Are you heading to the Keys and want a spot to rest for the night, but don’t want to camp out? Maybe free overnight parking at the Miccosukee Resort and Gaming Center in Miami will fit with your plans? Like many casinos and Walmarts, the Miccosukee Resort offers free overnight parking for those traveling though in their RVs. Located just 15 minutes west of the Florida Turnpike along the edge of the Florida Everglades; it’s easy to get to, and in the morning you can be in Key Largo in only 1.25 hours.
The property houses a hotel with over 300 rooms and suites that start around $150. There is a convention center with over 46,000 square feet of meeting space. And then various other amenities including a swimming pool, restaurant, live music, dancing, and an 8,500-square-foot children’s center offers supervised children’s activities.
If camping and outdoor family activities are more your speed, take a look at CB Smith Park. That is where we opted to stay and it is only 1.5 hours to Key Largo from there. Had CB Smith Park not been available, I’d certainly feel comfortable overnighting here though.
Get a Parking Pass
When you arrive, go into the building and get a parking pass from Security. Look for the Cashier, or ask one of the many security guards about getting a parking pass. Everyone is very nice and welcoming, so even if a casino isn’t where you normally hang out, there’s no reason to feel out of place here. The parking lot is big so there should be plenty of space, and it is surrounded by vacant land. Security will let you know where to go, and you should ask any questions you might have about generator use or whatever. You may need A/C and should check weather.com to find out temperatures first.
Steak and Lobster
The Cafe Hammock is located in the gaming area and is famous for its Steak and Lobster for only $9.95. While it may not be the same caliber as a high-end establishment, it is a tremendous value. The steak and lobster are medium sized and the quality is descent. One of the challenges of this restaurant, especially for non-smokers, is that it’s in an open space indoor that is surrounded by slot machines with smokers. They may not be smoking right next to you, but it is smelly nonetheless.
Not in the mood for surf and turf? There are actually five total dining options and a martini bar with entertainment. So check out all of your options before deciding.
The Casino
The gaming area is open 24 hours a day and according to Miccosukee’s site, “pays out millions of dollars daily.” For the bingo players among us, there is a 1,200 seat high stakes Bingo Hall in addition to over 1,900 gaming machines. For those who prefer live poker, instead of online poker websites, there is a poker room with 32 poker tables. They host tournaments including 7-card stud, Texas hold ‘em, and Super hold ‘em on a regular basis.
In the center area of the casino games, is a glass enclosure that serves as a non-smoking area. I did not venture in, but it was large and nice to see that they were providing accommodations for non-smokers too.
The Other ‘Florida Attractions’
The Miccosukee Tribe is an independent and self-sufficient group with three reservation areas. In addition to the Hotel Resort and Gaming, they host two nearby attractions.
Visit the Indian Village in the Florida Everglades for Native Indian arts and craft. Enjoy local Indian food such as fry bread. Or explore the Everglades with Native Americans, but with a modern twist – from an airboat.
Golfers can get a round in at the Golf Club, formerly the Miami National Golf Club, that includes 27 holes over 6,700 yards. The Country Club includes a swimming pool and banquet facilities, as well as a full service golf shop.
Contact Information and See it on Video
Miccosukee Resort & Gaming
500 S.W. 177th Avenue, Miami, FL 33194
(877) 242-6464 or (305) 925-2555
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