Camping options near North Miami, Florida primarily consist of established campgrounds with varying amenities rather than dispersed camping areas. Oleta River State Park Campground, located within Florida's largest urban park, offers a unique camping experience with cabins and tent sites approximately 30 minutes from downtown Miami. The park spans over 1,000 acres with 15 miles of trails for biking, hiking, and other outdoor activities. Other nearby options include Topeekeegee Yugnee Park Campground in Hollywood, which provides full hookups for RVs, and several KOA locations that accommodate both tent and RV camping. North Miami campgrounds offer diverse waterfront camping opportunities, with Yacht Haven Park & Marina combining waterfront access with camping facilities.
Seasonal considerations in this urban camping environment differ from wilderness camping, with year-round availability at most established sites. Many campgrounds in the region require advance reservations, especially during winter months when snowbirds increase demand. The climate remains warm throughout the year, though summer months bring higher humidity and occasional heavy rainfall. Most campgrounds offer paved sites with concrete pads, making access straightforward regardless of weather conditions. Amenities vary significantly between locations, with some offering full hookup capabilities while others provide more primitive experiences. "Hard to believe that this oasis is so close to major urban centers, but it's true. It boasts 15-miles of trails in more than 1,000 acres! You can bike, snorkel, paddle, run, picnic, rent cabins, primitive camp, and even get married," noted one camper about Oleta River State Park.
Campers report varying experiences with noise levels at these urban and suburban campgrounds. Several visitors mentioned train tracks and highway proximity creating noise issues at Topeekeegee Yugnee Park, despite its otherwise excellent facilities. One camper described this location as having "great power, good water pressure and cable" with "very clean" bathrooms and showers. Security appears to be a significant consideration for campgrounds in this metropolitan area, with several reviews highlighting park security presence as a positive feature. While natural settings are limited compared to more remote camping destinations, parks like Oleta River provide surprising natural environments within the urban landscape. As one visitor commented about Oleta River State Park: "This place has cabins and a shared bathroom, but it is such an amazing park right in the middle of an overcrowded city!"
$35 - $57 / night
"Stayed here over a holiday weekend and enjoyed it, roads getting in the RV park are good but watch out for branches with big units outside the park to the north."
"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 and are just nice looking. "
"This KOA was close to family and friends. Stayed for five nights. It was clean and I felt safe. Staff were very helpful getting backed in and set up."
"It's located near many attractions and shopping. Beautiful sunset viewing across the street at Vista View Park and easy highway access. You're going to love your stay at this KOA!"
"A lot of trails to walk in the middle of the nature. Mini golf. Water park wasn't open on March."
"We stayed in the back behind the lake and it was very quiet/family friendly. The lake/dock area is beautiful, and there’s a massive playground across from the campground in the main park."
$110 - $300 / night
"If you camp on the canal, chances are you will be right next to some amazing yachts! 7 minutes to Ft Lauderdale Beach and 7 minutes the other way to Seminole Hard Rock Casino Hollywood!"
"The grounds and views of all the surrounding yachts are simply spectacular. Everything here is setup for convenience and comfort."
$55 / night
"Hard to believe that this oasis is so close to major urban centers, but it's true. It boasts 15-miles of trails in more than 1,000 acres!"
$5000 - $10000 / night
"The location was peaceful and relaxing. we would definitely stay here again. Highly recommend!"
"The town around has very nice restaurants in Tarpon Springs but some of the area can be a little sketchy. One thing I see is that the park itself was safe."
"For south florida, its about as good as it gets. Also has a nice observatory on saturday nights to visit."
"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."
"Conveniently located near stores and everything you would need. Close to airport."
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.
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.
GuideThis is a good enough spot if you’re looking to overnight somewhere. If you walk down to the water facility, you might be lucky enough to see the Manatee family that lives here. There’s lots of trash here so if you’re a leave it better than you found it kind of person, bring an extra bag. There are trash cans everywhere but there’s also lots of trash.
