Glamping in South Miami, Florida provides access to subtropical landscapes where average annual temperatures hover around 76°F with minimal temperature variation throughout the year. The region receives approximately 60 inches of rainfall annually, primarily during the summer wet season from May to October. Sites typically sit on flat terrain at near sea level elevations, with most locations having sandy or limestone-based soil composition.
What to do
Biking on urban trails: Oleta River State Park Campground offers 15 miles of trails across more than 1,000 acres of protected land. A camper noted, "Some bike trails get flooded and are closed sometimes. The website gives the latest updates."
Fishing opportunities: Larry & Penny Thompson Park provides a stocked pond for anglers. "Fishing was good in the pond nearby. 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 one visitor.
Water recreation access: Riptide RV Resort provides waterfront relaxation with basic facilities. "There's a community grill, picnic area, and chairs to enjoy the sunsets," mentions a camper who appreciated the simple waterfront amenities.
Zoo visit convenience: The proximity to Miami Zoo from Larry & Penny Thompson Park creates easy access for wildlife viewing. A visitor commented, "We camped here for 6 nights as a home base while fishing the area... Bathrooms were clean and staff was friendly."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Southern Comfort RV Resort maintains functional bathhouses and amenities. One camper noted, "For the area this is a large park. I believe over 150 sites. The sites are decent in size. There is a bar/Tiki Hut on premise and a big swimming pool open year round."
Urban convenience: Paradise Island RV Resort offers city-based camping with full amenities. A visitor shared, "Campground in the city, great guest services, friendly staff. Near grocery store, and everything! Full hookup sites, spots are big and concrete roads, amenities like restrooms and showers are clean."
Affordability: Larry & Penny Thompson Park provides budget-friendly accommodations. A camper mentioned, "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."
Wildlife encounters: The natural setting creates opportunities for animal sightings. According to a tent camper, "This is a tent 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."
What you should know
Stay duration limits: Quiet Waters Park and other local facilities have specific length-of-stay restrictions. At 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."
Urban noise levels: Being near metropolitan areas means sound pollution can be an issue. At Larry & Penny Thompson Park, "Near a major street, so it can get noisy - and on weekends you can hear the music from a local bar."
Site allocation process: Tent camping follows different protocols than RV camping. One camper explained, "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."
Security considerations: Urban proximity brings concerns about property security. One unhappy camper at Larry & Penny Thompson Park reported, "Talking to neighbors today we found out that theft of bicycles and other items is common here."
Tips for camping with families
Pool access scheduling: Southern Comfort RV Resort has specific pool hours that families should plan around. A visitor noted, "Large pool. Decent facilities but do need updating."
Wildlife protection measures: Food storage precautions prevent animal encounters. One camper advised, "We spent an entire night fending them off with a slingshot and they didn't bother us again."
Educational opportunities: Proximity to Miami Zoo creates learning experiences. A camper shared, "This campground is a great central base camp for those visiting Biscayne NP/ Everglades NP and Miami. Clean and safe, with spots for both RV's and tents."
Water activities for children: Oleta River State Park offers family-friendly paddle sports. According to a visitor, "You can bike, snorkel, paddle, run, picnic, rent cabins, primitive camp, and even get married. No bugs during the day."
Tips from RVers
Gate closure timing: Paradise Island RV Resort and similar facilities have specific entry hours. At Larry & Penny Thompson Park, "gates locked at 8pm" as one RVer noted when describing the park's security measures.
Site layout challenges: Southern Comfort presents navigation difficulties for larger rigs. An RVer mentioned, "The entrance is a little hidden and tight but doable. We were towing a 36' travel trailer."
Hookup specifics: Oleta River State Park Campground has limited RV facilities despite its glamping options. One visitor clarified, "Called to inquire pricing and was told they do not have RV sites."
Traffic patterns: Accessing certain glamping sites near South Miami requires careful driving. According to an RVer, "If heading south and coming off the FL Turnpike, you have to get over several lanes in a short distance to make the left turn on to Palm Drive. Lucky for me, there were some understanding FL drivers that let me over."
