Davie, Florida provides accessible camping options across several established county parks and private campgrounds, each within 30 minutes of Fort Lauderdale. Campgrounds like Markham Park, C.B. Smith Park, and Davie/Fort Lauderdale KOA accommodate both tent and RV campers with full hookup sites. The area features primarily developed campgrounds rather than primitive or dispersed camping opportunities, with most sites offering electric hookups, water, and sewer connections. Yacht Haven Park & Marina and Hollywood KOA stand out by providing cabin accommodations alongside traditional camping options.
Weather remains relatively consistent year-round with camping available throughout all seasons, though summer months bring high humidity and occasional afternoon thunderstorms. Most campgrounds in the region require reservations, especially during winter months when seasonal visitors increase demand. "The area has definitely blown up since the 80's but the park remains the same. Quiet, clean and very peaceful," noted one camper about C.B. Smith Park. Security levels are generally high at these established sites, with gated entrances and regular staff presence. Cell service is excellent throughout the area, and proximity to urban amenities means campers have easy access to groceries and supplies.
Waterfront sites receive particularly positive feedback, with several campgrounds featuring small lakes or ponds. A visitor at C.B. Smith Park mentioned that "the sunsets over the water are spectacular" and highlighted the dock areas as especially beautiful. Family-friendly amenities appear in many reviews, with playgrounds, swimming pools, and recreation areas available at several locations. Despite their urban setting, many campgrounds maintain a surprising level of tranquility, though occasional noise from neighboring parks or facilities is mentioned in reviews. Spacing between sites varies considerably, with KOA locations typically featuring closer quarters than the county parks, which offer more spacious settings. Most campgrounds provide clean facilities with reliable hookups, though Wi-Fi quality is inconsistently rated across locations.
"This KOA was close to family and friends. Stayed for five nights. It was clean and I felt safe. Staff were very helpful getting backed in and set up."
"It's located near many attractions and shopping. Beautiful sunset viewing across the street at Vista View Park and easy highway access. You're going to love your stay at this KOA!"
"For south florida, its about as good as it gets. Also has a nice observatory on saturday nights to visit."
"It has plenty of picnic tables, a path to the lake, and woods to explore via trails. There are some pretty interesting pieces of history leftover behind the camping field."
$35 - $57 / night
"Stayed here over a holiday weekend and enjoyed it, roads getting in the RV park are good but watch out for branches with big units outside the park to the north."
"The park is big with a paved walking path around the park. On the west side of the park there's a lot of big mature trees that give a lot shade and are just nice looking. "
"A lot of trails to walk in the middle of the nature. Mini golf. Water park wasn't open on March."
"We stayed in the back behind the lake and it was very quiet/family friendly. The lake/dock area is beautiful, and there’s a massive playground across from the campground in the main park."
$110 - $300 / night
"If you camp on the canal, chances are you will be right next to some amazing yachts! 7 minutes to Ft Lauderdale Beach and 7 minutes the other way to Seminole Hard Rock Casino Hollywood!"
"The grounds and views of all the surrounding yachts are simply spectacular. Everything here is setup for convenience and comfort."
$45 - $50 / night
"I have been here a few times mainly to use the trails for disc golf. This park is a true escape from the hustle and bustle of South Florida life."
"Great place to pull over on your way to the Florida Keys or Miami for an overnight stay. Showers, charcoal grills and a small kids playground are the highlights of this park."
"Near grocery store, and everything! Full hookup sites, spots are big and concrete roads, amenities like restrooms and showers are cleans, the pool is nice! Great time! Recommend"
"Conveniently located near stores and everything you would need. Close to airport."
"The town around has very nice restaurants in Tarpon Springs but some of the area can be a little sketchy. One thing I see is that the park itself was safe."
ScoutIt's great to be in Fort Lauderdale, so close to activities. RV park is old, poorly kept, and crowded. Mostly long-term campers who were very friendly. Vehicles parked onto narrow black top roads. Dead leaves blown to the side but not picked up. Peeling paint in showers. Friendly staff to our faces, but overheard them being unkind when they didn't know we could hear.
