Campers looking for spots near Key Biscayne have several good options that combine beach access with natural areas. Key Biscayne City Park Campground works well for families who want to be close to the beach. Key Biscayne Area State Park has more private camping with trails where you can see local wildlife. National forest camping around Key Biscayne lets you see different Florida ecosystems. The weather here is tropical - watch for quick rain storms in summer months. Many campers prefer winter camping when it's cooler and less humid. Some camping areas have rough roads, so check if your vehicle can handle them before heading out. Animals are common in this area, so store your food properly. While camping, you can visit Cape Florida Lighthouse or the Miami Seaquarium. Biscayne Bay has great spots for kayaking and snorkeling if you like water activities. Call ahead about any closures before your trip. Being close to Miami but still in nature makes Key Biscayne camping appealing for many people.
"In southern Florida, campgrounds don’t usually come cheap, but we found Larry & Penny’s to be a great value with close access (30 minutes) to Biscayne National Park."
"It is close to the Encore Everglades park (about 4 miles) so we stayed here after we departed. The campground is divided into pods and each pod has about 15 or so sites. "
"It is a great family style campground close to Miami, Key Biscayne, and the Everglades National Forest. We used this as our landing area to enjoy the local beaches, amenities, and natural sites."
"This place is situated in the mirror middle of acres upon acres of ornamental trees and shrubs for sale by various companies."
$25 - $35 / night
"There's a small trail around the wooded end of the island. You can stay on your boat or pitch a tent on the island."
$25 - $35 / night
$60 - $80 / night
"Adjacent to Zoo Miami."
"Great campground near Biscayne and Everglades National Parks."
$55 / night
"Hard to believe that this oasis is so close to major urban centers, but it's true. It boasts 15-miles of trails in more than 1,000 acres!"
$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. "
$5000 - $10000 / night
"The location was peaceful and relaxing. we would definitely stay here again. Highly recommend!"
ScoutIt's great to be in Fort Lauderdale, so close to activities. RV park is old, poorly kept, and crowded. Mostly long-term campers who were very friendly. Vehicles parked onto narrow black top roads. Dead leaves blown to the side but not picked up. Peeling paint in showers. Friendly staff to our faces, but overheard them being unkind when they didn't know we could hear.
LegendJust 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!
ScoutGreat campground near Biscayne and Everglades National Parks.
TravelerWe brought our canoe and put in on the boat dock. It was sweet paddling all around the mangrove islands. The campground is full of greenery, which lends slightly more privacy. A nice place to land for the night.
ScoutOur stay here was the best! Our host, John was extremely friendly, welcoming, and helpful, making sure we had everything we needed while also respecting our privacy. The location was peaceful and relaxing. we would definitely stay here again. Highly recommend!
GuideThis is a dirt parking lot on the Tamiami Trail (Rt 41) right along the canal. Airboats run all day. We didn't go on one but it looked fun. Great fishing! No water no hookups.
ScoutFor $130/night-this place is a crowded dump with poorly maintained muddy sites.
GuideThis is our first time in the Everglades ! We love this place! Each site is private from the next site. It's very quiet here the shower houses and the restrooms are clean and well kept. Everyone is very friendly
GuideGreat spot to rest before heading into the Everglades or doing an airboat tour. About 20 minutes from shark valley visitor center this is a great spot if you want to be one of the first to get in. Not a lot of spots and some of them were a little confusing on who's area belonged to which fire pit. Probably wouldn't stay more than a night or two but fine for what we needed.
Camping spots near Key Biscayne require boat access for the most remote experiences. The surrounding Biscayne National Park comprises 95% water and offers unique island camping options only accessible by personal watercraft or tour boats. Coastal camping areas can experience strong winds during winter cold fronts, with gusts occasionally exceeding 20 mph.
Explore marine ecosystems: Elliott Key in Biscayne National Park offers excellent snorkeling opportunities. "This park is all about the water. Awesome kayaking, snorkling, and scuba diving. The water is beautiful, and the park itself is super relaxing!" says Sam D. about Elliott Key — Biscayne National Park.
Visit the lighthouse: Boca Chita Key features a historic lighthouse with harbor views. "This small island in Biscayne National Park offers a distant view of the Miami skyline, gorgeous aqua water for swimming, snorkeling, boating and fishing. A small lighthouse stands above the protected harbor," notes Jean C. at Boca Chita Key.
Mountain biking: Oleta River State Park provides trail access within an urban setting. "It boasts 15-miles of trails in more than 1,000 acres! You can bike, snorkel, paddle, run, picnic, rent cabins, primitive camp, and even get married. No bugs during the day," explains L O. who visited Oleta River State Park.
Clean facilities: Topeekeegee Yugnee Park maintains excellent bathrooms. "The sites were level concrete pads, bathrooms air conditioned and clean as were the showers. Park is beautiful and they have events happening- we stumbled on a Renaissance Festival," shares Bernadette P. about Topeekeegee Yugnee Park Campground.
Waterfront views: C.B. Smith Park offers sunset views over water. "The sunsets over the water are spectacular. Even though I'm a local, you never get tired of watching them. My site was private and (mostly) clean. Easy pull throughs available if you're not a savvy backer-upper," notes suzanne R. about C.B. Smith Park Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Many camping areas provide opportunities to observe local species. "We spent an entire night fending them off with a slingshot and they didn't bother us again," recounts Finn H. about feral cats and raccoons at Larry & Penny Thompson Park.
Limited access to island camping: Boca Chita Key requires boat transportation. "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. The back of the island has a small beach for swimming," explains Jean C.
Seasonal variations: Summer brings more crowds and heat. "We were expecting a lot more when it came to the snorkeling... the water was semi cloudy and we only saw a couple fish. It wasn't what we expected, but still a fun experience," reports Leah W. about Elliott Key.
Facility limitations: Larry & Penny Thompson Park has different rules for tent and RV campers. "Wish the website was clearer on length of stay - 30 days for RVs and 7 days for tent campers. After 7 days, you have to leave and can't return for 30 days," shares sandra R.
Pool access: Several campgrounds feature swimming pools for kids. "It had tropical flowers and plants and was right across from the pound. My grandson loved looking at and feeding the ducks and turtles. It is across the street from a massive park that is perfect for all family members," mentions Carlton A. about Davie / Fort Lauderdale KOA.
Safety precautions: Secure your food from wildlife. "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 Larry & Penny Thompson Park.
Water activities: Parks with beach access provide kid-friendly water play. "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," notes Darren F. about Topeekeegee Yugnee Park.
Site selection: Choose sites away from high-traffic areas. "The front area is more for weekenders. 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," advises Kelsey P. about C.B. Smith Park.
Power options: Check for appropriate hookups. "The campground was very clean with full hookups and sewer directly at our camp site," reports H M. at C.B. Smith Park Campground.
Water quality issues: Be prepared for potential water problems. "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," warns Tom M. about camping sites near Key Biscayne at Encore Miami Everglades.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Key Biscayne, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Key Biscayne, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 58 campgrounds and RV parks near Key Biscayne, FL and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Key Biscayne, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Key Biscayne, FL is Larry & Penny Thompson Park with a 3.5-star rating from 22 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Key Biscayne, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Key Biscayne, FL.
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