BLOG: Palm Beach County parks boast campgrounds on the water

Nothing brings a family together like a night under the stars. No phones. No TV. Just you, the kids, a tent and the sweet sound of chirping crickets.

Tempting? If you’re thinking about camping, you don’t have to go far.

The Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department operates three campgrounds where families can enjoy the great outdoors together in tents or an RV: John Prince Park in Lake Worth Beach, Peanut Island in Riviera Beach and South Bay RV Campground in western Palm Beach County. Families can tell stories around a campfire, make s’mores, explore nature or just relax near a lake.

Camping has loads of benefits for families:

• Bonding and socializing: Parents and kids can play games together, go on a nature scavenger hunt, pitch tents together or just talk. Camping allows families to get away from hectic daily lives and spend quality time without the interference of busy schedules that come with work and school.
• Learning and improving skills: Camping is the perfect way to teach kids about wildlife and natural resources. Families can find and identify species of plants and insects, or get up early and bird watch. Even learning to cook on a campfire allows people of all ages to develop useful skills.
• Gaining an appreciation for nature: Kids and adults can develop an appreciation for wildlife and natural resources. Learning about nature encourages children to think about their role in preserving and conserving our natural resources and protecting animals.
• Fun and relaxation: Get away from the stresses of everyday life! Whether you’re lounging in a hammock or relaxing by the lake, camping provides an escape from daily responsibilities and a chance to recharge. Camping also allows families to unplug from technology, and in many cases, from the stresses that come with it.
• Developing healthy habits: Camping allows people of all ages to escape the pace and distractions of modern existence and live healthier, happier, calmer lives. Spending time in nature also reduced risks for heart disease, anxiety and stress.

JOHN PRINCE PARK CAMPGROUND

Trade in your shoes for sandals and enjoy Palm Beach-style relaxation at RV and tent sites in a family friendly atmosphere with playgrounds, exercise trails and nature walks at 4759 S. Congress Ave. in Lake Worth Beach. A boat ramp offers access to Lake Osborne, and the beach is only a ten-minute drive away.

PEANUT ISLAND CAMPGROUND

This island in the Intracoastal Waterway in Riviera Beach is well situated for swimming, snorkeling, fishing and boating near the Lake Worth Inlet. Campsites include a tent pad, grill and picnic table. Restrooms offer hot indoor showers.

SOUTH BAY RV CAMPGROUND

This ideal spot, at 100 Levee Road in South Bay, offers boat ramp access to Lake Okeechobee. The campground features fire rings, a recreation hall and WiFi. Spacious paved RV sites include water, sewer, electric and a picnic table with grill.

Bibi Baksh is a public relations specialist for Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department.