Buttonwood Campground — Bahia Honda State Park
Camping 2026
Amazing views, the ocean water was perfect! Beware of mosquitos in the summer months!!
1 campground with availability next weekend
Glamping near Islamorada, Village of Islands ranges from canvas eco tents with electricity and waterfront views to comfortable campsite accommodations at state park and resort locations throughout the Florida Keys. These glamping campsites feature three screened sides that can be completely opened or covered for privacy, creating an immersive natural experience while maintaining comfort. "Woke up to a gale blowing in from the water, felt partially like being on safari and partially like staying on a boat," noted one reviewer about their experience in the waterfront tents. For optimal views, guests can select from waterfront tents numbered 3 through 8, which provide direct access to stunning vistas. The nearby Jolly Roger RV Resort and Buttonwood Campground at Bahia Honda State Park also offer glamping options with access to swimming areas, peaceful waterfront settings, and comfortable accommodations. During peak season, the eco tents at Flamingo include bedding and furniture, while off-season rates provide more affordable options for those bringing their own air mattresses and camp chairs.
The Florida Keys setting creates numerous activity opportunities directly from these glamping sites. Flamingo Campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the diverse ecosystems of Everglades National Park, with opportunities to spot manatees, osprey, and crocodiles in their natural habitat. A visitor noted, "We saw the nest osprey with the adults feeding the babies. We also took the boat tour and learned a lot, especially about the trees, history and wildlife." The eco tents provide easy access to biking, kayaking, and hiking trails right from the campsite. Jolly Roger Resort offers a swimming area, fishing pier, and spectacular sunset views over the Gulf waters. While some glamping sites have limited food options on-site, many provide shared tables and fire pits for communal dining. Visitors should pack supplies accordingly, as Flamingo is located 50 miles from the nearest town, though a marina store offers basic provisions including ice cream for evening treats.
"Once you’re all the way down to Flamingo, you’re 50 miles away from nearest town, so bring everything you need that you wouldn't normally find at a convenience store. "
"Flamingo Campground, Florida Everglades—eco-tent Pro: The location is superb. Ours was located closest to the water(#6). You don’t get to choose—assigned when you check in."
"Clean bathrooms. Swim clean water area in ocean. Plenty of bench seating by water, beautiful sunsets. Boat deck boat ramp. Really big mostly RV sites but tent sites by fence are comfy."
"When we drove by the office, on our way out to eat on the night we arrived, they had prices posted for late arrivals to check themselves in, the price listed for the two sites on either side of us was"
Available next weekend
from $125 - $145 / night
"There’s no pool but there are laundry facilities and a clean bathroom. There’s a community grill, picnic area, and chairs to enjoy the sunsets"
"Nice pavilion down at water, nice little beach, dock, restrooms, showers and laundry"
"We had water and electric hook up , but the water spigot was so far away from our camper that even our long hose would not reach. So fill your tank up with water before you park your RV."
"Bathrooms are clean and well kept, quiet hours are great, and it was wonderfully breezy throughout our two-day stay."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $36 / night
"Bathrooms were clean and bug free, hot showers available in the A loop!"
"sites: no pets allowed. welcoming atmosphere. mostly shaded. near residential neighborhood but quiet. flat sites. amenities: large bathhouse. clean. other attractions: zoo. beach/waterslide."
"The RV's are assigned space around several pods. Each pod has its own bathhouse with laundry facilities. There are pull through spots for the big motorhomes and spots reserved for the handicapped."
"This park is located right off Route 1 in Florida City. For the area this is a large park. I believe over 150 sites. The sites are decent in size."
"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."
"Clean camp sites with electric and water besides a handful of sites located in the tent only section. It is water only."
"The pad for the camp suite is big gravel so bring something for your back they also had 2 hammock hookups and a grill waterfront with a great sunset"
Available next weekend
from $36 - $120 / night
Amazing views, the ocean water was perfect! Beware of mosquitos in the summer months!!
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We had a fantastic time at Flamingo in Everglades National Park! The scenery is beautiful, the wildlife viewing is incredible, and there’s always a chance to spot alligators, birds, manatees, and other amazing creatures. The marina area is well-maintained, and the peaceful views across Florida Bay are unforgettable.
One thing to be prepared for: the mosquitoes can be intense, especially around sunrise and sunset. Bring plenty of bug spray and apply it often. With good insect repellent, the mosquitoes are manageable and definitely not a reason to miss this unique experience.
Overall, Flamingo is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. The wildlife, sunsets, and natural beauty make it well worth the trip!
