12260 South West 184 Street, Miami, FL 33177
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
Larry and Penny Thompson Memorial Park in Miami presents a beguiling mix of quiet campground life and easy access to the city's bigger attractions. The reviews describe a place that feels stitched into the middle of urban space yet breathed by trees, shade, and a network of bike paths and trails. There's a clear sense that this park's appeal runs from its practical amenities - campgrounds with full hookups, scattered picnic tables, shelters, clean restrooms, and plentiful water fountains - to its setting: a large, well-laid-out property with pods that house bathrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. For many visitors, the park's biggest strengths are the space between sites, the generous parking, the abundance of shade trees, and the chance to enjoy quiet moments in a big, well-kept environment. A number of guests praise the staff, noting friendly, on-point service at the front desk, and rangers who help keep the grounds orderly. The combination of a peaceful campground vibe with a lively nearby landscape makes this a compelling base for families, cyclists, and travelers seeking a bit of nature without sacrificing proximity to Miami's bustling amenities.
Yet the same reviews paint a more complicated picture. The park's practical assets are sometimes caught in tension with experiences that feel less polished or even challenging. Several guests mention gate and traffic quirks - advising visitors not to leave the gate open, because it can create confusion about turn lanes or lead to unsafe traffic flows first thing in the morning. There are also comments about parking mechanics that felt less user-friendly or even disruptive, with one account describing paying to park in a storage area because of noise or other issues. Another note points to dissatisfaction among certain guests who felt the park isn't welcoming to all travelers, referencing a combination of restrictions and rules that can feel rigid when you're trying to settle in for a longer stay. These pieces of feedback remind readers that what works well for some visitors may not land the same way for others, depending on expectations and plans.
Safety and comfort are recurring themes, too. One review is stark in its warnings: do not bring children if you're hoping for a carefree, kid-friendly environment. The pool and water-park rules, especially when the pool is open, are described as restricting - no goggles, no floating devices, no toys, and in some cases a clear policy against "playing." The same account details a frightening moment when a boulder was thrown near the trail at sundown, followed by a response from a park ranger that blamed the incident on homeless individuals and nighttime activity that involves unusual graffiti and waste. While other guests describe the grounds as peaceful, safe, and welcoming, these anecdotes underscore that safety experiences at the park can feel very different depending on when you visit and whom you encounter.
Another set of criticisms centers on the park's water features and what is or isn't advertised. A few reviewers note that the water slides and beach areas are not always what they expect: some describe the beach as a lake rather than saltwater, with the slides emitting an odor that resembles rotten eggs, and the slides themselves sometimes being dirty or not functioning in the way visitors anticipated. There is a sense of information gaps as well - advertising that doesn't fully align with the on-site reality and a perception that important details about access, hours, and conditions aren't always upfront. These concerns contribute to a feeling among some guests that the park's best draws - the water park, the lakeside setting, and the overall aesthetic - are tempered by inconsistencies in maintenance, cleanliness, and clear communication.
Despite the criticisms, many people recount deeply positive experiences, especially those who stay longer and treat the campground as a home base rather than a quick stopover. Guests who rent full-hookup sites describe ample room for large rigs - one account notes a 42-foot RV fitting comfortably with room to spare for a truck and car - paired with mature shade, grassy areas, and a sense of privacy from neighboring sites. The pod layout, with dedicated bathroom and laundry facilities, is repeatedly highlighted as a practical advantage for longer stays. Even when some facilities show their age - bathrooms and showers described as older but clean - the overall impression remains favorable: the grounds feel wide open, safe, and well maintained, making it easy to unwind after travel days.
Allergies to noise or disruptions are addressed in varying ways, depending on the time of year and nearby activities. The park's proximity to a range of attractions - beaches, zoos, golf courses, marinas - and its own bike and hiking trails offer a rich menu of things to do for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. Some reviewers emphasize the park's dog-friendly stance, noting grassy areas and a nearby dog park as excellent options for letting four-legged friends stretch their legs. Fireworks in the area occasionally add a loud but spectacular backdrop that can unsettle pets, so animal lovers may want to plan accordingly. Wildlife sightings, including a panther occasionally seen near the campground, add a touch of the exceptional to the experience and remind visitors that this setting sits at a nuanced intersection of urban life and nature.
In the end, the park emerges as a place with a distinct personality: it is not a resort, but a clean, spacious, laid-back campground that can feel like a home away from home for the right traveler. Its biggest strengths lie in its space, its network of trails and outdoor areas, its practical laundry and shower facilities, and the sense of security that many guests report. Its weaknesses - mixed safety anecdotes, some disrepair in water features, and occasional policy friction - serve as caveats for visitors who prioritize certain comforts or family-friendliness. It is a place where you can bike, hike, and picnic, where you can base your exploration of Miami and the Everglades, and where you may encounter a blend of quiet nights and lively nearby activity. For families with bikes, dogs, and a desire for a roomy site, Larry and Penny Thompson Memorial Park can be a wonderful find; for others seeking a slick, all-inclusive resort atmosphere, it may feel more like a work-in-progress. The park's enduring appeal seems to lie in its flexibility, its neighborhood feel, and the undeniable advantage of having a substantial, well-located campground as a launching point for all that southern Florida has to offer.
Troy & Greg in Miami, FL is an exceptional assisted living community that offers a wide range of amenities and care services to meet the unique needs of its residents.
Our spacious and well-appointed dining room provides a welcoming atmosphere for residents to enjoy delicious meals prepared by our skilled chefs. Each unit in our community is fully furnished, ensuring a comfortable and convenient living experience.
Our beautiful garden and outdoor spaces provide opportunities for residents to relax and enjoy the Florida sunshine, while our housekeeping services ensure that their living spaces are always clean and tidy.
For those who require assistance with daily activities, our dedicated staff provides support with bathing, dressing, transfers, and medication management. We also offer coordination with health care providers to ensure that all medical needs are met.
We understand that individuals may have special dietary restrictions or diabetes diets, and we are committed to providing appropriate meal options to meet these needs. Additionally, transportation arrangements can be made for medical appointments.
Residents at Troy & Greg can enjoy a vibrant social life with scheduled daily activities designed to foster engagement and enjoyment. In the surrounding area, there are two cafes and numerous restaurants nearby where residents can explore local culinary delights. There are also six parks where they can enjoy outdoor recreation and exercise. In terms of healthcare accessibility, there are 16 pharmacies nearby as well as one physicians' office. For spiritual fulfillment, four places of worship are easily accessible from our community.
At Troy & Greg in Miami, FL, we strive to create an environment that promotes independence, wellness, and connection for all of our residents.
Troy & Greg is located at 12260 South West 184 Street, Miami, FL 33177 in Miami-Dade County, Florida
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