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.
What to do
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."
What campers like
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."
What you should know
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."
Tips for camping with families
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."
Tips from RVers
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!"
