Camping near Miami Beach, Florida offers a mix of developed urban campgrounds with amenities and facilities rather than remote wilderness experiences. Located in USDA hardiness zone 10b, the region experiences average winter lows of 35-40°F and summer highs regularly exceeding 90°F with high humidity. Campers should prepare for urban noise including trains and highways at most locations, as sites are typically situated within a developed metropolitan area.
What to do
Water recreation: minutes from camp sites: Oleta River State Park Campground in North Miami provides direct access to water activities. According to a reviewer, "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."
Day trips to natural areas: Use C.B. Smith Park Campground as a base for exploring nearby natural attractions. "Very safe. Ok fishing. Great place to relax," notes one visitor. The park includes various recreational areas while providing convenient access to both urban and natural attractions.
Biking on paved trails: Topeekeegee Yugnee Park Campground offers excellent biking opportunities with paved paths. A camper mentioned, "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."
What campers like
Clean facilities with air conditioning: Many campgrounds in the area maintain well-kept facilities. At Topeekeegee Yugnee Park, one camper reported, "Bathrooms and showers were very clean. Staff was great from the office to the park. Busy walking path nearby so lots to see going on."
Urban overnighting convenience: Yacht Haven Park & Marina provides unique access to Fort Lauderdale's urban attractions. A visitor shared, "7 minutes to Ft Lauderdale Beach and 7 minutes the other way to Seminole Hard Rock Casino Hollywood! We will be going back!"
Security features: Many Miami area campgrounds offer enhanced security. At Topeekeegee Yugnee Park, a camper noted, "Very well lit at night with security. The RV park is located in the back of the county park, so there is plenty to do: water park, outdoor gym and regular play areas for kids."
What you should know
Seasonal crowding from November-April: Reservations are essential during winter months. A camper at Larry & Penny Thompson Park noted different rules for different types of campers: "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."
Urban noise levels: Train tracks and highways create noise at several campgrounds. At Topeekeegee Yugnee Park, a camper mentioned, "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."
Limited tent camping options: Many parks prioritize RVs over tent camping. One visitor to Oleta River State Park noted, "This place has cabins and a shared bathroom, but it is such an amazing park right in the middle of an overcrowded city!"
Tips for camping with families
Water parks within camping facilities: Several campgrounds include water recreation for children. At Miami Everglades RV Resort, a family noted, "Myself, my husband, and our 2 year old son recently started camping as a family. We originally chose Miami Everglades RV Resort as a site to test our new equipment... It is very clean, upkept well, and all staff were extremely helpful."
Playground access: County parks often have extensive children's areas. One camper at C.B. Smith Park mentioned, "The park is very well maintained. 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."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Some parks offer chances to see Florida wildlife. At C.B. Smith Park, a visitor recommended, "If you go to the park, make sure you see the burrowing owls."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for large rigs: For large RVs, request specific sites that accommodate your length. At Davie / Fort Lauderdale KOA, a camper advised, "Staff were very helpful getting backed in and set up. Pool was nice and clean. Down side/ 1: all the sites are so close together 2: the WI-FI is the worst of any KOA I have been to."
Utility connections: Check placement of hookups before arrival. At Yacht Haven Park & Marina, one RVer cautioned, "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. Luckily we were able to reach."
Road navigation: Plan your route carefully through urban areas. A visitor to Topeekeegee Yugnee Park warned, "Roads getting in the RV park are good but watch out for branches with big units outside the park to the north."
