Review with photos of FREE camping at Holey Land Wildlife Management Area near Ft. Lauderdale and Miami in Florida.
At A Glance
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission – WMA and WEA – Holey Land WMA.
- Free – First Come First Served. No bookings. Camp along the L5 and Miami Levees – I saw 3 possible camping pullouts along L5
- Tents and RVs of all sizes. Do not block any roads.
- Toilets nearby at Harold Campbell Public Use Area.
- No gates.
- 14 nights max in a 30-day period.
- Most of the year you can only camp on Fri, Sat and Sun nights. Information – https://myfwc.com/recreation/lead/holey-land/things-to-do/
- 26.33316, -80.63419
- 26.33232, -80.69791
- 26.33208, -80.71844
Location Map
Zoom into the area west of Boca Raton on Florida’s east coast. The camp areas have green icons.
My Experience
Closest free wild boondocking to Miami and the Keys (as far as I know)
I needed a free location near Miami to visit Downtown. It turned out to be 90mins from Downtown – a bit too far but doable considering it was free!
Access the WMA via RTE 27 – turn west towards Harold Campbell Public Use Area. Use my waypoints above to find the sites.
You camp on top of the L5 Levee once you reach the Holey Land WMA sign. The first site is right there to the left and the next two sites are a bit further west along the southern L5 levee road.
These are just flat pullouts with great views in all directions and no shade whatsoever.
I planned to stay the whole weekend but left after one night. Everything was good, the road was good, Verizon was strong and I loved the water views.
But it was too exposed for my liking. Cars drive by at all hours and the pullout is too close to the road. I did not feel unsafe, just a bit uneasy when loud pickup trucks cruise by with brights on and loud music.
So, for me, it did not work but it is nice to know one can camp in the wild for free not too far from Miami. Next time I will just pay the money and stay in Everglades NP or Big Cypress. Or a bit further north in free sites near West Palm Beach.
Photos
About the Florida WMA and WEA
Please read my article about the Florida Wildlife and Environment Management Areas and the booking process BEFORE booking! It will save you time and frustration.
Book Online
Not needed but watch for closures