Sunrise View From Camp Site

If you’re heading down to the Florida Keys and looking to camp in the Miami area before crossing the bridge, consider staying at C.B. Smith Park in Pembroke Pines. It’s only 90 minutes to Key Largo, so it sets the stage to enjoy a full day of adventure on your first day in the Keys. Maybe you only want to park overnight at a Walmart or casino parking lot and don’t need campground services? Then check out the Miccosukee Resort Hotel and Casino to see if that fits your traveling needs.

Campground Features

CB Smith is a Broward County park with a long list of amenities, including the campground that accommodates both large and small RVs. There are 71 RV sites with full hook ups, including many pull-through sites. The restroom facilities are sparkling clean and include hot showers. In the center of the campground is a laundry facility, which is fantastic for families enjoying the park’s many activities, and for all those who have been on the road for a while.

Several of the campsites have a view of the lake, but none are directly on the water. The roads, walkway, and parking pads are paved, and each site has a picnic table and grill on a cement pad. Trees and lush green grass found throughout the campground provides a peaceful and inviting atmosphere. There is a nice dock overlooking the lake for fishing or just to enjoy the scenery while out on a stroll with the dog.

Click here to view the embedded video.

The campground feels private from the rest of the park and after hours security is provided so we felt very comfortable during our stay here. It’s worth noting that the outdoor amphitheater is directly across the lake from the campground and they do have concerts and other events during the year. When calling for reservations, it won’t hurt to ask if there are any events scheduled that may impact your stay.

Is That a Huge Lizard?

Brown Basilisk Lizard

Whether out on a walk, biking or driving, you’re likely to see iguanas that have taken up residence in South Florida. They are a non-native lizard that is one of the many invasive species that Florida contends with that may have been a pet at one time and then carelessly released or escaped. The Green Iguanas can grow up to 6 feet and weigh 18 pounds and are quite capable swimmers. However the biggest one that we saw was about a foot long. They normally will shy away from people and their pets, but will defend themselves as needed with their sharp teeth and claws and can give a good whack with their tails.

Surrounding Park Amenities

The campground is only a small part of the overall CB Smith Park that sits on nearly 300 acres. There is something here for everyone to enjoy and this is a favorite family destination. The park boasts one of the many cool water parks in Florida called Paradise Cove Water Park covering nearly 5 acres. It’s designed for kids of all ages, and adults too, with various water slides, shallow pools and a tube ride. Two concessions are in the water park and picnic tables with large umbrellas are available to rent.

The C.B. Marina offers boat rentals, such as kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats. Didn’t pack up the bikes? No worries because bike rentals are available too. You can also try your luck at miniature golf, the driving range or the batting cages. All this and much more will keep everyone active and entertained for hours on end.

Largest RV Show in the country

If you’re in Florida in mid-January, be sure to attend the 2010 Florida RV SuperShow. Every type of RV will be available so it’s a fantastic chance to see a huge variety, all in one place.

For some of the best motorized small RV’s, don’t miss the Born Free, Winnebago, and Road Trek booths. Each has some exciting new products in their 2010 line-ups.

There will be travel trailers galore and even truck campers to explore. Just download the RV Show’s Map (NOTE: updated link on 1/11/12 to point to our new article vs. outdated link to FRVTA.) and see all the great exhibitors for yourself.

Tips to get the most out of your day

• Wear comfy supportive shows because you’ll want to see all that you can

• Check out the Show’s exhibitor layout first thing to make sure you don’t miss any of your “must see” RV’s

• Also note any seminars that you plan to attend along with the times and location

• Take notes by way of a camera or video rather than brochures and notepads. Take pictures of signs, people, RV’s, floorplans, products, pricing and dealers that you are interested in. The signs in particular are great reference for later research.

• Bring a quality small pocket camera that offers wide angle to get the whole RV layout, but can also zoom in for the details.

• If you prefer video, you won’t go wrong with a small pocket camcorder that slips easily into your pocket or small purse.

Information

Website: http://www.frvta.org/florida_rv_super_show.asp

Dates: January 13 through January 17, 2010

Times: 9am-6pm, except the last day Sunday, which closes at 5pm

Location: Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa

Not in Florida?

No worries, we’ll go for you and add some of the highlights of the show to our site. Let us know if you have a must see RV that you’d like us to cover.