Several cabin campgrounds can be found throughout the Everglades region, with most concentrated near park entrances or along Highway 41. Flamingo Campground within Everglades National Park offers eco-tents that function similarly to furnished cabins with queen beds, linens, bedside lights, and electrical outlets during peak season (November-April). Trail Lakes Campground and Miami Everglades RV Resort provide more traditional cabin rentals with electricity, water hookups, and basic furnishings. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Campground includes cabin options with electric hookups and water access. According to one visitor, "The eco-tents are nicely appointed, but they are a bit of a splurge (over $100 with tax). Each tent has full deck flooring and comes equipped with a double or queen bed with bedding, a fan, 110 outlets, towels, two chairs/small tables, and shelving with baskets."
Reservations are strongly recommended for all cabin accommodations near the Everglades, particularly during the winter dry season from December through April. Most cabin sites have strict policies regarding food storage due to wildlife concerns. Trail Lakes Campground allows pets in their cabin rentals, while Flamingo's eco-tents prohibit pets. Chokoloskee RV Park offers waterfront cabins with marina access for boaters and fishing enthusiasts. A review mentioned, "Cooking or food of ANY KIND is not allowed in the tents as it would attract bugs and other wildlife. There are picnic tables/fire pits by the parking lot for cooking/eating."
Cabin guests should bring insect repellent regardless of season, as mosquitoes and no-see-ums are prevalent throughout the region. Most cabins do not include cooking supplies, and guests must typically bring their own towels, bedding, and toiletries unless specifically noted otherwise. The Flamingo Marina store stocks basic provisions and snacks, but selection is limited. Visitors staying at Everglades Isle or Fiesta Key have access to on-site markets. Cell service is extremely limited in the Everglades, with only AT&T providing coverage in some areas. Visitors should purchase supplies in Homestead, Florida City, or Miami before entering the park, as the nearest full grocery stores are 38-50 miles from most cabin campground locations.
"This is one of three options to "camp" in this part of Everglades National Park (the other two are RV sites and a large grassy area for tent camping (only open during the winter months)."
"Flamingo is right inside the national park and is the only center with services available in the park; marina, food and convenience store, rental equipment, boat tours with park naturalist, food truck,"
"I gave this campground 5 stars because it feels so different than the rest of the Campgrounds available in Big Cypress Reserve and Everglades National Park. "
"State parks aren’t yet allowing tents due to Covid. We camp in our truck so don’t fit the definition of “self contained” or tenters, so this spot was great."
from $45 - $225 / night
"Bathrooms were clean and bug free, hot showers available in the A loop!"
"There is power and picnic tables, but you might initially be confused as to who’s table is who’s depending on how people before you have arranged things to fit their RVs….or at least we were for a few"
"There is so much to do we biked to nearly everything including nearby restaurants, we hung at the beach, kayaked and did trail walks with the dog."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $36 / night
"This campground is close to Miami and Everglades National Park along with grocery shopping. It appears that almost all sites are pull through but not spacious."
"The people are nice and the park clean. The sites are close together, I suppose to allow for many seasonal residents."
"This 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."
"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 campground is beautiful and everyone is super friendly but the music is extremely loud on weekends so keep that in mind if you’re staying anywhere close to the pool and bar area."
"Fabulous location midpoint on the keys. This enables day trips to Key West or Key Largo. The resort has a marina, a pool, and a beach bar and restaurant. A little pricey but you are on a private key."
"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."
"We loved this park. We were right on the water which was a blessing and a curse. It was so pretty but airboats launched from the other side of the water and it was very noisy all day long."
"I have to say i was very impressed with the resort and staff, it was way above my expectations, very close to Marco Island and Naples. I will dedinetly come back."
