CP Campground Rating – Markham Park, Sunrise, FL

January 10, 2011 by libertatemamo 12 Comments

This is actually a City Park, rather than a State Park so it allows long-term camping. We liked it so much that I can’t imagine spending winter in S.FL anywhere else!

Link to campground here: Markham Park, Sunrise, FL
Link to map here: Markham Park, Sunrise, FL

1. Site Quality = 4/5
   Very decent sites here. There are a mix of plain grassy ground and concrete pads with full hook-ups (50Amp/sewer/water) on level ground. All sites are more than large enough for the biggest rigs. Generally very good site separation with nice, open green “sitting area” outside each RV with fire-pit and picnic table. Several river-front sites as well as sites that back-up to open grass areas. Natural views everywhere. The loops in the front of the park (A to H) are more “open”, while those in the back (J to L) have more trees and shade. There is also a dedicated concrete-pad pull-through section (F). A few sites have softer ground and a sprinking of ant piles, but it’s a small price to pay for so much space.
2.  Facilities = 4/5
   Good facilities. They’re not the most modern, but showers are large and clean with good pressure. The one “ding” is that there’s only 2 major toilet facilities in the whole camping area, so if you’re in the furthest out loop you might need to drive or bike a good 10 mins to make it back. Tons of additional facilities on-site -> shooting range, mountain-bike range, tennis courts, picnic areas, water-ski lake, watercraft lake, observatory, playgrounds….etc. Enough to keep kids and adults happy for months! On-site dump station, but no laundry.
3. Location = 5/5
   I really can’t imagine a better location in S.FL. The park is right on the edge of the Everglades, within 30 mins of Miami and right next to all the shopping you’ll ever need. Best of all, it’s a huge, green, peaceful place with lakes, grass, birds and nature. City and nature in perfect harmony.
4. Pet Friendliness = 5/5
   A fabulous place for pets. Not only does doggie have plenty of space to romp and play in the park, but there’s actually a huge off-leash dog-park on-site (the nicest dog park for many miles) with agility props, rinse area and separate small and big dog fenced areas. Also, there are “deserted” (non-marked) trails alongside the ski-lake where you can peacefully walk pooch. People come from all over to bring their dogs here, but as a camper you have it all to yourself most of the day. Doggie heaven indeed!

Overall Rating = 4.5
BONUS ALERT = Oceans of green space, lakes, nature and dog-happiness in the midst of S.FL!

Summary: This park is an oasis in the concrete jungle of S.FL and I can’t imagine a better place to spend the winter! RVers at other parks may be squeezed together like sardines, but at this place you’ll get space, greenery, and nature in a fabulous 665-acre park with lakes, trails, mountain biking, playgrounds, tennis courts, dog park and a slew of other family and dog-friendly activities. You’re within only 30 mins of Miami, just on the edge of the Everglades, next to all the shopping you’ll ever need and yet you’ll be enjoying peaceful and natural evenings with lovely sunsets, space and room to breathe. There’s also a Sheriff on-site for security. Sites are flat with full hook-ups and nice separation. Many trees in the park were destroyed in the last hurricane so the front loops (A through H or so) are more “open” while the back ones (J onwards) have more trees and shade. Sites facing the stream have water-front views. Around the rest of the park there’s lots of green space, including several “hidden” walking trails (along the lake behind the sheriff’s house and facing the dog-park). The *only* possible negative I could give this place is the sound of the shooting range. Towards the front loops (A-C) you won’t hear it, but at the back you definitely will. It didn’t bother us, but it might bother some out there. Overall, our experience here has been fabulous. This is a city-park and seems empty most of the week (filling-up with locals in the week-end). It’s not the cheapest park in the area, but nothing is cheap in S.FL in winter and you definitely won’t get an oasis of green like this anywhere else. We loved the place and would winter here again in a heartbeat.

 Extra Info:  Verizon worked, but our aircard benefited from the amp/antenna boost. Sites are reservable $40/night  for non-resident or $30/night for tricounty resident with 50Amp/water/sewer. On-site dump station. No Laundry.