Palm Beach County boasts some beautiful campgrounds and RV sites. With almost year-round perfect weather and stunning natural settings, it’s a much sought-after destination for camping and recreational activities. Campsites are available near the ocean, on natural lakes; even island camping is possible. Nearby Jonathan Dickinson Park is camping accessible and boasts campsites or cabin rentals with an array of boating and hiking activities. Whether your preference is luxury resort Rv-ing or wilderness roughing it, there are so many activities available; just choose which option fits your needs and reserve your spot.
John Prince Park
Located at 4759 South Congress Avenue in Lake Worth, Florida (561-582-7992; toll free 877-992-9925), John Prince Park Campground offers recreational fun for the whole family. With hiking and exercise trails, playgrounds and a 48-acre RV and tent site camping area, John Prince is your destination for leisure activities. It’s only a 10-minute drive to beautiful Lake Worth Beach, or you can choose to launch your watercraft from the park’s boat ramp located on sparkling Lake Osborne. All amenities are located nearby, or just sit out and enjoy a barbecue at your campsite and listen to the sounds of nature. John Prince Park is a centrally-located park and campsite, so you can rough it or go out to dinner, as your whim dictates.
Peanut Island
If you want to be just a boat-ride from civilization, but enjoy a rustic campsite too, try Peanut Island Campground. Located in the Intracoastal Waterway near the Lake Worth Inlet, Peanut Island is Palm Beach County’s only island park site. It is accessed by boat only, with docks on the western and eastern sides of the island. There are only 20 tent sites for camping, and access can be restricted if there is excessive high tide flooding. An observation deck and picnic sites with grills and tables are available, with ample restroom facilities provided. Peanut Island offers rustic camping on the ocean; enjoy boating snorkeling and fishing, but be advised that facilities are limited and there are no available food or beverage concession areas. Campers who want to take advantage of this island setting are advised to be self-sufficient and bring all necessary items themselves.
South Bay RV Campground
For those who want a taste of the Everglades, South Bay RV Campground is the place for you. Located on beautiful Lake Okeechobee, the second-largest fresh water lake in the U.S., this campground has boat ramp access and camp sites include water, sewer, electric and cable hook-ups. There’s even a recreation hall and WiFi. If you’ve ever wanted to see the Everglades close-up, visit South Bay RV Campground, at 100 Levee Road, South Bay (561-992-9045; toll free 877-992-9915). Park your RV by the lake, sit back, and relax your cares away to the sounds of alligators grunting, bullfrogs serenading and catfish splashing.
Juno Ocean Walk RV Resort
This picturesque RV resort, located at 900 Juno Ocean Walk, Juno Beach, Florida (561-622-7500), is within walking distance of the sparkling Atlantic Ocean, a fishing pier, and even shopping. This delightful gem offers true resort luxury with its camping experience, with a heated pool, spa and clubhouse, laundry facilities, recreational sports (snorkeling, volleyball, billiards, shuffleboard, water aerobics) and much more. Enjoy swimming and boating, or pay a visit to the historic Jupiter Lighthouse. Choose from 246 RV sites and enjoy all South Florida has to offer from the comfort of your RV. For more information, visit their website.
Lion Country Safari KOA
Enjoy the “wild side” of Palm Beach County at the Lion Country Safari KOA campground, located at 2000 Lion Country Safari Road, Loxahatchee, FL (561-793-9797; toll free 800-KOA-9115). Listen to the lions roar from the safety of your RV; the camp has full hook-ups, tent sites, camping cabins, a heated pool and camp store. Or, if you’d rather see your wildlife up-close, hop in your vehicle and head to nearby Lion Country Safari Park, where you can view the animals in their natural habitat; campers receive a special discount to the wildlife park.
Jonathan Dickinson State Park
Just north of Palm Beach County and 12 miles south of Stuart on U.S. 1 lies magnificent Jonathan Dickinson State Park (16450 S.E. Federal Highway, Hobe Sound, 772-546-2771). The wild and scenic Loxahatchee River runs right through the park and offers campers all the boating, kayaking, canoeing and fishing activities they can handle. There are full campground facilities and river tours available. This is the wild and tangled wilderness of South Florida at its best, with biking, equestrian, and hiking trails to guide campers through the scrub pine and mangroves. There are programs available for kids and the whole family, including Ranger-guided tours of the 1930s pioneer homestead of Trapper Nelson. Visit their website for more information.
South Florida is the site of so many scenic wonders, from the sparkling waters of the Atlantic to the pristine beauty of Lake Okeechobee and the wild Everglades. Don’t miss an opportunity to view it all from the comfort of your campsite or RV this summer. You’ll take home so many wonderful memories.
Palm Beach County Camping, http://www.pbcgov.com/parks/camping/
West Palm Beach/Lion Country Safari KOA, http://koa.com/campgrounds/west-palm-beach/