GuideReally nice clean campground clean showers and bathrooms snorkeling diving glass bottom boats kayak rentals on site went on the snorkeling trip really inexpensive $45 went to Christ of the abyss beautiful reef lots of colorful fish all around great time
GuideWe planned on staying here for 5 months and hoped for longer. But today, We just put in our notice that we are leaving. I hope my experience will help you make your decision to stay here. While management is extremely proud of writing 1000 notices to people over the last year, this is still the reality of what you get. They don't seem to know what's available, unless you speak Spanish. Then they got a spot for you. Lots of RV's with window ac units. Refrigerators outside Gate doesn't always work Gym is a joke 2 out of 6 washers out of order for months 2 out of 6 dryers out of order for months Men's and women's showers has no ac and standing water. Neighbors raising pigeons behind his RV. Few Neighbors have pit bulls Pool is nice.(When people are not watching chickens fight on their phone while standing in pool) LOTS OF FOR SALE SIGNS HERE. People are trying to leave this place. Good luck and safe travels
RangerHere’s a review you can post:
We had a fantastic time at Flamingo in Everglades National Park! The scenery is beautiful, the wildlife viewing is incredible, and there’s always a chance to spot alligators, birds, manatees, and other amazing creatures. The marina area is well-maintained, and the peaceful views across Florida Bay are unforgettable.
One thing to be prepared for: the mosquitoes can be intense, especially around sunrise and sunset. Bring plenty of bug spray and apply it often. With good insect repellent, the mosquitoes are manageable and definitely not a reason to miss this unique experience.
Overall, Flamingo is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. The wildlife, sunsets, and natural beauty make it well worth the trip!
ScoutI had a really amazing experience that has gotten me hooked on camp life. Between the beautiful nature trails, various on-site activities and clean friendly environment I can say with certainty that I am now a camper for life!
LegendThere is something truly magical about waking up surrounded by swaying palms and that unmistakable saltwater breeze, and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo feels like stepping straight into a tropical adventure designed for families. This is a well-known and beautifully maintained state park with a moderate number (like 40 total) of campsites tucked among the trees, offering a mix of privacy and EZ access to the park’s main attractions, with clean restrooms, showers and plenty of kid-friendly activities that keep little ones engaged from sunrise to sunset. One of our favorite moments was taking the boys out on the glass bottom boat, watching their faces light up as colorful, exotic fish drifted through the coral reef below us, a memory that felt equal parts educational and awe-inspiring. While the sites are close together, offering next to zero privacy, the restroom / shower facilities were good (not great) and overall, the vibe of being here was quite positive. I would absolutely recommend this campground for families thanks to its unique ocean experiences, well-kept facilities, and unforgettable activities that make it so much more than just a place to sleep.
TravelerClean, quiet and full hookups. Bath with showers and laundry. Lots of blacktop to bike. Right on a Marina and beaches.
GuideWe were lucky enough to swoop this site when someone else cancelled, and it was fantastic!
Snorkeling is a MUST. We just did a walk in and booked a same day snorkel boat tour that was epic. There’s plenty of tours that go out and prices are totally reasonable.
Campground is lovely, small and easily accessible. Short walk to the beach, which is small and sweet. Lovely swim and views.
Staff is super helpful and friendly, and overall vibe is nice. Clean bathrooms and showers, however there’s definitely a buggy atmosphere once the sun starts to set. If you’re fully self-contained, shouldn’t be too much of a problem.
Overall this spot is a 4.5 stars (only cuz of the bugs) and is a great spot to check out in the Keys.
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!
TravelerWe brought our canoe and put in on the boat dock. It was sweet paddling all around the mangrove islands. The campground is full of greenery, which lends slightly more privacy. A nice place to land for the night.
Cabin accommodations near Everglades National Park offer strategic access points to explore this unique subtropical wilderness that spans 1.5 million acres. The area sits at just a few feet above sea level, creating distinct seasonal water patterns that affect camping conditions year-round. Florida's southernmost national park features several cabin rental options that can serve as basecamp while visiting the region's diverse ecosystems.
Explore by kayak or canoe: At Trail Lakes Campground, visitors can rent kayaks to navigate the mangrove waterways. "They offer guided trips, or you can book from the many other businesses in the area offering swamp buggy, airboat, hiking, tram, fishing, paddling/boat trips," notes one camper who appreciated the location as "a fantastic base when exploring Big Cypress and the Everglades NP."
