Tent camping near North Miami Beach, Florida requires specific preparation due to limited facilities and variable weather conditions. Many sites lie within 25 miles of the city center, with most requiring water transport or hiking to access. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winter brings more comfortable conditions between 60-75°F.
What to do
Water activities: Kayaking and fishing at Sawgrass Recreation Park provide immersive Everglades experiences. One camper noted, "This place saved my buddy and I. Didn't book ahead anywhere else in town and ended up stumbling into this little gem. Just beautiful spot."
Lighthouse tours: Visitors can explore the historic lighthouse on Boca Chita Key and take in views of Miami's skyline from 25 miles away. A visitor mentioned, "This small island in Biscayne National Park offers a distant view of the Miami skyline, gorgeous aqua water for swimming, snorkeling, boating and fishing."
Wildlife observation: The waters around Elliott Key support over 500 fish species and coral reefs. According to one camper, "We saw a ton of wildlife, beautiful waters, and views. Unfortunately, there's a TON of liter (not the park's fault, just dirty people who don't care about the environment)."
What campers like
Waterfront campsites: The tent sites at Quiet Waters Park provide direct water access. "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," one visitor shared.
Group camping options: Elliott Key accommodates larger groups with dedicated space. "We 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. It had cover and picnic tables so we could escape from the rain," a camper reported.
Seclusion without distance: Campers value the remote feeling despite proximity to urban areas. A visitor to Frog Hammock stated, "This is a biutiful campground. Nice place to get away from everything."
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most tent-only sites near North Miami Beach lack showers and drinking water. At Boca Chita Key, "There are flush toilets and the odor is so strong you won't linger! Bring potable water," according to one camper.
Weather vulnerability: Plan for sudden storms, especially during summer months. One visitor to Elliott Key shared, "We 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."
Transportation requirements: Most campgrounds require specific access methods. Sawgrass Recreation Park sometimes has challenging access: "Because of the rain, getting to and from the campsites by car may be challenging, and the area could be muddy," one camper reported.
Deposit requirements: Some campgrounds require refundable deposits. At Sawgrass Recreation Park, "A $200 deposit is also pending, subject to a damage inspection of the campsite," according to a recent visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: AD Barnes Park offers accessible tent camping with better facilities for families with young children, including drinking water, electric hookups, and permanent toilets.
Safety measures: Bring life jackets for water activities, as currents can be unpredictable around the keys.
Bug protection: Insects are persistent year-round. A camper at Boca Chita Key advised, "Remember to bring bug spray! It is home to many animals and plants with over 500 species of fish."
Seasonal timing: Winter camping (November-February) provides more comfortable temperatures and fewer insects. One visitor noted, "The camground is only open during dry season, which is late winter."
Tips from RVers
Urban proximity camping: Quiet Waters Park accommodates tent campers seeking convenient access to urban amenities. A visitor mentioned, "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."
Water access considerations: RV camping options are limited near waterfront areas, making tent camping the primary option for those seeking water proximity.
Facilities research: Call ahead to verify current amenities. One camper at Quiet Waters Park warned, "Closed till further notice," highlighting the importance of checking operational status before planning a visit.
