Palm City camping options include several year-round campgrounds situated along water bodies that connect to the Atlantic Ocean. The area sits at the intersection of multiple waterways including the St. Lucie River and Okeechobee Waterway system, with an average elevation of just 13 feet above sea level. Camping near Palm City provides access to freshwater marshes, preserves, and waterways where wildlife observation opportunities abound, especially during winter months when temperatures average 65-75°F.
What to do
Paddling excursions: 3+ hours: Jonathan Dickinson State Park offers canoe rentals for exploring the Loxahatchee River. One camper shared, "Took a 3 hour canoe trip, $25 well spent. Next day rented a bike. Good hiking trails too."
Bird watching: early morning: The marshlands surrounding Palm City host diverse bird species. At Savannas Recreation Area, visitors report excellent sightings. "Enjoyed the wildlife. We will be back and hope to stay longer," noted a camper who spent 10 nights at the park.
Mountain biking: all skill levels: The trail system at Jonathan Dickinson State Park accommodates various riding abilities. A reviewer explained, "This is an awesome campground for family's. Tons to do. We love the mountain biking trails. Perfect for all levels and ages."
Fishing: dawn or dusk: Multiple waterways offer fishing opportunities throughout the area. According to a camper at the Savannas, "Lots of birds & gators. The staff is very friendly. Free bike rental & kayaks were $5 per hour."
What campers like
Waterfront sites: boat traffic views: St Lucie South offers prime positions to observe water traffic. "Absolutely love the St. Lucie Locks. It's very clean and very relaxing. It's awesome to watch the boats come and go," reported one camper.
Clean facilities: daily maintenance: Bathhouses and common areas receive positive reviews at most Palm City area campgrounds. A visitor to DuPuis Campground noted, "The bathrooms are very clean and well kept. The trails are extensive and well-maintained."
Wildlife encounters: gators common: Alligator sightings are frequently mentioned in reviews. One camper at St. Lucie South warned, "The tent sites are on the canal and watching the boats come in to use the lock is nice however, we were warned against paddle boarding the canal due to alligators."
Free camping options: permits required: DuPuis Campground offers no-cost camping with basic amenities. "You just can't beat a free camping with shower and access to water," wrote a reviewer, while another explained the process: "You have to go online and get a special use license and then it will give you a code to the lock on the front gate."
What you should know
Summer heat: limited shade: Palm City campgrounds often lack sufficient tree cover for summer camping. At Jonathan Dickinson State Park, one camper mentioned, "The campground is amazing, but due to not having many trees we don't have shade in the campsites. Just one another have trees, unfortunately. Coming in the summer was a bit tough staying here without an RV with air conditioning."
Water quality concerns: sulfur smell: Some campgrounds have questionable drinking water. At DuPuis Campground, a reviewer reported, "Upon arrival, the camp host informed us not to drink the water. I found that advice ironic since this is managed by the water district. It did have a sulfur smell and a tint to it."
Train noise: overnight disturbance: Ocean Breeze Resort sits near active railroad tracks. "The campsite is right by the train tracks to Miami, and it feels like the train is barreling through your van. This goes on all night, thanks to a few railroad crossings with plenty of honking!" warned one visitor.
Tent camping limitations: platform-only at some sites: Some parks restrict traditional tent setup. At Phipps Park Campground, a disappointed camper explained, "There are no tents allowed here. They have tents that are already set up on platforms and they have holes all over the sides and bottoms, so they are not sealed properly and full of mosquitoes."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds: well-maintained: Multiple campgrounds feature updated play areas for children. A reviewer at Savannas Recreation Area noted, "Playground area was being update with all new equipment."
Junior ranger programs: weekends only: Jonathan Dickinson State Park offers educational activities for children. "Great site for a day trip or a weekend. Lots of trails for hiking and mountain biking. Conveniently located but feels like miles away from civilization," wrote a visitor.
Bug preparation: essential: Mosquitoes are prevalent throughout the area, especially near water. A Jonathan Dickinson State Park camper advised, "Forgot my fan and almost eaten alive saved by Off."
Gator safety: continuous supervision: Parents should maintain vigilance near water edges. A Savannas Recreation Area visitor warned, "WARNING!!! Please be careful walking your dog. Alligators are in the park where people seem to not notice. We educated people when we were there. They thought that just because they were not on the water side of the campground they would not see alligators."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: even numbers preferred: At Savannas Recreation Area, site orientation affects hookup convenience. "Even number sites tend to be the best as power sewer and electric would be on left side. Odd number sites you are going to need extra length power cords, hose and sewer connection," advised an experienced RVer.
Concrete pad availability: reserve early: Treasure Coast RV Park offers premium sites with solid parking surfaces. "Sites clean, concrete pads and picnic table. Friendly staff and campers. Pool, laundry showers all well maintained," noted a visitor who found it to be "Nice stop. Excellent campground."
Solar capability: DuPuis preferred: RVers using solar power recommended specific locations. "This campground is a large field where you can pick any spot and is managed by the SW Florida Water Mgmt District. We were able to get a nice spot near the camp host that was perfect for solar," shared a DuPuis Campground visitor.
Dump station protocols: usage limits: Some campgrounds restrict dump station usage. A St. Lucie South visitor explained, "All sites have 30/50 amp service and water. Sewer is not available. Dump station near exit on way out. Because of the cleanness of the campground and the friendly staff I rate this a five. They make up for the only downfall of being allowed to dump once per week or there is a fee of $20.00."
