Dupuis Management Area is located within the South Florida Water Management District
We prefer off-grid camping, and free whenever available. So when we found out about the Florida Water Management Districts free campsites, we knew we had to try them all out. The first one we camped at was the Dupuis Non-equestrian Campground in Martin County, Florida. The equestrian and non-equestrian campground sits between Lake Okeechobee and Indiantown, within the John G. and Susan H. DuPuis, Jr. Wildlife and Environmental Area (WEA). We loved it so we wanted to camp there again and get more media to share with you. Unfortunately, our truck didn’t cooperate this time, so we’re sharing our trip from last year.
We charged up the batteries and loaded up the camper and the girls (our dogs, Bella & Solaris) and set our route. We knew it was going to be a hot drive for the girls since they have their dedicated spaces within the cab and no access to air vents. Solo gets carsick when she gets hot, so we knew we had to do something to prevent that. My daughter had given me a Noggle for my small SUV because it doesn’t have air vents in the cargo area, where Solo rides. I decided to rig it up and use in in the truck and have it point to their DIY backseat crates that Jason built. It worked perfectly! No sick puppies on this drive.
It was a scenic drive but as usual with us, we had truck problems on the drive there, so we arrived a little later than we had planned. The camp host was very understanding and helpful, even pointing us to the biggest & closest site that would fit our fifth wheel. If you plan to go, pay attention to the gates. Gate 1 is vehicle access and family (tent) camping. Gate 2 is the hiking trailhead, and Gate 3 are the equestrian & non-equestrian camper and RV campgrounds. The gate is kept locked, but once your reservation is confirmed, they will send you a gate code. There are two camp hosts, one for the equestrian side and one for the non-equestrian side. Note that the equestrian campers do ride their horses through the non-equestrian campground, as they are enclosed within the same area.
We were in campsite #2, adjacent to the camp host, with a large open field behind us and the horses were fenced directly behind the field, adjacent to the trailhead. We had a great site! It was extra large and open, with plenty of space for our dogs. Every site is marked with a post and has a fire ring with cooking grate, but does not supply firewood nor have any for sale. There are no hookups, but non-potable water is available. There is a dump station at the exit and the campground does have clean bathroom and shower facilities.
There were campsites on both sides of us but far enough away that it still felt very private and our dogs still had plenty of space. We spent the first night setting up camp. The campground allows up to two dogs, but they must be well behaved and controlled at all times. Our dogs are well behaved and trained, but require separate spaces. Those take the longest to set up, but we can usually set everything up within about a half an hour. We stock the fridge & freezer and pantry items right before we leave and the batteries keep the fridge running while we drive. We have to keep the camper in storage unless we obtain a permit to pack and unpack it at home. To make it easier, we do leave a lot of the items in the camper in storage, but we camp often enough that it works out for us.
We spent the first night outside around our campfire, having smores and hot beverages, as it was a little chilly. We enjoy spending time with both of our dogs, so they were outside in their separate playpens, with their ice cream filled bones. It’s not fair if everyone, including the dogs, aren’t having a good time. That’s what camping is all about! It is in a dark sky environment, so be sure to look up at the stars and constellations. If you have an app for that, even better! The sky was very clear and we were able to see a lot!
While the campground is pretty dark and quiet at night, with the 11pm-7am quiet hours, the nearby barn was lit up beautifully. The only sounds at night were of the horses, a few dogs, and a lot of coyotes in the distance. It was really peaceful and a welcome retreat from everyday life. Generators must not be run during quiet overnight hours, but with the cool weather and our batteries, we didn’t need it. The batteries kept the fridge running and we were able to keep the windows open. We also use a lot of battery operated candles throughout the camper, so we didn’t even need to utilize the lights.
The following day, after breakfast and settling the dogs in, we went out to explore some trails. There was a trailhead right behind our site, so we set off for the day. We had read about snakes and to be cautious of rattlers especially, so we were prepared and wore our hiking boots. Since we’ve both had Lyme Disease, we knew to wear our hats, pants and take bug spray. I was a bit anxious, as I kept hearing rustling in the trees and bushes. Jason pointed in the direction I was hearing it and I realized it was just a deer. What a relief, after our last camping trip encounter with a bobcat at Lake Manatee. We continued on for what seemed like hours, but in reality was only a couple. We encountered alligators and heard wild boars but didn’t see any. They were definitely out there and within the campground, as the following morning the field behind us was all was rutted and rooted up.
We were starving after hiking, so we headed back to the campsite to have lunch and spend some time outside with the puppers. Jason is pretty much a carnivore, so three burgers-no bun for him and a veggie burger for me. He’s the outside chef and mans the grill and griddle while I do all of the inside prep and cooking. We make a pretty good kitchen team. It worked out really well when we merged all of our camping equipment! It should be noted that the Dupuis Management Area does not allow alcohol on their grounds, so be sure to read the policies before reserving a campsite.
Jason had taken his drone to get some footage but we learned that they aren’t allowed, so we took a long drive to check out some of the remote areas within the Wildlife Management Area. It’s a vast area with a lot of hiking and equestrian trails. We took the roads within the wildlife area and seemed like we drove for hours. It is a beautiful environmental area.
That evening called for more smores! Jason and I definitely do not agree on how to make smores! I like mine completely charred, although mine are vegan. And he likes his slightly brown and yes his are made with gelatin. I like mine made with a variety of chocolates (nut butters and caramels) and he likes his with plain ole boring chocolate bars. How do you like yours? Do you have other suggestions for us to try?
We like to have dinner and movies outside. We have an illuminated canopy tent that we attach a homemade movie screen to and stream movies via a projector. It was pretty chilly this particular night, so we set up our movie area with the fire ring behind us to keep us warm and put our camp table under the tent so we could also watch the movie. It doesn’t matter what we are doing, we always find a way to make it enjoyable.
We hate the end of our camping trips and wish we could travel in the camper full-time! We try to tear down most of our campsites the night before, so that we can enjoy breakfast before heading out the following day. But it was definitely time to hit the road, as we were almost out of fresh water, propane and firewood. Jason is still getting used to and learning about off-grid camping and I think he learned a lesson from this trip. Fortunately there was a dump station at the exit of the campground and then we were off, headed back home but ready to plan our next trip.
Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links. As an affiliate, we may earn from qualifying purchases. This means we may receive a commission if you click on a link and make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.
