Hotels in Stuart and Jensen Beach

Although the area boasts some beautiful beaches -- and a few excellent beachfront hotels and inns -- the bulk of the hotel scene is downtown, where the nicer (and more reasonably priced) accommodations can be found among the shops and restaurants. Note: A 4% tax is added to accommodations rates in the Stuart-Hutchinson Island area.

In addition to hotels there are comfortable campsites (rustic cabins and sites for your tent or camper) in Jonathan Dickinson State Park, in Hobe Sound. The River Camp area of the park offers 52 sites and the benefit of the nearby Loxahatchee River, while the Pine Grove site offers 90 sites surrounded by shade trees. Both campgrounds have large, clean bathrooms with hot showers, and even a washer and dryer. All sites have electricity, table, and grill. Pine Grove sites have sewer hookups. The park’s Kimbell Center offers fun family programs and activities every Saturday at 10am and at night. Overnight rates are $26 per night, plus $6.70 reservation fee, and $7 nightly utility fee for RVs only, which includes water and electricity.

To our delight, the park also offers glamping in the form of six wood floored, stylish safari tents (think Ralph Lauren on a budget) outfitted with Keurig coffee maker and K-Cups, mini fridge, rugs, lamps, diffuser, electrical charging outlets, A/C and heating units. Each tent either has two real queen or one king bed and two sets of bunk beds. Outside: fire pit, grill with cooking grate, string lights, two camp chairs, and a picnic table. Rates start at $139 a night, and reservations are available via jupiter.tlglamping.com.

The Treasure Coast RV Resort and Campground of Fort Pierce, 2550 Crossroads Pkwy., Fort Pierce (tel. 866/468-2099), is another appealing choice, with a small lake, oak trees, clubhouse with kitchen, swimming pool, hot tub (!), and shower facilities. There also are full-service hookups, free Wi-Fi, and free cable TV. Rates are $63 to $92.