Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach houses upscale glamping accommodations just minutes from Davie, Florida, with comfortable yurts equipped with electricity and modern amenities. The park's glamping sites feature picnic tables, fire rings, and access to clean shower facilities, creating a perfect balance between outdoor adventure and comfort. West Palm Beach-Lion Country Safari KOA, located within driving distance, offers premium safari-adjacent glamping options including cabin rentals and yurt accommodations with full hookups. These climate-controlled glamping units provide comfortable beds, private spaces, and convenient access to the campground's amenities including showers, toilets, and a swimming pool. One visitor noted, "My husband and I rented a campground flat in December. It was on the water, had a grill, electricity, fire pit, tent, running water and was pet friendly."
The unique experience of hearing lions roar serves as a natural alarm clock for glampers staying at the Lion Country Safari KOA, creating an unforgettable safari-inspired atmosphere without leaving Florida. The campground provides discounted tickets to the adjacent Lion Country Safari park, where visitors can observe over 1,000 different animals. Oleta River State Park Campground, Florida's largest urban park just 30 minutes from downtown Miami, offers glamping cabins within its 1,000-acre natural setting. Activities available to glampers include snorkeling, paddling, biking on 15 miles of trails, and exploring the mangrove forests along the shoreline. According to a camper, "We tent camped here. Site small and sandy but location is the key to this KOA. Right next to Lion Country Safari. We are used to hearing birds and frogs when we camp, but here it is lions...and other noises I was not able to identify."
"Campground in the city, great guest services, friendly staff. Near grocery store, and everything!"
"Staff very friendly! Very respectful of COVID as well. Always appreciate that."
"It was on the water, had a grill, electrcitiy, fire pit, tent, running water and was pet friendly. We brought our kayaks and played around. Had a lot of space to walk our dogs."
"Good location in the middle of urban area, cabins to rent. We’ve used for daycamp without overnight, but you can do that if you want"
$55 / night
"Hard to believe that this oasis is so close to major urban centers, but it's true. It boasts 15-miles of trails in more than 1,000 acres!"
"This place has cabins and a shared bathroom, but it is such an amazing park right in the middle of an overcrowded city!! I love going here is like 55 bucks a night or so!!"
"sites: no pets allowed. welcoming atmosphere. mostly shaded. near residential neighborhood but quiet. flat sites. amenities: large bathhouse. clean. other attractions: zoo. beach/waterslide."
"The RV's are assigned space around several pods. Each pod has its own bathhouse with laundry facilities. There are pull through spots for the big motorhomes and spots reserved for the handicapped."
"The campground is pretty tight & the sites aren’t very attractive but being next to the safari is awesome! You can hear the lions loud & clear!! The staff was nice."
"This campground that sits just outside of the only drive through animal safari with over 1,000 different types of animals, is great for families to enjoy."
"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."
"Not many frills, certainly not a resort and bathroom frequently ran out of TP, but as a relatively affordable base of vacation operations it was good."
"Pool is heated comfortably year round. Sauna. Hot tub restaurant fitness laundry pool table clubhouse. Pavilliin. Much is centered around the above area. But more is being done for trails and sites."
Guidesites: 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.
ScoutMy husband and I rented a campground flat in December. It was on the water, had a grill, electrcitiy, fire pit, tent, running water and was pet friendly. We brought our kayaks and played around. Had a lot of space to walk our dogs. It was really a great time!
ScoutThis is city owned and operated Park/Campground. This fact is significant. It is very pretty with lots of mature shade trees. The RV's are assigned space around several pods. Each pod has its own bathhouse with laundry facilities. There are pull through spots for the big motorhomes and spots reserved for the handicapped. The bathhouses for the RV's were in good shape and well maintained. The bathhouse for the tenters not so much. The bathhouse for the RV's is not very far to walk which I would recommend.
The tent area is off to one side and well shaded by mature trees. It's an area rather than sites. You pick your spot, put up a tent and place a large numbered sign by your area and you've got your spot. While there isn't any electric to plug into at the tent sites, water is provided interspersed throughout the area. Picnic tables and barbecue grills are also provided throughout.
There is a great fire ring with benches for bonfires and a great Beach volleyball court. The pool is clean and guarded by life guards. There is a lounge where you have access to WiFi and plus to charge your phones. The RVs have WiFi around their pods.