Nighttime stargazing: The remote location means minimal light pollution for excellent stargazing. "It was a full moon the night we stayed and the stars were still incredibly bright as there is very little light pollution. Sunset was beautiful," reports a Trail Lakes guest who visited in February.
Wildlife viewing: Cabins provide safe shelter while allowing for wildlife observation. "If you're looking for birds, nearby Eco pond or the waterfront near the bayside campsites offer a nice variety for minimal effort," mentions a visitor to Flamingo Campground, where structured accommodations keep guests safe while experiencing nature.
Private island feel: Cabin guests at Encore Fiesta Key appreciate the waterfront location. "We absolutely love this place. Great location to most of the Florida Keys. Super dog friendly and everyone seems to be loving it here. Has everything you need or want here," shares one visitor who considered staying "all winter."
Built-in convenience: Eco-tents at Flamingo Campground provide cabin-like amenities without roughing it. "The eco-tents are equipped with a queen size bed, pillows, bed linens, blankets, fluffy large bath towels, a fan and bedside lights," writes a camper who found the furnished tents more comfortable than expected. "There is an electrical outlet box with one spare outlet."
Accessibility to activities: Many cabin locations serve as central bases for exploring. "We used this as our landing area to enjoy the local beaches, amenities, and natural sites," notes a family who stayed at Encore Miami Everglades where they found the "pool looked nicely appointed and clean."
Insect preparation is essential: Beyond mosquitoes, tiny biting insects can be problematic. "Not just mosquitoes but those tiny gnats, just horrible really," warns a camper at Flamingo Campground T-Loop. "I'd suggest bringing one of those screened in pop up shelters."
Limited services: The remote location means being prepared with supplies. "Remember everything you need because it's a long trip back to Florida City or Homestead the nearest places for picking up supplies," advises a Flamingo visitor. "The shop at the marina has some basic snacks and drinks."
Communication challenges: Cell service varies greatly by location and carrier. "No Verizon coverage, but I've been told there is AT&T. Wifi is available at the visitors center," notes one Everglades cabin guest. Another camper confirms, "Only AT&T SERVICE, with Wi-Fi at visitor center one mile away."
Water activities: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Campground offers cabin stays with water-based adventures. "We had an incredible experience at John Pennekamp. There is so much to do we biked to nearly everything including nearby restaurants, we hung at the beach, kayaked and did trail walks with the dog," shares a family who found the campground quiet with "no issues whatsoever."
Budget planning: Cabin accommodations vary widely in price. "We stayed in one of the eco-tents. The eco-tents are nicely appointed, but they are a bit of a splurge," notes a visitor who found the premium shelter worth the cost for family comfort.
Safety considerations: Keeping food properly stored is crucial with children. "Cooking or food of ANY KIND is not allowed in the tents as it would attract bugs and other wildlife," warns a camper who used designated cooking areas instead.
Water supply management: Water issues can occur at remote locations. "MAKE SURE YOU TAKE EXTRA WATER, OR FILL YOUR TANKS," warns a visitor to Chokoloskee RV Park. "Our site was directly across from the bath house. We had no trouble leveling our trailer and getting set up. Fire pits are at every site and fires are encouraged."
Site selection strategy: Many parks offer varying levels of privacy and amenities. "We were in electric site number 1 which included shade trees. No water at the sites but potable water and dump facilities are provided," notes a T-Loop camper who found the large paved pads spacious despite limited hookups.
Weather adaptations: Seasonal differences affect cabin camping comfort. "We stayed at flamingo in late June at the start of the hot/rainy/buggy season. We did not find the bugs to be too terrible although the gage on the wall of the visitor center had them just slightly into the 'horrible' range," shares an experienced camper who found conditions better than expected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Everglades National Park?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Everglades National Park is Flamingo Campground — Everglades National Park with a 4-star rating from 50 reviews.
What is the best site to find cabin camping near Everglades National Park?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 cabin camping locations near Everglades National Park, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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