Broward County parks dominate the camping landscape around Sunrise, Florida, with Markham Park Campground located directly within city limits. This county-managed facility offers year-round camping with full hookups for both tent and RV campers. Within a 15-mile radius, additional options include C.B. Smith Park in Pembroke Pines, Topeekeegee Yugnee (T.Y.) Park in Hollywood, and Easterlin Park in Oakland Park. Most county park campgrounds provide paved sites, electric and water hookups, and modern restroom facilities. Private options like Davie/Fort Lauderdale KOA and Paradise Island RV Resort cater primarily to RV travelers but often accommodate tent campers as well. The urban setting means most campgrounds are situated within developed parks rather than natural wilderness areas.
Reservations are essential at most campgrounds in the Sunrise area, particularly during winter months when seasonal visitors from northern states significantly increase demand. Many campers report tight spacing at RV parks, with one visitor noting "spots are tight" at Miami Everglades RV Resort. Highway noise affects several campgrounds due to their proximity to major roadways. As one camper at Topeekeegee Yugnee Park observed, "Train tracks behind it and highway is not far so it's kinda loud at times." Summer camping brings intense heat and humidity along with mosquitoes, while winter offers more comfortable temperatures. Hurricane season (June through November) may affect availability and requires monitoring weather forecasts.
County park campgrounds receive consistently higher ratings than private RV parks in the area, particularly for cleanliness and value. Easterlin Park earns praise as "a true escape from the hustle and bustle of South Florida life" with its mature tree canopy providing rare natural shade. Markham Park Campground is described by locals as "about as good as it gets" for South Florida camping and features an observatory open Saturday nights. RV campers appreciate the big-rig friendly design of most facilities, though tent campers may find fewer amenities directed toward their needs. Traffic noise remains a common complaint across most properties, with proximity to urban conveniences being the trade-off for the urban location.
"This KOA was close to family and friends. Stayed for five nights. It was clean and I felt safe. Staff were very helpful getting backed in and set up."
"It's located near many attractions and shopping. Beautiful sunset viewing across the street at Vista View Park and easy highway access. You're going to love your stay at this KOA!"
"For south florida, its about as good as it gets. Also has a nice observatory on saturday nights to visit."
"It has plenty of picnic tables, a path to the lake, and woods to explore via trails. There are some pretty interesting pieces of history leftover behind the camping field."
$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. "
"A lot of trails to walk in the middle of the nature. Mini golf. Water park wasn't open on March."
"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."
$45 - $50 / night
"I have been here a few times mainly to use the trails for disc golf. This park is a true escape from the hustle and bustle of South Florida life."
"Great place to pull over on your way to the Florida Keys or Miami for an overnight stay. Showers, charcoal grills and a small kids playground are the highlights of this park."
$110 - $300 / night
"If you camp on the canal, chances are you will be right next to some amazing yachts! 7 minutes to Ft Lauderdale Beach and 7 minutes the other way to Seminole Hard Rock Casino Hollywood!"
"The grounds and views of all the surrounding yachts are simply spectacular. Everything here is setup for convenience and comfort."
"Near grocery store, and everything! Full hookup sites, spots are big and concrete roads, amenities like restrooms and showers are cleans, the pool is nice! Great time! Recommend"
$10 / night
"No one around at all, friendly staff when you needed and dirt cheap."
"Luckily, this place is conviniently located just off the state route 27, an oasis of civilization on a 30 mile strech of nothingness. the camground is only open during dry season, which is late winter."
$50 - $120 / night
"If your looking for the ultimate location, keep looking. My wife’s mom lives right around the corner otherwise we may not have even considered Aztec."
"We brought our kayaks and played around. Had a lot of space to walk our dogs. It was really a great time!"
"Good location in the middle of urban area, cabins to rent. We’ve used for daycamp without overnight, but you can do that if you want"
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.
GuideSite has high traffic due to how close it is to I-75. The primitive camp is located on the FTA Orange Trail. No reservations needed. Unfortunately due to its closeness there can be trash, not everyone follows Leave No Trace. In the wet season there is a creek to the south which you need to cross to get to the campground. During the dry season it is bone dry. Recommend bringing in water. Fairly large, but smaller than Panther and Nobles. Not much trees, so little shade and limited hammock camping opportunities. There is one aluminum picnic table and a fire ring. There are smaller cleared areas in the back of the site for additional tent camping sites with a smaller fire ring.