Tenters can stay for a Max of 7 nights while RV's can stay for 180. Tenters can only pay for 3 nights at once before returning to re-up. No such rule for RVs. There is a kind of second class feel to the tenters but if you overlook that (I recommend you do) you will have a great time. Staff is very nice and the park is clean.
LegendJust south of ‘The Magic City’ (a.k.a. Miami), you’ll come across Kendall, which while definitely NOT a destination in and of itself, it does offer one of the ONLY real campgrounds within the Miami vicinity. Here, you’ll discover Larry & Penny Thompson Park Campground, which upon arrival, immediately feels like a breath of fresh air the moment you turn in off SW 184th Street, trading bumber-to-bumper grinding traffic and endless miles of jam-packed strip malls in exchange for tall palms, shady roads and a surprisingly peaceful park setting. The campground is tucked away within a sprawling county park operated by Miami-Dade, and the vibe leans more tropical retreat than urban escape, with birds chirping, breezes moving through the trees, and a calm that makes you forget you are still very much in South Florida.
Before I get into the ‘nuts& bolts’ of Larry & Penny Thompson Park CG, allow me to share – that I had a fairly HORRIBLE experience here. So let me share some more – not to be a ‘negative Nancy’ - but rather, in the hopes you can learn from my mistakes (or rather, the omissions of this CG) and not replicate the issues I experienced for yourself, allow me to shed some light on some concerns. To begin with, if you are a tent camper (like I was in this scenario) there is NO WAY to make a reservation. You simply have to show up and IF the folks in the park office feel like there’s enough room for you to stake out a piece of land on their garbage-strewn tent camping plot of grass, they alone have the DISCRETION to ALLOW you to pay them for the privilege. Given that ALL OF THOSE WITH RVs have reservation privileges, this relegates us tent campers to ‘second class citizens.’ Second, paying $28/ night gets you basically a patch of uneven land (with more tree roots that reminded me a lot of Stranger Things with all of those root-like moving alien arms all over the ground preventing a flat piece of outdoor nirvana to be discovered) and the right to access the community bathrooms. While there is solid shade and about a half dozen bag-lined garbage bins in the tent camping area, the picnic tables are all dilapidated (unlike those in the RV area that are nearly brand new), half of the water spigots didn’t function, there are no in-ground fire rings, the stand-up grills are a joke and there is ZERO electricity. Um, so what am I paying for you ask? Great question. But this wasn’t even the worst part. So here it is: I arrived at Larry & Penny Thompson Park Campground having driven nearly 8 HOURS all the way from St. Augustine and arrived at 5:13pm only to be greeted by incredibly RUDE county park staff who could only say “Sorry, you arrived after 5pm and we don’t allow any TENT CAMPERS to arrive after 5pm.” What I found preposterous is that NOWHERE – not online, not on TheDyrt and NOT EVEN ON-SITE – does it mention that one (OK, well at least us tent campers anyway) has to arrive BEFORE 5pm. Had that vital piece of information been shared with me during 1of the 3 phone calls I made to the property before I arrived – TRUST ME – I would have arrived 13 minutes earlier. You know what the worst part about this whole experience was? Apart from the fact that I was famished and exhausted, was nearly out of gas and my cell phone just died? There was absolutely NO REASON to deny me entry for arriving 13 minutes after their (artificial) deadline. All I can say is that I’m glad Mary and Joseph didn’t have to deal with Miami-Dade County Park staff that acted like hostile and rule-abiding ‘inn keepers’ otherwise our Lord and Savior would have had no other choice, like I did, but to check in to a nearby hotel. Thankfully, I had enough Marriott Bonvoy points to spend the night at a hotel, albeit an hour away.
OK, deep breath. Let it go, I say. So I returned the next day, registered my complaints and stayed for 2 nights. With this, the rest of my experience (apart from what had been previously noted) was a fairly positive one.
Before I move on, you're probably scratching your head saying "Why did this guy return after such a horrible experience?" Well, because it is the reason most choose to stay here - it is nearly the ONLY campground in the Miami, so it's either shell out $200 or $300 a night for a hotel or sleep under the stars.
