Best Cabin Camping near Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, FL

Cabins at several campgrounds within a 25-mile radius of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea provide accommodations with varying levels of amenities. Oleta River State Park Campground offers simple cabins in a natural setting that features air conditioning, while Yacht Haven Park & Marina provides more upscale cabin rentals with full utility hookups. "This place has cabins and a shared bathroom, but it is such an amazing park right in the middle of an overcrowded city," notes one visitor about Oleta River State Park. Most cabin facilities include beds, tables, and seating areas, though furnishing levels differ substantially between rustic and deluxe options. Both KOA Hollywood and West Palm Beach-Lion Country Safari KOA maintain cabin units with electricity and nearby restroom facilities.

Rustic and deluxe cabins are both available, depending on the location. The cabin at Miami Everglades RV Resort offers more home-like amenities, with one camper noting: "My friend flew in to visit and she rented one of their deluxe cabins. It was really nice, with a fireplace, fenced patio, loft, kitchen." Larry & Penny Thompson Park provides pet-friendly cabins for longer stays, though cabin reservations typically require booking several weeks in advance during winter months. Sunsport Gardens Family Naturist Resort offers cabin accommodations in a clothing-optional environment with access to a heated pool and social activities. Most cabin facilities restrict cooking to designated areas due to fire regulations.

Most cabins include beds but require visitors to bring their own linens, towels, and toiletries. Kitchen facilities vary widely between properties, with some offering only outdoor grills while others provide refrigerators and microwaves. Cabin guests should check individual property listings for specific amenities as standards are not consistent across locations. Basic supplies can be purchased at camp stores within KOA facilities or at nearby retail locations. Cabins at Larry & Penny Thompson Park provide proximity to Miami attractions while maintaining natural surroundings. Visitors staying in cabins at Lion Country Safari KOA can expect unique wake-up calls. As one camper noted: "We are used to hearing birds and frogs when we camp, but here it is lions...and other noises I was not able to identify."

Best Cabin Sites Near Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida (9)

    1. Yacht Haven Park & Marina

    6 Reviews
    Hollywood, FL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (954) 583-2322

    $110 - $300 / night

    "Had a wonderful week at the naval station in Key West. It only cost $40 per night. All amenities were available."

    "The grounds and views of all the surrounding yachts are simply spectacular. Everything here is setup for convenience and comfort."

    2. KOA Hollywood (Formerly Grice RV Park)

    4 Reviews
    Hollywood, FL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (954) 983-8225

    "Conveniently located near stores and everything you would need. Close to airport."

    3. Grice's RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Hollywood, FL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (954) 983-8225

    4. Oleta River State Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    North Miami Beach, FL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (305) 919-1846

    $55 / night

    "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!!"

    "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!"

    6. Larry & Penny Thompson Park

    22 Reviews
    Cutler Bay, FL
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (305) 232-1049

    "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."

    "sites: no pets allowed. welcoming atmosphere. mostly shaded. near residential neighborhood but quiet. flat sites. amenities: large bathhouse. clean. other attractions: zoo. beach/waterslide."

    7. West Palm Beach-Lion Country Safari KOA

    11 Reviews
    Wellington, FL
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (561) 793-9797

    "This campground that sits just outside of the only drive through animal safari with over 1,000 different types of animals, is great for families to enjoy."

    "First of all, this was a great location to visit the lion country safari. We stayed in a tent site. Pros: The facilities were well kept and nice enough for a campground. People were not too noisy."

    8. Encore Miami Everglades

    19 Reviews
    Cutler Bay, FL
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "The sites closer to the cabin area are closer together.  I wouldn't recommend this campsite for actual campsite, but rather the excellent location and fun activities and amenities of the park.  "

    "We stayed here for the night on the way to the keys. Park had good power and water pressure. Showers and bathrooms were clean and nice. Roads were fine for large RV'S. I would stay here again."

    9. Sunsport Gardens Family Naturist Resort (Nudist)

    2 Reviews
    Royal Palm Beach, FL
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (561) 793-0423

    "Rustic. Freedom. Old timers. Families. AANR. Pool is heated comfortably year round. Sauna. Hot tub restaurant fitness laundry pool table clubhouse. Pavilliin. Much is centered around the above area."

