Palm City, Florida sits adjacent to the St. Lucie River and offers outdoor accommodations with temperatures averaging 72-89°F throughout the year. The area features both developed campgrounds and platform-based glamping sites on former stormwater treatment areas. Most accommodations remain open year-round due to Florida's mild winter climate.
What to do
Fishing access: 15 minutes from camp: At Phipps Park Campground, visitors can utilize the fishing pier and boat launch area along the St. Lucie River. "There is a fishing pier, bike path along the river, boat launch area, communal restrooms, laundry room, and outdoor dish pit," notes reviewer Tucker B.
Wildlife viewing: dawn and dusk optimal: West Palm Beach-Lion Country Safari KOA provides a unique camping experience with animal encounters nearby. "The lions waking you up in the morning is really pretty cool. LOTS of local channels and good internet," explains Jan H., who also mentions discounted tickets available to Lion Country Safari from the campground.
Biking: paved paths available: The paved trails at Phipps Park offer recreational opportunities for cyclists of all experience levels. "Great biking, easy access to boating, kayaking, and paddle boarding. Close to beaches and shopping so there's something for everybody to do," according to Patricia Pettersen C.
What campers like
Heated water amenities: available year-round: Sunsport Gardens Family Naturist Resort maintains their pool at comfortable temperatures regardless of season. "Pool is heated comfortably year round. Sauna. Hot tub restaurant fitness laundry pool table clubhouse," according to Sandra C., describing the resort's central facilities.
Spacious sites: various surface types: Vero Beach Kamp offers diverse camping spaces under natural shade. "Beautiful shaded campground, nice swimming pool, clean and quiet," notes David K., who visited for a rocket launch viewing. Another camper describes, "Sites are decent size. Lots of sites with shade. Close to Indian River and the beach."
Resort-style activities: scheduled events: At Road Runner Travel Resort, amenities include organized social gatherings. "There's a large pool, a good-sized general/convenience store with all the essentials you might need, and a full restaurant right on site," reports Jessica A., adding "There are adult activities - Bingo, karaoke, jam sessions, trivia night, pickleball, tennis, shuffleboard, Pentaque, cornhole, basketball, crafts, and more."
What you should know
Water management features: Phipps Park combines camping with environmental infrastructure. "This campground is built on the site of an innovative stormwater catchment and treatment area, so it had some interesting info to learn about efforts to clean and control stormwater flow in the region," explains Tucker B.
Seasonal occupancy patterns: Winter months bring higher occupancy rates to Palm City area glamping sites. "We discovered this place on a vacation trip to see a friend on Hutchinson Island in Fort Pierce FL. We are now camping here seasonally in a 35 ft Class A RV," notes Jessica A. at Road Runner Travel Resort.
Insect preparation: essential in summer: Mosquitoes can be problematic at certain times. One camper at KOA Campground Okeechobee reported, "When we were pulling in we noticed a train of 7-8 RV's and trailers leaving. Didn't think much of it. That's when we noticed that it was literally swarming with mosquitos."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly pool access: Designated swimming areas accommodate families at several locations. "The campground is pretty much the cleanest we had stayed in yet! Most spots are shaded. It seems like 75% of spots are full timers and 50% work. We were almost the only ones in the pool during the week," reports one camper at Road Runner Travel Resort.
Safari package discounts: Families can save on nearby attractions when staying at West Palm Beach-Lion Country Safari KOA. "Great facility, big spaces, free WiFi, pool. Clean, friendly staff," shares Peggie F., while another visitor mentions the campground offers "discount tickets to Lion Country Safari which is next to campground."
Designated family activities: KOA Campground Okeechobee organizes family-oriented events. "This KOA is the best one we've ever stayed at. It's an actual resort with a golf course in the middle. You get all the same amenities at a usual KOA with bonus ones like poolside food delivery, golf tee times, tennis and pickle ball tournaments, bingo nights," shares Jennifer R.
Tips from RVers
Security systems: Several glamping locations in Palm City implement after-hours security measures. "The park is gated during evening hours with the gate closing at 10:00 pm, so you will need to get a gate key card with a $20.00 deposit which will be refunded when you turn the key back at the end of your stay," explains Burton M. about West Palm Beach-Lion Country Safari KOA.
Site surface variations: Different campgrounds offer various parking surfaces for RVs. "They have both concrete pads and gravel sites. Concrete were the nicest," notes Liz M. about Phipps Park, while at Lion Country Safari KOA, William C. observed, "Sites were decent sized. Some were gravel, most weren't."
Long-term stay options: Many Palm City area campgrounds accommodate extended stays. "The property is clean with paved roads and super large lots that you just don't find anymore," writes Mitchell about Road Runner Travel Resort, adding "We are looking forward to coming back for an extended stay later this winter!!"
