Several cabin accommodations dot the Miami region with varying degrees of amenities and settings. Oleta River State Park offers cabin rentals within Florida's largest urban park, located just 30 minutes from downtown Miami. These cabins provide basic accommodations with shared bathroom facilities nearby. "This place has cabins and a shared bathroom, but it is such an amazing park right in the middle of an overcrowded city," notes one camper, mentioning rates of approximately $55 per night. Larry & Penny Thompson Park provides cabin options with access to clean facilities and a swimming pool that typically operates Wednesday through Sunday from 11am to 5pm.
Rustic cabins and more developed accommodations can be found throughout the Miami area campgrounds. Most locations require advance reservations, with stays ranging from short weekend trips to extended periods. Larry & Penny Thompson Park offers longer-term options, with monthly rates around $850 for full hookup sites. Pet policies vary significantly by location - Oleta River State Park does not permit pets, while other campgrounds like KOA Hollywood allow them with restrictions. A visitor mentioned, "The campground is very reasonably priced relative to accommodations in the surrounding area. The facilities are clean and functional."
Most cabin accommodations provide basic furnishings but require guests to bring their own linens, towels, and personal items. Kitchen facilities vary significantly between locations - some offer only minimal cooking equipment while others provide more comprehensive setups. Campers should verify what supplies are included before arrival. Several campgrounds have on-site laundry facilities, including Larry & Penny Thompson Park. Nearby amenities include Zoo Miami, and at certain locations like Encore Miami Everglades, camp stores provide basic supplies. For more extensive shopping needs, grocery stores are located within driving distance of most cabin properties.
"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."
"This is city owned and operated Park/Campground. This fact is significant. It is very pretty with lots of mature shade trees. The RV's are assigned space around several pods."
"The sites closer to the cabin area are closer together. I wouldn't recommend this campsite for actual campsite, but rather the excellent location and fun activities and amenities of the park. "
"Miami Everglades RV Resort is in the Miami area but it doesn't feel like Miami at all. They have a really nice big pool, shuffleboard, putt putt golf, arcade and walking trail."
"The park is very well maintained. The front area is more for weekenders. We stayed in the back behind the lake and it was very quiet/family friendly."
"My site was private and (mostly) clean. Easy pull throughs available if you’re not a savvy backer-upper. The only downside was the loud music playing at the park next door, and I love music!"
"This place has cabins and a shared bathroom, but it is such an amazing park right in the middle of an overcrowded city!! I love going here is like 55 bucks a night or so!!"
"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!"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $55 / night
"Conveniently located near stores and everything you would need. Close to airport."
"Had a wonderful week at the naval station in Key West. It only cost $40 per night. All amenities were available."
"The grounds and views of all the surrounding yachts are simply spectacular. Everything here is setup for convenience and comfort."
from $110 - $300 / night
"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."
"There is so much to do we biked to nearly everything including nearby restaurants, we hung at the beach, kayaked and did trail walks with the dog."
"There is power and picnic tables, but you might initially be confused as to who’s table is who’s depending on how people before you have arranged things to fit their RVs….or at least we were for a few"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $36 / night
"We stayed here about 4 days on our way down to the Keys. 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."
GuideReally nice clean campground clean showers and bathrooms snorkeling diving glass bottom boats kayak rentals on site went on the snorkeling trip really inexpensive $45 went to Christ of the abyss beautiful reef lots of colorful fish all around great time
GuideWe planned on staying here for 5 months and hoped for longer. But today, We just put in our notice that we are leaving. I hope my experience will help you make your decision to stay here. While management is extremely proud of writing 1000 notices to people over the last year, this is still the reality of what you get. They don't seem to know what's available, unless you speak Spanish. Then they got a spot for you. Lots of RV's with window ac units. Refrigerators outside Gate doesn't always work Gym is a joke 2 out of 6 washers out of order for months 2 out of 6 dryers out of order for months Men's and women's showers has no ac and standing water. Neighbors raising pigeons behind his RV. Few Neighbors have pit bulls Pool is nice.(When people are not watching chickens fight on their phone while standing in pool) LOTS OF FOR SALE SIGNS HERE. People are trying to leave this place. Good luck and safe travels
ScoutI had a really amazing experience that has gotten me hooked on camp life. Between the beautiful nature trails, various on-site activities and clean friendly environment I can say with certainty that I am now a camper for life!
