Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Cutler Bay, FL

Larry & Penny Thompson Park accommodates pets throughout its campground with clean facilities and spacious sites for tent campers and RVs. Dogs must remain on leash within the camping area, though pets are not permitted in the adjacent main park section. The campground features full hookups, laundry facilities, and showers with sites arranged in pods of approximately 15 spaces each. Several dog parks are located within four miles of the campground. Campers note the park serves as an excellent base for exploring nearby attractions including Biscayne National Park and Everglades National Park. The grounds are well-maintained with mature shade trees throughout the tent camping area. Campers reference The Dyrt for top tips on camping near Cutler Bay, Florida.

Encore Miami Everglades RV Resort provides another pet-friendly option with dedicated areas for dogs. The resort maintains a large swimming pool, shuffleboard courts, miniature golf, and a walking trail around the entire property perimeter that's suitable for pet exercise. Located among acres of ornamental tree nurseries, the resort offers easy access to both Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park. Elliott Key and Boca Chita Key in Biscayne National Park also permit pets for campers arriving by boat. These boat-in camping areas require visitors to bring all necessary supplies, as drinking water and other amenities are limited. Pet owners should be prepared for wildlife encounters, particularly at Larry & Penny Thompson Park where campers have reported feral cats and raccoons approaching their sites after dark.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Cutler Bay, Florida (39)

    1. Larry & Penny Thompson Park

    19 Reviews
    Cutler Bay, FL
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (305) 232-1049

    "It is close to the Encore Everglades park (about 4 miles) so we stayed here after we departed.  The campground is divided into pods and each pod has about 15 or so sites. "

    "sites: no pets allowed. welcoming atmosphere. mostly shaded. near residential neighborhood but quiet. flat sites. amenities: large bathhouse. clean. other attractions: zoo. beach/waterslide."

    2. Encore Miami Everglades

    17 Reviews
    Cutler Bay, FL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "I wouldn't recommend this campsite for actual campsite, but rather the excellent location and fun activities and amenities of the park.  "

    "This place is situated in the mirror middle of acres upon acres of ornamental trees and shrubs for sale by various companies."

    3. Southern Comfort RV Resort

    8 Reviews
    Florida City, FL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (317) 440-9562

    "This park is located right off Route 1 in Florida City. For the area this is a large park. I believe over 150 sites. The sites are decent in size."

    "Close to the Keys, Everglades, Bkscayne and shopping. Staff was helpful. I will go back."

    4. Elliott Key — Biscayne National Park

    4 Reviews
    Cutler Bay, FL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (305) 230-1144

    $25 - $60 / night

    5. The Boardwalk RV And Mobile Home Resort

    2 Reviews
    Homestead, FL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (305) 248-2487

    "Lock your stuff up if you're going to leave anything outside. The lots are huge and clean"

    6. Gods Country in Miami

    1 Review
    Homestead, FL
    9 miles
    +1 (305) 244-5201

    $30 / night

    7. Boca Chita Key — Biscayne National Park

    2 Reviews
    Cutler Bay, FL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (305) 230-1144

    $25 - $60 / night

    "There's a small trail around the wooded end of the island. 

    You can stay on your boat or pitch a tent on the island."

    8. Homespun Farm

    2 Reviews
    Homestead, FL
    10 miles
    +1 (786) 752-5260

    $25 - $50 / night

    "He was quite positive about maybe January/ February."

    9. Redlands Acre Campground

    1 Review
    Homestead, FL
    12 miles

    $45 / night

    10. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Campground

    32 Reviews
    Key Largo, FL
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (305) 451-1202

    $36 / night

    "My wife, cat and I got on the wait-list for John Pennekamp while RV camping in West Palm Beach for the winter. With a few days notice, we got a campsite and drove down to the keys."

    "Dogs are allowed but there were so many when we went it was difficult to walk our dogs. Great place to snorkel, small beaches, fishing, boat rentals."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 39 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Cutler Bay, FL

346 Reviews of 39 Cutler Bay Campgrounds


  • Felicia R.
    Apr. 8, 2023

    Key Largo Kampground & Marina

    Not what I expected

    So first ...the lits are privately owned. There is an HOA. Owner of site has authority over site not the staff. So if the staff makes an error with dates of your visit and the owners show up to stay at their site....you will need to pack up. Happened to us. The area is mostly fulltime/permanent traders that have been converted into a trailer house. Laundry room is not air conditioned. The "store/gift shop" is more of a check in and mail/package pick up. Dog friendly but not alot of grassy areas for dogs to play and do there business. 90% of area is like sand seashell material. There is a very small beach area...no dogs allowed. Kids playground is nice. Pool was opened...I did not go into pool area. We took our 2 digs down to Marathon FL to a dog park. Very nice and quiet with nice walking trail. I would not recommend this camp site.

