• Location
• Amenities
• Sites
• Price 
• Things to Do
• Cons
• Conclusion

We stayed at the Larry and Penny Thompson Memorial Park Campground in Miami, Florida to explore the Everglades National Park. Since we travel with a dog and south Florida can be very warm even in January, having full hookups was important to us. The Larry and Penny Thompson Memorial Park Campground was perfect for us as it was only 40 minutes from the entrance to the National Park.

Location

Larry and Penny Thompson Memorial Park is in south Miami just off highway 821. Highway 821 is also the quickest route to the national park. It is within the same park as Zoo Miami making it easy to visit the zoo while you’re there. In fact, you can hear the animals from the campground. It was cool hearing monkeys from outside the RV.  

Amenities

As I mentioned before, all the sites within the campground are full hookups with 50/30 amp electric. All the utility connections were close to the rig, so no need for extensions.

 There is a pool at the front of the campground. We couldn’t use it as it was chilly during our stay. 

They also have laundry facilities located near each pod. It seemed that there was a laundry room for every two pods or so. 

Surprisingly, there was no playground in the campground but there is one in the park itself. However, we had plenty of space behind our site to throw a football, kick a soccer ball, or whatever else we wanted. It seemed that most of the sites on the outer rim of each pod had space behind their rigs to do things like that. 

Sites

The campground is organized into pods. Each pod is a circle of about 20-30 sites. All the sites are paved, level, and long enough for a rig of any size. We had to park our truck parallel in front. Our rig is a 35’ travel trailer for reference and we tow with a F250. There was a 40’ class A next to us and they were able to fit their car parallel in front as well. 

We felt there was enough space between us and our neighbors. Because the pods are organized in a circle, you get more space towards the back of your rig than the front. There’s no shrubs or bushes to separate the sites so there is no privacy. However, I didn’t feel like our neighbors were on top of us either. Also, our site was a little narrower than those around us. 

Price

If you have been following us and reading our reviews, then you know cost is always a big factor in our decision making. When I put in a request in May of 2024 for a full month, they were full. I tried for four nights instead and again full. However, in September they called me and said they had two of the four nights available. 

At that time the prices were, $750/ month or $50/ night. I thought that was a steal and it was no surprise the campground was booked up as early as it was. In fact, the person I spoke to said people made their reservations as they were leaving in the spring. 

In October however, the prices increased a good amount. For the winter season the price went up to $1,350/ month, $470/ week and $80/night. The winter season is from November 1^st to March 31^st. If you’re booking during the summer season the prices are $1,000/ month, $350/ week and $60/ night. Much more reasonable but I’d imagine it’d be very warm depending on when during the summer you visit.

Things to do

As I mentioned, we used Larry and Penny Thompson Memorial Park campground as a base camp to explore the Everglades National Park. From the campground it took us about 40 minutes to get to the entrance of the national park. 

We did the Action Tour Guide when we visited the first day. It was a self-guided driving tour that gave us history and ideas of what hikes to stop at once we were in the national park. For $15, I highly recommend it. 

Since Zoo Miami is on the same grounds as the campground, I would check it out as well. We didn’t get to go as we were just focused on the national park. However, if we had more time, it is something I would do. 

If you’ve never been to Miami, know that it is a very large city and there are lots of things to do within the city. Visiting South Beach is something that is on most people’s itinerary. While we’ve been, I personally don’t think it’s a must stop but the beach itself is nice. The restaurants and shops near it are high end and expensive. 

In the three times I’ve gone to Miami my favorite thing (other than the national park) by far was going on a boat tour. You can rent a boat and captain if you have a large group and can split the cost (you can make it private if you want as well). You can also find tours with others for a more cost friendly trip. Miami by water is nice through and you’ll almost always see some kind of marine life. 

Cons

A playground within the campground would be a nice addition. Just a place for a kid to blow of some energy without having to leave the campground and while letting parents relax while watching them. It’s also a great spot for kids to meet other kids which I think is a big part of a child’s camping experience.  

The new price is a big con for me. I understand supply and demand and when you’re booking almost a year in advance, you know you got a good thing going so you charge more. The increase was significant though. I’m not sure I’d justify $80/night if we go back. However, there aren’t many options that close to the national park without being in the national park. 

Because it’s a county park, I feel it should be made a little more affordable. The monthly winter rate is reasonable but good luck trying to get in there for a whole month. Be sure to plan ahead for any length of stay but definitely for a month or longer. 

Conclusion

The Larry and Penny Thompson Memorial Park Campground is a clean and convenient campground for accessing the national park and the city of Miami. The sites are all full hookup, level, and spacious enough. Of course, I’d love to see more space between sites and some bushes or trees for privacy, but not bad in comparison to other places we’ve stayed. 

Since we paid $50/night to stay I would say it was reasonable. At $80/night I’m not so sure. However, like I said before, there aren’t many options this close to Miami and the national park. Would I stay again? Yes, especially considering the other campgrounds I found. However, my priority would be Flamingo Campground in the Everglades if I was going with the intent on being in the national park. It has full hookups but no cell phone service.

If I was looking to explore Miami, then yes, I would stay at the Larry and Penny Thompson Memorial Campground. 

I hope you all enjoyed this review. If you did, please give it a like below. If you’ve stayed here or at another Miami area campground, please let me know in the comments. 

Until next time, God bless and stay safe!