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Recent Cabin Photos near Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, FL

7 Photos of 9 Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Campgrounds


Cabin Reviews near Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, FL

69 Reviews of 9 Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Campgrounds


  • T
    Apr. 9, 2019

    Larry & Penny Thompson Park

    Surprisingly pretty Park

    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. There are pull through spots for the big motorhomes and spots reserved for the handicapped. The bathhouses for the RV's were in good shape and well maintained. The bathhouse for the tenters not so much. The bathhouse for the RV's is not very far to walk which I would recommend.

    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. While there isn't any electric to plug into at the tent sites, water is provided interspersed throughout the area. Picnic tables and barbecue grills are also provided throughout.

    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. There is a lounge where you have access to WiFi and plus to charge your phones. The RVs have WiFi around their pods.

    Tenters can stay for a Max of 7 nights while RV's can stay for 180. Tenters can only pay for 3 nights at once before returning to re-up. No such rule for RVs. There is a kind of second class feel to the tenters but if you overlook that (I recommend you do) you will have a great time. Staff is very nice and the park is clean.

  • B
    Jun. 7, 2016

    Larry & Penny Thompson Park

    good place

    sites: no pets allowed. welcoming atmosphere. mostly shaded. near residential neighborhood but quiet. flat sites. amenities: large bathhouse. clean. other attractions: zoo. beach/waterslide. I would go back again.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 24, 2026

    Larry & Penny Thompson Park

    No Room @ The Inn For This Tent Camping Second Class Citizen

    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!

  • Burton M.
    Feb. 14, 2021

    West Palm Beach-Lion Country Safari KOA

    Great family campground

    This campground that sits just outside of the only drive through animal safari with over 1,000 different types of animals, is great for families to enjoy. This has all the amenities as a typical KOA campground except you get a bonus by hearing the Lions roar in the morning. The campground is gated during evening hours with the gate closing at 10:00 pm, so you will need to get a gate key card with a $20.00 deposit which will be refunded when you turn the key back at the end of your stay. The staff are very friendly and the campground is very clean. They also do a great job with abiding by the CDC guidelines for Covid-19. The Raccoons like to come out in the evening, so make sure you pick up you garbage at night. The rabbits were having fun playing in the primitive camping area every evening and early morning hours. They offer cabin and platform tent rentals for slightly more than a tent site. There are many seasonal campers from the North along with weekend campers trying to escape the everyday stress in their lives. We live 1 hour south of this campground but we will definitely be going back fir weekend trips.

  • Karen S.
    Jan. 12, 2024

    Encore Miami Everglades

    Friendly, fun and great location for exploring South Florida

    We stayed thirteen nights at this park.  We really enjoyed the stay and recommend.  The campsites are mostly nice.  There are a lot of seasonal campers and it seems those sites are nicer.  The sites closer to the cabin area are closer together.  I wouldn't recommend this campsite for actual campsite, but rather the excellent location and fun activities and amenities of the park.  

    The park has lots to do and while dated, it is kept in good shape.  The pool is lovely with lounge chairs, palm trees and a tropical feel.  They have a hot tub, too.  Everything clean and had a resort-feel.  There are an abundance of activities: pickle ball, shuffleboard, a nice mini-golf course, walking trail, clubhouse, fire pits and large open grassy space.

    We have two active dogs and they have a huge field where we were able to run our dogs off-leash and chase the frisbee.  I am not sure if it is allowed, but there were others as well so seemed okay.  This was a real benefit when camping with pets that like to run.  

    The park is in a beautiful, agricultural area in the town of Redlands.  It is very tropical with farms, nurseries and lots of tropical fruit stands and interesting parks.  It feels rural but it is close enough to town to go to the Miami beaches or other activities.  If you go, check out all the agricultural farms, the Fruit and Spice stand, the 'Robert is Here' fruit stand and the Knaups Berry Farm for world class cinnamon rolls.  The lines were too long for us to wait, but we heard they were the best.

    This is one of the most friendly parks I have stayed.  We were there on Christmas and New Years and had a total blast.  They had music, karaoke, dancing and potluck dinners. The staff was nice too, we met Jason who was super helpful.  My friend flew in to visit and she rented one of their deluxe cabins.  It was really nice, with a fireplace, fenced patio, loft, kitchen.  The entire experience at this resort was enjoyable and felt like being at camp.  Highly recommend a visit.

