Restroom
Public bathroom
0.4 mi
JH5X+44, Quail Heights, FL 33177
Lake BeachFL
Larry And Penny Thompson Park
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background photo from a past visit, not current conditions. View photos and source links
Plan a Larry & Penny Thompson visit with seasonal beach checks, separate campground-pool rules and reviewed lake photos. Confirm opening dates before a swim trip.
Swimming restriction
Use the opened designated beach, not an arbitrary lake bank. The slide has a 48-inch minimum height; the campground pool is restricted to registered guests.
Official sources checked:
Water type
Lake Beach
Access
Informal
Fee
County lists beach/slide admission at $6 adults, $4 ages 3-17 and $4 seniors over 62. Confirm current charges; this is not a camping rate.
Best season
Choose an opening window confirmed by the park and check notices on arrival
Nearby towns
Miami, Cutler Ridge, Homestead
Water body
Freshwater Park Lake With Seasonal Public Beach; Campground Pool Is Separate
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Miami, Cutler Ridge, Homestead
Access location not verified
25.60183, -80.40481
Recorded coordinates have not been source-checked. Confirm the entrance and legal access before using directions.
A closer look
Photos of Larry And Penny Thompson Park
Photos show past visits, not current water levels or swimming conditions. Select a photo to view it larger.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Choose the beach or the campground pool
The county visitor page distinguishes the public seasonal beach from the guest-only campground pool. Match your plans to the right facility rather than treating all water areas as interchangeable.
Check the season before leaving home
The 2024 reopening announcement documents the renovated slide and beach, but its Memorial Day-to-Labor Day dates belong to that announcement. They are not a recurring calendar. The current visitor page shows a different date window without naming a year; confirm which schedule applies to your visit.
Use the gallery to understand the setting
The reviewed photos show the lake and surrounding park landscape, not current swimming conditions. The aerial view helps distinguish the lakeside visitor area from nearby scenery, while the shaded path illustrates a possible dry-land outing. Neither provides permission to enter from any bank or guarantees that the slide is operating.
Getting There
Use Larry & Penny Thompson Park, 12451 SW 184th Street, Miami, FL 33177. Confirm the correct beach entrance and lawful parking with the park. The historical map point remains unverified, not a designated water-entry location. Zoo Miami is adjacent, not the swimming destination.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
The county page displays weekends and holidays, June 6-August 9, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., without identifying a year. Confirm the applicable season before travel; office hours are not beach hours.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Use the opened designated beach, not an arbitrary lake bank. The slide has a 48-inch minimum height; the campground pool is restricted to registered guests. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Larry And Penny Thompson Memorial Park And Campground
Parking lot
0.9 mi
4.4 (40)
12451 SW 184 St, Miami, FL 33157
Restroom
Encore Miami Everglades
Campground
3.5 mi
3.9 (955)
20675 SW 162nd Ave, Miami, FL 33187
Landscaped RV campground with cabin rentals, a pool, mini-golf, a playground & various activities.
Public restroomPublic showerRestroomRunning water
Old Cutler Hiking Trailhead
Hiking area
9.7 mi
4.4 (21)
Unnamed Road, Coral Gables, FL 33156
Biscayne National Park Ranger Station
Public safety office
10.5 mi
4.8 (19)
Homestead, FL 33033
Restroom
Biscayne National Park - Dante Fascell Visitor Center
Visitor center
10.5 mi
4.7 (1612)
9700 SW 328th St, Homestead, FL 33033
Restroom
Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center
Visitor center
18.1 mi
4.7 (2875)
40001 State Hwy 9336, Homestead, FL 33034
Information & advice on how to get the most out of the Everglades National Park 365 days a year.
Restroom
Live Conditions Nearby
Checking nearby USGS water conditions…
Frequently Asked Questions About Larry And Penny Thompson Park
Is the campground pool open to ordinary day visitors?
No. The county restricts it to registered guests; public beach admission is a separate arrangement.
Is the beach open all year?
No year-round opening is established. Confirm the applicable seasonal schedule and any current notices with the park.
Can the old reopening article confirm today's slide operation?
No. The announcement is dated May 22, 2024. Check current visitor information before planning a slide visit.
Highlights
Seasonal lake beach
Separate guest-only campground pool
Lake and wooded-path gallery
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Stay within the designated area when open, supervise children and follow staff instructions
- Clear-looking water and old swimming photos do not establish present conditions
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
The county records the beach and waterslide reopening in May 2024; that announcement is not a present-day opening notice.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Four reviewed park photos show lake scenery, aerial context, woodland and a shaded path. No zoo portrait or unrelated visitor photo is included; the gallery does not document current slide operation.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Use visitor paths, protect shoreline vegetation and remove litter.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Choose an opening window confirmed by the park and check notices on arrival.
Difficulty Level
Developed beach setting, but a photograph of a paved park path does not establish step-free swimming entry.
Fee
County lists beach/slide admission at $6 adults, $4 ages 3-17 and $4 seniors over 62. Confirm current charges; this is not a camping rate.
Facilities
Do not assume camper facilities are included with beach admission. No verified accessible water-entry route provided here.
Activities
Swimming at the seasonal designated beach when open, park walks and separately arranged camping
Phone
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
RV and tent camping are separate paid arrangements. Check current rates, availability and check-in rules with the park.
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Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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