Super clean rv resort. Nice pool, clubhouse and picnic table at ever site. Full hookups.
This is paradise. Bahia Honda State Park is a little slice of heaven and so so stunning. I can see why this place books out so far in advance.
We put on a Dyrt Alert and boy did we get one! I swooped on a cancelled site so fast I can’t believe I got a reservation! Thank you Dyrt !
The campground was lovely, all the sites are amazing. We lucked out and got a shaded one so our trailer was nice and cool for our kitty during the day. Bathrooms are clean and well kept, quiet hours are great, and it was wonderfully breezy throughout our two-day stay.
The beaches are all easily accessible by walking or biking from the campground, but there is also ample parking if you want to bring chairs or a beach setup.
Sandspur beach is perfect swimming, and Loggerhead beach experiences very low tides so you can walk out on sandbars and swim as well. The sunrises and sunsets are glorious, check out the top of the old railroad bridge for some views.
Staff was very friendly and helpful. They even found an item we lost! Very grateful to them.
If you’re lucky enough to swoop a spot here, do. Check cancellations!
Just south of ‘The Magic City’ (a.k.a. Miami), you’ll come across Kendall, which while definitely NOT a destination in and of itself, it does offer one of the ONLY real campgrounds within the Miami vicinity. Here, you’ll discover Larry & Penny Thompson Park Campground, which upon arrival, immediately feels like a breath of fresh air the moment you turn in off SW 184th Street, trading bumber-to-bumper grinding traffic and endless miles of jam-packed strip malls in exchange for tall palms, shady roads and a surprisingly peaceful park setting. The campground is tucked away within a sprawling county park operated by Miami-Dade, and the vibe leans more tropical retreat than urban escape, with birds chirping, breezes moving through the trees, and a calm that makes you forget you are still very much in South Florida.
Before I get into the ‘nuts& bolts’ of Larry & Penny Thompson Park CG, allow me to share – that I had a fairly HORRIBLE experience here. So let me share some more – not to be a ‘negative Nancy’ - but rather, in the hopes you can learn from my mistakes (or rather, the omissions of this CG) and not replicate the issues I experienced for yourself, allow me to shed some light on some concerns. To begin with, if you are a tent camper (like I was in this scenario) there is NO WAY to make a reservation. You simply have to show up and IF the folks in the park office feel like there’s enough room for you to stake out a piece of land on their garbage-strewn tent camping plot of grass, they alone have the DISCRETION to ALLOW you to pay them for the privilege. Given that ALL OF THOSE WITH RVs have reservation privileges, this relegates us tent campers to ‘second class citizens.’ Second, paying $28/ night gets you basically a patch of uneven land (with more tree roots that reminded me a lot of Stranger Things with all of those root-like moving alien arms all over the ground preventing a flat piece of outdoor nirvana to be discovered) and the right to access the community bathrooms. While there is solid shade and about a half dozen bag-lined garbage bins in the tent camping area, the picnic tables are all dilapidated (unlike those in the RV area that are nearly brand new), half of the water spigots didn’t function, there are no in-ground fire rings, the stand-up grills are a joke and there is ZERO electricity. Um, so what am I paying for you ask? Great question. But this wasn’t even the worst part. So here it is: I arrived at Larry & Penny Thompson Park Campground having driven nearly 8 HOURS all the way from St. Augustine and arrived at 5:13pm only to be greeted by incredibly RUDE county park staff who could only say “Sorry, you arrived after 5pm and we don’t allow any TENT CAMPERS to arrive after 5pm.” What I found preposterous is that NOWHERE – not online, not on TheDyrt and NOT EVEN ON-SITE – does it mention that one (OK, well at least us tent campers anyway) has to arrive BEFORE 5pm. Had that vital piece of information been shared with me during 1of the 3 phone calls I made to the property before I arrived – TRUST ME – I would have arrived 13 minutes earlier. You know what the worst part about this whole experience was? Apart from the fact that I was famished and exhausted, was nearly out of gas and my cell phone just died? There was absolutely NO REASON to deny me entry for arriving 13 minutes after their (artificial) deadline. All I can say is that I’m glad Mary and Joseph didn’t have to deal with Miami-Dade County Park staff that acted like hostile and rule-abiding ‘inn keepers’ otherwise our Lord and Savior would have had no other choice, like I did, but to check in to a nearby hotel. Thankfully, I had enough Marriott Bonvoy points to spend the night at a hotel, albeit an hour away.
OK, deep breath. Let it go, I say. So I returned the next day, registered my complaints and stayed for 2 nights. With this, the rest of my experience (apart from what had been previously noted) was a fairly positive one.
