Best Campgrounds near Fort Lauderdale, FL

Fort Lauderdale camping ranges from city-adjacent spots to more natural settings in the surrounding area. Markham Park Campground has sewer and electric hookups that work well for RVs, plus there's an observatory on the grounds you can check out while staying there. The Quiet and Peaceful Campground lives up to its name by giving campers a break from city noise. Penny Thompson Park works well for families with kids thanks to its child-friendly amenities. Weather plays a big role in camping here - summers get hot and humid, while winter brings cooler, more comfortable temperatures that draw more campers. Most campgrounds are easy to reach on good roads. You might need reservations at popular places like Long Pine Key Campground, especially during busy seasons. Basic facilities like drinking water and restrooms are standard at most sites. Some campgrounds have showers, but it's worth calling ahead to make sure. The good thing about camping near Fort Lauderdale is that you can easily head into the city for day trips. Fort Lauderdale campgrounds make good home bases whether you're in a tent or RV.

Best Camping Sites Near Fort Lauderdale, Florida (49)

    1. Topeekeegee Yugnee Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Hollywood, FL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (954) 357-8811

    $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. "

    2. Davie / Fort Lauderdale KOA

    18 Reviews
    Davie, FL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (954) 473-0231

    "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!"

    3. Easterlin Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    Fort Lauderdale, FL
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (954) 357-5190

    $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."

    4. Yacht Haven Park & Marina

    6 Reviews
    Hollywood, FL
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (954) 583-2322

    $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."

    5. Markham Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Weston, FL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (954) 357-8868

    "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."

    6. Paradise Island RV Resort

    6 Reviews
    Fort Lauderdale, FL
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (954) 485-1150

    "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."

    "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"

    7. C.B. Smith Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Miramar, FL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (954) 357-5170

    "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."

    8. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park - Youth Group Camping

    3 Reviews
    Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, FL
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (954) 564-4521

    "This park is located in a beautiful area of Fort Lauderdale, however, it closes at 7pm. So make sure to get there before the front gates close!"

    "The kayaking trail in the lake is short but nice for a quick paddle. Lots of turtles and fish visible in the water. I wouldn’t travel far to visit, but come here often as it’s close to home."

    9. Quiet Waters Park

    5 Reviews
    Deerfield Beach, FL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (954) 357-5100

    "We brought our kayaks and played around. Had a lot of space to walk our dogs. It was really a great time!"

    "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"

    10. Aztec RV Resort

    2 Reviews
    Coconut Creek, FL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (954) 975-6411

    $50 - $120 / night

    "If your looking for the ultimate location, keep looking. My wife’s mom lives right around the corner otherwise we may not have even considered Aztec."

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Recent Reviews near Fort Lauderdale, FL

188 Reviews of 49 Fort Lauderdale Campgrounds


  • Amanda W.
    Sep. 7, 2025

    West Palm Beach-Lion Country Safari KOA

    Pros & cons

    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. Close to groceries and gas stations.

  • Jenny E.
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Encore Miami Everglades

    ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING!!

    The water tested positive for fecal indicator e coli on August 1st & they failed to notify campers until 48 hours later!!! My kids brushed their teeth with that water!! 🤮 I had been visiting for 3 years & it’s only gotten worse. What a waste on renovations. And I’ve only heard complaints about the staff on site. They should invest on better property management & some activities for the campers. This place honestly sucks considering it’s Miami!!

  • Tom M.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Encore Miami Everglades

    Terrible

    Our stay at Encore Miami Campground was unfortunately impacted by a serious and unannounced issue. We were only informed upon arrival that the campground's well water contained fecal matter and was a potential source of E. coli. This failure to provide a safety warning ahead of time was irresponsible. It meant we had to hook up to a contaminated water source, which then required us to undertake a costly and time-consuming process of disinfecting our motorhome's water system after we left. This experience was both a health concern and a major inconvenience.

  • Darren F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Topeekeegee Yugnee Park Campground

    Great Park

    Clean park friendly staff. Great amenities. There are not many downsides two that I want to discuss. 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. Other downside is park closes at 8, you can still enter through the exit gate until midnight and then have to call security to get in/out.

  • Luis V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 6, 2025

    Markham Park Campground

    A Great Stay at Markham Park!

    I stayed at Markham Park on July 28 and had a wonderful experience. The campground is well-maintained, peaceful, and offers plenty of space between sites, giving a nice sense of privacy. The park itself is beautiful, with lots of shaded areas, clean facilities, and easy access to nature trails, bike paths, and water activities.

    What I loved most was how much there is to do right on site—whether you enjoy kayaking, fishing, mountain biking, or just relaxing by your campsite, this park has it all. The staff was friendly and helpful, and check-in was quick and easy.