LegendThere is something truly magical about waking up surrounded by swaying palms and that unmistakable saltwater breeze, and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo feels like stepping straight into a tropical adventure designed for families. This is a well-known and beautifully maintained state park with a moderate number (like 40 total) of campsites tucked among the trees, offering a mix of privacy and EZ access to the park’s main attractions, with clean restrooms, showers and plenty of kid-friendly activities that keep little ones engaged from sunrise to sunset. One of our favorite moments was taking the boys out on the glass bottom boat, watching their faces light up as colorful, exotic fish drifted through the coral reef below us, a memory that felt equal parts educational and awe-inspiring. While the sites are close together, offering next to zero privacy, the restroom / shower facilities were good (not great) and overall, the vibe of being here was quite positive. I would absolutely recommend this campground for families thanks to its unique ocean experiences, well-kept facilities, and unforgettable activities that make it so much more than just a place to sleep.
TravelerClean, quiet and full hookups. Bath with showers and laundry. Lots of blacktop to bike. Right on a Marina and beaches.
GuideWe were lucky enough to swoop this site when someone else cancelled, and it was fantastic!
Snorkeling is a MUST. We just did a walk in and booked a same day snorkel boat tour that was epic. There’s plenty of tours that go out and prices are totally reasonable.
Campground is lovely, small and easily accessible. Short walk to the beach, which is small and sweet. Lovely swim and views.
Staff is super helpful and friendly, and overall vibe is nice. Clean bathrooms and showers, however there’s definitely a buggy atmosphere once the sun starts to set. If you’re fully self-contained, shouldn’t be too much of a problem.
Overall this spot is a 4.5 stars (only cuz of the bugs) and is a great spot to check out in the Keys.
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!
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.
ScoutFor $130/night-this place is a crowded dump with poorly maintained muddy sites.
Cabin camping near Miami, Florida spans from coastal locations to areas bordering wildlife reserves. Located at the southern tip of Florida, the region experiences a tropical monsoon climate with warm temperatures averaging 75-85°F year-round. Winter months (December-April) represent prime camping season when lower humidity and temperatures in the 70s create more comfortable conditions.
Water activities at state parks: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Campground offers abundant water recreation options. "Awesome place to go for water enthusiasts. There's boating, canoeing, kayaking, snorkeling, fishing, and there's a good beach for the little kids to enjoy the water," notes José C. The park provides full hookups with both 30 and 50 amp service available.
Urban trail exploration: Oleta River State Park Campground provides outdoor recreation within Miami's metropolitan area. "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," states L O. The park charges approximately $55 per night for cabin stays.
Shoreline fishing: Kings Kamp RV Park Tent Camping and Bay Front Marina offers water access directly from the property. "It actually has a small marina, so bring the boat or kayak and launch right there. We found a nice little spot where we fished and had our lunch by," shares Amanda K. The campground provides both tent sites and cabin accommodations with direct water access.
Central location: Larry & Penny Thompson Park serves as a strategic base camp for regional attractions. "This campsite is a great central base camp for those visiting Biscayne NP/Everglades NP and Miami. Clean and safe, with spots for both RVs and tents. Bathrooms/showers/laundry facilities on site are well maintained," reports sandra R.
Affordable pricing: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Campground provides good value compared to other Keys accommodations. "We camped here for 6 nights as a home base while fishing the area. I would say 17 bucks a night is a little pricey for a tent site but not outrageous," notes Finn H. The campground's shaded tent sites help mitigate the Florida heat.
Pool facilities: Southern Comfort RV Resort offers swimming options as part of their amenities. "There is a bar/Tiki Hut on premise and a big swimming pool open year round," mentions Thom T. The park accommodates over 150 sites and fills quickly during winter months with seasonal visitors.
Site spacing varies significantly: Campgrounds near Miami often feature closely positioned sites. At Kings Kamp, "To say these sites are tight is an understatement. You're practically touching your neighbors," reports Chad. Meanwhile, Larry & Penny Thompson Park offers more space, with "RVs assigned space around several pods. Each pod has its own bathhouse with laundry facilities."
Wildlife management required: Local wildlife may require visitor vigilance. "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," shares Finn H. about Larry & Penny Thompson Park.