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!
ScoutGreat campground near Biscayne and Everglades National Parks.
GuideSite has high traffic due to how close it is to I-75. The primitive camp is located on the FTA Orange Trail. No reservations needed. Unfortunately due to its closeness there can be trash, not everyone follows Leave No Trace. In the wet season there is a creek to the south which you need to cross to get to the campground. During the dry season it is bone dry. Recommend bringing in water. Fairly large, but smaller than Panther and Nobles. Not much trees, so little shade and limited hammock camping opportunities. There is one aluminum picnic table and a fire ring. There are smaller cleared areas in the back of the site for additional tent camping sites with a smaller fire ring.
GuideThis campground is the farthest out from I-75. Located on the FTA Orange Trail it is the smallest. There is a bench and a fire ring. It is right on the trail so no privacy from hikers doing the loop. No water, recommend bringing your own, especially during the dry season. A spur goes north from that site, however it is overgrown. Barely a signal on the cell. The area is open, not much shade or trees if you hammock camp. No reservations needed.
ScoutOur stay here was the best! Our host, John was extremely friendly, welcoming, and helpful, making sure we had everything we needed while also respecting our privacy. The location was peaceful and relaxing. we would definitely stay here again. Highly recommend!
GuideThis is a dirt parking lot on the Tamiami Trail (Rt 41) right along the canal. Airboats run all day. We didn't go on one but it looked fun. Great fishing! No water no hookups.
ScoutFor $130/night-this place is a crowded dump with poorly maintained muddy sites.
GuideGreat spot to rest before heading into the Everglades or doing an airboat tour. About 20 minutes from shark valley visitor center this is a great spot if you want to be one of the first to get in. Not a lot of spots and some of them were a little confusing on who's area belonged to which fire pit. Probably wouldn't stay more than a night or two but fine for what we needed.
Davie camping options sit within Florida's subtropical climate zone at just 9 feet above sea level. This low elevation contributes to the area's consistent year-round temperatures, with winter lows rarely dropping below 60°F and summer highs regularly reaching the 90s. Camping is available throughout all seasons in Davie, though the period from November through April offers more comfortable humidity levels and fewer afternoon thunderstorms.
Disc golf courses: Markham Park Campground offers extensive disc golf facilities that attract enthusiasts year-round. "The park is big with paved walking paths around the park. There's a water park for the kids, volleyball, many gazebos with grilling areas and more," notes Mark B., who visited Topeekeegee Yugnee Park Campground.
Mountain biking trails: Several parks maintain dedicated trails for various skill levels. "Lots of room to roam here. Great mountain bike trails, lakes, woods, disc golf, flora and fauna. Plus amenities you don't often find like a large outdoor shooting range and an RC airplane strip," according to Jeffrey W., who stayed at Markham Park Campground.
Water recreation: Many Davie campgrounds offer lake access for fishing and water activities. "If you've got a jet ski you can easily get on and off right there. There are gators in the water which is much deeper than one would think," shares Jamie F. about Markham Park Campground. The waterways provide opportunities for wildlife observation, with numerous turtles and birds visible from shore.
Convenient urban location: Davie's campgrounds provide nature settings within the city. "This is a hustling bustling area come season and it's jam-packed with things to do," notes Suzanne R. about C.B. Smith Park Campground, making it ideal for campers who want easy access to urban conveniences while maintaining a campground experience.
Security features: Most parks have security measures that campers appreciate. "Gated access at night" and "Security codes required for bathhouse entry" are highlighted in reviews of Easterlin Park, while Topeekeegee Yugnee Park has "security gate closed 6pm and assessable with code that was provided at check-in."
Wildlife viewing: Despite the urban location, many campers enjoy seeing local wildlife. "We stayed in the back behind the lake and it was very quiet/family friendly. The lake/dock area is beautiful," shares Kelsey P. about C.B. Smith Park. Another camper at Davie / Fort Lauderdale KOA mentioned the "beautiful pond with friendly muscovy ducks."