Before I move on, you're probably scratching your head saying "Why did this guy return after such a horrible experience?" Well, because it is the reason most choose to stay here - it is nearly the ONLY campground in the Miami, so it's either shell out $200 or $300 a night for a hotel or sleep under the stars.
The campground itself is fairly decent size with – count ‘em– not 3, not 7, but a total of 11 RV parking ‘pods’ (think small loops with about 20 slots in each) that have been thoughtfully laid out, with over 200 sites total offering full hookups, paved pads and a mix of sun and shade depending on your preference. Sites are mostly level and easy to navigate (even for larger setups) with the roads being wide enough to remove whatever stress you may be dealing with upon arrival. Amenities are strong across the board, including clean restrooms, intermittent hot showers (some days they were hot, some days they were ice cold, but no matter the day, the pressure was always incredibly low), pay-for-play laundry facilities, a few scattered playgrounds, an amenity center that offers up a large screen TV, lending library, DVDs and ample space for group gatherings. The best amenities? The amazing community pool located right next to the community center (note: only open between 10am– 5pm, so if you’ve come here because of work, that’s a bummer, unless you can work from the pool, which I couldn’t) and the freshwater lake with a sandy beach that feels like a built-in bonus for families. Oh, and during the summertime, there’s a waterslide facility that looks AMAZING! The park is pet-friendly, somewhat well-maintained if you’re not staying in the tent area (which, unfortunately, I was) and has a safe, welcoming feel throughout.
Beyond the campground, you are perfectly positioned to explore both nature and convenience. The park itself has miles of paved biking and walking trails, plus open green spaces and water access for a relaxing afternoon. Just a short drive away, you will find grocery options like Publix Super Market, Walmart Supercenter and additional essentials along US-1 along with a Costco that’s only like 20 minutes away. If you are looking to explore further, Biscayne National Park offers boating and snorkeling opportunities, while Miami Zoo is practically next door for an easy family outing. Not too far away from here you can also find fast food and casual dining spots for a bite to eat in case you grow tired of black beans w/ hot dogs for the third meal in a row.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) Aim for sites deeper into the loops for more shade and less road noise; (2) The freshwater lake and beach area are perfect for kids to cool off on warm afternoons; (3) Bring bikes as the paved trails throughout the park are ideal for cruising; (4) Keep an eye out for iguanas and wading birds around the water’s edge; (5) Shade varies quite a bit so a canopy can be helpful on sunnier sites - but if you are tent camping, you won't really need any shade, unless you want to be protected from the intermittent rains; (6) For a great nearby bite, check out Shiver’s BBQ at 28001 S Dixie Hwy, Homestead, FL 33033; (7) You will hear non-stop urban noise and traffic from anywhere in this campground, so while you may be shuddered from the noise inside your RV or camper, you won't be so lucky inside a tent, so if that bothers you, bring earplugs; and (8) OH, how could I forget!!! Don’t arrive here AFTER 5PM!!!
Happy Camping!
Man… I was really excited to camp here, but sadly I’m upset that we spent the money. Based on the map and some photos online, I thought there was a beach where we could lay out. After driving around we could not find a beach to lounge at. There was a fishing beach, but it was rocky and muddy. The “restaurant” is more of a cafeteria. The tent sites are super buggy, even in late December. People were up all night making all kinds of noise. We would never stay here again, unfortunately. Very disappointing experience. It is cool, though, to say that we have camped in the Everglades.
Stayed here 2 nights. Well maintained, clean and quiet place. Close to Everglades National Park. Campsites were large enough with shade. Bathrooms were clean and staff was friendly.
Narrow roads, shades, water side sites, pool, dog park, boat wash, laundromat.. its nice.But because packed so tight, I cant give higher stars. Big rig have drive thru sites. The sites along the edge armre very small. Parking on grass, cement slabs for your picnic table.
Beautiful views, marina, 3 beaches, family & pet friendly. Rent kayak or snorkeling gear, and RELAX. Buttonwood campground has sites with boat slips, or GOA views with amazing sunsets from your site. There is always some traffic noise from rt1, beautiful place. Highly recommend! Remember: no grills or campfires on the ground... bring a raised fireplace.
Glamping options near Islamorada provide access to both the Atlantic Ocean and Florida Bay waters. The subtropical climate creates conditions where insects become a factor, particularly during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 85°F. The Florida Keys archipelago stretches 125 miles from mainland Florida, with Islamorada located at mile markers 73-86 along the Overseas Highway.