  • SwitchbackKids
    Jun. 29, 2017

    Larry & Penny Thompson Park

    Good amenities and close access to Biscayne National Park

    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.

    At $17/night for a tent site, we got wifi, access to laundry, great showers, and a perfectly adequate site. We weren’t spending much time at the actual campground, so we didn’t mind that it wasn’t the most scenic place we’d seen during our year on the road. Larry & Penny’s was a perfect place to crash!

    Visiting Biscayne National Park was a bit more frustrating. We knew going in that they had not been running regular tours out to the keys, the heart of the park, because of issues with switching to a new concessioner. We thought that our 10 days in southern Florida (visiting Biscayne and Everglades) would be plenty of time for us to figure out a way to get to the keys, but a private charter from Miami wasn’t worth it to us, so we disappointedly stuck to the mainland park.

    Since we had our own kayak, we were able to skirt the shore and paddle through some of the mangrove forests in Biscayne. This was the highlight of our two short days at Biscayne, since the only other activity we could do was explore the visitor center and walk the very short boardwalk trail.

    We’ll be back, Biscayne!

    You can read much more about our two days in the park on our blog: Switchback Kids (Biscayne)

  • Karen S.
    Jan. 12, 2024

    Larry & Penny Thompson Park

    Quiet and Peaceful Campground, trees, greenery and option for long term

    This is a very nice campground which is part of the Miami-Dade County park system.  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.  We were in pod 4 site 20 (420 lol).  We booked this camp with the intent to stay for a month or longer as my husband had an opportunity to Captain boats in Miami.  

    The park was very quiet.  Most of the campers were retirees, a few families with kids, but we were there in early January.  The grounds are nicely maintained with lots of places to walk and open space with trees.  They don't allow dogs off-leash and although it is adjacent to the rest of the Larry & Penny park, dogs are not even allowed in the main park, at all.  We did however find a few dog parks within four miles or so which were nice.

    They have a very nice pool which was open daily Wed- Sunday 11am - 5pm.  It was raining and rather dreary during our stay so we didn't use the pool.  They have a nice Clubhouse and it looked okay with tables, chairs, books, puzzles, but again very quiet.  Not many activities except for a few and we didn't stay long enough to participate.  After a week, we decided to make moves back home to Lake Tahoe.  It was unseasonably cold, raining so no boat work and not an ideal spot for the dogs.  They don't have WiFi and since we were planning a longer stay, purchased the Starlink system since I work remote during the winter.  Starlink worked great, but costs $500+ to get started and then $120 or so a month.  If you are looking for an affordable long term/monthly stay, it is great.  The rates were $850 a month for full hook-ups.  They had last minute space available, too.  

    If you are in the area, check out the Miami Zoo.  We were there when they had the "Zoo Lights" a super fun evening event.  They have other events at the Zoo and lots to do nearby.  You are closer to town than Everglades Encore, but still close to the agricultural area.  I recommend but not as fun or as many activities as some other places.

  • Sandra C.
    Jul. 10, 2021

    Sunsport Gardens Family Naturist Resort (Nudist)

    Filling up quickly.

    Rustic. Freedom. Old timers. Families. AANR. Pool is heated comfortably year round. Sauna. Hot tub restaurant fitness laundry pool table clubhouse. Pavilliin. Much is centered around the above area. But more is being done for trails and sites.

  • M
    Feb. 7, 2022

    Encore Miami Everglades

    Nice Thousand Trails Resort

    We stayed here for the night on the way to the keys. Park had good power and water pressure. Showers and bathrooms were clean and nice. Roads were fine for large RV'S. I would stay here again.


Guide to Lauderdale-by-the-Sea

Cabin camping near Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida offers options within a 25-mile coastal radius where average winter temperatures range 65-75°F, making it a year-round destination. The cabins in this region typically sit on flat terrain at elevations under 20 feet above sea level, with proximity to both Atlantic beaches and inland waterways. Most cabin facilities experience high humidity levels throughout summer months when afternoon thunderstorms are common.

