The Everglades region near Homestead features a subtropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, creating optimal camping conditions from November through April when temperatures range from 50°F to 80°F with lower humidity. During winter months, campers experience significantly fewer mosquitoes while maintaining access to the area's diverse ecosystems spanning sawgrass prairies, mangrove forests, and coastal marshes.
What to do
Kayak through mangrove tunnels: At Flamingo Campground — Everglades National Park, visitors can rent kayaks to explore the coastal waterways. "The mangroves are fun to explore by canoe or kayak and the rangers are very informative," notes camper Leah W., who visited in early April.
Explore off-season glamping options: For a unique yurt camping experience near Homestead, Florida, consider visiting during shoulder seasons. "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, and a pricy gas pump for emergencies," shares Roger F., who discovered reduced rates during off-peak times.
Go fishing at Florida City: Southern Comfort RV Resort provides access to nearby fishing spots. According to Ioan P., "Very cozy place, plenty of shades, little swimming pool and friendly people all around. You just can't beat the price! $18 if you have Passport America membership."
Stargaze away from city lights: The remote location of Everglades camping spots offers exceptional night sky viewing. "Flamingo is one of only two campgrounds in the park, the other Lone Pine but Flamingo manages them both," explains R.C., noting the distance from urban light pollution creates ideal stargazing conditions.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Visitors to Flamingo Campground T-Loop appreciate the well-maintained areas. "Large paved pads on huge site. We were in electric site number 1 which included shade trees. No water at the sites but potable water and dump facilities are provided. There is no Verizon or T-Mobile service. There is Wi-Fi available in the Marina store area. The campground is very clean," reports Chris A.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The area's yurt camping near Homestead, Florida provides exceptional animal sightings. "Egrets and Anhingas were in abundance. Our eco-tent was equipped with a queen size bed, pillows, bed linens, blankets, fluffy large bath towels, a fan and bedside lights," writes Portia H. about their January stay.
Proximity to attractions: Larry & Penny Thompson Park offers convenient access to both natural areas and urban amenities. "This campsite is a great central base camp for those visiting Biscayne NP/ Everglades NP and Miami. Clean and safe, with spots for both rv's and tents. Bathrooms/showers/laundry facilities on site are well maintained," notes Sandra R.
Affordable tent camping: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the reasonable rates at certain parks. "We camped here for 6 nights as a home base while fishing the area. I would say 17 bucks a night is a little pricey for a tent site but not outrageous. The tent sites were well shaded. Bathrooms were clean and staff was friendly," shares Finn H.
What you should know
Bug preparation is essential: The mosquito and no-see-um population can be intense, especially during warmer months. "When we were there (early April), there were TONS of no-see-ums and if you didn't have a tent with a fine enough screen, there was no escape. Do not camp here unless you have a noseeum tent! They literally drove us all insane," warns Leah W.
Limited or no cell service: Communication can be challenging at Oleta River State Park Campground, though it offers unique yurt and cabin camping options near Homestead. "This place has cabins and a shared bathroom, but it is such an amazing park right in the middle of an overcrowded city!! I love going here is like 55 bucks a night or so!!" says ReBeCcA F.
Bring extra water: Water systems occasionally fail at remote campgrounds. "MAKE SURE YOU TAKE EXTRA WATER, OR FILL YOUR TANKS. We stayed three nights in T-loop, site 42 in mid-April. Only a handful of sites have any shade, so be sure to request shade when making reservations and you may get lucky like us," advises Paul Y.
Limited amenities during off-season: Some facilities close seasonally. "Right now, nothing is open until memorial day weekend. So no beach and no pool. Also half the park is under construction, and for whatever reason (covid?) All of the bathrooms and showers are closed in the whole park. The only thing open is the laundry- but they don't have change machines or quarters," reports Nikaela B. about her May stay.
Tips for camping with families
Look for secure campgrounds: Prioritize safety when choosing camping locations with children. "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. Each pod has its own bathhouse with laundry facilities," notes Tod H., highlighting the park's organization and security measures.
Choose campgrounds with recreational facilities: Kids benefit from having activities available. "I'm a tent camper and loved this area. Overall great value with a swimming pool and washer/dryers. Grounds mostly quiet with expected weekenders. Miami Zoo and groceries nearby and great location. Tent sites in open field setup with trees," shares Anjuli W.
Plan for wildlife encounters: Prepare children for both fascinating and challenging wildlife interactions. "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 his experience at Larry & Penny Thompson Park.
Consider eco-tents for family glamping: For families seeking yurt-style accommodations near Homestead, Florida, the eco-tents provide comfort with educational opportunities. "The tents are located on boardwalks with embedded lights to the bathroom building (it can be a fair walk from your tent) so you can see your way there at night," explains Portia H.
Tips from RVers
Challenging entry points: Some RV parks have difficult access. "The entrance is a little hidden and tight but doable. We were towing a 36' travel trailer. If heading south and coming off the FL Turnpike, you have to get over several lanes in a short distance to make the left turn on to Palm Drive," advises Mike M. about Riptide RV Resort.
Space limitations: Many Florida RV sites run small. "Last campground before the Keys. Lots of sites. Not overly large sites so you may have trouble parking at your site. It gets crowded during the NASCAR race as the Homestead track is 5 miles down the road," cautions Amber H.
Weekend noise considerations: Be aware of potential noise issues during peak times. "Traffic noise can be loud at certain times of the day. Large pool. Decent facilities but do need updating," adds Amber H. about Southern Comfort RV Resort.
Limited weekend availability: Reserve well ahead for winter stays. "We stayed for a week. Not many frills, certainly not a resort and bathroom frequently ran out of TP, but as a relatively affordable base of vacation operations it was good. Close to the Keys, Everglades, Biscayne and shopping," shares Rob K., who found Riptide RV Resort provided good value despite limitations.
