Imagine pulling your rig off the highway and into a 550-acre nature preserve. Instead of the drone of truck traffic, your soundtrack is the call of a wading bird and the rustle of saw palmettos in the breeze. This is the experience waiting for you at Savannas Recreation Area, a stunning St. Lucie County park located just inland from the beaches of Fort Pierce. This place is a true wetland refuge, and nestled within its year-round campground is a well-maintained dump station that offers a peaceful and practical stop for any RVer exploring Florida’s Treasure Coast.
The dump station is primarily for registered guests, but when staffing allows, they often accommodate day visitors for a modest fee or a donation. The best course of action is to simply call the park office ahead of your arrival to check on their policy and the current price. But honestly, the real magic of this place lies in staying for a night or two. The backdrop is what makes it so special. You’re surrounded by unique ecosystems, including sandhill bluffs and a vast, lily-speckled freshwater marsh. There are miles of waterways perfect for a quiet morning kayak, where you’re more likely to see herons, egrets, and even river otters than another human being.
This stop places you right in the heart of Fort Pierce, a city that beautifully balances its uncrowded beaches with a rich history and a revitalized downtown. Nicknamed the “Sunrise City,” it offers a more laid-back vibe than some of its more bustling southern neighbors. History buffs will be drawn to the National Navy SEAL Museum, located on North Hutchinson Island. It’s the only museum in the country dedicated exclusively to the history of the Naval Special Warfare teams, and it’s a powerful and fascinating place.
The downtown area is home to the beautifully restored, historic Sunrise Theatre and a fantastic weekly farmers market that’s a feast for the senses. For the adventure seekers, the Indian River Lagoon offers some of the most unique paddling experiences in the state. You can join a tour with clear kayaks to glide over seagrass beds, keeping an eye out for dolphins and manatees, or even take a nighttime tour to witness the mesmerizing phenomenon of bioluminescent jellyfish. A stop at Savannas isn't just about finding a convenient dump station; it's about discovering a corner of Florida that feels both wild and wonderfully accessible.
The dump station experience itself reflects the park's tranquil atmosphere. You'll find the pad located near the campground entrance, tucked beside a pull-through lane that’s lined with native vegetation. Because the campground hosts a mix of long-term snowbirds who are hooked up at their sites and weekend tenters who don’t need the facility, you rarely have to wait in line. It’s a low-key, low-stress operation. The station includes a non-potable rinse hose and good overhead lighting, which makes it safe to use even after dark, although the office itself closes around sunset. Of course, if you’re staying as a guest, the easiest option is to simply reserve one of the many sites that feature individual sewer hookups. That way, you can take care of business right before you pull out.
As a full-service campground, the amenities at Savannas are designed to make your stay comfortable, whether it’s for one night or one month. There are full bathhouses with hot showers, potable water spigots throughout the park, and coin-operated laundry machines to help you get caught up on road chores. Clean restroom blocks and conveniently located dumpsters make housekeeping a breeze. For dog lovers, this park is a real treat. Not only are leashed pets welcome on the trails, but there is also a dedicated, fenced-in "bark park" where your pup can run and play off-leash.
Most of the RV sites are equipped with 20/30/50-amp electrical service plus water and sewer, giving you all the comforts of home. Even the tent platforms have power posts, a thoughtful touch for all types of campers. You will need to plan for fuel and propane, as the nearest gas station is about two miles west on US-1. And like most parks, there are no on-site repair services, but the Fort Pierce area is well-served by local mobile RV technicians.
The value you get at Savannas is truly exceptional. St. Lucie County adjusts its rates seasonally, but even during peak times, campers report nightly fees under $30 for a full-hookup site. For a location this close to the Atlantic coast, that’s an incredible bargain. When a dump fee is charged to non-guests, it’s typically nominal. But the real value comes from the free perks that are part of the park experience. The county often offers ranger-led kayak tours through the marsh and free nature programs for families and visitors. When you can get a guided tour of a unique ecosystem included with your stay, you know you’ve found a special place.
To ensure your visit is perfect, here are a few tips from a seasoned traveler. If you’re planning a trip during the winter or spring, book your site well in advance. This area is popular with snowbirds, and it’s also just 15 minutes away from where the New York Mets hold their spring training, which draws big crowds. Secondly, pack your binoculars! The park is a known hotspot for birdwatching, with over 88 different species documented in the marsh. For the best wildlife viewing, launch a kayak at dawn. The water is mirror-calm, and it’s the best time to spot manatees slowly making their way through the channels. And a practical tip for Florida: bring your citronella or other insect repellent. The wetlands are beautiful, but they do mean mosquitoes at dusk, especially in the summer. Savannas Recreation Area is a gem that beautifully melds the practical need for a clean dump station with the soul-stirring experience of being immersed in nature. It’s a smart, serene, and value-packed base for any adventure on Florida’s Treasure Coast.
Savannas Recreation Area, 1400 E Midway Rd, Fort Pierce, FL 34982
(772) 464-7855
Cost: Price not available
Category: Campground
Has Water
stlucieco.gov/departments-services/a-z/parks-recreation-and-facilities-department/savannas-recreation-area