Best Tent Camping near Fort Lauderdale, FL
Tent camping options near Fort Lauderdale are primarily concentrated in established parks and coastal areas, with most requiring boat access to reach the more secluded sites. Biscayne National Park offers tent-only camping on Elliott Key and Boca Chita Key, accessible only by boat and providing primitive experiences with limited facilities. Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach provides tent sites with more amenities, including water, electric hookups, and shower facilities.
Campers planning trips to boat-accessible sites should bring all necessary supplies, as most island locations lack drinking water and convenient stores. Toilet facilities exist at all established campgrounds, though reviews note the facilities at Boca Chita Key have strong odors. Fires are prohibited at the Biscayne National Park sites, while Quiet Waters Park permits fires in designated areas. Sawgrass Recreation Park offers primitive tent sites that are typically only accessible during the dry season in late winter, with muddy conditions possible during rainy periods. Most campgrounds require fees, ranging from $25 per night at Boca Chita Key for up to six people to varying rates at other established sites.
Tent camping experiences in the Fort Lauderdale area often include water activities, with multiple sites offering swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling opportunities. Peanut Island Campground features well-organized tent sites with BBQ pits, picnic tables, and clean facilities, though spaces are limited and reservations difficult to secure. The island campgrounds provide unique experiences with views of aquatic wildlife and occasional urban skylines. Boca Chita Key offers fishing, swimming in aqua waters, and a small trail around the wooded portion of the island. One camper described it as having "a beautiful waterfront view and plenty of picnic tables," though warned that insects can be prevalent, advising visitors to "bring bug spray."
