Campsites around Palmetto Bay in southern Florida provide diverse accommodation options ranging from full-service RV parks to primitive tent camping. Larry & Penny Thompson Park serves as a central camping hub, offering tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations approximately 10 miles southwest of downtown. The Miami Everglades RV Resort provides another developed option with both RV and cabin rentals, while boat-accessible camping can be found at Biscayne National Park's Elliott Key and Boca Chita Key. Several campgrounds in the area feature swimming pools, laundry facilities, and proximity to major attractions including Zoo Miami and the Everglades.
Weather considerations significantly shape the camping experience in this subtropical region, with many campgrounds operating year-round but experiencing seasonal fluctuations in visitation. The Everglades' Long Pine Key Campground operates seasonally from November to May, avoiding the intense summer heat and mosquito season. Facilities vary widely across the region, from primitive tent sites with minimal amenities to fully developed RV resorts with full hookups, showers, and recreational facilities. Most developed campgrounds require reservations, particularly during the winter months when seasonal campers arrive. Security concerns may warrant consideration at some locations. As noted in one review: "Talking to neighbors today we found that theft of bicycles and other items is common, we wish we would have known earlier."
Campers consistently mention location advantages when reviewing sites near Palmetto Bay. Larry & Penny Thompson Park receives praise as "a great central base camp for those visiting Biscayne NP/Everglades NP and Miami," with visitors appreciating its cleanliness, safety, and reasonable pricing compared to other accommodations in the area. The Miami Everglades RV Resort earns positive mentions for its tropical ambiance and recreational amenities. A visitor described it as having "a pool with lounge chairs, palm trees and a tropical feel." Proximity to natural attractions represents a significant draw, with several campgrounds providing convenient access to Everglades National Park, Biscayne National Park, and the Florida Keys. Many sites accommodate various camping styles, from traditional tent camping to large RVs and cabin rentals, making the region suitable for diverse camping preferences.
"In southern Florida, campgrounds don’t usually come cheap, but we found Larry & Penny’s to be a great value with close access (30 minutes) to Biscayne National Park."
"It is close to the Encore Everglades park (about 4 miles) so we stayed here after we departed. The campground is divided into pods and each pod has about 15 or so sites. "
"This place is situated in the mirror middle of acres upon acres of ornamental trees and shrubs for sale by various companies."
"They have a really nice big pool, shuffleboard, putt putt golf, arcade and walking trail. It's off the beaten path but worth the drive. The front office staff was so helpful."
$60 - $80 / night
"Adjacent to Zoo Miami."
"Great campground near Biscayne and Everglades National Parks."
"The agent said she couldn’t look up which spots were available for the time frame we wanted, but we could drive around and find a few spots we wanted and then she could look it up. "
"Although in the northern end of the park, it's a great location to camp. Stayed in Site #70, which backs up to the lake with easy access to the trails and facilities. Quiet location."
"This park is located right off Route 1 in Florida City. For the area this is a large park. I believe over 150 sites. The sites are decent in size."
"Close to the Keys, Everglades, Bkscayne and shopping. Staff was helpful. I will go back."
$25 - $35 / night
$25 - $35 / night
"There's a small trail around the wooded end of the island. You can stay on your boat or pitch a tent on the island."
"Lock your stuff up if you're going to leave anything outside. The lots are huge and clean"
ScoutIt's great to be in Fort Lauderdale, so close to activities. RV park is old, poorly kept, and crowded. Mostly long-term campers who were very friendly. Vehicles parked onto narrow black top roads. Dead leaves blown to the side but not picked up. Peeling paint in showers. Friendly staff to our faces, but overheard them being unkind when they didn't know we could hear.
