Camping in the Florida Keys: A Dream Come True

Close your eyes and imagine gentle ocean breezes with tall palms swaying overhead. Imagine waking up to a beautiful sunrise, the sounds of the surf gently lapping the beach, seagulls squawking overhead, and the muffled sound of a fishing boat putting offshore. Imagine lazy days soaking up the sun, building sandcastles or napping in a hammock, and peaceful nights that start with incredibly romantic sunsets. If this sounds appealing, your dream can become a reality when you camp in the Florida Keys. In fact, you can snag some of the best off-season rates between May and October, making this experience not only beautiful but also affordable.

1. Experience Camping in the Florida Keys

Campgrounds are scattered throughout the Keys, offering a diverse range of camping experiences—from primitive camping to “roughing it” in a luxury RV. Campsites vary by location, with many providing waterfront spots—some situated directly on the beach, while others line tranquil canals. Many campgrounds present amenities like pools and spas, while others allow you to relish the natural beauty of Florida with stunning sunsets and serene nights.

A unique experience for seasoned and well-equipped campers is the primitive camping at Dry Tortugas National Park. Located about 70 miles west of Key West, the park is accessible only by your boat or the Dry Tortugas Ferry Service. Although day trips are popular, few visitors opt for the camping regimen, which requires packing all your gear and supplies (including water) to navigate limited space and minimal services. Adherence to strict regulations is essential, including prohibitions on wood fires and attaching ropes to trees; all trash must be returned to the mainland. Despite these challenges, who can resist the breathtaking sunsets and mesmerizing nighttime skies?

When exploring the Keys, make sure to pack water shoes, as they are necessary to navigate the pebbly beaches filled with shells and hermit crabs, which is typical of most Keys beaches. Remember to bring floats since many areas have shallow water unsuitable for swimming; however, you can still enjoy a multitude of water toys, including beach balls and floats.

Even with all the beauty, nature is present, so don’t forget to take precautions against bugs and critters. Raccoons often visit campsites at night, and “noseeums” can sneak into your tent through the screens. Therefore, the first rule of camping in Florida is to always bring bug spray!

Consequently, camping in the Keys is an unforgettable experience. Whether you want to fully embrace the camping lifestyle or explore surrounding tourist attractions and water sports, one certainty remains—the sunsets are magnificent, and photo opportunities abound.

2. Top Florida Keys Campgrounds

• Bahia Honda State Park – Offers tent and RV campsites along with rental cabins, featuring some bayfront sites.
• Bluewater Key RV Resort – An RV ownership and rental resort with 81 spacious RV sites, many positioned directly on the water, situated just 10 miles from Key West.
• Boyd’s Key West Campground – Features oceanfront RV and tent resort camping just minutes from Key West’s bustling Duval Street, including a swimming pool and marina.
• Curry Hammock State Park – Offers full facility RV campsites, including some oceanfront options.
• Dry Tortugas National Park – Primitive camping for up to three nights, accessible only by personal boat or the Yankee Freedom II ferry. Reservations are necessary due to limited space.
• Fiesta Key Resort KOA – Offers both RV and tent waterfront campsites, along with a pool and hot tubs, located at Mile Marker 70 on Long Key.
• Grassy Key RV Park & Resort – Newly renovated in Marathon, featuring spacious campsites, a sparkling pool, and views of the Gulf.
• John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park – Provides full facility RV camping options, including boat facilities.
• Jolly Roger Travel Park – Features shady RV and tent campsites with abundant water activities nearby.
• Key Largo Kampground & Marina – Provides spots for both RVs and tents, as well as a new deep-water ramp for boating, located at Mile Marker 101.5.
• Long Key State Park – Oceanfront camping options available with full hookups.
• Pelican Motel & Trailer Park – Consists of a 9-unit hotel and 85 RV sites set on Grassy Key at MM59 on the Gulf of Mexico, offering various amenities.
• Sugarloaf Key Resort KOA – Nestled between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, this beachfront resort provides RV and tent sites, along with a variety of activities for the entire family. Just a short drive to Key West.