The campground itself is fairly decent size with – count ‘em– not 3, not 7, but a total of 11 RV parking ‘pods’ (think small loops with about 20 slots in each) that have been thoughtfully laid out, with over 200 sites total offering full hookups, paved pads and a mix of sun and shade depending on your preference. Sites are mostly level and easy to navigate (even for larger setups) with the roads being wide enough to remove whatever stress you may be dealing with upon arrival. Amenities are strong across the board, including clean restrooms, intermittent hot showers (some days they were hot, some days they were ice cold, but no matter the day, the pressure was always incredibly low), pay-for-play laundry facilities, a few scattered playgrounds, an amenity center that offers up a large screen TV, lending library, DVDs and ample space for group gatherings. The best amenities? The amazing community pool located right next to the community center (note: only open between 10am– 5pm, so if you’ve come here because of work, that’s a bummer, unless you can work from the pool, which I couldn’t) and the freshwater lake with a sandy beach that feels like a built-in bonus for families. Oh, and during the summertime, there’s a waterslide facility that looks AMAZING! The park is pet-friendly, somewhat well-maintained if you’re not staying in the tent area (which, unfortunately, I was) and has a safe, welcoming feel throughout.
Beyond the campground, you are perfectly positioned to explore both nature and convenience. The park itself has miles of paved biking and walking trails, plus open green spaces and water access for a relaxing afternoon. Just a short drive away, you will find grocery options like Publix Super Market, Walmart Supercenter and additional essentials along US-1 along with a Costco that’s only like 20 minutes away. If you are looking to explore further, Biscayne National Park offers boating and snorkeling opportunities, while Miami Zoo is practically next door for an easy family outing. Not too far away from here you can also find fast food and casual dining spots for a bite to eat in case you grow tired of black beans w/ hot dogs for the third meal in a row.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) Aim for sites deeper into the loops for more shade and less road noise; (2) The freshwater lake and beach area are perfect for kids to cool off on warm afternoons; (3) Bring bikes as the paved trails throughout the park are ideal for cruising; (4) Keep an eye out for iguanas and wading birds around the water’s edge; (5) Shade varies quite a bit so a canopy can be helpful on sunnier sites - but if you are tent camping, you won't really need any shade, unless you want to be protected from the intermittent rains; (6) For a great nearby bite, check out Shiver’s BBQ at 28001 S Dixie Hwy, Homestead, FL 33033; (7) You will hear non-stop urban noise and traffic from anywhere in this campground, so while you may be shuddered from the noise inside your RV or camper, you won't be so lucky inside a tent, so if that bothers you, bring earplugs; and (8) OH, how could I forget!!! Don’t arrive here AFTER 5PM!!!
Happy Camping!
Guide3 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????
RangerThe campground is pretty tight & the sites aren’t very attractive but being next to the safari is awesome! You can hear the lions loud & clear!! The staff was nice. Close to groceries and gas stations.
LegendWe tent camped here. Site small and sandy but location is the key to this KOA. Right next to Lion Country Safari. We are used to hearing birds and frogs when we camp, but here it is lions...and other noises I was not able to identify. Weather great to explore park in late Winter. Kids loved it and we will be back!
TravelerThis 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.
GuideThis campground that sits just outside of the only drive through animal safari with over 1,000 different types of animals, is great for families to enjoy. This has all the amenities as a typical KOA campground except you get a bonus by hearing the Lions roar in the morning. The campground is gated during evening hours with the gate closing at 10:00 pm, so you will need to get a gate key card with a $20.00 deposit which will be refunded when you turn the key back at the end of your stay. The staff are very friendly and the campground is very clean. They also do a great job with abiding by the CDC guidelines for Covid-19. The Raccoons like to come out in the evening, so make sure you pick up you garbage at night. The rabbits were having fun playing in the primitive camping area every evening and early morning hours. They offer cabin and platform tent rentals for slightly more than a tent site. There are many seasonal campers from the North along with weekend campers trying to escape the everyday stress in their lives. We live 1 hour south of this campground but we will definitely be going back fir weekend trips.
Glamping close to Davie, Florida offers campers access to South Florida's unique subtropical climate zone, with winter temperatures averaging 65°F to 75°F and summer highs reaching 90°F. The area sits on the edge of the Everglades ecosystem at an elevation of just 9 feet above sea level, creating distinctive camping conditions with year-round humidity and occasional afternoon thunderstorms.
Wildlife viewing from your site: At West Palm Beach-Lion Country Safari KOA, campers can experience African safari animals without leaving their sites. One visitor noted, "The lions waking you up in the morning is really pretty cool," while others appreciate the unusual camping soundtrack: "We are used to hearing birds and frogs when we camp, but here it is lions...and other noises I was not able to identify."