  • Karen S.
    Jan. 12, 2024

    Larry & Penny Thompson Park

    Quiet and Peaceful Campground, trees, greenery and option for long term

    This is a very nice campground which is part of the Miami-Dade County park system.  It is close to the Encore Everglades park (about 4 miles) so we stayed here after we departed.  The campground is divided into pods and each pod has about 15 or so sites.  We were in pod 4 site 20 (420 lol).  We booked this camp with the intent to stay for a month or longer as my husband had an opportunity to Captain boats in Miami.  

    The park was very quiet.  Most of the campers were retirees, a few families with kids, but we were there in early January.  The grounds are nicely maintained with lots of places to walk and open space with trees.  They don't allow dogs off-leash and although it is adjacent to the rest of the Larry & Penny park, dogs are not even allowed in the main park, at all.  We did however find a few dog parks within four miles or so which were nice.

    They have a very nice pool which was open daily Wed- Sunday 11am - 5pm.  It was raining and rather dreary during our stay so we didn't use the pool.  They have a nice Clubhouse and it looked okay with tables, chairs, books, puzzles, but again very quiet.  Not many activities except for a few and we didn't stay long enough to participate.  After a week, we decided to make moves back home to Lake Tahoe.  It was unseasonably cold, raining so no boat work and not an ideal spot for the dogs.  They don't have WiFi and since we were planning a longer stay, purchased the Starlink system since I work remote during the winter.  Starlink worked great, but costs $500+ to get started and then $120 or so a month.  If you are looking for an affordable long term/monthly stay, it is great.  The rates were $850 a month for full hook-ups.  They had last minute space available, too.  

    If you are in the area, check out the Miami Zoo.  We were there when they had the "Zoo Lights" a super fun evening event.  They have other events at the Zoo and lots to do nearby.  You are closer to town than Everglades Encore, but still close to the agricultural area.  I recommend but not as fun or as many activities as some other places.

  • Thom T.
    Oct. 10, 2018

    Southern Comfort RV Resort

    Best Park in Florida City

    This park is located right off Route 1 in Florida City. For the area this is a large park. I believe over 150 sites. The sites are decent in size. The park fills up quickly come the winter time with the “ Snow Birds” but the park overall is wonderful. There is a bar/Tiki Hut on premise and a big swimming pool open year round. This is a pet friendly park but with a breed and size restriction, so call ahead if you have Fido with you.

  • B
    Jun. 7, 2016

    Larry & Penny Thompson Park

    good place

    sites: no pets allowed. welcoming atmosphere. mostly shaded. near residential neighborhood but quiet. flat sites. amenities: large bathhouse. clean. other attractions: zoo. beach/waterslide. I would go back again.

  • Pavel T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2018

    Sawgrass Recreation Park

    This place saved my life!

    Sawgrass Recreation area primary businesses are airboat tours and petting zoo, however they have a small primitive campsite at the back as well. I was trying to ride my bicycle from Ft. Laudardale to South Bay, but the head wind was so strong that I was moving at a snail's pace. Luckily, this place is conviniently located just off the state route 27, an oasis of civilization on a 30 mile strech of nothingness. the camground is only open during dry season, which is late winter.

  • Michael J.
    Feb. 12, 2023

    Paradise Island RV Resort

    Stuck Without Options!

    3 campers and two RVs crammed into overflow. NO full hookups as indicated over the phone. Showers NOT in the “bath house” adjacent to these crummy sites. The dumpsite is between the office and the fence. This requires you to back into position or drive down a narrow path and make 3 tight turns. Florida has NO dump sites at rest or service areas! What????

  • Liz M.
    Mar. 22, 2021

    Midway Campground — Big Cypress National Preserve

    Good for families/groups; lots of road noise

    This site was beautiful and well kept. The gentleman (park ranger?) who greeted everyone and made sure the rules were followed was very nice and answered all of our questions. I appreciated that he was around as it make me feel safer if I were to travel alone. This is a great site for families or groups as the sites are close together so one could reserve 2 and have a lot of room for multiple tents/cars. On the other hand, if you are looking to get away from people, this is not it. The sites are close to each other with little to no barriers/designation lines between them. This is a great site for those testing camping with their dogs or small children. Not too far of a trip, great walking space, and the ranger is great about making sure all dogs are kept on leash. It is near to the Oasis Ranger Station and the Florida Trail, as well as loop road and Shark Valley. The stars were absolutely incredible being so far from major cities. Other than how close the tent sites were, my one big negative is the amount of road noise. The closest campsites are maybe 100 meters from the Tamiami Trail so if you're a light sleeper, it is less than ideal.