What to do

Water sports at Yacht Haven Park & Marina: Located 7 minutes from Ft. Lauderdale Beach, this waterfront cabin area provides direct access to canal activities. "This park and the people who run it are awesome! If you camp on the canal, chances are you will be right next to some amazing yachts!" notes one Yacht Haven Park & Marina visitor.

Safari adventures near cabins: Cabin guests at West Palm Beach-Lion Country Safari KOA receive discounted tickets to the adjacent wildlife park. "Great location near the Safari park with discounted tickets available. I recommend staying here if you are going to the Safari Park and need a place to stay," explains a camper who enjoyed the wilderness setting.

Urban trails and kayaking: Cabin accommodations at Oleta River State Park provide access to 15 miles of trails across more than 1,000 acres. "Hard to believe that this oasis is so close to major urban centers, but it's true. You can bike, snorkel, paddle, run, picnic, rent cabins, primitive camp, and even get married," reports a visitor about the park's activities.

What campers like

Waterfront views: Cabins positioned along waterways offer unique perspectives. "The best part about the park is backing your RV up to the docks on the river and seeing all the boats go by at night," explains a Yacht Haven Park guest who appreciated the waterside location despite noting tight parking areas.

Unique wake-up calls: Cabin guests at Lion Country Safari KOA experience unusual morning sounds. "The lions waking you up in the morning is really pretty cool," says one visitor who also appreciated the "LOTS of local channels and good internet" available at this family-friendly facility.

Pool and recreation areas: Miami Everglades RV Resort offers cabin rentals with access to extensive facilities. "They have a really nice big pool, shuffleboard, putt putt golf, arcade and walking trail. It's off the beaten path but worth the drive," mentions a visitor who stopped for two nights while exploring the region.

What you should know

Reservation timing: Winter cabin bookings require significant advance planning. "We tent camped here. Site small and sandy but location is the key to this KOA. Weather great to explore park in late Winter. Kids loved it and we will be back!" notes a Larry & Penny Thompson Park visitor about their camping experience.

Site variations: Cabin quality differs substantially between locations. "Myself, my husband, and our 2 year old son recently started camping as a family. It is very clean, upkept well, and all staff were extremely helpful," reports a Miami Everglades RV Resort guest about their cabin stay.

Security considerations: Some locations have implemented security measures. "The campground is gated during evening hours with the gate closing at 10:00 pm, so you will need to get a gate key card with a $20.00 deposit which will be refunded when you turn the key back at the end of your stay," explains a Lion Country Safari KOA visitor.

Tips for camping with families

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Cabin camping provides wildlife observation for children. "The Raccoons like to come out in the evening, so make sure you pick up you garbage at night. The rabbits were having fun playing in the primitive camping area every evening and early morning hours," warns a KOA Hollywood visitor.

Cabin selection for space: Families should select larger cabins when traveling with children. "My friend flew in to visit and she rented one of their deluxe cabins. It had a fireplace, fenced patio, loft, kitchen," explains a camper who appreciated the home-like accommodations.

Park accessibility: Some cabin locations offer proximity to family attractions. "We used this as our landing area to enjoy the local beaches, amenities, and natural sites. There was a pickle ball tournament going on which looked like fun," notes a Miami Everglades visitor about their family's two-day stay.

Tips from RVers

Parking limitations: Many cabin areas have restricted vehicle space. "Very tight parking and roads. The water pressure was terrible," reports a Yacht Haven Park visitor who still appreciated the waterfront location.

Alternative accommodations: RVers sometimes use cabins as guest housing. "We live 1 hour south of this campground but we will definitely be going back for weekend trips," mentions a Lion Country Safari KOA visitor who found the cabin amenities suitable for local getaways.

Seasonal considerations: Sunsport Gardens Family Naturist Resort offers clothing-optional cabin accommodations with seasonal population shifts. "The reason why I titled this 'relaxing' is because I enjoy the feeling of the place! The people (mainly the snowbirds) that come down seem to be the friendliest!" explains a visitor who particularly enjoyed the resort's drum circles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, FL is Yacht Haven Park & Marina with a 4.3-star rating from 6 reviews.

What is the best site to find cabin camping near Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, FL?

TheDyrt.com has all 9 cabin camping locations near Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.