Miami is an incredible base for RV road trips. Here is everything you need to know to plan the perfect road trip.
Driving rules in Florida
The USA drives on the RIGHT-hand side of the road. Florida is generally one of the most RV-friendly states in the country, with well-maintained highways, no special RV licence requirements for most vehicles, and a long tradition of welcoming snowbird RV travellers. That said, there are important rules and conditions to understand before hitting the road.
- Speed limits: 70 mph (113 km/h) on rural interstates, 65 mph (105 km/h) on urban interstates, 55 mph (89 km/h) on four-lane divided highways, and 30 mph (48 km/h) in residential areas. School zones drop to 15–20 mph (24–32 km/h) when lights are flashing.
- Seatbelts: Mandatory for all front-seat passengers. Children under 5 must be in a federally approved car seat or booster. Florida is a primary-enforcement state, meaning police can stop you solely for a seatbelt violation.
- Phone use: Hands-free only in school and construction zones (primary offence). Texting while driving is a primary offence statewide, but talking while holding a phone is only a secondary offence outside those zones.
- Alcohol: 0.08% BAC legal limit. Open container laws apply throughout the state. Florida has some of the strictest DUI penalties in the Southeast.
- Toll roads: Florida has an extensive network of toll roads around Miami, including the Florida Turnpike, Dolphin Expressway (SR-836), Don Shula Expressway (SR-874), and Gratigny Parkway. Most toll plazas are cashless, you need a SunPass transponder ($5 at most pharmacies and gas stations) or your plate will be billed via Toll-By-Plate at a higher rate.
- Move Over Law: You must change lanes or slow to 20 mph (32 km/h) below the posted speed when passing emergency vehicles, tow trucks, or utility vehicles stopped on the roadside. Fines start at $158.
- RV-specific: No special licence is needed for RVs under 26,000 lbs (11,790 kg) (which covers the vast majority of rental motorhomes and campervans). No vehicle inspection requirement in Florida.
Driving conditions around Miami
Miami's highway system. I-95 (the main north-south artery), I-75 (Alligator Alley to the Gulf Coast), and the Florida Turnpike, carries heavy traffic during rush hours (7:30–9:30 AM and 4:30–7 PM) and especially during snowbird season from November through April, when the region's population swells significantly.
The Overseas Highway to Key West
The Overseas Highway (US-1) from Florida City to Key West is one of America's most spectacular drives, 180 km (113 miles) across 42 bridges linking the Florida Keys. The Seven Mile Bridge is the crown jewel. The road is a single lane in each direction for most of its length, so overtaking is limited and patience is essential. Check bridge clearances if driving an RV taller than 12 feet (3.7 m). Allow 3.5–4 hours for the full drive without stops.
Special hazards
- Hurricane season (June 1–November 30): Monitor NOAA and the National Hurricane Center forecasts closely. If a tropical storm or hurricane threatens, evacuation orders may be issued for the Keys and low-lying coastal areas. Have an evacuation route planned for your RV and keep your fuel tank at least half full during hurricane season.
- Afternoon thunderstorms: From May through October, intense thunderstorms develop almost daily, usually between 2 PM and 5 PM. They pass quickly but can produce heavy rain, lightning, and localised flooding. Pull over and wait if visibility drops.
- Wildlife crossings: Alligators, Florida panthers, and deer cross roads throughout the Everglades and Big Cypress Preserve. Drive cautiously at dawn and dusk. Alligator Alley (I-75) has wildlife underpasses but crossings still occur.
Camping in South Florida and the Keys
Florida offers unique tropical camping found nowhere else in the continental United States, from island campgrounds in the Keys surrounded by turquoise water to Everglades wilderness sites where alligators bask beside your pitch. The state has more RV parks per capita than almost any other, and the infrastructure for RV travel is excellent throughout.
Florida Keys campgrounds
- Bahia Honda State Park: Consistently ranked among the most beautiful campgrounds in the United States. Beachfront and bayside sites with turquoise water, white sand, and swaying palms. The park sits on the remains of Henry Flagler's Overseas Railroad. 80 sites total, including 8 waterfront spots that book instantly. $33–$48/night plus $8 per vehicle. Book the moment the 11-month window opens on ReserveAmerica.com, sites sell out within minutes.
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park: America's first undersea park, located in Key Largo. 47 sites with full hookups in a tropical hardwood hammock setting. World-class snorkelling and glass-bottom boat tours to the coral reef just offshore. $33–$48/night. The park's concession rents kayaks, canoes, and snorkel gear.