    Overall, Markham Park is a perfect spot for a quick getaway or a longer camping trip. I’ll definitely be coming back!

  • L
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Grice's RV Park

    Very noisy campground no facilities

    Not worth staying here very close to very noisy road . No facilities. No pool. WiFi very weak. No park nearby

  • K
    Apr. 9, 2025

    Grice's RV Park

    KOA Hollywood Florida

    Very kind employees Always wanting to assist

  • Teala S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 11, 2025

    Markham Park Campground

    Great for RVs

    We are tent campers and feel a bit out of place around all the RVS. sewage and electrical connection available at sites, as well as water. The bathrooms are decent enough and locked with a door code. A bit crowded but close enough to civilization that it makes a great alternative to a hotel, although the price isn’t much difference $50/night). Lots to do in the park itself as well.


Guide to Fort Lauderdale

Camping near Fort Lauderdale, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful parks and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do

  • Hiking and Biking: Many campgrounds have trails for hiking and biking. At Jonathan Dickinson State Park, visitors rave about the "extensive trails" that make for great adventures. The park is also known for its beautiful scenery, making it a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

  • Water Activities: If you love water sports, check out Long Pine Key Campground. Campers enjoy canoeing and kayaking, with one reviewer noting, "The beautiful trails, bike paths, and walking paths" enhance the experience.

  • Wildlife Watching: Campgrounds like Midway Campground are great for spotting wildlife. One camper mentioned, "Watch for the gators" while enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. At Larry & Penny Thompson Park, one reviewer said, "Super clean bathrooms, which was surprising since we generally don’t expect much when staying in a public park setting."
  • Friendly Staff: Many visitors highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. A guest at Davie / Fort Lauderdale KOA noted, "The staff was very nice and went above and beyond to make sure I had everything I needed."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers often seek peace and quiet. At Markham Park Campground, one visitor enjoyed the "peace and quiet at this park," making it a great escape from the hustle and bustle.

What you should know

  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A camper at John Prince Park Campground mentioned, "It was super easy to get a spot at this park," but it's always best to book ahead.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. For example, Long Pine Key Campground has no electric hookups or showers, which might not suit everyone.
  • Wildlife Caution: Be aware of local wildlife. A visitor at Florida Everglades National Park - Long Pine Key warned about snakes, saying, "We saw a rattlesnake this trip."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for parks with amenities for kids. Larry & Penny Thompson Park has a nice pool and playgrounds, making it a hit with families.
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One family at Jonathan Dickinson State Park enjoyed biking and canoeing, saying, "The pine scrub forest makes for such an amazing adventure."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep everyone happy with snacks. A camper at Miami Everglades RV Resort mentioned, "The park has lots to do," so having snacks on hand can keep the energy up.

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Davie / Fort Lauderdale KOA noted, "Some lots tight," so it's good to confirm before arriving.
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check the campground details. Midway Campground offers electric hookups, which many RVers appreciate.
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Markham Park Campground mentioned, "During the day, there is noise pollution due to jet skis on the water," so plan accordingly.

Camping in Fort Lauderdale, FL, can be a fantastic experience with the right preparation and knowledge. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is free camping available in Fort Lauderdale?

Free camping options in Fort Lauderdale are extremely limited. Some RVers occasionally use the Walmart — Coral Springs Supercenter for overnight parking, but this should be considered only for brief stays and with manager permission. Most established campgrounds in the area charge fees, with C.B. Smith Park Campground offering relatively affordable rates for a public facility. For budget-conscious campers, looking slightly outside Fort Lauderdale to county parks may provide more economical options, though free dispersed camping is virtually non-existent in this densely developed urban area.

Can you camp on the beach in Fort Lauderdale?

Beach camping is not permitted on Fort Lauderdale's public beaches. The city strictly enforces no overnight camping or sleeping on its beaches, with regular police patrols. For water-adjacent camping, John Prince Park Campground offers lakefront sites about 30 minutes from Fort Lauderdale with power and water hookups. Another option is Yacht Haven Park & Marina, which provides waterfront camping with boat access. Those determined to experience coastal camping should look into Broward County's organized camping events or consider driving to state parks in neighboring counties that occasionally permit beach camping under specific conditions and with proper permits.

What are the best campgrounds in Fort Lauderdale?

Fort Lauderdale offers several quality camping options. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park provides a beautiful urban oasis with youth group camping facilities, though note it closes at 7pm so plan your arrival accordingly. For RVers, Paradise Island RV Resort offers a convenient city location with friendly staff, though it's primarily occupied by long-term residents. Those seeking more amenities might consider nearby options like Topeekeegee Yugnee Park or C.B. Smith Park, though they lack the natural ambiance of more remote campgrounds. The Fort Lauderdale area balances urban convenience with varying degrees of nature immersion depending on your camping style.