Tent campsites near Coconut Creek, Florida range from accessible urban sites to remote wilderness locations. The subtropical climate produces year-round temperatures averaging 75°F, with summer humidity levels often exceeding 80%. Camping in this region requires careful planning for insect protection, particularly during the rainy season from June through October when mosquitoes are most active.
What to do
**Airboat adventures: Book through Sawgrass Recreation Park where campers can experience up-close wildlife encounters. "This place saved my buddy and I. Didn't book ahead anywhere else in town and ended up stumbling into this little gem. Just beautiful spot," writes Finn H., who appreciated the "gorgeous scenery and safety" despite basic bathroom facilities.
**Explore hiking trails: The Ocean to Lake trail passes directly through Little Gopher campsite, offering multiple connecting routes. "A primitive campground on the Ocean to Lake trail, it is well maintained by the FTA-Lox chapter. A large site capable of housing multiple tents and hammock setups," notes J R., who recommends checking for hunting seasons before planning a trip.
**Water sports access: Kayaking and paddleboarding opportunities abound at many locations. At Peanut Island Campground, campers can "kayak and paddle board to snorkeling with beautiful fishes and manatee if you are lucky," according to Maimi T., who found the island perfect for families with small children.
What campers like
**Island seclusion: The boat-only access to camping areas creates unique experiences away from mainland crowds. "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. about Peanut Island, noting "there are bathrooms with shower next to the campground."
**Fire pit gatherings: Many primitive sites feature communal fire areas. At Little Gopher, "a firepit, 4 wood benches surrounding it and two poles for hanging backpacks. Plenty of firewood in the area," provides a central gathering spot according to recent visitors who appreciated the renovated facilities.
**Convenient urban location: Some camping options offer nature experiences without long travel times. "Good location in the middle of urban area, cabins to rent," notes Alex P. about Quiet Waters Park. Another visitor adds, "It was a great time went fishing had fires and explored nature the park office has everything."
What you should know
**Water filtration requirements: Surface water sources require treatment before consumption. At Little Gopher campsite, one hiker reports "there is a canal (Big Gopher) 0.2 miles west of the camp on the OTL that is a good source. As with any water in FL, watch for alligators and filter before drinking."
**Accessibility challenges: Weather conditions can impact campsite access. At Sawgrass Recreation Park, "because of the rain, getting to and from the campsites by car may be challenging, and the area could be muddy," reports SukiDookie, who also mentioned a "$200 deposit is also pending, subject to a damage inspection."
**Reservation limitations: Several tent camping areas near Coconut Creek have restricted availability or seasonal closures. As Pavel T. notes about Sawgrass Recreation Park, "the campground is only open during dry season, which is late winter," making it unavailable during summer months.
Tips for camping with families
**Safety considerations: Choose sites with appropriate facilities for your group size and experience level. Frog Hammock offers a "nice tucked away oasis" according to Pavel T., but lacks drinking water and toilets, making it better suited for experienced campers than families with young children.
**Weekend crowds: Popular water-access sites become busy during peak times. At Peanut Island Campground, Ilena R. cautions, "this is a very popular weekend boat hangout and is often full of visitors," which may affect the peaceful camping experience families seek.
**Kid-friendly activities: Some locations offer structured recreation options beyond camping. Maimi T. found Peanut Island "perfect for small kids to running around and felt very safe," though noted "it was noisy at late night that sound came from riviera beach or WPB port area constantly hearing construction sound."
Tips from RVers
**Limited hookup availability: Few tent camping areas near Coconut Creek accommodate larger RVs with full hookups. At AD Barnes Park, electric hookups are available for smaller units, but the park is not big-rig friendly and lacks sewer connections or water hookups directly at sites.
**Alternative site options: Several campers recommend considering day use with overnight options. Alex P. mentions about Quiet Waters Park: "We've used for daycamp without overnight, but you can do that if you want," suggesting flexibility for RVers who prefer amenities but want the camping atmosphere.
**Seasonal considerations: RV camping in this region is most comfortable during winter months. Pavel T. discovered Sawgrass Recreation Park while cycling and described it as "an oasis of civilization on a 30 mile stretch of nothingness," highlighting its strategic location for travelers passing through the area during the dry season.
