Fort Lauderdale camping options feature subtropical climate conditions with average summer temperatures reaching 90°F and winter lows rarely dropping below 60°F. The area experiences a distinct wet season from May through October with afternoon thunderstorms common. Camping facilities near Fort Lauderdale remain open year-round with most sites providing shade protection and water access to mitigate the summer heat.
What to do
Water activities at lakes: Markham Park Campground offers fishing opportunities at multiple lakes where anglers report catching bass and panfish. According to Bob S., "Excellent Broward County park with full RV facilities. Plenty of recreational options. Great spot for first family camp out."
Mountain bike trails: The trail system at Markham Park Campground provides multiple difficulty levels for riders. "Lots of room to roam here. Great mountain bike trails, lakes, woods, disc golf, flora and fauna," notes JEFFREY W.
Observatory visits: The astronomy facilities at Markham Park open on Saturday evenings for public viewing. Robert D. confirms, "For south Florida, its about as good as it gets. Also has a nice observatory on saturday nights to visit."
Urban exploration: Paradise Island RV Resort provides convenient access to downtown Fort Lauderdale attractions. "Campground in the city, great guest services, friendly staff. Near grocery store, and everything! Full hookup sites, spots are big and concrete roads," says Milagros B.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Topeekeegee Yugnee Park Campground maintains air-conditioned restrooms and shower buildings. "Bathrooms and showers were very clean. Staff was great from the office to the park," notes Mark P., who adds, "Was very surprised to have very fast wifi."
Lake views: C.B. Smith Park Campground features waterfront sites overlooking a small lake with fishing docks. "The sunsets over the water are spectacular. Even though I'm a local, you never get tired of watching them," reports suzanne R.
Security measures: Campgrounds in the Fort Lauderdale area typically employ security personnel for guest safety. Michael F. mentions about C.B. Smith Park Campground, "Quiet, clean and very peaceful. The park is very well maintained. Very quiet/family friendly."
Walking paths: Most Fort Lauderdale area campgrounds feature paved walking/biking trails. Mark B. notes, "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."
What you should know
Train noise: Some campgrounds have nearby train tracks that create periodic noise disruption. Darren F. warns about Topeekeegee Yugnee Park, "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 closing times: Most county parks have entry restrictions after hours. "Other downside is park closes at 8, you can still enter through the exit gate until midnight and then have to call security to get in/out," adds Darren F. about Topeekeegee Yugnee Park.
Traffic sounds: Urban campgrounds experience road noise during peak hours. Mark B. observes, "Perhaps the biggest con is that there can be traffic noise but depends on the time of day."
Tight spacing: Davie/Fort Lauderdale KOA features sites positioned close together. Cyndi B. notes, "I'll start off by saying it's a typical KOA - tightly crammed and sites very close together."
Tips for camping with families
Water parks: Several campgrounds offer water recreation facilities for children. Cort B. shares about Topeekeegee Yugnee Park, "TY has been around forever. It has easy access to I-95 and is mostly good for locals to bring children for a day of fun in the sun!"
Playground access: Quiet Waters Park provides play equipment within walking distance of camping areas. Ashley J. reports, "My husband and I rented a campground flat in December. It was on the water, had a grill, electrcitiy, fire pit, tent, running water and was pet friendly. Had a lot of space to walk our dogs."
Fishing with kids: Most park lakes permit shore fishing without licenses for children under 16. Jamie F. notes about Markham Park, "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."
Site selection for families: Request sites away from recreational facilities to reduce noise. Ioana Z. advises, "During the day, there is noise pollution due to jet skis on the water, and the gun range located across the path. However, at night (when it really matters) it is completely silent except for local wildlife."
Tips from RVers
Space considerations: Yacht Haven Park & Marina provides spacious RV sites but requires careful navigation. Harry B. notes, "Very tight parking and roads. The water pressure was terrible. The best part about the park is backing your RV up to the docks on the river and seeing all the boats go by at night."
Extended stays: Some parks accommodate long-term RV residents. Richard H. shares about Paradise Island RV Resort, "This is an older campground with a lot of full-time RVers. We spent 14 months here sheltering from Covid, and it was extremely convenient to all of the Fort Lauderdale area."
Pet friendly camping near Fort Lauderdale: Most campgrounds allow pets with standard leash requirements. Charles says about Yacht Haven, "The location is gorgeous, amenities, luxurious feel, convenient services including mail delivery and door services including groceries and Uber rides."
Site surfacing: Many Fort Lauderdale area campgrounds feature concrete or paved sites. The Davie KOA underwent recent improvements as Elisabeth F. notes, "Each site has new outdoor furniture and is clean. These sites are just waiting for you to pull in."
