Jonathan Dickinson State Park near Stuart, Florida offers several primitive tent camping options, including Scrub Jay and Kitching Creek campgrounds accessible only by hiking trails. These tent-only sites provide a secluded backcountry experience within the park's diverse ecosystem. Additional tent camping opportunities can be found at DuPuis Campground, approximately 30 miles west of Stuart, and the unique boat-in tent sites at Peanut Island Campground in Riviera Beach. Little Gopher and Loop 4 campgrounds, located along the Ocean to Lake Trail, offer primitive tent camping with varying levels of amenities and accessibility.
Most tent campgrounds in the Stuart area require advance preparation as amenities are limited. Kitching Creek provides drinking water, fire rings, and basic toilet facilities, while Scrub Jay has picnic tables and toilets but no reliable water source. DuPuis Campground requires permits obtained through the South Florida Water Management District website, with sites featuring fire pits and picnic tables surrounding a pond. Campers should be aware of seasonal conditions, particularly during Florida's hot summer months and wet season. Water sources at some sites may be unreliable or require filtering, with several campers reporting discolored or sulfurous water from pumps.
The tent camping experience varies significantly between locations. According to reviews, Kitching Creek offers "serene solitude" and is more remote than Scrub Jay, which is located just 5 miles from the park entrance and better suited for beginners or families with children. Loop 4 campers report the site can accommodate large groups with "plenty of trees for hammock camping and shade," though water from the pump may require filtering. At Little Gopher, one visitor noted the site was "recently renovated with new poles for backpacks and benches" and is "well maintained by the FTA-Lox chapter." Peanut Island provides a unique tent camping experience accessible only by boat, with clean facilities but limited availability due to its popularity among weekend boaters.
"Although less pretty and less remote than Kitching Creek, it is only 5 mi from the park entrance, wich makes it perfect if you are a beginner hiker or have small children."
from $10 / night
from $10 / night
"Each site has a fire pit and picnic table. Various trees at the camp sites to provide shade. First come first serve. Two cars, two tents, 6 people max per camp site. The sites surround a pond."
"All the sites are wrapped around a pond. Palm trees and all kinds of other shrubbery are throughout the campground. There are a couple of small alligators 🐊 in the pond and some big ole turtles 🐢."
"Plenty of trees for hammock camping and shade. There are two picnic tables/firepits and a water pump. However the water from the pump came out with a purple tinge and smelling of Sulphur."
"this is a verynice campground with water pump, fire ring and picknic tables"
"A primitive campground on the Ocean to Lake trail, it is well maintained by the FTA-Lox chapter."
"little nice quiet camping spot away from civilization"
"There are bathrooms with shower next to the campground. All sites are tent only sites and they are very close to each other. You can get two sites instead of one when available."
"Kayak and puddle board to snorkeling with beautiful fishes and manatee if you are lucky;) The best place to spend on long weekends away from crowds and technology."
"Yes it was hot and sweaty but thats what the lake is for. This is very sweet free camping. Theres maybe 10 sites here and you can't quite literally take a boat to the campsite."
"It’s run by Middleton’s Fish Camp Park, so really this location on the map needs a name change. When you get here, you pay $10 per person to the bait shop for the night."
from $60 - $120 / night
TravelerMy family stayed at the park for a long weekend. Great park, but the vendor contract expired and a new one hasn’t been chosen. Because of this, canoe rentals, firewood, ice, etc. are not available in the park. Thankfully Publix is just up the road. We will be back, but not until the vendor situation is resolved.
TravelerLots of sites in a ring around the bath house, which has hot and cold water running. Spigots at every site and a fire ring, very secluded and I’m the only non-RV here. Dock leads out to a wonderful view of the river, gorgeous. Publix and Walgreens à ten minute bike ride away.
Lots of palmettos so the bugs are out full force with huge stick bugs and palmetto bugs. Mosquitoes galore, bring spray.
RangerI returned back to St Lucie South based on the price, proximity to nearby resources (and I95), and because it was so peaceful during my previous stay. This visit was mostly the same. When I arrived, the host wasn't around. I parked my rig and waited for about 30 minutes before I left the site, and they got me checked in while I was out. With such a small campground, you can generally expect a quiet visit right on the water. That said, this visit included some less courteous neighbors who brought two big dogs across basically every site, barking at people trying to enjoy the peace. I don't blame the park for that one. Side note, if you visit in the summer, consider looking at the angle of the sites and picking one based on your rig. The afternoon sun is pretty brutal on the driver side of some spots (I think mostly 7 and 9).
LegendThere is something quietly thrilling about settling into Savannas Recreational Park, where the landscape feels wide open and wonderfully untamed, with a thoughtfully spaced campground of mostly level sites set among marshes and winding canals that immediately make you feel connected to nature. The park offers clean restrooms, hot showers, laundry and simple but well-kept amenities, and while shade can be limited, the peaceful atmosphere and slower pace make it feel safe and grounding for families who enjoy the outdoors. One evening after dinner, we wandered along the canals and the boys froze in amazement spotting several alligators resting along the banks, barely moving in the fading light, turning a simple walk into one of those unforgettable, wide-eyed moments that had them talking long after bedtime. I would absolutely recommend this campground for families looking for a true Florida wilderness experience thanks to its abundant wildlife, peaceful setting, and those incredible up-close encounters that you just cannot replicate anywhere else.
