Tent campsites near Miami Springs, Florida require strategic planning, especially regarding water needs and heat considerations. Most camping options fall within the Everglades ecosystem or coastal islands, with access often limited to boat, kayak, or hiking trails. Winter months (November through March) typically provide more comfortable conditions with temperatures ranging from 50-75°F and significantly reduced mosquito activity compared to summer months.
What to do
Kayaking to remote sites: Accessing Canepatch Wilderness Campground requires water transportation, creating an immersive experience. "You have to either take a canoe, kayak, or motorboat. You can not access this site by car," notes one camper who arranged their trip through the Flamingo Visitor Center.
Wildlife viewing: The areas surrounding tent camping options provide diverse habitats for native Florida species. At Sawgrass Recreation Park, campers access primitive sites positioned along waterways. "The gorgeous scenery and safety made up for it. No one around at all, friendly staff when you needed and dirt cheap," reports one visitor.
Stargazing opportunities: Dark skies create excellent viewing conditions at backcountry sites. A visitor to Seven Mile Camp reported, "Very great star gazing at night. So dark when all your fire is out," highlighting the remote nature of these locations.
What campers like
Island camping experiences: Camping on islands provides unique perspectives of the surrounding waters. A visitor to Elliott Key shared, "We saw a ton of wildlife, beautiful waters, and views," though they noted finding "a TON of litter" from previous visitors.
Water activities: Snorkeling, swimming and fishing directly from campsites rank high among visitor preferences. "Enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, and everything water. A boat is needed to reach these campgrounds and are tent only," explains one Elliott Key camper.
Seclusion from urban areas: Despite proximity to Miami, many sites feel remarkably remote. A camper at Frog Hammock described it as a "nice tucked away oasis" and "a beautiful campground. Nice place to get away from everything."
What you should know
Water supply planning: Potable water is unavailable at most backcountry sites. A Seven Mile Camp visitor advised, "You need to bring all your water for your night and following day," emphasizing this critical preparation step.
Limited facilities: Many tent camping locations provide minimal infrastructure. At Boca Chita Key, a camper noted, "Toilets are available but no showers, sinks or drinking water," and warned about strong odors in the restroom facilities.
Weather considerations: South Florida's climate affects camping conditions significantly. "Since this is in South Florida, the winter months are the best time to camp. Any other time of the year is pretty hot and full of mosquitos," explains one Seven Mile Camp visitor.
Permit requirements: Several sites require advance permits with specific fees. For Canepatch, "You will need a backcountry permit in order to camp here... I believe the permit costs $15 (processing fee), and you also have to pay a small fee ($2) per person."
Tips for camping with families
Consider rental options: For families new to camping, structured facilities provide easier experiences. At Quiet Waters Park, "My husband and I rented a campground flat in December. It was on the water, had a grill, electricity, fire pit, tent, running water and was pet friendly."
Pack bug protection: Insects can be particularly troublesome for children. A Boca Chita Key visitor emphasized, "Remember to bring bug spray! It is home to many animals and plants with over 500 species of fish."
Plan for extreme weather: Shelter options become critical during Florida's sudden storms. At Elliott Key, one group "stayed at the group campsite and got hit with a ton of storms. Thankfully there was a shelter nearby where we hung out for most of our trip."
Consider noise levels: Some locations may not provide the quiet experience expected. A Boca Chita Key camper observed, "Between generators and music, it's not a quiet island. Tour boats from the park bring crowds a couple of times a day."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most tent campsites near Miami Springs do not accommodate RVs. The exceptions include Quiet Waters Park, which provides electric hookups and water connections for smaller rigs, and AD Barnes Park which lists RV accommodation but without specific hookup details.
Access challenges: Weather conditions can affect site accessibility. A Sawgrass Recreation Park visitor cautioned, "Because of the rain, getting to and from the campsites by car may be challenging, and the area could be muddy."
