Camping areas around North Miami provide convenient access to natural landscapes within an urban environment. Fort Lauderdale's subtropical climate creates year-round camping conditions with average temperatures between 75-90°F in summer and 60-75°F in winter. Several campgrounds in the region sit near waterways, allowing campers to observe boat traffic and local wildlife.
What to do
Water activities at parks: Markham Park Campground features lakes suitable for kayaking and fishing. As one camper notes, "We've got the water way right behind us with a wide open grassy area. Great for fishing or if you've got a jet ski you can easily get on and off right there."
Mountain biking on dedicated trails: Markham Park Campground maintains mountain bike trails for riders of all skill levels. A reviewer explains, "Lots of room to roam here. Great mountain bike trails, lakes, woods, disc golf, flora and fauna."
Astronomy observations: Markham Park offers weekend stargazing opportunities at their observatory. According to one camper, the park "has a nice observatory on saturday nights to visit."
Explore urban attractions: Urban camping locations provide quick access to city amenities. A C.B. Smith Park Campground visitor points out, "It's only 12 miles from the beach, and there is a multiscreen theatre for those rainy summer days."
What campers like
Concrete pads with full hookups: Campsites in the area typically feature level concrete pads for RVs. According to a C.B. Smith Park reviewer, "The campground was very clean with full hookups and sewer directly at our camp site."
Clean facilities with air conditioning: Topeekeegee Yugnee Park Campground receives praise for its well-maintained facilities. One camper explains, "We were pleasantly surprised by this park. The sites were level concrete pads, bathrooms air conditioned and clean as were the showers."
Convenient urban location: The proximity to urban services appeals to many campers. As a Paradise Island RV Resort visitor notes, "This is a campground in the city, great guest services, friendly staff. Near grocery store, and everything!"
Paved walking paths: Many local campgrounds connect to paved trails. A reviewer at Topeekeegee Yugnee Park describes, "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."
What you should know
Train noise at some locations: Several campgrounds sit near train tracks. A Topeekeegee Yugnee Park visitor warns, "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."
Park hour restrictions: Some campgrounds limit after-hours access. According to one camper at Topeekeegee Yugnee Park, "Other downside is park closes at 8, you can still enter through the exit gate until midnight and then have to call security to get in/out."
Urban noise considerations: The urban setting creates some noise issues. A Yacht Haven Park & Marina visitor explains, "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."
Seasonal site availability: South Florida's popularity during winter months affects reservations. A reviewer notes, "This place gets really crowded during winter season."
Tips for camping with families
Water park access: C.B. Smith Park includes water recreation facilities for children. A camper mentions, "In the park there is a water park, an outside gym, mini-golf, batting cages and driving range."
Dedicated playground areas: Many parks feature play equipment for children. One Markham Park reviewer states, "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."
Family-oriented security: Security presence provides peace of mind for families with children. A visitor to Topeekeegee Yugnee Park explains, "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."
Pet friendly facilities: Honey's Place allows pets, making it suitable for family camping trips with animals. Their small four-site setup creates a more intimate camping environment for families traveling with pets.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for large rigs: Choose sites carefully if operating a large RV. A visitor to Yacht Haven Park & Marina cautions, "We backed down the street, and proceeded to install some new ruts in the landscape around site 110."
Laundry facilities: Some campgrounds provide on-site laundry services. As one camper notes, "Very spacious and I cannot express how clean. Laundry on site always a plus."
Traffic considerations: Urban camping requires awareness of traffic patterns. A Topeekeegee Yugnee Park visitor advises, "Roads getting in the RV park are good but watch out for branches with big units outside the park to the north."
Wi-Fi quality varies: Connection quality differs between campgrounds. A Davie/Fort Lauderdale KOA camper points out, "The WI-FI is the worst of any KOA I have been to," while another campground visitor reports, "Was very surprised to have very fast wifi."