RangerThis campground is basic but offers some nice marsh-like scenery and is totally worth the price. Full hookups, but they are essentially dirt lots with 15-20 ft of space between them. It's safe to say your neighbors matter. 4 laundry setups at 2.00 per wash or dry. There's a long trail that held some wildlife and there is technically kayaking, but it looked nearly impossible to get through the foliage. The staff up front were kind. They may have the most obnoxious triple speed bumps I've encountered in my life.
RangerThis campsite has a lot to offer for those who love the water and outdoors. Endless opportunities for fishing/kayaking, but not a ton outside of that.
During my visit, the beach access was closed for construction, but the next access point is a short drive away. As expected during the summer...hot, humid, and "buggy". Side note, its a bit of a drive to the nearest grocery store, so come prepared.
RangerI enjoyed a 4-day stay at this campsite. I ended up staying longer than expected, so I used 3 different sites, and there are only about 10 to choose from.
The campground was quiet and pleasant my entire stay. I'd prefer to have a sewer hookup but the dump station is just on the way out. Facilities and dumpster just a minute walk away. Boat ramp and pavilions near the water. Plus, every site has a covered picnic table. I really enjoyed the simplicity of this place, but there isn't a ton to do unless you venture out, depending on your preferences.
RangerOverall a pleasant experience, especially for only my second trip in the RV. My lot was mostly clean, had plenty of space for my truck and 30ft trailer, and had everything I needed. I was expecting a more peaceful trip out in nature, but about 12 people were camping in the lot beside me with their dog off-leash, so there were some moments of frustration with noise and my dog, who is leashed as expected. The observation tower was closed and basically all concessions/tours were as well, but it was still nice to get on some trails.
ScoutFriendly staff, clean bathrooms, big rig friendly, paved pull in sites, catch & release fishing in pond
Tent camping options near Stuart, Florida extend beyond Jonathan Dickinson State Park into several less-frequented areas. The region features a subtropical climate with average summer temperatures reaching 90°F and winter lows rarely dropping below 55°F. Seasonal considerations significantly impact the camping experience, with the May-October wet season bringing frequent afternoon thunderstorms and increased mosquito activity.
Explore waterways by boat: At Peanut Island Campground, campers can enjoy water activities around the island. "Kayak and puddle board to snorkeling with beautiful fishes and manatee if you are lucky," reports Maimi T., who found it "the best place to spend on long weekends away from crowds and technology."
Fish freshwater inlets: Indian Prairie Canal RA provides access to Lake Okeechobee's fishing spots. Daniel S. notes, "Lake Okeechobee is pretty sweet there are tons of little inlets and outlets all over the place to explore and fish," adding that nearby freshwater springs create "a bass and manatee frenzy."
Hike the Ocean to Lake Trail: The trail connecting campgrounds offers wildlife viewing opportunities. J R. mentions at Little Gopher, "I stayed there during the dry season and out of hunting season. Check for both as the camping experience will be drastically different."
Free camping with amenities: DuPuis Campground offers no-cost camping with basic facilities. "FREE stay, register at the SFWMD site and request a permit. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table. Various trees at the camp sites provide shade," explains J R., who adds that "supposedly you are able to take a shower at the equestrian campsite down the road."
Wildlife viewing: Bird watching and wildlife spotting opportunities abound. At Blue Cypress County Park, B+J S. describe it as "a birders paradise if you're into that. All along are big osprey nests in the trees."
Multiple camping configurations: Loop 4 accommodates various camping setups. "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."
Water quality concerns: Several campgrounds have unreliable or questionable water sources. At Loop 4, J R. 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."
Access restrictions: Some sites require specific transportation or permits. Indian Prairie Canal offers "sweet free camping" where "you can quite literally take a boat to the campsite," according to Daniel S.
Seasonal differences: Weather conditions vary dramatically by season. Alex P. notes about Little Gopher, "All of it easily accessible from road. You don't need 4x4 to get there from bee highway."
Choose beginner-friendly locations: Some sites are better suited for families with children. Pavel T. recommends Scrub Jay Primitive Campground, noting "it is only 5 mi from the park entrance, which makes it perfect if you are a beginner hiker or have small children."
Consider sites with amenities: Facilities vary widely between locations. At Peanut Island, Maimi T. found it "perfect for small kids to running around and felt very safe" with "camping site well organized, BBQ pit everywhere with tables, shower is pretty clean, bathroom clean."
Plan for weather exposure: Shade can be limited at certain campgrounds. B+J S. warns about Blue Cypress, "There's no shade in the camping area, but there are two fire pits and two picnic tables, so bring a pop up or shelter tent for the midday sun."
Boat access options: Some of the best tent camping near Stuart, Florida requires water transportation. Ilena R. explains about Peanut Island, "The only way to get to this campground is by boat. Reservations are very difficult to get because is a small campground."
Weekend crowds: Popular areas become congested during peak times. "Please note that this is a very popular weekend boat hangout and is often full of visitors," cautions Ilena R. about Peanut Island, while Daniel S. mentions that at Indian Prairie Canal, "There other boats that come and go throughout the day and can be really noisy."
Facility conditions: Amenities vary in upkeep and reliability. At Blue Cypress, B+J S. reports, "The bathhouse has male and female sides with two toilets and a shower. It's not up kept terribly well, but they work just fine!"
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Stuart, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Stuart, FL is Scrub Jay Primitive Campground — Jonathan Dickinson State Park with a 5.0-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Stuart, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Stuart, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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