Tent camping opportunities around Davie, Florida extend beyond established campgrounds to include primitive sites in surrounding natural areas. The region features mostly flat terrain with elevations rarely exceeding 20 feet above sea level. Camping conditions vary dramatically between seasons, with winter months providing relief from summer's intense humidity and insect pressure.
What to do
Water activities at Elliott Key: Access this island campground by boat in Biscayne National Park for swimming, fishing and snorkeling in clear waters. "It has a beautiful waterfront view and plenty of picnic tables. Toilets are available but no showers, sinks or drinking water," notes camper Brenda K. about Boca Chita Key — Biscayne National Park.
Wildlife viewing: Sawgrass Recreation Park offers airboat tours alongside their primitive camping area, providing opportunities to see alligators and native birds. "This place saved my buddy and I. Didn't book ahead anywhere else in town and ended up stumbling into this little gem. Just beautiful spot," writes Finn H. about Sawgrass Recreation Park.
Star gazing: Seven Mile Camp on the Florida Trail offers exceptional dark sky viewing. "Very great star gazing at night. So dark when all your fire is out," reports Nick C. about his experience at this backcountry site located 30 miles west of Davie.
What campers like
Urban-adjacent nature: Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach provides camping access with minimal travel from metropolitan areas. "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," explains Alex P. about Quiet Waters Park.
Secluded camping experiences: For those seeking solitude, primitive sites offer distance from crowds. "Secluded, far away from a lot of stuff but unfortunately still able to hear the hwy at times. Lots of wild life lots of stars," reports camper Luke about Seven Mile Camp on the Florida Trail.
Kayaking opportunities: Many campsites provide direct water access. "When we went, we did a lot of kayaking. We saw a ton of wildlife, beautiful waters, and views," shares Elizabeth G. about her experience at Elliott Key — Biscayne National Park.
What you should know
Seasonal camping restrictions: Some sites are only available during dry winter months. "The campground is only open during dry season, which is late winter," notes Pavel T. about Sawgrass Recreation Park, explaining how rain affects site accessibility.
Water supply requirements: Many primitive sites require bringing all drinking water. "You need to bring all your water for your night and following day. There's a rock fire ring at the main camp and I was surprised to see another group come in after we arrived," advises Nick C. about the Seven Mile Camp.
Site verification needed: Campground status can change unexpectedly. "Closed till further notice," reported Henry C. about Quiet Waters Park, emphasizing the importance of confirming availability before planning trips to any area campground.
Tips for camping with families
Pet-friendly options: Several campgrounds accommodate family pets under specific guidelines. "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. We had a lot of space to walk our dogs," shares Ashley J. about Frog Hammock.
Weather preparedness: South Florida's unpredictable rain patterns can impact camping experiences. "Because of the rain, getting to and from the campsites by car may be challenging, and the area could be muddy. Luckily, the weather stayed nice during our visit," reports SukiDookie about Sawgrass Recreation Park.
Group camping considerations: Some sites accommodate larger family groups. "We stayed at the group campsite and got hit with a ton of storms. Thankfully there was a shelter nearby where we hung out for most of our trip. It had cover and picnic tables so we could escape from the rain. We fit about 18 people in the group site," explains Leah W. about camping at Elliott Key.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: The best tent camping near Davie, Florida rarely accommodates large recreational vehicles. Most established campgrounds offering RV sites require advance reservations, particularly during winter months when seasonal visitors arrive.
Site accessibility challenges: "Luckily, this place is conveniently located just off the state route 27, an oasis of civilization on a 30 mile stretch of nothingness," explains Pavel T. about finding Sawgrass Recreation Park while bicycle touring, highlighting the isolated nature of many camping areas west of Davie.
Deposits and fees: Many campgrounds require security deposits in addition to nightly fees. "A $200 deposit is also pending, subject to a damage inspection of the campsite," notes SukiDookie about Sawgrass Recreation Park, reflecting common financial considerations when securing campsites in the region.