Larry and Penny Thompson Memorial Park
Miami's largest campground and park, offering waterslides, a lake beach, trails, and RV camping amidst natural woodland.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the heat with slides!
Larry and Penny Thompson Memorial Park
Best Time
Beat the heat with slides!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Miami's largest campground and park, offering waterslides, a lake beach, trails, and RV camping amidst natural woodland.
"A clean, spacious, laid back campground that gives you room to breathe and a great base to explore from."
🎯 Affordable Water Fun
Slide admission is only $6 for adults and $4 for kids, making it a budget-friendly summer activity.
🏕️ Great for RVs
Spacious sites with full hook-ups, concrete pads, and plenty of shade make it ideal for RV travelers.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Iconic Waterslides
Waterpark area
Newly renovated and faster than ever, these historic slides offer a thrilling way to cool off. A must-visit for summer fun!
Freshwater Lake & Beach
Lake area
Enjoy swimming, relaxing on the beach, or picnicking by the serene freshwater lake. Perfect for a family day out.
Extensive Trails
Throughout the park
Explore miles of trails for walking, biking, and even horseback riding amidst natural woodland.
+1Spacious Campground
Campground area
Miami's largest campground offers ample RV and tent sites with amenities, surrounded by nature.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Waterslide Fun for a Low Price
Camping & Nature Escape
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
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🎯 Affordable Water Fun
Slide admission is only $6 for adults and $4 for kids, making it a budget-friendly summer activity.
🏕️ Great for RVs
Spacious sites with full hook-ups, concrete pads, and plenty of shade make it ideal for RV travelers.
🚶♀️ Explore the Trails
Don't miss the extensive walking, biking, and bridle trails for a dose of nature.
👨👩👧👦 Family Day Out
With a beach, playground, and picnic areas, it's a perfect spot for a family day trip.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Affordable Water Fun
Slide admission is only $6 for adults and $4 for kids, making it a budget-friendly summer activity.
🏕️ Great for RVs
Spacious sites with full hook-ups, concrete pads, and plenty of shade make it ideal for RV travelers.
🚶♀️ Explore the Trails
Don't miss the extensive walking, biking, and bridle trails for a dose of nature.
👨👩👧👦 Family Day Out
With a beach, playground, and picnic areas, it's a perfect spot for a family day trip.
⚠️ Be Aware of Rules
Some reviews mention strict pool rules and potential safety concerns; stay vigilant.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the park's spacious grounds, abundant shade trees, and well-maintained facilities, especially for RV camping. The affordable waterslides and natural setting are highlights. However, some guests have noted strict pool rules and expressed concerns about safety and the presence of homeless individuals in certain areas, impacting the family-friendly perception for some.
"I will call the are were you park your rv the room. Aside from spacious parking areas the ground are spectacular. Lots of shade trees and trails to walk. There is a pooland beach with a water slide. We stayed in the park for about 5 mos. I can honestly say the staff and especially the front desk staff are on point. A wonderful group of young women and men always at the ready. Professional and Hard working I can't say enough. Thank you for making our stay so pleasant."
Myra Huston
"I couldn't wait another min to leave a review. DO NOT come here if you have children. The pool rules when it's actually open no goggles, floating devices, toy, jumping playing and they actually come out and tell you no playing. We walked the trail closer to sundown and someone threw a bolder at us. We told the park ranger and they said it's homeless people and they also come out at night and write messages with poop on the walls. Its unsafe and not kid friendly. Dont waste your time."
Bianca Muscillo
"We stayed at Larry & Penny Thompson Memorial Park in Miami, Florida from December 22, 2024 – January 5, 2025.
We were in Pod 6 site 11, a back-in, with a concrete pad with full hook-ups, and a picnic table patio. The site was spacious enough to comfortably fit our 42' RV, with plenty of room left to park both our truck and car in front of it. The site was shaded by trees on either side, which provided a nice break from the Florida sun and added a touch of privacy. There were plenty of grassy areas around us.
The campground is thoughtfully laid out with several pods, each featuring a building with bathrooms, showers, and laundry facilities, all of which were clean and well-maintained. Since the campgrounds were so big, it was nice to have several options to do laundry. The grounds were peaceful, and the park felt safe and welcoming.
The park is pet-friendly, and while there isn’t a designated off-leash area within the campground itself, there’s plenty of grassy space for walking your dog. A dedicated dog park is also located nearby, which is a great option for letting your pet run and play. One important note for pet owners: during our stay, there were several fireworks shows in the area. While they were beautiful, the noise did make our dogs a bit anxious and restless—something to keep in mind if your pets are sensitive to loud sounds.
One of the highlights of our stay was the abundance of wildlife throughout the park. It offered a peaceful and refreshing opportunity to unwind, connect with nature, and simply enjoy the beauty of the surroundings.