Water recreation on site: Paradise Island RV Resort in nearby Fort Lauderdale provides water-based activities within walking distance of your campsite. According to reviews, "spots are big and concrete roads, amenities like restrooms and showers are clean, the pool is nice!" Located just 12 miles from Davie, this resort offers easy access to urban amenities while maintaining a camping atmosphere.
Mountain biking on dedicated trails: At Larry & Penny Thompson Park in Miami, campers can explore dedicated biking paths through natural areas. A reviewer mentioned, "This is city owned and operated Park/Campground... It is very pretty with lots of mature shade trees." The park features "a great fire ring with benches for bonfires and a great Beach volleyball court," providing diverse activity options for glampers seeking outdoor recreation.
Convenient urban access: Paradise Island RV Resort earns praise for its location within the Fort Lauderdale area. One long-term camper shared, "We spent 14 months here sheltering from Covid, and it was extremely convenient to all of the Fort Lauderdale area. We never had a single issue during our stay." Another noted it's "near grocery store, and everything!"
Family-friendly amenities: Campers consistently highlight the pool and recreational facilities at Larry & Penny Thompson Park. A reviewer noted, "The pool is clean and guarded by life guards. There is a lounge where you have access to WiFi and plugs to charge your phones." Another added, "This campsite is a great central base camp for those visiting Biscayne NP/Everglades NP and Miami."
Nature immersion with city convenience: Southern Comfort RV Resort offers glampers a balance of natural settings with urban access. "Very cozy place, plenty of shades, little swimming pool and friendly people all around," wrote one visitor. Another noted it's the "last campground before the Keys" with "lots of sites," making it popular for those wanting glamping close to Davie but with access to South Florida attractions.
Seasonal differences matter: Florida camping near Davie changes dramatically with the seasons. A camper at Lion Country Safari KOA warned, "Staying here in summer is as bad as being in Vermont in winter. You need a reason to be there." Winter months bring higher prices and crowds as northern visitors flee cold weather.
Security considerations: Some campgrounds have varying levels of security. At Larry & Penny Thompson Park, one camper reported, "Our Ford F-250 King Ranch 4x4 diesel got stolen in the middle of the day from right in front of our RV at this park. This state park is NOT secure!" Always check security measures before booking.
Insect protection essential: Southern Comfort RV Resort and other area campgrounds can have significant mosquito populations. One camper shared their experience: "That's when we noticed that it was literally swarming with mosquitos. Pulled out 3 thermacells but the swarms were so bad they didn't even touch it." Pack appropriate repellents and protective clothing.
Check for pool availability: Many family-oriented glamping sites near Davie feature pools, but availability varies seasonally. At Larry & Penny Thompson Park, a camper noted, "Right now, nothing is open until memorial day weekend. So no beach and no pool." Call ahead to confirm amenities before promising swimming to children.
Consider unique nature experiences: Families particularly enjoy the safari connection at West Palm Beach-Lion Country Safari KOA. A family camper shared, "This campground that sits just outside of the only drive through animal safari with over 1,000 different types of animals, is great for families to enjoy." Kids particularly enjoy hearing exotic animals at night.
Look for educational opportunities: Sunsport Gardens Family Naturist Resort offers unique cultural learning experiences for families comfortable with naturist settings. A visitor noted, "The people (mainly the snowbirds) that come down seem to be the friendliest! My favorite is their drum circles!" Research special events before your visit.
Mind the site dimensions: RV glampers should carefully check site specifications before booking. At Lion Country Safari KOA, a reviewer mentioned, "The campground is pretty tight & the sites aren't very attractive but being next to the safari is awesome!" Another noted some parks have "not overly large sites so you may have trouble parking at your site."
Watch for tight entrances: Several campgrounds near Davie have challenging entrances for larger rigs. At Southern Comfort RV Resort, an RVer warned, "The entrance is a little hidden and tight but doable. We were towing a 36' travel trailer. If heading south and coming off the FL Turnpike, you have to get over several lanes in a short distance to make the left turn onto Palm Drive."
Book early for winter season: The snowbird migration significantly impacts glamping availability near Davie from November through April. A reviewer at Southern Comfort RV Resort observed, "The park fills up quickly come the winter time with the 'Snow Birds' but the park overall is wonderful."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Davie, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Davie, FL is Paradise Island RV Resort with a 3.5-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Davie, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 glamping camping locations near Davie, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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