- Long Key State Park: A quiet, less-crowded alternative between Islamorada and Marathon. Oceanside sites with excellent kayaking in the flats. 60 sites, $33–$43/night. Great for birdwatching, wading birds, ospreys, and roseate spoonbills are common.
- Boyd's Key West Campground: The closest RV park to Key West, on neighbouring Stock Island. Waterfront sites with views of the harbour, a pool, and about 7 km from Duval Street and Mallory Square. $80–$150/night in peak season. Reserve 6–12 months ahead for winter visits.
Everglades and mainland campgrounds
- Flamingo Campground (Everglades NP): At the southern tip of the Florida peninsula, where freshwater and saltwater ecosystems meet. 234 drive-in sites plus 41 walk-in sites. $30/night. Incredible birdwatching (roseate spoonbills, wood storks, bald eagles), crocodile sightings, and ranger-led programs. Mosquitoes can be extreme May–November, bring head nets and strong DEET-based repellent.
- Long Pine Key Campground (Everglades NP): 108 sites in a pine rockland forest, the most accessible campground in the Everglades. $25/night. Open November through May only. Walking distance to Anhinga Trail, one of the best wildlife-viewing boardwalks in the US.
- Fort De Soto Park (St. Petersburg): A stunning barrier-island county park on Tampa Bay's Gulf coast, roughly 4.5 hours northwest of Miami. 238 sites, some waterfront. $40–$46/night. Named one of America's best beaches multiple times. Excellent for kayaking, fishing, and watching dolphins.
- Sebastian Inlet State Park: On the Atlantic coast between Melbourne and Vero Beach (roughly 2.5 hours north of Miami). 51 sites near one of Florida's best surfing spots. $28–$40/night. World-class fishing from the jetties.
- Jetty Park Campground (Cape Canaveral): 150 RV sites near Port Canaveral, roughly 3.5 hours north of Miami. Full hookups, beach access, and front-row views of SpaceX and NASA rocket launches from nearby Kennedy Space Center. $40–$55/night.
Booking tips
Florida state parks can be reserved 11 months in advance at ReserveAmerica.com. Everglades campgrounds book through Recreation.gov. Keys campgrounds are among the most competitive in the country, set calendar reminders for booking windows and be ready at midnight when they open. Dump stations are available at most RV parks and many fuel stations throughout Florida. Larry and Penny Thompson Park in south Miami-Dade is a solid budget option ($30–$40/night) with 240 sites, full hookups, a pool, and a freshwater lake.
Activities and attractions near Miami
Miami is the gateway to tropical adventures found nowhere else in the continental United States. From the only living coral barrier reef in North America to the vast river of grass in the Everglades, this region combines Caribbean-style beauty with uniquely American road-trip culture. Here are the top RV-accessible destinations and experiences.
National parks and natural wonders
- Everglades National Park (65 km / 1 hr): One of the most unique ecosystems on Earth, a vast subtropical wilderness of sawgrass prairies, mangrove forests, and coastal marshes. Take an airboat tour from Shark Valley or the Tamiami Trail to spot alligators, manatees, and hundreds of bird species. Kayak through mangrove tunnels at Hell's Bay or Nine Mile Pond. The Anhinga Trail near the Royal Palm Visitor Center offers almost guaranteed alligator sightings from a paved boardwalk. Entrance fee: $30 per vehicle, valid for 7 days.
- Biscayne National Park (40 km / 30 min): Ninety-five percent water, this park protects the northernmost section of the Florida Keys reef tract. Glass-bottom boat tours, snorkelling over shallow coral reefs, and kayaking through mangrove-lined creeks. The park is free to enter; boat tours cost $30–$50 per person. Convoy Point Visitor Center has RV-accessible parking.
- Dry Tortugas National Park (110 km west of Key West): A remote cluster of seven islands accessible only by seaplane or ferry from Key West. Fort Jefferson, a massive 19th-century coastal fortress, rises from the turquoise sea. Snorkelling here is extraordinary, crystal-clear water, vibrant coral, and abundant sea life. The Yankee Freedom III ferry costs $190–$220 round-trip and includes snorkel gear. Primitive camping available with advance reservation.
- Florida Keys & Key West (260 km / 3.5 hrs): Drive the legendary Overseas Highway across 42 bridges. Stop at Robbie's Marina in Islamorada to hand-feed massive tarpon. Snorkel at Looe Key or Sombrero Reef. End in Key West for sunset at Mallory Square, Hemingway's house, and the laid-back island vibes of Duval Street.