Train and traffic noise: Several campgrounds experience noise from nearby transportation. "Noise from I-95 and occasional train" is mentioned as a con for Easterlin Park Campground, while one reviewer notes you "get past the tri rail coming thru every hr." At Topeekeegee Yugnee Park, a visitor mentions "the campground does sit next to a train track i believe its a commuter line so there is an early train 4am which is startling."
Space limitations: Site sizing varies considerably between parks. "All the sites are so close together" is mentioned about Davie Fort Lauderdale KOA. In contrast, Markham Park offers "plenty of space between sites, giving a nice sense of privacy."
Seasonal crowd changes: Winter brings more campers to the area. "This palce gets really crowded during winter season," notes Pavel T. about Davie Fort Lauderdale KOA, confirming the increased competition for sites during Florida's peak camping months from November through March.
Water park access: Multiple parks feature water recreation facilities. "There's a water park for the kids, volleyball, many gazebos with grilling areas and more," mentions a reviewer about Markham Park. These water features provide welcome relief during hot Florida days.
Dedicated youth areas: Several parks offer specialized recreation zones. "There's a massive playground across from the campground in the main park," notes Kelsey P. about C.B. Smith Park Campground. Additionally, Carlton A. recommends at Yacht Haven Park & Marina: "It is across the street from a massive park that is perfect for all family members. If you go to the park, make sure you see the burrowing owls."
Nature education opportunities: Wildlife viewing creates learning experiences. "My grandson loved looking at and feeding the ducks and turtles," shares Carlton A. about the Davie Fort Lauderdale KOA. The ponds and water features at multiple parks provide opportunities to observe Florida wildlife up close.
Recent renovations: Several parks have updated their facilities. "I went there this week and I was amazed at the transformation. It is beautiful, clean and very welcoming. Each site has new outdoor furniture and is clean," reports Elisabeth F. about the Davie Fort Lauderdale KOA. These improvements enhance comfort for RV campers.
Varying site qualities: RV site conditions differ across parks. While some campgrounds feature "level concrete pads," others may present challenges. One camper at Markham Park notes, "I think we got the absolute best spot there was. Even though there are 3 tight circles right here it's very quiet."
Hookup placements: Pay attention to utility locations when booking. At Yacht Haven Park & Marina, one camper found they "were unable to hook up to sewer, and had to run our electric cable and water hose under the camper." Most parks offer full hookups, but the configuration may require additional hose or cable length.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the KOA campground in Davie, Florida located?
Davie / Fort Lauderdale KOA is located in the Davie area, serving as a convenient base for exploring Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding region. This KOA is positioned to provide relatively easy access to local attractions, shopping, and other amenities in the Davie and Fort Lauderdale area. The campground is part of the KOA network, which typically offers standardized facilities and services for campers and RV travelers throughout Florida.
What amenities are offered at camping sites in Davie?
Camping sites in Davie and surrounding areas offer a range of amenities. C.B. Smith Park Campground provides basic facilities, though they're somewhat distant from camping areas. Nearby, Topeekeegee Yugnee Park Campground offers good power, water pressure, and features a beautiful lake. Most campgrounds in the area provide water hookups and restroom facilities, with some offering full RV hookups. Amenities vary significantly between campgrounds, with some parks providing recreational facilities like biking paths, fishing opportunities, and hiking trails, while others are more basic with just essential services.
What RV camping options are available in Davie, Florida?
Davie offers several RV camping options. Paradise Island RV Resort provides RV sites with hookup options, though availability of full hookups may vary. Holiday Park offers quick access to I-95 (just two blocks away), making it convenient for travelers. For those willing to drive a short distance, Yacht Haven Park & Marina near Fort Lauderdale offers RV sites with water hookups and is big-rig friendly. Many RV parks in the area cater to various rig sizes and offer amenities such as water, electricity, and dump stations, though quality and pricing vary significantly.
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