Camping options near Plantation, Florida blend urban amenities with outdoor recreation in Broward County's subtropical climate. Most campgrounds remain open year-round with temperatures averaging 75-85°F during winter months, making the region popular with seasonal campers from northern states. Proximity to I-95 and Florida's Turnpike provides easy access to beaches, shopping, and attractions within a 15-mile radius.
What to do
Disc golf course access: Easterlin Park Campground offers an extensive disc golf course with wooded fairways. "I have been here a few times mainly to use the trails for disc golf. This park is a true escape from the hustle and bustle of South Florida life," notes one visitor.
Water activities: At Markham Park Campground, campers can access waterways directly from certain sites. "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 a camper.
Family recreation: C.B. Smith Park Campground provides extensive family activities. "The park is very well maintained. The lake/dock area is beautiful, and there's a massive playground across from the campground in the main park," notes a seasonal visitor who stayed for five months.
What campers like
Urban convenience with natural settings: Davie/Fort Lauderdale KOA balances accessibility with green spaces. "It had tropical flowers and plants and was right across from the pond. My grandson loved looking at and feeding the ducks and turtles. It is across the street from a massive park that is perfect for all family members."
Park amenities: Topeekeegee Yugnee Park Campground offers multiple facilities within walking distance. "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. There's a water park for the kids, volleyball, many gazebos with grilling areas and more."
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds feature water bodies with resident wildlife. At Markham Park Campground, "There are gators in the water which is much deeper than one would think," while C.B. Smith campers enjoy "The lake/dock area is beautiful" with various waterfowl.
What you should know
Noise considerations: Many campgrounds experience urban noise due to their location. At Easterlin Park Campground, "Pros... Clean & well maintained, Nice level paved sites, Fairly private, Lots of shade... Cons... Noise from I-95 and occasional train."
Security measures: Several parks implement security systems. Topeekeegee Yugnee Park Campground "closes at 8, you can still enter through the exit gate until midnight and then have to call security to get in/out," while other parks feature staffed security gates.
Site selection strategy: When booking at Davie/Fort Lauderdale KOA, "Went into the office and got a map of the available sites. They also had photos of the spots if you didn't want to do the driving," allowing campers to select optimal locations.
Seasonal dynamics: Winter brings increased occupancy to all sites. "This palce gets really crowded during winter season," notes a Davie/Fort Lauderdale KOA visitor, making advance reservations essential from November through March.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: C.B. Smith Park Campground features "a massive playground across from the campground in the main park" that's ideal for children of various ages.
Water park options: Topeekeegee Yugnee Park Campground includes a water park within walking distance of camping areas. "There's a water park for the kids, volleyball, many gazebos with grilling areas and more."
Wildlife education: Multiple parks offer wildlife viewing opportunities. At Davie/Fort Lauderdale KOA, one family noted their "grandson loved looking at and feeding the ducks and turtles" while another mentioned "If you go to the park, make sure you see the burrowing owls."
Budget considerations: For families seeking economy camping, Markham Park Campground offers different price points. "We are tent campers and feel a bit out of place around all the RVS. sewage and electrical connection available at sites, as well as water. The bathrooms are decent enough and locked with a door code. A bit crowded but close enough to civilization that it makes a great alternative to a hotel, although the price isn't much difference $50/night."
Tips from RVers
Site privacy variations: Paradise Island RV Resort offers varying degrees of separation. "This is an older campground with a lot of full-time RVers. The staff are extremely friendly and helpful and will do whatever they can to make you satisfied. 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."
Utility placement challenges: Check hookup locations before booking. At Yacht Haven Park & Marina, one RVer noted they "had to run our electric cable and water hose under the camper" due to poor placement.
Arrival timing: Several campgrounds have challenging navigation for large rigs, especially after dark. "We were caught in a few traffic jams on the way in, and ended up arriving half an hour after sunset... I got to the site and realized it would be impossible to back in without dragging my 20,000 pound camper through their grass."
WiFi quality: Connectivity varies significantly between parks. Some RVers report excellent service: "We had great WiFi" at Easterlin Park, while others note "the WI-FI is the worst of any KOA I have been to" at Davie/Fort Lauderdale KOA.