City and cultural attractions
- Art Deco Historic District: Miami Beach's South Beach neighbourhood features the world's largest collection of Art Deco architecture, over 800 buildings from the 1930s and 1940s in pastel hues along Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue. Free self-guided walking tours available from the Art Deco Welcome Center.
- Wynwood Walls: An outdoor street-art museum in Miami's Wynwood Arts District featuring large-scale murals by world-renowned artists. Free to walk through. The surrounding neighbourhood is packed with galleries, craft breweries, and restaurants.
- Kennedy Space Center (350 km / 3.5 hrs): NASA's primary launch facility on Merritt Island. Tour the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, walk beneath a Saturn V rocket, and if your timing aligns, watch a live SpaceX or ULA rocket launch from the visitor complex. General admission $75 per adult. The nearby Jetty Park Campground offers RV sites with launch viewing.
Gulf Coast side trips
- Sanibel Island (280 km / 3 hrs): World-famous for shelling, the "Sanibel Stoop" describes beachgoers bent over searching for shells. The J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge offers kayaking and birdwatching. Cross the Sanibel Causeway ($6 toll) and spend a day on the beaches.
- Fort Lauderdale (50 km / 45 min): The "Venice of America" with 300 miles (483 km) of navigable waterways. Water taxis, beach promenades, and the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District. A popular stop between Miami and points north.
Water sports
Snorkelling at John Pennekamp, paddleboarding in Biscayne Bay, deep-sea fishing from Key Largo and Islamorada, kiteboarding at Crandon Park, and manatee encounters at Crystal River (5 hours north) make Florida a water-lover's paradise. Note that reef-safe sunscreen is required by law in Key West and encouraged throughout the Keys to protect the delicate coral reef ecosystem.
Essential travel tips for a Miami RV trip
A Miami-based RV road trip is unlike anything else in the continental United States. The tropical climate, Caribbean-influenced culture, and sheer diversity of landscapes, from coral reefs to sawgrass prairies to mangrove islands, create an experience more akin to an island-hopping adventure than a traditional American road trip. Here is everything you need to plan effectively.
Weather and hurricane season
- Hurricane season: Officially June 1 through November 30, with peak activity August through October. Monitor the National Hurricane Center (nhc.noaa.gov) and NOAA Weather Radio. If a named storm threatens, RV parks will advise evacuation, have a northbound evacuation route planned and keep your fuel tank at least half full. RV insurance policies may not cover hurricane damage if you ignore evacuation orders.
- Summer storms: Daily afternoon thunderstorms from May to October are completely normal in South Florida. They typically build between 2–5 PM and pass within 30–60 minutes. Lightning can be dangerous, exit the water and seek shelter immediately when storms approach. After they pass, expect beautiful sunsets.
- Humidity: Summer humidity regularly exceeds 85%. If you are not accustomed to tropical humidity, acclimatise gradually. Run your RV's air conditioning frequently to prevent mould and mildew buildup. A dehumidifier bag in closets helps protect clothing and gear.
- Best season: November through April offers dry, warm weather (24–28°C / 75–82°F) and is peak tourist season. January and February are the most pleasant months but also the most crowded and expensive. March and April offer a good balance of weather, prices, and availability.
Health and comfort
- Mosquitoes: Bring strong DEET-based or picaridin insect repellent for Everglades and Keys camping, especially June to October. Mosquitoes in the Everglades backcountry can be extreme, head nets and long sleeves are advisable for Flamingo Campground in summer months.
- Sunscreen: The UV index in South Florida is among the highest in the US, reaching "extreme" levels in summer. Apply SPF 50+ waterproof sunscreen and reapply every 90 minutes. Wear hats and UV-protective clothing. Use reef-safe sunscreen in the Keys.
- Hydration: Drink at least 3–4 litres of water per day, more if you are hiking or kayaking. Dehydration is a common problem for visitors underestimating the tropical heat. Carry a reusable water bottle and refill frequently.
Fuel, tolls, and provisioning
- Toll roads: Get a SunPass transponder ($5 at Publix, CVS, or Walgreens) or confirm that your RV rental company provides toll coverage. Toll-By-Plate billing is significantly more expensive. The Florida Turnpike from Miami to Orlando costs roughly $15–$20 one way.