Camping options near North Miami, Florida center around established campgrounds with full hookups and amenities rather than remote, dispersed sites. The region maintains year-round warm temperatures with summer highs averaging 88-92°F and winter lows rarely dropping below 60°F. Most campgrounds in this urban area feature paved sites with concrete pads, and many require advance reservations during the peak winter season when northern visitors increase demand.
Waterfront fishing and boating: Markham Park Campground provides excellent access for water activities, with some sites directly adjacent to waterways. "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," reports one camper, noting that "the water is much deeper than one would think."
Mountain biking on maintained trails: Markham Park offers dedicated mountain biking trails within the park boundaries. "Lots of room to roam here. Great mountain bike trails, lakes, woods, disc golf, flora and fauna," states one reviewer, highlighting the diversity of recreational options available without leaving the campground property.
Visit urban attractions: Yacht Haven Park & Marina provides convenient access to both natural settings and city amenities. "7 minutes to Ft Lauderdale Beach and 7 minutes the other way to Seminole Hard Rock Casino Hollywood!" mentions one camper, making this location practical for those wanting to combine camping with urban experiences.
Secure camping environments: Safety measures are frequently mentioned in reviews of campgrounds in this metropolitan region. At Topeekeegee Yugnee Park Campground, one visitor noted, "Very well lit at night with security. The RV park is located in the back of the county park," while another mentioned, "There was a onsite police staying in the very first spot."
Clean facilities: Campers consistently praise the maintenance of facilities at several campgrounds. One reviewer at Topeekeegee Yugnee Park described the site as having "bathrooms and showers were very clean" and another stated it was "Beautiful!! Well maintained!! Best time ever!!"
Unexpected natural settings: Despite the urban surroundings, several campgrounds offer surprisingly natural environments. At C.B. Smith Park Campground, campers enjoy the balance of developed and natural areas: "The lake/dock area is beautiful, and there's a massive playground across from the campground in the main park," making it suitable for various outdoor activities despite the urban setting.
Noise considerations: Train tracks and highway proximity affect some campgrounds. At Davie / Fort Lauderdale KOA, reviewers note: "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 access restrictions: Some campgrounds have limited hours. One camper mentioned that "park closes at 8, you can still enter through the exit gate until midnight and then have to call security to get in/out," which is important for visitors planning late returns.
Weather patterns: The region experiences predictable weather patterns, with summer bringing higher humidity and rainfall. During winter months (November-April), temperatures typically range from 60-75°F, making it popular with northern visitors, leading to one reviewer commenting, "This place gets really crowded during winter season."
Water attractions: Markham Park Campground offers multiple water-based recreation options. "Great for kids to repeat visit and build memories," notes one camper. Another adds that "it's a lovely place to wake up to in the morning," despite some daytime noise from "jet skis on the water."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated playground facilities. At C.B. Smith Park, one reviewer pointed out the "massive playground across from the campground in the main park," providing entertainment for younger campers.
Educational opportunities: Some campgrounds offer unique learning experiences. Markham Park includes "a nice observatory on Saturday nights to visit," allowing families to combine camping with educational astronomy activities in a setting where urban light pollution is minimized.
Site selection considerations: When booking at KOA Hollywood, RVers should note the compact layout. "This place is tiny and located basically in a neighborhood just off the highway," warns one reviewer, suggesting that larger rigs may face challenges with spacing.
Hookup quality varies: Electric and water quality differs between campgrounds. At Topeekeegee Yugnee Park, campers report "good power, good water pressure and cable but didn't use it. All paved or concrete," making it suitable for RVs requiring reliable utilities.
Reservation importance: Advance planning is essential, especially during winter months. "Stayed here for 5 months last winter. The park is very well maintained," noted one long-term RVer about C.B. Smith Park, indicating that extended stays are possible but require advance arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near North Miami, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, North Miami, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 57 campgrounds and RV parks near North Miami, FL and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near North Miami, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near North Miami, FL is Topeekeegee Yugnee Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 10 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near North Miami, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near North Miami, FL.
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