There were plenty of activities around the park and nearby areas. There are bike and hiking trails, beaches, seasonal waterslides, golf courses, marinas, fitness zones, and a nearby zoo. It’s a great place for all walks of life.
This is a great spot if you're visiting the Miami area and want a comfortable, well-kept campground with plenty of space and amenities. I would recommend staying at this park."
MARY ANGUIANO
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is located in South Miami, adjacent to Zoo Miami. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. Public transportation options might be limited, so driving is generally recommended.
Yes, the park offers spacious parking areas, especially for RVs.
Absolutely! It's right across from Zoo Miami and a convenient drive to the Florida Keys and Everglades.
While specific directions depend on your starting point, it's generally located in the SW Kendall area of Miami. Using a GPS with 'Larry and Penny Thompson Memorial Park' should guide you directly.
Yes, some trails, like the Cross Country Trail, start directly from the RV park entrance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the park is generally $6 for adults and $4 for children. However, access to the waterslides might have separate fees or be included in the general admission depending on the season.
The waterslides are seasonal and typically open during warmer months, often on weekends and holidays starting at 11:00 AM. It's best to check their operating schedule before visiting.
For general park entry and camping, advance booking is recommended, especially during peak seasons. For the waterslides, it's usually a pay-as-you-go system upon arrival.
The park generally opens at 11:00 AM on weekends and holidays for the waterslides. Campground hours may vary.
The beach is part of the park's amenities and is typically included with general admission.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The park offers a wide range of activities including swimming at the lake beach, riding waterslides, hiking and biking on trails, picnicking, and camping.
The park features a freshwater lake with a beach area. Some reviews mention a pool, but the lake is a primary water attraction.
Yes, the park has playgrounds and is considered a good spot for families, though some reviews caution about strict pool rules.
Indeed, the park has bridle trails, making it suitable for horseback riding enthusiasts.
The campground is large, offering spacious sites for RVs and tents, with amenities like bathrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. It's known for being peaceful and well-maintained.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant waterslides, the serene lake and beach, and the lush greenery along the trails. The campground offers picturesque scenes, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Yes, with its natural woodland, lake, and diverse plant life, it's a great location for nature photographers. Keep an eye out for local wildlife.
Drone usage policies can vary by park. It's advisable to check with park management or local regulations before flying a drone to ensure compliance.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Always be respectful of other visitors' privacy.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best natural light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a softer ambiance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the slides, the park features a playground and a beach on its freshwater lake, perfect for a day of play and relaxation. While the park offers many family-friendly activities, it's worth noting some reviews mention strict pool rules that might limit boisterous play.
🏕️ RV Travelers & Campers
Campers can enjoy the park's amenities like walking trails, the lake beach, and picnic areas. The campground is known for being quiet and safe, making it a relaxing base for exploring South Florida.
💰 Budget-Conscious Visitors
General park admission is also quite affordable, making it an accessible destination for a day trip. For those who enjoy camping, the campground provides a cost-effective accommodation option compared to hotels in the area.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Reopened Waterslides: A Splash of Nostalgia
These slides are now newly renovated and promise to be faster than ever, offering a fantastic way to cool down during Miami's hot summers. The affordability is a major draw, with admission priced at just $6 for adults and $4 for children, making it an accessible option for families and budget-conscious travelers. While they are a seasonal attraction, typically operating on weekends and holidays, they represent a significant draw for visitors seeking fun and recreation.The surrounding beach area is also open, complementing the waterslide experience. Visitors can enjoy the water park and then relax by the lake. It's important to note that some reviews mention strict rules within the pool area, such as no goggles or toys, so it's wise to be aware of these regulations before your visit.
Camping Amidst Miami's Natural Beauty
This makes it an ideal destination for those seeking an escape from the urban hustle without venturing too far. The campground provides spacious sites, including concrete pads with full hook-ups for RVs, ensuring a comfortable stay. Campers have access to well-maintained facilities, including bathrooms, showers, and laundry areas, spread across different pods within the campground.
The proximity to Zoo Miami and convenient access to the Florida Keys and Everglades further enhance its appeal as a base for exploration. Exploring the Park's Diverse Ecosystems and Trails
Visitors can embark on walks or bike rides along paths that wind through natural woodland, offering opportunities to connect with the environment. +1 The park is home to the rare Pine Rockland ecosystem, and efforts are continuously made to preserve and enhance it, including tree planting initiatives by volunteers. This focus on conservation means visitors can experience a unique natural landscape.Beyond the trails, the park's freshwater lake provides a central recreational hub, complete with a beach area for swimming and relaxation.
For those interested in wildlife, the park offers chances to observe local fauna, adding an element of discovery to any visit. 
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