LegendJust south of ‘The Magic City’ (a.k.a. Miami), you’ll come across Kendall, which while definitely NOT a destination in and of itself, it does offer one of the ONLY real campgrounds within the Miami vicinity. Here, you’ll discover Larry & Penny Thompson Park Campground, which upon arrival, immediately feels like a breath of fresh air the moment you turn in off SW 184th Street, trading bumber-to-bumper grinding traffic and endless miles of jam-packed strip malls in exchange for tall palms, shady roads and a surprisingly peaceful park setting. The campground is tucked away within a sprawling county park operated by Miami-Dade, and the vibe leans more tropical retreat than urban escape, with birds chirping, breezes moving through the trees, and a calm that makes you forget you are still very much in South Florida.
Before I get into the ‘nuts& bolts’ of Larry & Penny Thompson Park CG, allow me to share – that I had a fairly HORRIBLE experience here. So let me share some more – not to be a ‘negative Nancy’ - but rather, in the hopes you can learn from my mistakes (or rather, the omissions of this CG) and not replicate the issues I experienced for yourself, allow me to shed some light on some concerns. To begin with, if you are a tent camper (like I was in this scenario) there is NO WAY to make a reservation. You simply have to show up and IF the folks in the park office feel like there’s enough room for you to stake out a piece of land on their garbage-strewn tent camping plot of grass, they alone have the DISCRETION to ALLOW you to pay them for the privilege. Given that ALL OF THOSE WITH RVs have reservation privileges, this relegates us tent campers to ‘second class citizens.’ Second, paying $28/ night gets you basically a patch of uneven land (with more tree roots that reminded me a lot of Stranger Things with all of those root-like moving alien arms all over the ground preventing a flat piece of outdoor nirvana to be discovered) and the right to access the community bathrooms. While there is solid shade and about a half dozen bag-lined garbage bins in the tent camping area, the picnic tables are all dilapidated (unlike those in the RV area that are nearly brand new), half of the water spigots didn’t function, there are no in-ground fire rings, the stand-up grills are a joke and there is ZERO electricity. Um, so what am I paying for you ask? Great question. But this wasn’t even the worst part. So here it is: I arrived at Larry & Penny Thompson Park Campground having driven nearly 8 HOURS all the way from St. Augustine and arrived at 5:13pm only to be greeted by incredibly RUDE county park staff who could only say “Sorry, you arrived after 5pm and we don’t allow any TENT CAMPERS to arrive after 5pm.” What I found preposterous is that NOWHERE – not online, not on TheDyrt and NOT EVEN ON-SITE – does it mention that one (OK, well at least us tent campers anyway) has to arrive BEFORE 5pm. Had that vital piece of information been shared with me during 1of the 3 phone calls I made to the property before I arrived – TRUST ME – I would have arrived 13 minutes earlier. You know what the worst part about this whole experience was? Apart from the fact that I was famished and exhausted, was nearly out of gas and my cell phone just died? There was absolutely NO REASON to deny me entry for arriving 13 minutes after their (artificial) deadline. All I can say is that I’m glad Mary and Joseph didn’t have to deal with Miami-Dade County Park staff that acted like hostile and rule-abiding ‘inn keepers’ otherwise our Lord and Savior would have had no other choice, like I did, but to check in to a nearby hotel. Thankfully, I had enough Marriott Bonvoy points to spend the night at a hotel, albeit an hour away.
OK, deep breath. Let it go, I say. So I returned the next day, registered my complaints and stayed for 2 nights. With this, the rest of my experience (apart from what had been previously noted) was a fairly positive one.
Before I move on, you're probably scratching your head saying "Why did this guy return after such a horrible experience?" Well, because it is the reason most choose to stay here - it is nearly the ONLY campground in the Miami, so it's either shell out $200 or $300 a night for a hotel or sleep under the stars.
