Tent camping options near Palm Beach Gardens, Florida range from primitive backcountry sites to boat-in island getaways. The region features subtropical wetland ecosystems with year-round camping opportunities, though summer brings high humidity and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Winter camping from November through March offers more comfortable temperatures with highs in the 70s and minimal rainfall.
What to do
Kayak to island camping: Peanut Island Campground provides a unique boat-in camping experience. Camper Maimi T. notes, "This island offers great camping experience! Kayak and puddle board to snorkeling with beautiful fishes and manatee if you are lucky." The island requires personal watercraft for access and offers multiple BBQ pits with tables.
Hike primitive trails: Kitching Creek Primitive Campground in Jonathan Dickinson State Park provides access to remote hiking trails. According to Pavel T., the campground is "as beautiful as it is remote, just the way I like it. Perfect if you seek serene solitude." The site connects to the park's extensive trail network through diverse Florida ecosystems.
Wildlife viewing: Sawgrass Recreation Park offers a gateway to Everglades wildlife viewing. The park features airboat tours alongside its primitive camping area. Camper Pavel T. describes it as "an oasis of civilization on a 30 mile strech of nothingness," noting that "the camground is only open during dry season, which is late winter."
What campers like
Peaceful isolation: Campers consistently mention the tranquility of primitive sites near Palm Beach Gardens. At Little Gopher campground, Pavel T. appreciates the "nice quiet camping spot away from civilization," while another camper notes it's "on the Ocean to Lake trail" and is "well maintained by the FTA-Lox chapter."
Water access: DuPuis Campground features sites surrounding a pond with natural areas to explore. A reviewer explains, "Each site has a fire pit and picnic table. Various trees at the camp sites provide shade... The sites surround a pond." Campers must register through the South Florida Water Management District website to receive a permit with the gate access code.
Convenient locations: Scrub Jay Primitive Campground offers accessibility without sacrificing the wilderness experience. Pavel T. notes it's "only 5 mi from the park entrance, which makes it perfect if you are a beginner hiker or have small children," adding a practical detail about facilities: "The water pump is broken, and don't expect it to be fixed anytime soon."
What you should know
Water considerations: Many campgrounds have unreliable water sources. At Loop 4, a camper reports, "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." Pack water filters or purification tablets for any tent camping trip in this region.
Limited facilities: Most primitive sites have minimal amenities. Indiantown Marina campsites are described by Johnny A. as "pretty bear" with "spaces to camp but without anything else." Plan accordingly by bringing all necessary supplies including toilet paper, food storage, and trash bags.
Seasonal limitations: Weather patterns significantly impact camping conditions. At Sawgrass Recreation Park, a camper notes, "Because of the rain, getting to and from the campsites by car may be challenging, and the area could be muddy." Some sites close completely during wet season (summer through early fall).
Tips for camping with families
Choose beginner-friendly sites: Shorter hikes to campgrounds benefit families with young children. Regarding Scrub Jay campground, one camper specifically notes it's "perfect if you are a beginner hiker or have small children" due to its relatively close proximity to the park entrance.
Plan for island adventures: Peanut Island offers contained exploration opportunities safe for children. A visitor shares: "It was perfect for small kids to running around and felt very safe." The island environment provides natural boundaries with bathroom and shower facilities available.
Consider urban-adjacent options: Quiet Waters Park offers tent camping with more amenities than primitive sites. Ashley J. reports, "It was on the water, had a grill, electricity, fire pit, tent, running water and was pet friendly. We brought our kayaks and played around. Had a lot of space to walk our dogs."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most tent camping areas near Palm Beach Gardens don't accommodate RVs. Quiet Waters Park offers some RV sites with electric hookups and water. Michael notes, "It was a great time went fishing had fire s and explored nature the park office has everything."
Consider marina camping: Indiantown Marina provides both tent and RV spaces, though reviewers indicate minimal amenities. Located along the Okeechobee Waterway, it serves primarily as a functional overnight option rather than a destination campground.