GuideThis campground is the farthest out from I-75. Located on the FTA Orange Trail it is the smallest. There is a bench and a fire ring. It is right on the trail so no privacy from hikers doing the loop. No water, recommend bringing your own, especially during the dry season. A spur goes north from that site, however it is overgrown. Barely a signal on the cell. The area is open, not much shade or trees if you hammock camp. No reservations needed.
GuideEvery spot on the campground was great, and you can bring your boat up to shore on some.
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.
Camping spots near Sunrise, Florida cluster primarily within urban parks rather than wilderness settings. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity from May through September, while winter months bring more comfortable temperatures averaging in the 70s. During hurricane season, campground availability often fluctuates as sites may temporarily close for storm preparation or cleanup.
Observe wildlife at Markham Park: This 669-acre park includes dedicated wildlife viewing areas where campers regularly spot turtles and various bird species. One visitor noted, "If you've got a jet ski you can easily get on and off right there. There are gators in the water which is much deeper than one would think" at Markham Park Campground.
Visit the observatory: Saturday evenings offer unique stargazing opportunities at Markham Park's observatory facility. A camper mentioned the park "has a nice observatory on saturday nights to visit," making it an educational evening activity not commonly found at other camping areas.
Water activities at multiple parks: Several campgrounds feature lakes for boating, fishing, and swimming. At C.B. Smith Park Campground, "The lake/dock area is beautiful, and there's a massive playground across from the campground in the main park," according to one visitor who stayed for five months.
Mature tree canopy: The rare natural shade at Easterlin Park Campground provides relief from Florida sun. A camper described it as "a true escape from the hustle and bustle of South Florida life" and "calm and serene park with plenty of activities to enjoy with friends and family."
Private sites despite urban setting: Despite their location in developed areas, some campgrounds offer surprisingly secluded sites. At Topeekeegee Yugnee Park Campground, one camper praised "The sites were level concrete pads, bathrooms air conditioned and clean as were the showers. Park is beautiful."
Local recreational facilities: Many campers appreciate the variety of built amenities. One noted that TY Park "has easy access to I-95 and is mostly good for locals to bring children for a day of fun in the sun!" while another mentioned, "Great Park with big lake. Had good power, good water pressure and cable but didn't use it."
Security measures vary: Most county parks implement security gates with access codes. At TY Park, "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. Other downside is park closes at 8, you can still enter through the exit gate until midnight."
Site limitations: Space constraints affect most campgrounds. At Davie / Fort Lauderdale KOA, a camper noted "Down side/ 1: all the sites are so close together 2: the WI-FI is the worst of any KOA I have been to 3: other than the pool no other activities or areas for activities."
Camping experience varies by season: Winter brings increased demand and higher prices, while summer offers more availability but challenging weather. One camper at Sawgrass Recreation Park advised "Because of the rain, getting to and from the campsites by car may be challenging, and the area could be muddy."
Find parks with dedicated kid amenities: Select locations with water features and playgrounds. At C.B. Smith Park, a visitor reported "there's a massive playground across from the campground in the main park. My grandson loved looking at and feeding the ducks and turtles."
Consider parks with educational opportunities: Some campgrounds offer nature programs or wildlife viewing. At Markham Park, "The section is designated 'primitive' but it does have full single person male & female restrooms, as well as electricity and water. It has plenty of picnic tables, a path to the lake, and woods to explore via trails."
Plan for noise factors: Highway and railway noise can disrupt sleep for light sleepers, especially children. One camper at Paradise Island RV Resort noted "This is a campground in the middle of the city, so don't expect a lot of quiet, as this is how it is in a city."
Site selection matters: Look for pull-through sites when possible. One RVer reported "the roads getting in the RV park are good but watch out for branches with big units outside the park to the north" at TY Park.
Check hookup positions: Some sites have awkwardly positioned utilities. At Yacht Haven Park, one camper had difficulty because "they had given us a pull in site for a bus, and we were unable to hook up to sewer, and had to run our electric cable and water hose under the camper."
Verify big rig accessibility: Many parks claim to accommodate large RVs but have challenging access. A visitor noted Markham Park requires you "Bring your A GAME as this campground road is very tight with lots of turns."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Sunrise, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Sunrise, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 75 campgrounds and RV parks near Sunrise, FL and 7 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Sunrise, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Sunrise, FL is Davie / Fort Lauderdale KOA with a 3.4-star rating from 18 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Sunrise, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Sunrise, FL.
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