Camping near Palmetto Bay, Florida offers various sites just 10-30 minutes from this southern Miami-Dade community. Located at approximately 10 feet above sea level with subtropical conditions, the camping season runs strongest from November through April when temperatures range from 60-80°F. Insects become notably more problematic during summer months when afternoon thunderstorms frequently occur.
What to do
Wildlife viewing at Everglades National Park: Long Pine Key Campground offers convenient access to wildlife trails approximately 45 minutes from Palmetto Bay. A camper noted, "There are tons of gators, lizards, and other animals to find. But definitely be careful as well! This is a great place to go camping with a friend and get a real wilderness experience."
Water activities at Biscayne National Park: Accessible only by boat, Elliott Key provides primitive camping with opportunities for snorkeling and kayaking. A visitor shared, "When we went, we did a lot of kayaking. We saw a ton of wildlife, beautiful waters, and views."
Island camping near Miami: Boca Chita Key features a historic lighthouse and beach access. According to a camper, "This small island in Biscayne National Park offers a distant view of the Miami skyline, gorgeous aqua water for swimming, snorkeling, boating and fishing."
What campers like
Affordable base camp: Sites near Palmetto Bay provide lower-cost alternatives to Miami hotels. At Long Pine Key Campground, a visitor reported, "My wife and I spent 4 days at Long Pine Key Campground in December. The weather was great. Plenty to see and do in the Everglades National Park (hiking, kayaking, cycling, bird watching, etc)."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain reliable shower and restroom facilities despite high usage. One camper at Long Pine Key noted, "Nice, clean, stocked bathrooms and large showers. Also have a dish sink by the bathhouse. Bugs are 10x better here than over at Flamingo."
Pool access: Several campgrounds feature swimming pools for cooling off after exploring. A guest at Encore Miami Everglades mentioned, "RV park with nice and and warm pool close to Miami."
What you should know
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds have experienced water system issues. A recent visitor to Encore Miami Everglades warned, "Our stay was unfortunately impacted by a serious and unannounced issue. We were only informed upon arrival that the campground's well water contained fecal matter and was a potential source of E. coli."
Security considerations: Take standard precautions with valuables at all sites. At The Boardwalk RV And Mobile Home Resort, a camper advised, "This park is mostly quiet but full of sketchy people. We saw our neighbors selling illegal firearms to a young kid in his front yard. Lock your stuff up if you're going to leave anything outside."
Limited site size: RV sites may be smaller than advertised. A camper at Long Pine Key observed, "Pads on the 108 sites are paved but short! Our site F-92 was labeled 29-33 feet, but our 24'6" was barely out of the road with the rear hanging into the brush."
Tips for camping with families
Tent camping areas: Select sites with adequate separation from other campers for privacy. At Larry & Penny Thompson Park, a visitor described, "The tent area is off to one side and well shaded by mature trees. It's an area rather than sites. You pick your spot, put up a tent and place a large numbered sign by your area and you've got your spot."
Wildlife encounters: Prepare children for wildlife interactions including raccoons and feral cats. One camper at Larry & Penny Thompson Park shared, "Beware of the feral cats and raccoons though. We spent an entire night fending them off with a slingshot and they didn't bother us again."
Length-of-stay restrictions: Check specific rules before booking extended stays. A camper noted about Larry & Penny Thompson Park, "Wish the website was clearer on length of stay - 30 days for RVs and 7 days for tent campers. After 7 days, you have to leave and can't return for 30 days."
Tips from RVers
Alternative camping season: Consider spring or fall camping when rates are lower and crowds thinner. At Southern Comfort RV Resort, a visitor mentioned, "Last campground before the Keys. Lots of sites. Not overly large sites so you may have trouble parking at your site. It gets crowded during the NASCAR race as the Homestead track is 5 miles down the road."
Site selection: Request perimeter sites for additional privacy when possible. A camper at Encore Miami Everglades noted, "If you truly like camping with space to breath, then this resort may not be for you. These sites are so close together there is little privacy."
Utility hookups: Verify water and electrical service before arrival. One visitor at Encore Miami Everglades reported, "On several occasions our water went out (in the middle of a shower and another time during dinner prep, and yet again while doing laundry!) Cable also went out several times."
