Best Tent Camping near Stuart, FL
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.