Florida Keys Camping
Naturalists and frugalists alike enjoy camping in the Florida Keys, whether
they have all the conveniences of home in an outfitted RV, or just a tent and
some bug repellent. Enjoy water access, modern baths, laundry facilities, and
electrical hook-ups while taking in the Keys’ natural beauty. Many campgrounds
accept leashed pets, but policies vary so call ahead before loading your Great
Dane into the camper.
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Florida Keys Campground |
STATE PARK CAMPGROUNDS
One of the best places to stay is among the first you hit after leaving the
mainland. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo is a prime spot
for budding snorkelers to try their flippers—the waters are clear, shallow,
and sea life is abundant and up-close. Educational opportunities are rivaled
only by the entertainment options stretched along this uppermost key. In the
evening, adults can enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Key Largo or simply watch
the stars reflecting off the ocean.
Long Key State Park is nearly on top of the water—every site is waterfront—and
the views are spectacular. The area is peaceful, and one of the best ways to
pass an afternoon is picnicking on the tables alongside the surf.
Directly above the Seven Mile Bridge, Bahia Honda State Park boasts the best
beach in the U.S. (according to Dr. Beach’s 1992 survey). The 2.5 miles
of white sand and wide shallows make for excellent swimming and snorkeling,
but do remain mindful of the sometimes strong current along this beach, or you’ll
come out of the water on the other side of the spit. Tarpon fishing is said
to be fantastic in this area. Bahia Honda camping is far from basic—air-conditioned
cabins are available for rent, and spaces can accommodate everything from a
large RV to a pup-tent. If you are bringing you RV to one of these state campgrounds be sure to have RV insurance so you are fully covered All sites come with grills and a picnic table, so there’s
no need to leave during your stay (unless you’re out of marshmallows).
A boat ramp is provided, as is trailer parking.
Seventy miles west of Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park is a nearly unspoiled
gem of Floridian history. Camping at this remote location is only for the dedicated:
there are not full bath facilities, and all fresh water (and everything else)
must be packed-in and out. The ten tent sites are available on a first-come,
first-served basis, and the park provides grills, picnic tables, and saltwater
toilets. Campers will enjoy snorkeling in an underwater preserve, watching endangered
native birds, and lounging on the stretches of white sand. Campers must secure
transportation to and from the island; the best bets are Seaplane or a charter
boat service. Please see the corresponding sections on this site for more information.
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Florida Keys Camping
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PRIVATE CAMPGROUNDS
Key Largo Kampground & Marina is next door to Pennekamp but a bit higher
on the luxury scale. Two beaches, boat ramps, tropical plant-lined paths, a
swimming pool, volleyball court, and additional conveniences set this campground
apart. It’s adjacent to a shopping center and has spaces for both tents
and RVs.
On Marathon, Knight’s Key Park Campground & Marina allows campers
at harbor-side sites to dock their boats behind their site. There’s a
deep-water canal, a beach, and a seasonal restaurant on the grounds.
Boyd’s Key West Campground is as close as you can get to camping on the
southernmost isle, though the grounds are actually on Stock Island (where the
towed cars of Key West tourists await retrieval). Boyd’s is close to the
action but great for those who’d like to lounge in a poolside tiki hut
equipped with a big-screen television. There are marina and boat ramp facilities.
Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge offers everything from dirt-floor tent sites to full
dockside sites with full hook-ups—including air conditioning, cable, and
phone. Slips are available for fishing boats under 25 feet, and there are fish-cleaning
areas and a swimming pool.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Rates vary based upon type (tent, RV, or boat parking), amenities (electricity,
sewer, etc.), the time of year, and your length of stay. The three state park
campgrounds have fairly inflexible reservations systems regarding late arrival
(after 5 p.m.) and cancellations—make sure to call ahead, or you’ll
either be locked out or charged for a night you didn’t camp. The state
park campsites also prohibit pets, and may prohibit alcohol. Maximum stays are
generally 14 nights.
Make reservations well in advance—those wishing a spot anytime between
January and March generally need to reserve it a full year in advance. Key lobster
season (at the end of July) and Fantasy Fest are other times the island chain
is thronged with visitors, all looking for someplace to bed down.
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View from nature trail Pennkamp Park Campground
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Activities
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Amenities
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Services
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Utilities
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Bicycle rentals
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Diving
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Fishing (including charters,
deep-sea, and flats)
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Jet skiing
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Kayaking
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Live music and entertainment
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Pig roasts
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Planned activities
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Shopping
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Sightseeing
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Snorkeling
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Sunbathing
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Bathhouses
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Bayside hookup
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BBQ grills
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Beaches
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Boat launch facilities
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Boat slips
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Canal side hookup
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Clubhouse
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Heated and/or freshwater
swimming pool
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Hot showers
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Hot tubs/saunas
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Laundry facilities
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Maximum length pull through –
80 feet
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Oceanside hookup
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Picnic tables
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Private docks
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Private Tiki huts
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Private waterfront RV and
tent village frontage
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Snack bars
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Tent resort camping
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Tropical settings
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24-hour security
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Boat/Cargo trailer storage
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Bus service
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Convenience stores
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Entrance gates
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Family owned and operated
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Full tent and RV hookup
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Full-service restaurants and
bars
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Gift shops
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Leashed dogs allowed
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Long or short-term rentals
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Marinas
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Meeting rooms
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Purchase/lease rentals
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Senior citizen discounts
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Cable TV (up to 70 channels)
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Electric (up to 50 amps)
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Live phone/modem jacks
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LP gas
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Sewage
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Water
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Wireless Internet connections
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For the best investment,
purchase your own campground in the Florida
Keys. Own via freehold land or
condominium rights. Many choices of size and location exist, with low
financing options available.
Get the most adventure out
of your Florida Keys vacation – Go Camping!
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