Dog-Friendly Camping near Florida City, FL

Florida City sits at the gateway to the Everglades and the Florida Keys, with most campgrounds located within 10-25 miles of the city center. The area experiences a tropical monsoon climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, making November through April the most comfortable months for camping. Proximity to both freshwater marshlands and coastal environments creates unique wildlife viewing opportunities.

What to do

Snorkeling trips: 5 miles from shore. At John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Campground, visitors can experience underwater adventures. "I highly recommend the snorkeling experience offered out of the visitors center. We had an incredible guide and captain, Adam and Ty," shares Matt M.

Kayaking in mangroves: self-guided routes. The waterways near campgrounds provide excellent kayaking opportunities. "There's boating, canoeing, kayaking, snorkeling, fishing, and there's a good beach for the little kids to enjoy the water," notes José C. about John Pennekamp State Park.

Visit fruit stands: 5-minute drive. Local agriculture creates unique shopping opportunities. Jennifer A. recommends, "Close to Miami Everglades is a fruit stand called Robert Is Here. Don't miss it!"

Pickle ball tournaments: seasonal events. Active campers can join games at several parks. Laurie H. observed at Miami Everglades RV Resort, "There was a pickle ball tournament going on which looked like fun."

What campers like

Tent camping affordability: $17-25 per night. Budget-conscious travelers appreciate Larry & Penny Thompson Park for its reasonable rates. "At $17/night for a tent site, we got wifi, access to laundry, great showers, and a perfectly adequate site," reports one reviewer.

Clean facilities: daily maintenance. Campers consistently mention cleanliness as a priority. Tod H. notes, "The bathhouses for the RV's were in good shape and well maintained," though he adds that "The bathhouse for the tenters not so much."

Swimming pools: year-round access. Many campgrounds feature pools that operate regardless of season. At Southern Comfort RV Resort, "There is a bar/Tiki Hut on premise and a big swimming pool open year round," according to Thom T.

Pet exercise areas: grassy sections. Dog owners find suitable spaces at The Boardwalk RV And Mobile Home Resort, which offers "lots of grass" and "huge, clean lots for pets and their owners," making it particularly suitable for those with nervous pets.

What you should know

Water quality concerns: check status before arrival. Some campgrounds have experienced contamination issues. A reviewer at Miami Everglades RV Resort reported, "The campground's well water contained fecal matter and was a potential source of E. coli," highlighting the importance of verifying water quality before connecting RV systems.

Security precautions: lock valuables. Some campgrounds have reported theft issues. Marta L. warns, "Our Ford F-250 King Ranch 4x4 diesel got stolen in the middle of the day from right in front of our RV" at Larry & Penny Thompson Park.

Tent site locations: proximity to noise. Tent campers should research site placement. Kelly L. advises about Southern Comfort: "These tent sites are dangerous they are in the middle of the main road and to make it worse it was karaoke night and open to the public."

Primitive camping options: no drinking water. For those seeking more natural settings, Redlands Acre Campground offers basic camping with no hookups. This campground features "beautiful land...with many tropical fruit trees that you can sleep under," according to Ashley F., but campers must bring all water supplies.

Tips for camping with families

Swimming options: pool and beach alternatives. Families with children have multiple water activity choices. Aly E. says about Miami Everglades RV Resort: "Myself, my husband, and our 2 year old son recently started camping as a family. This site is extremely nice! It is very clean, upkept well, and all staff were extremely helpful."

Playground access: limited availability. Only some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. At Key Largo Kampground & Marina, Mariasnelys P. noted they have a "playground" and that "Super secure. Noise is expected. Cars Driving is expected. People walking around is expected."

Wildlife awareness: keep food secure. Families should prepare for local wildlife encounters. "Beware of the feral cats and raccoons though. We spent an entire night fending them off with a slingshot and they didn't bother us again," warns Finn H. about Larry & Penny Thompson Park.

Kid-friendly beaches: shallow water access. Not all beaches are suitable for young swimmers. José C. notes that John Pennekamp has "a good beach for the little kids to enjoy the water" while the main beaches are better for older children.

Tips from RVers

Site selection strategy: avoid utility areas. At Southern Comfort RV Resort, placement matters significantly. One reviewer noted, "Upon arrival with numerous sites available, they put us in a spot almost on top of the sewage dump and dumpsters. We would have been eating on top of my neighbors sewage hose."

Space considerations: tight parking. Many parks have limited maneuvering room. "If you truly like camping with space to breath, then this resort may not be for you. These sites are so close together there is little privacy," cautions a reviewer about Miami Everglades RV Resort.

Electrical requirements: verify hook-up types. Check for 30/50 amp compatibility before arrival. "When I got to the site I was pleasantly surprised to find both 30 and 50 hookups," mentioned one camper about site accommodations.

Road access: narrow entrances. Some parks have challenging access points. At Gods Country in Miami, "There is a locked gate and the code is required to access the property, so be sure you discuss that with the host," notes Ashley F.