Seasonal rate fluctuations: Encore Miami Everglades prices vary by season and reservation length. "We stayed for a week. Not many frills, certainly not a resort and bathroom frequently ran out of TP, but as a relatively affordable base of vacation operations it was good," explains rob K. The resort serves as a convenient starting point for exploring both the Everglades and the Florida Keys.
Choose cabin accommodations with amenities: Some parks offer cabin rentals ideal for families seeking more structure. "We had a nice experience at John Pennekamp. There is so much to do we biked to nearly everything including nearby restaurants, we hung at the beach, kayaked and did trail walks with the dog," shares Maria E.
Consider noise levels when selecting sites: Some campgrounds experience significant noise issues. At Kings Kamp RV Park, "tenting is by the highway and under lights. Very noisy and bright for sleeping," warns Maryellen. Select interior sites when possible to minimize highway noise impact.
Check pool operating schedules: Family-friendly water features operate on varied schedules. At Encore Miami Everglades, "It's a huge pool but they only let 20 in at a time," reports Nancy. Always verify pool hours and capacity restrictions before promising swimming activities to children.
Length restrictions matter: Many Miami area campgrounds have tight turns and limited space. At John Pennekamp, "the roads are very narrow that we could barely get our 5th wheel in," shares Robin M. Always call ahead to confirm your specific RV length can be accommodated.
Utility connections vary widely: Hookup placement and availability differs between properties. At Yacht Haven Park & Marina, one RVer noted they "were unable to hook up to sewer, and had to run our electric cable and water hose under the camper." Bring extension cords and hoses to account for potentially awkward utility placements.
Security considerations: Some campgrounds experience theft issues. At Larry & Penny Thompson Park, a camper reported their "Ford F-250 King Ranch 4x4 diesel got stolen in the middle of the day from right in front of our RV at this park." Always secure valuables and inquire about security measures when booking cabin or RV sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find cabin camping near Miami?
Several quality cabin options are available within reasonable distance of Miami. Larry & Penny Thompson Park offers cabin accommodations in a city-owned park with mature shade trees and is conveniently located about 30 minutes from Biscayne National Park. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Campground in Key Largo provides cabins in a beautiful setting with easy access to water activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and beach access. Other cabin options can be found at KOA Hollywood and The Boardwalk RV Resort in Homestead, both offering proximity to Miami attractions while providing the cabin camping experience you're seeking.
What amenities are included in Miami camping cabins?
Miami area camping cabins typically come well-equipped for comfortable stays. At Encore Miami Everglades, cabins include air conditioning, basic furniture, and access to resort amenities like a large swimming pool, shuffleboard courts, mini-golf, arcade, and walking trails. Most cabins in the region provide electricity, beds with mattresses, small refrigerators, and microwave ovens. Some offer kitchenettes with basic cooking supplies. The more luxurious options may include private bathrooms, while others require using the campground's shared facilities. Many cabins provide outdoor spaces with picnic tables and fire rings. Campgrounds like Oleta River State Park Campground offer unique amenities with cabins featuring waterfront views and easy access to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Are there Spanish-speaking camping facilities with cabins in Miami?
Yes, several campgrounds with cabins in the Miami area accommodate Spanish-speaking guests. Southern Comfort RV Resort has bilingual staff who can assist Spanish-speaking campers, making it accessible for the local Hispanic community and international visitors. Kings Kamp RV Park also typically has Spanish-speaking staff members available. Given Miami's large Hispanic population, many county-operated parks like Larry & Penny Thompson Park have some bilingual staff. When making reservations, you can typically request Spanish-language assistance. For the best experience, call ahead to confirm language capabilities at your specific destination, as staffing may vary by season.
How much do camping cabins in Miami cost?
Cabin pricing in the Miami area varies by location and amenities. At Southern Comfort RV Resort, cabins typically range from $85-$125 per night depending on the season, with weekly rates available offering better value. At Encore Miami Everglades, cabin rates start around $95-$150 per night, with price fluctuations during peak winter months when the snowbirds arrive. Most campgrounds require a 2-night minimum stay on weekends, and many charge additional fees for extra guests beyond the standard occupancy. For budget options, consider county-operated parks which may offer more affordable cabin alternatives, though availability is often limited.
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