Oleta River State Park Campground provides cabin accommodation options just 30 minutes from downtown Miami. These modest cabins rent for approximately $55 per night, serving as an economical alternative in an area known for costly accommodations. The park spans 1,000 acres and contains 15 miles of trails for mountain biking, hiking, and nature exploration. Campers can also enjoy kayaking on the Oleta River with on-site rentals available.
What to do
Explore Florida Everglades: Larry & Penny Thompson Park serves as a strategic base for Everglades exploration. One camper noted it offers "close access (30 minutes) to Biscayne National Park" and is convenient for "visiting Biscayne and Everglades" national parks.
Beach volleyball and swimming: Larry & Penny Thompson Park offers recreational facilities beyond camping. A visitor highlighted, "There is a great fire ring with benches for bonfires and a great Beach volleyball court. The pool is clean and guarded by life guards."
Waterfront relaxation: Riptide RV Resort in Key Largo provides shoreline access with "Nice pavilion down at water, nice little beach, dock" and "a community grill, picnic area, and chairs to enjoy the sunsets" according to reviewers.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple parks offer fishing access. At Larry & Penny Thompson Park, one camper reported "Fishing was good in the pond nearby," while Riptide RV Resort is described as a "great fishing community" by another visitor.
What campers like
Affordable stays: Paradise Island RV Resort offers reasonable rates for the Fort Lauderdale area. One visitor mentioned, "Price was okay (I guess)" while another appreciated the extended stay value, noting they "spent 14 months here sheltering from Covid."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain well-kept amenities. At Paradise Island, guests commented on "clean" bathrooms and that "staff are extremely friendly and helpful." At Larry & Penny Thompson Park, a reviewer noted "The bathhouses for the RV's were in good shape and well maintained."
Convenient urban camping: Southern Comfort RV Resort provides accessibility to urban attractions. A camper described it as "a relatively affordable base of vacation operations" that's "Close to the Keys, Everglades, Biscayne and shopping."
Yurt camping options: For those interested in yurt camping near Key Biscayne, Florida, Quiet Waters Park offers unique accommodations. A visitor described renting "a campground flat... on the water, had a grill, electricity, fire pit, tent, running water and was pet friendly."
What you should know
Security concerns exist: Some campgrounds have reported theft issues. At Larry & Penny Thompson Park, one camper warned, "Our Ford F-250 King Ranch 4x4 diesel got stolen in the middle of the day from right in front of our RV at this park. This state park is NOT secure!"
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for local wildlife at certain parks. At Larry & Penny Thompson Park, a camper reported, "Beware of the feral cats and raccoons though. We spent an entire night fending them off with a slingshot."
Noise levels vary: Urban campgrounds experience city sounds. At Southern Comfort RV Resort, a visitor noted "Traffic noise can be loud at certain times of the day," while another mentioned it was "karaoke night and open to the public" making it "Very loud."
Tent site limitations: Traditional tent camping options may be restricted. At Larry & Penny Thompson Park, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Check seasonal facility availability: Quiet Waters Park offers family-friendly options when open. While one camper reported it was "Closed till further notice" during a pandemic period, when operating, families enjoy that "you can do kayaking" and the park offers space to "explore nature."
Consider dedicated glamping options: For families seeking structured accommodations near Key Biscayne, yurt camping provides a middle ground. A visitor to Quiet Waters Park shared they "rented a campground flat in December" that was "on the water" and "pet friendly."
Look for recreational amenities: Family-friendly parks offer activities beyond camping. Larry & Penny Thompson Park includes "a swimming pool and washer/dryers" and is described as having "Miami Zoo and groceries nearby."
Space considerations for larger groups: When booking for families, verify occupancy limits. Some parks have strict policies, as one Southern Comfort visitor learned when they "inquired about reserving one of their cabins for a week long stay" for "2 adults and 3 children" but later had their reservation unexpectedly canceled.
Tips from RVers
Check hookup details carefully: Southern Comfort RV Resort provides full hookups for RVs. A camper advised that "the entrance is a little hidden and tight but doable. We were towing a 36' travel trailer" and another noted there are "not overly large sites so you may have trouble parking at your site."
Navigation challenges: When arriving at urban campgrounds, prepare for traffic. At Southern Comfort, a camper warned, "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."
Long-term vs. short-term considerations: Paradise Island RV Resort accommodates both types of stays. A visitor observed it's "an older campground with a lot of full-time RVers" but still works for "one quick night" with "a nice easy spot to back in and get out easily."
Expect tight quarters: RV parks in this region maximize space. At Riptide RV Resort, a camper described "tight sites (short and close together)" while at Southern Comfort, another mentioned it "gets crowded during the NASCAR race as the Homestead track is 5 miles down the road."
