Discover the best campgrounds near Clewiston, Florida

On the southern end of Lake Okeechobee and dubbed “America’s Sweetest town” due to the booming sugarcane industry, Clewiston has a rich history and plenty of outdoor activities. Check out the annual Clewiston Sugar Festival in March, and discover even more Clewiston culture by booking a ride on the Sugar Express—a traditional steam-powered train featuring fully-restored vintage passenger cars that journey through local sugar farms. There are plenty of pet-friendly tent campsites nearby with firepits and toilets, as well as RV campgrounds offering pull-through and back-in sites with full-service hookups. Settle in before heading to Lake Okeechobee for a boat tour, journeying through the Everglades National Park, or heading to Miami for iconic art galleries and live music.

Where to go

Lake Okeechobee

Situated right beside Clewiston, campers won’t have to travel far to enjoy the 730 square miles of Lake Okeechobee—the second largest freshwater lake in the United States. Lake Okeechobee boasts excellent bass fishing, scenic airboat tours, and bird watching. But swimming is not recommended thanks to the 30,000 gators that call the lake home. Take in the scenery by walking or biking sections of the 110-mile waterfront trail circling the lake. With cabin rentals, RV campgrounds, and tent campsites nearby, Hipcampers have plenty of choices to experience what Lake Okeechobee offers.

Everglades National Park

Rare wildlife species, old-growth cypress trees, and swampy wetlands are all under two hours away from Clewiston in Everglades National Park. This biodiverse area offers 1.5 million acres of boundless natural beauty. Drive Alligator Alley (I-75) or Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41) to view as much as possible. There are plenty of walking trails to get closer to the action, like the popular 14-mile Shark Valley Tram Trail. Roll the RV right into a campsite equipped with bathrooms, electrical hookups, dump stations, and water-filling stations. Or opt for a tent campground featuring fire rings and pit toilets.

Miami

Bursting with Art Deco-inspired architecture, a lively nightlife, world-renowned art galleries, and delicious Cuban food, Miami offers campers unforgettable experiences. Glamp at a luxurious yurt campsite with a queen-size bed and flush toilets before heading out to explore Little Havana’s upbeat Latin American community or visiting Wynwood Walls, an outdoor street museum showcasing vibrant murals by local and international artists. Make a pit stop at Bayfront Park, a 32-acre green space in the heart of downtown Miami, to wander through the waterfront walkway, see outdoor sculptures, or take the kids to the Lee & Tina Hills Playground.

When to go

Campers will find two distinct seasons in Clewiston, Florida: The dry season running from November until April, and the wet season starting in May and lasting until October. March, April, and May are the best months to visit, with March drawing the most crowds due to Spring Break and the Clewiston Sugar Festival. Most wildlife sightings occur in the dry season between November and April, so opt for those months to increase the chances of spotting a rare Florida Panther. Temperatures rarely dip below 70°F, so campers can expect warm, humid weather year-round.