Tent camping opportunities near Hollywood, Florida include primitive island sites, urban park camping, and recreational areas within 30 miles of the city. South Florida's subtropical climate produces warm, humid summers with frequent afternoon thunderstorms from May through October. Winter months offer more comfortable camping conditions with temperatures averaging 65-75°F and significantly less rainfall, though mosquitoes remain active year-round at many locations.
What to do
Wildlife viewing expeditions: Sawgrass Recreation Park serves as a base for exploring the northern Everglades ecosystem. "This place saved my buddy and I. Didn't book ahead anywhere else in town and ended up stumbling into this little gem," reports camper Finn H., who found the "gorgeous scenery" compensated for basic facilities.
Kayaking and water sports: Elliott Key in Biscayne National Park offers excellent paddling opportunities. Camper Elizabeth G. notes, "When we went, we did a lot of kayaking. We saw a ton of wildlife, beautiful waters, and views." The island requires boat access and provides drinking water but limited other amenities.
Lighthouse exploration: At Boca Chita Key Campground, visitors can climb a historic lighthouse overlooking Biscayne Bay. "This small island in Biscayne National Park offers a distant view of the Miami skyline, gorgeous aqua water for swimming, snorkeling, boating and fishing," writes Jean C., who recommends bringing your own drinking water.
What campers like
Urban accessibility: Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach provides camping facilities within developed parkland. "Good location in the middle of urban area, cabins to rent," mentions Alex P., who appreciates its convenience for those who don't want to drive far from the city.
Water activities: Biscayne National Park's island campgrounds attract water enthusiasts. According to Brenda K., Boca Chita Key "is home to many animals and plants with over 500 species of fish. Beautiful coral reefs." Campsites line the waterfront, offering direct access to swimming and snorkeling.
Budget-friendly options: Frog Hammock provides free primitive camping with hike-in access. Pavel T. describes it as a "nice place to get away from everything," making it suitable for tent campers seeking solitude without fees.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Seasonal storms can significantly impact camping experiences. At Elliott Key, camper Leah W. reports: "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."
Limited facilities: Most tent camping sites near Hollywood offer only basic amenities. At Sawgrass Recreation Park, camper SukiDookie notes, "Because of the rain, getting to and from the campsites by car may be challenging, and the area could be muddy." The park requires a $200 damage deposit.
Boat access requirements: Island campsites in Biscayne National Park remain inaccessible without watercraft. Jean C. explains that at Boca Chita Key, "You can stay on your boat or pitch a tent on the island. There are spots along the shore and if it's full, you can pitch a tent on the grassy field."
Tips for camping with families
Protected swimming areas: Elliott Key offers designated swimming spots suitable for families. "When it was nice out, it was good fishing and nice sunsets," notes Leah W., adding that the group campsite accommodated her party of 18 people.
Urban nature programs: AD Barnes Park provides group camping facilities with easy access to nature center activities. The park offers electric hookups, drinking water, and reservable sites, making it convenient for families seeking structured outdoor experiences near Miami.
Wildlife encounters: Quiet Waters Park combines camping with recreational activities. Michael shares that "It was a great time went fishing had fire s and explored nature the park office has everything," making it suitable for families wanting diverse activities.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV sites: Few campgrounds near Hollywood accommodate recreational vehicles. Quiet Waters Park offers some electric and water hookups, though Stephen M. simply calls it an "excellent park" and a "great place to camp" without specifying RV amenities.
Seasonal closures: Campground availability varies throughout the year. Henry C. cautions that Quiet Waters Park camping was "Closed till further notice" during his visit, highlighting the importance of confirming operating status before traveling.
Supply planning: Pavel T. describes Sawgrass Recreation Park as "an oasis of civilization on a 30 mile stretch of nothingness," emphasizing the need for RVers to arrive fully stocked with supplies when camping in this area.
