Campground where sites surround a pond that attracts local fauna. Campers can access trail spurs connecting to larger trail systems. "The sites surround a pond... There is a short trail spur maintained by the FTA that connects the family campground to loop 1," notes camper J.R.
Urban recreation at Quiet Waters: For campers seeking less remote options, Quiet Waters Park provides fishing opportunities minutes from urban areas. "We brought our kayaks and played around. Had a lot of space to walk our dogs," shares Ashley J., highlighting the park's accessibility for day activities.
What campers like
Island camping experience: Boaters appreciate the unique island setting at Peanut Island where all sites are accessible only by watercraft. "The only way to get to this campground is by boat. Reservations are very difficult to get because is a small campground," explains Ilena R., who values the beachside location despite noting "sites are very close to each other."
Space and hammock options: Loop 4 receives praise for its generous campsite size. "The camp ground is large, can easily accommodate 30+ people and is well maintained," says J.R., adding there are "plenty of trees for hammock camping and shade."
Primitive solitude: Free camping options provide budget-friendly access to nature. DuPuis Campground requires permits from the South Florida Water Management District but offers basic amenities at no cost. "FREE stay, register at the SFWMD site and request a permit. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table," explains J.R.
What you should know
Water access varies: Many primitive sites have unreliable water sources. Loop 4 has a problematic pump where "water from the pump came out with a purple tinge and smelling of Sulphur," according to J.R., who instead "opted to get drinking water from the creek after filtering it."
Reservation challenges: Some popular sites book quickly. At Peanut Island, "Reservations are very difficult to get because is a small campground," warns Ilena R., suggesting booking well in advance.
Access complexity: Little Gopher camping area requires planning to reach. One camper notes, "We parked at lot N and hiked 4.3 miles to the camp," while Alex P. points out, "You don't need 4x4 to get there from bee highway."
Weekend crowds: Island campgrounds become busy recreation spots on weekends. Ilena R. cautions about Peanut Island: "Please note that this is a very popular weekend boat hangout and is often full of visitors."
Tips for camping with families
Distance considerations: Select shorter hikes for children. Little Gopher has been recently improved with "new poles for backpacks and new benches," according to J.R., making it suitable for families with older children comfortable with hiking.
Urban-adjacent option: Families with younger children may prefer Quiet Waters Park for its accessibility. "Good location in the middle of urban area, cabins to rent," notes Alex P., while another camper mentions, "The park office has everything."
Island camping with kids: Indiantown Marina provides basic camping spaces near boat facilities. Peanut Island also receives praise from families: "It was perfect for small kids to running around and felt very safe," reports Maimi T.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most primitive sites near North Palm Beach accommodate tents only. RVers should focus on established campgrounds with hookups rather than primitive sites.
Indiantown Marina: The marina offers some RV spaces with basic hookups but minimal amenities. "There are spaces to camp but without anything else," notes Johnny A., making this suitable only for self-contained RVs.
Alternative parks: RVers should consider Jonathan Dickinson State Park's main campground rather than its primitive sites, as it offers full hookup options not available at the primitive locations mentioned in this guide.