Water activities beyond the beach: The Florida Keys offer excellent snorkeling opportunities directly from campgrounds. At Buttonwood Campground — Bahia Honda State Park, campers can access multiple snorkeling spots. "Both beaches were teeming with various fish. Be careful of the current near the rope. We personally enjoyed the current because it took less effort and carried us along at a nice pace," notes one visitor who experienced the bayside beach with its rock jetties and swim area.
Wildlife viewing excursions: The Everglades ecosystem provides opportunities to observe native species. A camper at Flamingo Campground reported, "The overall park amenities were nice. We enjoyed our visit and got to see a lot of the famous wildlife." For bird watchers specifically, "If you're looking for birds, nearby Eco pond or the waterfront near the bayside campsites offer a nice variety for minimal effort."
Historic structure access: Visit the old Henry Flagler Bridge lookout at Bahia Honda for historical context. "We also managed to enjoy the short walk up to the old Henry Flagler Bridge lookout over the island. That site is a must see!" according to a visitor who stayed at Buttonwood Campground.
Weather diversity and challenges: While winter offers comfortable camping, summer brings distinct experiences. A camper at Flamingo Campground — Everglades National Park observed, "We stayed at flamingo in late June at the start of the hot/rainy/buggy season. We did not find the bugs to be too terrible (although the gage on the wall of the visitor center had them just slightly into the 'horrible' range). We live in Michigan's U.P. so we have a fairly high bug tolerance."
Natural swimming areas: Several campgrounds offer direct water access. At Jolly Roger RV Resort, "This campground does not have a beach but it has water access and the water was amazing and calm(bring water shoes is rocky in the water)." The resort serves as "a wonderful place to spend time watching the sunset, snorkeling, fishing, paddling, or taking a dip."
Limited connectivity: The disconnect from technology appeals to many campers. At Flamingo Campground, visitors note "No internet or phone service (other than AT&T). Was wonderful to escape!!" This limited connectivity extends throughout much of the Keys, providing a true break from digital demands.
Bug preparation is essential: Insects can significantly impact camping experiences in this region. A visitor to Bayside Campground — Bahia Honda State Park warned, "Camping on the Bayside in Bahia Honda can get buggy at night, especially if there isn't a breeze," while another cautioned about "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."
Water management challenges: Campgrounds may experience occasional infrastructure issues. At Flamingo Campground, a camper reported, "Our last night the water went out and all bathrooms in all loops were closed. Apparently this can be common with pump going out. Understand things happen, but communication was horrible." When planning a glamping trip close to Islamorada, Village of Islands, Florida, bringing extra water is advisable.
Limited site privacy: Many Florida Keys campgrounds feature open layouts. At Flamingo Campground, "There is NO privacy at any of the sites--totally wide open area, no vegetation," and another camper noted it is "a big open field, so don't expect visual privacy."
Campground biking opportunities: Families with children can enjoy on-site biking. At Flamingo Campground, "Our son loved this because he could ride his bike all around the campground to his hearts content." When glamping with families near Islamorada, bicycle-friendly environments provide valuable recreation options when not engaged in water activities.
Shade availability considerations: The subtropical sun can be intense. At Larry & Penny Thompson Park, "The tent area is off to one side and well shaded by mature trees. It's an area rather than sites. You pick your spot, put up a tent and place a large numbered sign by your area and you've got your spot."
Tent camping surface challenges: Ground conditions can affect comfort levels. At Bahia Honda, "The ground is all hard, pokey coral (bring a serious air mattress for tent camping), also when it rains it just sits on the ground without soaking in (aka you might get wet)." Quality sleeping pads or air mattresses become particularly important when glamping in the Florida Keys.
Gate access timing: At Larry & Penny Thompson Park, "gates locked at 8pm," which requires planning evening activities accordingly. Similar restrictions exist at other campgrounds throughout the Keys.
Campsite selection strategy: When glamping in luxury RVs near Islamorada, site selection matters. At Southern Comfort RV Resort, "The sites are decent in size. The park fills up quickly come the winter time with the 'Snow Birds' but the park overall is wonderful." Seasonal booking patterns significantly impact availability.
Hook-up variations: Electrical and water access varies across campgrounds. At Buttonwood Campground, visitors note "It's a state park so no full hook ups," while Jolly Roger RV Resort offers full hookups, including "electric-hookups, fifty-amp-hookups, thirty-amp-hookups... sewer-hookups, water-hookups."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Islamorada, Village of Islands, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Islamorada, Village of Islands, FL is Flamingo Campground — Everglades National Park with a 4-star rating from 50 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Islamorada, Village of Islands, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 glamping camping locations near Islamorada, Village of Islands, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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