- Fuel prices: Florida gas is moderately priced compared to the national average. Budget $100–$200 per week depending on RV size. Fuel in the Keys is noticeably more expensive, fill up in Florida City at the Speedway or Costco before heading south on US-1.
- Grocery shopping: Publix is Florida's dominant supermarket chain, with excellent deli subs ("Pub Subs") beloved by locals. Costco in Kendall or Doral is ideal for bulk provisioning before a Keys trip. Stock up on water, ice, and fresh produce before leaving the mainland.
- Cuban food culture: Miami's Little Havana neighbourhood along Calle Ocho (SW 8th Street) is a must-visit for Cuban coffee, medianoche sandwiches, and croquetas. Versailles Restaurant is the most famous Cuban restaurant in the city.
Money and communication
- Currency: US Dollar (USD). Cards accepted almost everywhere, including most campground offices and food trucks.
- Cell coverage: Excellent in metro Miami and along US-1 through the Keys. Spotty in the Everglades backcountry, especially around Flamingo and the western mangrove areas. Download offline maps before entering the park.
- National park passes: The America the Beautiful Pass ($80/year) covers Everglades, Biscayne, and Dry Tortugas National Parks, if you visit all three, the pass pays for itself.
Major events and festivals near Miami
Miami's vibrant multicultural identity fuels a year-round calendar of world-class events. The city's Cuban, Haitian, Caribbean, and Latin American communities create a festival culture unlike anywhere else in the United States. Time your RV trip for one of these highlights to add an unforgettable cultural layer to your road trip.
Signature festivals
- Art Basel Miami Beach. December: The Western Hemisphere's premier contemporary art fair and arguably the biggest cultural event in Miami's calendar. Over 280 galleries from around the world exhibit at the Miami Beach Convention Center, while satellite fairs, pop-up installations, and gallery openings take over Wynwood, the Design District, and Miami Beach for a full week. Many events are free. Plan to park your RV at a nearby campground and explore by rideshare. Miami Beach parking during Art Basel is extremely limited.
- Ultra Music Festival. March: One of the world's largest electronic dance music festivals, held at Bayfront Park in downtown Miami. Three days, 170,000+ attendees, and massive production stages featuring the biggest names in EDM. Tickets sell out months in advance ($400–$600 for a 3-day pass).
- Calle Ocho Festival. March: The largest Hispanic street festival in the United States, celebrating Cuban and Latin American culture along Little Havana's SW 8th Street. Live salsa and reggaeton music, traditional food vendors, domino tournaments, and cigar-rolling demonstrations. Free admission. Over 1 million visitors attend.
- South Beach Wine & Food Festival. February: Five days of celebrity-chef events, tastings, and beachside dinners along the sand on South Beach. Hosted by the Food Network and Cooking Channel, with events ranging from $50 tasting sessions to $500 VIP dinners.
Cultural celebrations
- Miami Carnival. October: The city's biggest Caribbean festival, featuring a massive parade of costumed masquerade bands, soca and calypso music, and Caribbean food. Modelled after Trinidad Carnival, it draws over 50,000 revellers to the Miami-Dade County Fairgrounds.
- Fantasy Fest Key West. October: A ten-day costume and body-painting festival in Key West with parades, street fairs, and themed parties. Often compared to Mardi Gras, it takes over the entire island. Book Key West camping 6–12 months ahead for Fantasy Fest.
- King Mango Strut, late December: Coconut Grove's irreverent, satirical parade spoofing the year's events. A quirky, only-in-Miami tradition that started in 1982 after a group was rejected from the Orange Bowl Parade.
Seasonal highlights
- Spring (Mar–May): Ultra Music Festival, Calle Ocho, pleasant weather before the summer heat and humidity arrive. Sea turtle nesting season begins in March along Miami Beach and the Keys, watch for marked nests and attend nighttime turtle walks at Hobe Sound NWR (reservations required).
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Hot and humid with daily storms. Lowest RV rental prices of the year. Excellent for Everglades wildlife viewing as water recedes and animals concentrate around remaining pools. Lobster mini-season in late July brings a frenzy to the Keys.
- Fall (Sep–Nov): Hurricane risk continues but decreasing. Miami Carnival, Fantasy Fest, fewer crowds and moderate prices. Manatee season begins in November as the gentle giants migrate to warm-water springs.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Art Basel, South Beach Wine & Food Festival, perfect weather with low humidity. Peak season means highest prices and maximum crowds. Book campgrounds and RV rentals 3–6 months ahead. Whale sharks occasionally appear off the Keys in winter.
