Top Spots For Off-Roading Near South Florida

With the abundance of skyscrapers, miles of sandy beaches and big time tourist attractions, South Florida is certainly known for big city coastal living - and would probably rank last on your list of places to find an off-roading adventure. Surprisingly, there are some fantastic options available in and around South Florida. Not far away from the sandy shores of the Atlantic coastline (within a three-hour drive), there are several choices where you can take any type of off-road vehicle for an adrenaline rush you've never experienced, or for an in-depth exploration of the vast Florida wilderness. Whether it's an ATV, a 4x4 Jeep, a dirt bike or even a five-ton military truck, head inland to any one of these places and you'll have a great off-roading experience to brag about.

Devils Garden Mud Club

23515 County Road 835
Clewiston, FL 33440
(800) 551-4375
www.devilsgardenmudclub.com

Just a 1.5-hour drive from Miami, Devils Garden Mud Club is an expansive space that offers a memorable off-roading experience, complete with obstacle courses and trails for different types of off-road vehicles. You can ride an ATV, a 4x4 or even a five-ton military truck; the trails and courses are great from first-timers and seasoned pros. Commonly known as the biggest mud park in the state, spectators can watch exciting rounds of truck racing, ATV racing, obstacle course events and enjoy live entertainment on the weekend. Organized events are popular here and bring off-roading enthusiasts from around the state to take in some fun. It's also family friendly, so you can bring the whole gang along for an unforgettable time.

Miami Motocross Park

16665 Krome Ave. (SR997)
Hialeah, FL 33018
(786) 975-40246
www.miamimxpark.com

Motocross is a faced-paced, off-roading adventure that continues to attract people from all over looking for some adventure. As the only motocross park in the southeast portion of Florida, you can get the full experience here, from private lessons to all-day events. You can bring your dirt bike or ATV, or use the park's bike and gear rental services if you have the desire to ride but don't have the necessary equipment. There's a riding area for kids, called the pee wee track, as well as tracks for competitive use, perfect for riders of different experience levels. The park also offers practices, arranged by experience level and type of vehicle.

Big Cypress National Preserve

33000 Tamiami Trail E.
Ochopee, FL 34141
(239) 695-1205
www.nps.gov/bicy

Off-roading at this national park is unique because you can use an off-road vehicle for nature exploration. Less than a two-hour drive from South Florida, in the heart of the Everglades, the park has designated areas for off-road vehicles if you want to fish, hunt, see wildlife or explore the wilderness as part of a camping trip. A vehicle is required, but it does allow for a variety of off-road vehicles to be used at the reserve, including airboats, swamp buggies, ATVs and 4x4s. The process to obtain a permit is explained on the National Park Service website.

Related: Best Bike Paths In Miami

Redneck Yacht Club Mud Park

44570 Bermont Road
Punta Gorda, FL 33982
(239) 209-3773
www.redneckyachtclubmudpark.com

The name may seem unusual, but off-road enthusiasts will definitely get a "yacht club" experience here because there is truly something for everyone. Redneck Yacht Club hosts big events every year like Trucks Gone Wild, but riders can visit the park just for an afternoon of off-road fun. You can take a spin and get dirty in any one of the four mudholes or you can take a ride on a designated trail for a more laid-back ride. If you just want to take a spin on your ATV, you can venture over to the designated ATV riding area. Also available at the park is a camping area and onsite concessions.

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For nearly 20 years, Shawanda James has been actively involved in creative writing in Miami, Florida. In addition to her work as a freelance writer, she is actively seeking publication for her debut novel and collection of poetry. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.