  • S
    Jan. 10, 2023

    Davie / Fort Lauderdale KOA

    Very unkind management

    I am writing this review to shield anyone who is camping & going through a difficult time in life, because no one deserves to be treated as we were. Unfortunately, I would never stay at this KOA ever again. It makes me very sad & upset to know that such unkind, greedy people run this campground- one of the few KOA’s in all of Florida. My family and I are going through a very rough time due to illness. We come here to be at a family wedding, to forget, to be happy & comfortable. We are big travelers all across the continental United States, and have stayed at nearly every KOA in the entire country. This is the first and hopefully last time I have ever had to write a review to protect people from coming to a campground. If you HAVE to stay here do not stay in spot 89. The KOA workers walk dogs they cannot control, that bark VERY loudly at 8AM. And all throughout the day, dogs walking past and barking. Absolute torture. We were charged for having 2 cats, $10. Never been charged for two cats that don’t leave the camper but, okay. When we got to the site, we discovered that we paid $120 for a spot with an enormous pile of dirt & construction on it. Not being dramatic. But honestly, I really didn’t care about that much. What bothered me was how they treated people. I pride myself on always being kind to people because you don’t know what anyone is going through. What bothered me was a man with facial hair on a golf cart telling me (who owns the camper & paid for the spot) to leave immediately because my sisters rental car was “not registered at the office”. He saw us come in and drove all the way back to the office to look at our registered cars. How bored and and angry at life do you have to be to care about that? Just wow. He tried to charge us money to register my pregnant sister coming to visit us for 2 hours because we “didn’t register her rental car at the office?” I have never experienced anything like that. Turns out there was one nice woman who is shorter and has dark brown hair in a ponytail, she was kind enough to tell us the TRUTH that we just had to park it in a designated spot. LOL. Why wouldn’t you tell someone that in the first place? Because you can get money out of them the first way. How cruel and greedy is that? I will never associate myself with this campground ever again. The nasty looks we received from staff during our stay was laughable. I look forward to sending a very accurate depiction of our lovely stay at the Davie KOA to the KOA Owners Association Board of Directors. I hope you desperately unhappy people can heal yourselves and find true happiness & love in this life.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 19, 2023

    Key Largo Kampground & Marina

    Cozy and Friendly

    It was tight getting our 32ft pull behind back to our spot, but folks all came out to offer tips and help us get around. So we actually got parked in fairly short order.

    The dog walk area near our site was pretty small and it’s bookended by tent camp sites. My dogs were more interested in the goings on than doing their business and we couldn’t really walk them away from it.

    That being said. The location is great! As I mentioned in the title. It’s cozy and friendly and pretty quiet.

    The marina is nice. And the beaches were great launch points for kayaks.

    I would, and probably will, stay here again.


Guide to Cutler Bay

If you're looking for pet-friendly camping options near Cutler Bay, Florida, there are several great spots where you and your furry friends can enjoy the great outdoors together.

Tips for camping with dogs near Cutler Bay

  • Ensure your dog is leashed at all times, especially in campgrounds like Larry & Penny Thompson Park, where off-leash dogs are not permitted.
  • Bring plenty of water and food for your pet, as some campgrounds, such as Encore Miami Everglades, may not have drinking water available.
  • Pack a comfortable bed or blanket for your dog to relax on at places like Southern Comfort RV Resort, ensuring they have a cozy spot to rest after a day of adventure.

Pet-friendly campgrounds include

  • Larry & Penny Thompson Park offers a well-maintained environment with amenities like showers and picnic tables, making it a great choice for families traveling with pets.
  • Encore Miami Everglades features spacious sites and a friendly atmosphere, perfect for enjoying time with your dog while exploring the local area.
  • Florida City Campsite & RV Park allows pets and provides essential amenities, making it a convenient stop for pet owners.

Dog-friendly activities while camping near Cutler Bay

  • Enjoy long walks and nature trails at Larry & Penny Thompson Park, where you can explore the beautiful surroundings with your dog.
  • Participate in outdoor games and activities at Encore Miami Everglades, which offers facilities for sports and leisure.
  • Visit nearby dog parks for off-leash fun, as recommended by guests at Southern Comfort RV Resort, ensuring your pet gets plenty of exercise and socialization.

Frequently Asked Questions

What pet amenities are available at Cutler Bay campgrounds?

Pet amenities vary across Cutler Bay area campgrounds. Encore Miami Everglades provides pet-friendly accommodations, though specific pet amenities aren't extensively documented. Some campgrounds offer designated dog walking areas - for example, Davie / Fort Lauderdale KOA typically includes pet-friendly facilities common to KOA properties. Call ahead to verify current pet amenities like waste stations, off-leash areas, and nearby pet-friendly trails, as these can change seasonally.

Are there any restrictions for pets at Cutler Bay camping areas?

Pet restrictions are common at campgrounds near Cutler Bay. Larry & Penny Thompson Park has a strict no-pets policy. At Paradise Island RV Resort, standard pet restrictions likely apply, including leash requirements, breed/size limitations, and designated pet areas. Most campgrounds that allow pets require they remain leashed, limit the number of pets per site, and prohibit leaving pets unattended. Always check specific pet policies before booking, as restrictions can include vaccination requirements and additional pet fees.

Are pets allowed in campgrounds at Cutler Bay?

Yes, many campgrounds near Cutler Bay welcome pets, but policies vary by location. Key Largo Kampground & Marina has designated dog walk areas, making it a pet-friendly option. Southern Comfort RV Resort in Florida City also accommodates campers with pets. However, some campgrounds like Larry & Penny Thompson Park explicitly prohibit pets, so always check pet policies before booking your stay.