Stuart, Florida camping destinations offer reliable services with paved sites at established campgrounds and primitive options for more adventurous visitors. Located along the Treasure Coast, Stuart maintains a subtropical climate with year-round camping opportunities. Access to water bodies ranges from riverfront sites to canal-adjacent camping, allowing anglers and paddlers direct water entry from several locations.
What to do
Kayaking the waterways: Savannas Recreational Park offers canoe rentals for exploring the marsh ecosystem. "This is paradise. List marshlands with twists and cuts for paddling. Birds you never knew existed. Great fishing. And of course, alligators. I could live there, easily," notes Amanda K. who visited the park.
Fishing opportunities: St Lucie South provides access to prime fishing spots along the canal. Visitors report, "Watch the boats come and go. Great picnic table, fire pit and BBQ in each spot," according to Lorilee S., highlighting the waterfront access.
Mountain biking trails: Pine Grove Campground — Jonathan Dickinson State Park features extensive biking trails suitable for various skill levels. Edward R. states, "This is an awesome campground for family's. Tons to do. We love the mountain biking trails. Perfect for all levels and ages."
Exploring Hobe Mountain: The observation tower offers panoramic views of the surrounding region. "The park is beautiful, must climb Hobe Mountain, the views are stunning. From there you can see both the intracoastal waterway and the Atlantic Ocean in one direction and sand dunes every other direction," recommends Karen at River Campground.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Savannas Recreation Area provides opportunities to spot native species in their natural habitat. "We loved this place. Celebrated my sister's 65 birthday here. Spent 10 nights. Enjoyed the wildlife," says Carol B., who mentions gator sightings as a highlight.
Well-maintained facilities: Campground cleanliness receives positive comments from visitors to several Stuart area parks. At Savannas Recreational Park, Mike Y. notes, "2nd time here, secure area, friendly staff... Clean facilities. Friendly staff. Winter months hard to get a spot."
Water access: Camping directly adjacent to waterways ranks high among visitor preferences. At St Lucie South, Dean observes, "The tent sites are on the canal and watching the boats come in to use the lock is nice," though he cautions about alligator presence in the canal.
Variety of accommodation types: Options range from traditional tent sites to platform tents. A reviewer at Phipps Park Campground describes, "We brought our queen sized airmatress and it fits with plenty of space for changing clothes inside the adorable platform canvas tent home."
What you should know
Alligator awareness: Multiple campgrounds report alligator sightings. At St Lucie South, Alex M. recounts, "There were lots of interesting animals to observe here, including flying fish, big tree lizards, big frogs that hopped out of the canal and onto my tent at night, and something that I'm fairly certain was a gator but never got a good look at."
Reservation requirements: Booking well in advance is essential, particularly during winter months. Edward R. advises about Jonathan Dickinson State Park, "Make your reservations early as it books up a year ahead of time."
Site selection limitations: Some campgrounds assign sites rather than allowing campers to choose. At River Camground — Jonathan Dickinson State Park, Brian M. notes, "One warning if you reserve through toll free service there is a $6 charge and they put me in a terrible spot. Ranger claimed only a few others available, but it was July and almost empty."
Seasonal changes: Summer brings more insects and heat challenges. Arnaldo N. comments about Jonathan Dickinson State Park: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. Eric mentions that Savannas Recreation Area has a "Nice little park for the kids and close to the water."
Educational opportunities: Ocean Breeze Resort puts families within walking distance of town resources. Karen M. shares, "Walk to town with shops and restaurants. Pool was wonderful with a snack bar and bar. We used the gym everyday."
Swimming options: While natural water bodies often prohibit swimming due to alligators, campgrounds with pools provide safer alternatives. Ransom J. reports about Ocean Breeze Resort: "The facilities are amazing. Beautiful large pool with a bar and very clean modern bathrooms and showers."
Kid-friendly biking: Michael S. recommends Jonathan Dickinson State Park for family cycling: "Great park for mountain bikeing. Conveniently located but feels like miles away from civilization."
Tips from RVers
Site surface variations: Concrete pads versus gravel affects leveling requirements. Laura M. notes about Jonathan Dickinson State Park: "This park has paved loops with gravel pads, fire pit, BBQ, tables, playground and much to offer in terms of hiking, biking and boating/kayaking."
Utility connections: Placement of hookups affects parking orientation. At Treasure Coast RV Park, Ari A. explains, "All sites have water, sewer, 50-30-20 amp electric, and cable TV. Sites are nice size and while you're close to your neighbor there is a bit of a grass buffer."
Dump station procedures: Some facilities limit dumping frequency or charge additional fees. Mike Y. observes about St Lucie South: "the only downfall of being allowed to dump once per week or there is a fee of $20.00. There is no charge for a honey wagon dump."
Cell service reliability: For those needing connectivity, reception varies by carrier and location. David R. reports about St Lucie South: "2 to 3 bars of Verizon, Sprint, and AT&T (we use all three) ensure a pretty decent cell connection for keeping in touch."
