The South Florida campgrounds are pretty busy places, especially in the
winter when we have our most glorious camping weather. From about November
through the middle of April, the days tend to be mild (60's or 70's) and nights
cool (50's and 60's). Blue sky, sunshine, dry weather and lack of flying
insects all make this the very best time of year for South Florida camping.
And what about the rest of the year? From June through September you
will likely see rain, and will definitely get heat, humidity and lots of flying
insects. You'll notice that Everglades National Park offers free camping
from June through August -- and there is a reason why! Unless
you stay at a South Florida campground that has oceanfront sites (and are lucky
enough to snag a reservation), you will get eaten up by mosquitoes. Unless
of course you bring lots of DEET to slather yourself in.
The shoulder seasons for South Florida camping are the middle of April,
May and October. You can get mild or hot weather, rain or dry skies --
it's hard to predict. My suggestion is that you try for April or the
beginning of May -- it's most likely to be dry, which means fewer flying
insects.
Reservations for most South Florida campgrounds can be made through
Reserve
America through their website or by calling (800) 326-3521. You'll see
links in the Reservation section for each park if Reserve America will book for
you. Otherwise, call the phone number listed for the campground for more
information.
For some campgrounds you'll see a link to another page with more information
about the park and amenities -- there is some great information available, so
you probably want to check them out.
One final note: if you need to pick up some camping supplies before you
head on out for your adventure, check out
Basspro.com. Don't let the name fool you
-- they are not just fishing, but have tons of camping and hunting goods too!
(My husband likes them so much he asks for gift certificates every year for his
birthday.)
So, what are the campgrounds in South Florida? Here they are, in
alphabetical order:
Bahia Honda State Park
Number of Sites: 80
Cabins: Yes, sleeps 6, linens provided.
Rates: $26/night for campsites, $120/night for cabins
Notes: Located in the Florida Keys. For detailed
information about the park and services
click here.
Rates: $16/night for Monument Lake, otherwise free.
Notes: The vast majority of the campsites at Big Cypress are
primitive -- no water or restrooms. The exception is the Monument
Lake campground, which has restrooms and an outside cold shower.
Water is available, but not at the individual campsites. There are
no electrical hookups, but there is a dump station.
Reservations: Contact the National Park Service at (239)
695-1201 for additional camping information.
Biscayne National Park
Number of Sites: Variable - first come, first served.
Tents only.
Cabins: No
Rates: $10/night campsite; $15/night for boat dockage,
but it includes a campsite.
Notes: Located between Miami and the Florida Keys. For
detailed information about the park and services
click here.
Reservations: No reservations available. First come,
first served.
Cayo Costa State Park
Number of Sites: 25 primitive tent sites
Cabins: Yes, 12 rustic, each cabin sleeps 6 -- bring all
supplies
Rates: $13/night tent, $20/night cabin. Boat tie-up to the
dock is free with either a tent or cabin reservation. Otherwise
you will be charged $13 per night.
Notes: This park is only accessible by boat. You can use
your own or take the ferry, which costs $25/person. No hot-water
showers or electricity, but there is a restroom and cold-water showers.
There is drinking water available, but you probably want to bring your
own -- the well water doesn't taste very good.
Number of Sites: 137, of which 91 have electricity (all have
water)
Cabins: No
Rates: $13/night for up to 4 people; $2/night extra for each person
over 4 in the party. In addition, $2/night for electricity (where
available).
Notes: Near the Florida Everglades. Amenities include
restrooms, shower, grills, picnic tables, playground, dump station, boat
ramp, hiking trails and canoe rentals. Primitive backcountry
camping is available for $3 per adult, $2 per child.
Notes: Amenities include restrooms, shower, grills, picnic
tables, playground, dump station, hiking trails. For more
information about Curry Hammock
click here.
Notes: Located in the Florida Keys, this is primitive camping
only. Campsites have picnic tables and grills. Saltwater
flush toilets and saltwater sinks are available. No electricity.
You must arrange your own transportation by boat or plane -- you cannot
drive to the park.
Reservations: Reservations are not available for regular sites
-- it is first-come, first served. One group site is available for
reservation; call (305) 242-7700 for information.
Everglades National Park
Number of Sites: 382 of which 40 are tent and walk-up
only
Cabins: None
Rates: Variable, depending on time of year. Free
from June through August.
Notes: No electrical, water or sewer hookups, but dump
stations and fresh water are available. The Flamingo campground
also has cold-water showers. Picnic tables and grills are
available. ***As of February 2006, the Flamingo campgrounds are closed due to hurricane damage. Check with the park service for when the campgrounds will once again be open.***
Reservations: Call (800) 365-2267 for reservation information,
which can be made up to 5 months in advance.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Number of Sites: 47
Cabins: No
Rates: $24 to $26 per night for up to 4 people, plus $2/night
for electricity.
Notes: Located in the Florida Keys. For detailed
information about the park and services
click here.
Notes: This is a Federal area, so there are monetary penalties
if you cancel your reservation. Amenities include showers,
restrooms, water, fishing, dump station.
Number of Sites: 12, of which 3 are tent-only. Also 8
boat-only sites.
Cabins: 1 group shelter.
Rates: $16/night for tent-only sites; $35/night for the group
shelter; $20/night for all other sites (including boats)
Notes: This is a Federal area, so there are monetary penalties
if you cancel your reservation. Amenities include showers,
restrooms, water, boat ramp, dump station.
Number of Sites: 30 camping sites plus 8 boat sites
Cabins: None
Rates: $16/night
Notes: This is a Federal area, so there are monetary penalties
if you cancel your reservation. If you reserve a boat site, you
must sleep on the boat (although you can use the other park facilities).
Amenities include showers, restrooms, water, boat ramp, dump station.
