DuPuis Campground

This was our first time camping at one of Florida's free state-run campgrounds, but certainly not our last. Everything about this experience was great. From the lush grassy camping area to the quiet, dark sky at night and the huge network of trails, we loved it all. The camping area is large and even though by the end of our stay there was probably close to 15-20 other RVs and tents we all had plenty of room to spread out. There are no designated sites, but there are a few random picnic tables strewn about. Lots of options for parking in the shade under trees or out in the open with plenty of sun.

For amenities, there are a few water spigots, a dump station, restrooms with flush toilets, a dumpster, and a scary looking shower full of creepy crawly things. There are also two horse barns and a large paddock for those traveling with horses.

One thing to note is that you need to obtain a free online permit to stay here. It's very simple, just go to http://my.sfwmd.gov/portal/page/portal/pg_grp_sul/pg_sul_main and fill out a form. The reason for the permit is because during the different hunting seasons (there are lots of them) non-hunters are not allowed to camp here. The camp host asked if we had a permit, but never asked to see it. I suspect things are a bit more strict during hunting season.

Also, there are actually two camping areas here - the one we stayed at is the equestrian camp located at Gate 3, and a few miles away is the family camp located gate 2. The family campground is for tents and pop-up campers only and does not allow generators.

Finally, the mosquitos were not too bad during our stay, but in the early mornings and late evenings they definitely come out in search of tasty human skin. Bring bug spray!

We parked in the equestrian lot as the Watson's mentioned above. There is plenty of room for lots of RVs in this area. Florida recently started allowing dogs at this water mgmt area although not evetrhingbon the website is updated yet. We were able to take nice, long walks with our dogs on the trails that crisscross throughout the area. The Florida ocean to lake trail even cuts through, so you could walk all the way to the Atlantic.

AT&T was decent, but I lost my signal a few times in our friend's RV. Our Verizon hotspot received a good enough signal to stream a show one night. The bathrooms were decent, but could be a little cleaner. The free dump was handy on our way out. Watch your step with the anthills and horse apples, but it's not too bad. We wouldn't hesitate to stop again.

The Family Campground is a nice place behind a locked gate (get the code when making reservations). There are several sites all situated around a nice size pond, with its own little man-made alligator island. Plenty of shade or sunny if preferred.
There are a couple little outhouses and a water source for washing.
Camp hosts drive around once in a while.
Trails to walk.

DuPuis campground was very easy to find, and a wonderful place to stay. The hosts are very helpful and do greet everyone upon arrival. You’ll need a permit through the SW Florida Water Mangement, but it’s easy to get online. Hey have clean, hot showers, water fill up, and dump area. No plug ins, but generators are permitted 7am - 11pm. You can stay up to 8 days. For free camping in Southern Florida, doesn’t get much better!

We have had trouble finding good sites through Florida. This campground is the crowning jewel! You do need a SUL permit, but it can be obtained online for the same day. When you arrive, just pick a spot in the grassy field and you are set! Dump and fresh water are available. Also, a dumpster for trash is onsite. Grounds are beautiful and the hosts make you feel welcome.

We first stayed at Dupuis for 7 nights and really enjoyed the cleanliness of the campground and restrooms (flush toilets and hot showers). There are no assigned parking areas so you can choose between shaded and full sun areas according to your preferences. The hosts were awesome and very diligent making sure all campers were accommodated. Make sure to have your permit before showing up as this is a popular place and you will be asked to produce it upon arrival. There are some backroads and horse paths to hike on too. There is well water that you can fill up your tank with if you like and a dumpstation. The only negative about this location is the noise from traffic that passes by. Stay towards the back of the campground and it's not as bad.

I’m sure this place must always be busy as it’s free and has decent washroom facilities. On the negative side it’s got the feel of your typical RV campground so it’s not a ‘getting back to nature place’, but when the price is right who’s complaining?

With dark skies, extensive trails, a nice bathhouse, and a price of $0.00, camping at Dupuis can't be beat!! RVs are permitted at the Equestrian Campground located at Gate 3. The equestrian campground is a large field-like area with some shade trees and also plenty of open spaces for people using solar. The campground hosts were friendly and efficient and helped get everyone placed into a suitable situation. With plenty of space, we never felt crowded and, at times, basically had the campground to ourselves. The family campground is for tents only.

The large bathhouse appears to have been built in early 2017 and it is in good shape. There are men's and women's bathrooms with multiple stalls each, plus 4 unisex shower rooms (1 is accessible). The shower rooms each have locking doors, a small chair / seat in the dry area, wall hooks, and a wet area (see photos). The single-stream shower heads weren't my favorite, but the facilities were very clean and totally functional. There is also a smaller bathhouse near the camphost site which we did not use.

The campground also features a dump station and fresh water source near the entrance. The campground is located along Kanner Highway / SR 76 and easily accessed from the road. This is one of the only roads in this part of the county and it is fairly heavily trafficked, including by large trucks and farm equipment, so expect some road noise. It was a minor issue at most.

There is an extensive network of equestrian, biking and hiking trails that can be reached directly from the campground. The big DuPuis Loop trail (which can be anywhere from 4 to 15 miles depending on the route selected) wanders through a variety of different habitats and we loved seeing hawks, turkeys, and even wild pigs on our hikes. We rarely saw other hikers on the trails, and the trails definitely felt remote. Trail maps are available at the visitor center, located about 1 mile west of the equestrian campground.

While camping is free, it does require a special use license from the South Florida Water Management District, available online: https://www.sfwmd.gov/community-residents/recreation/sul. Be prepared to show your license when you arrive. The stay limit is 8 continuous days. My only disappointment is that we hit our stay limit and had to leave.

The closest town is Indiantown, about 10 miles away, which has some awesome Mexican restaurants (we loved Guatemex) as well as a grocery store. For bikers, the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail around the lake can be accessed at Port Mayaca, about 3 miles west of the equestrian campground.

I had been wanting to go to DuPuis since we first decided to go FL. I have to disagree with the poster that said campground host helped people find a site. When we pulled in we were told to go over by the trees...and we parked of the side of the road going into a treed area. It did not have a picnic table or fire ring but a site 2 sites down did.. so we moved there the next day.

We had parked, and started setting up our chairs and crate for our dogs when the female camp host came and started yelling at my husband. You can't park here it is for tents and vans only (it was not marked), my husband told you that last night! We said we didn't know and she was RUDE... and as we were picking up our chairs to put them away she said "I SAID TO MOVE IT NOW!".

When I asked her where we should park... she just pointed in directions, over there or there.. The sites are not designated... so we were unsure where to go. My husband wanted to leave right then. We are senior citizens and aren't trouble makers but were made to feel like we murdered someone.

My career was as an innkeeper for over 20 years and I understand that dealing with the public can be trying at times, however there was no reason for her rudeness. It ruined our entire stay.

On the good side,, the showers are great, clean, and lots of hot water. There is a dump station, dumpster for trash and fresh water to fill up before you leave. It is close to Indiantown if you need supplies or want to go grab a bite to eat. And the grounds are clean and attractive. .

I would suggest that they mark the tent/van camping area as they do the sequestration spots to end confusion as to where you can park.

New bathroom/shower facilities, plenty of sites with picnic tables, areas of shade or sunny sites to choose from. Just make sure you know which gate you are wanting to enter. There are a few entrances that are each a few miles apart. I stayed at the equestrian center.