The campground itself is fairly decent size with – count ‘em– not 3, not 7, but a total of 11 RV parking ‘pods’ (think small loops with about 20 slots in each) that have been thoughtfully laid out, with over 200 sites total offering full hookups, paved pads and a mix of sun and shade depending on your preference. Sites are mostly level and easy to navigate (even for larger setups) with the roads being wide enough to remove whatever stress you may be dealing with upon arrival. Amenities are strong across the board, including clean restrooms, intermittent hot showers (some days they were hot, some days they were ice cold, but no matter the day, the pressure was always incredibly low), pay-for-play laundry facilities, a few scattered playgrounds, an amenity center that offers up a large screen TV, lending library, DVDs and ample space for group gatherings. The best amenities? The amazing community pool located right next to the community center (note: only open between 10am– 5pm, so if you’ve come here because of work, that’s a bummer, unless you can work from the pool, which I couldn’t) and the freshwater lake with a sandy beach that feels like a built-in bonus for families. Oh, and during the summertime, there’s a waterslide facility that looks AMAZING! The park is pet-friendly, somewhat well-maintained if you’re not staying in the tent area (which, unfortunately, I was) and has a safe, welcoming feel throughout.
Beyond the campground, you are perfectly positioned to explore both nature and convenience. The park itself has miles of paved biking and walking trails, plus open green spaces and water access for a relaxing afternoon. Just a short drive away, you will find grocery options like Publix Super Market, Walmart Supercenter and additional essentials along US-1 along with a Costco that’s only like 20 minutes away. If you are looking to explore further, Biscayne National Park offers boating and snorkeling opportunities, while Miami Zoo is practically next door for an easy family outing. Not too far away from here you can also find fast food and casual dining spots for a bite to eat in case you grow tired of black beans w/ hot dogs for the third meal in a row.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) Aim for sites deeper into the loops for more shade and less road noise; (2) The freshwater lake and beach area are perfect for kids to cool off on warm afternoons; (3) Bring bikes as the paved trails throughout the park are ideal for cruising; (4) Keep an eye out for iguanas and wading birds around the water’s edge; (5) Shade varies quite a bit so a canopy can be helpful on sunnier sites - but if you are tent camping, you won't really need any shade, unless you want to be protected from the intermittent rains; (6) For a great nearby bite, check out Shiver’s BBQ at 28001 S Dixie Hwy, Homestead, FL 33033; (7) You will hear non-stop urban noise and traffic from anywhere in this campground, so while you may be shuddered from the noise inside your RV or camper, you won't be so lucky inside a tent, so if that bothers you, bring earplugs; and (8) OH, how could I forget!!! Don’t arrive here AFTER 5PM!!!
Happy Camping!
ScoutGreat campground near Biscayne and Everglades National Parks.
TravelerWe brought our canoe and put in on the boat dock. It was sweet paddling all around the mangrove islands. The campground is full of greenery, which lends slightly more privacy. A nice place to land for the night.
ScoutOur stay here was the best! Our host, John was extremely friendly, welcoming, and helpful, making sure we had everything we needed while also respecting our privacy. The location was peaceful and relaxing. we would definitely stay here again. Highly recommend!
GuideThis is a dirt parking lot on the Tamiami Trail (Rt 41) right along the canal. Airboats run all day. We didn't go on one but it looked fun. Great fishing! No water no hookups.
ScoutFor $130/night-this place is a crowded dump with poorly maintained muddy sites.
GuideThis is our first time in the Everglades ! We love this place! Each site is private from the next site. It's very quiet here the shower houses and the restrooms are clean and well kept. Everyone is very friendly
GuideGreat spot to rest before heading into the Everglades or doing an airboat tour. About 20 minutes from shark valley visitor center this is a great spot if you want to be one of the first to get in. Not a lot of spots and some of them were a little confusing on who's area belonged to which fire pit. Probably wouldn't stay more than a night or two but fine for what we needed.
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.
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."
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."
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."
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."
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Palmetto Bay, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Palmetto Bay, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 72 campgrounds and RV parks near Palmetto Bay, FL and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Palmetto Bay, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Palmetto Bay, FL is Larry & Penny Thompson Park with a 3.5-star rating from 22 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Palmetto Bay, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Palmetto Bay, FL.
What parks are near Palmetto Bay, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Palmetto Bay, FL that allow camping, notably Biscayne National Park and Everglades National Park.
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