Are you an outdoor enthusiast who loves sun-drenched days, sweeping ocean vistas, and the allure of the Florida Keys? Then, embarking on a quest to find the best camping spots in this picturesque archipelago should definitely be on your itinerary!
What Makes Camping in the Florida Keys Unique?
The Florida Keys are a chain of tropical islands stretching about 120 miles off the southern tip of Florida connected by the iconic Overseas Highway 1 which stretches all the way to Key West at mile marker 0.
With azure waters in many colorful blue hues, vibrant marine life, and a laid-back atmosphere, the Keys are a perfect destination for a memorable camping road trip. It’s also a great road trip for families because camping can be more cost-effective than expensive hotels in the Florida Keys areas.
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Each Key offers its own distinct experience, from the historic charm of Key West to the serene, to nature-filled landscapes of Big Pine Key, to boating and snorkeling adventures in Key Largo and Islamorada. The region is also home to amazing state and national parks that showcase Florida’s diverse ecosystems, providing opportunities for unique and fun activities like snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, fishing, and wildlife spotting. Whether you prefer beachside camping, exploring marine life, or simply soaking in the stunning views at the campsite, the Florida Keys deliver a memorable road trip escape filled with both adventure and tranquility.
Regardless of your knowledge and comfort with camping, there are many options available that allow all travelers to find the accommodations that will work best for a great family adventure. Also, you don’t have to drive the whole way! It is easy to fly into Miami and rent a vehicle there for this camping trip in the Keys!
Our team has curated a list of the best camping spots, complete with addresses and descriptions to help you plan your own camping road trip in the Florida Keys and make the most of your beach journey.
*Don’t forget to check out our One Day Itinerary in Key West , our Ultimate Florida Coastal Lighthouse Road Trip Guide, and why we think Key West is also a Beatuiful Winter Trip Destination too!
- What Makes Camping in the Florida Keys Unique?
- Here are our top suggestions for the best camping spots in the Florida Keys:
- 1. Bahia Honda State Park (our favorite and one of the best camping spots in the Keys)
- 2. Big Pine Key Resort and Fishing Lodge
- 3. Bluewater Key RV Resort
- 4. Boyd’s Key West Campground
- 5. Curry Hammock State Park
- 6. Fiesta Key RV Resort & Marina
- 7. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Camping
- 8. Key Largo Kampground and Marina
- 9. Long Key State Park
- Essential Packing List Items for Your Florida Keys Road Trip:
- Final Thoughts on Best Camping Spots in the Florida Keys
- Related Travel Articles
**Make your Florida Keys camping trip more comfortable with these must-have camping essentials from Amazon.
Here are our top suggestions for the best camping spots in the Florida Keys:
Most of the campgrounds offer a variety of camping options so that you can find one that is most comfortable for your road trip!
Explore even more of everything the Keys have to offer with a colorful Fodor’s Florida Keys Travel Guide from Amazon!
1. Bahia Honda State Park (our favorite and one of the best camping spots in the Keys)
Bahia Honda State Park is renowned for its picturesque beaches and crystal-clear waters. It’s also a unique camping spot because it has beaches on both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico side! You get the best of both worlds!
The park offers three campgrounds with a total of 80 sites, all equipped with water, electricity, and restrooms. Indulge in activities like snorkeling, swimming, and fishing, or simply relax on the award-winning Sandspur Beach.
Don’t miss the chance to walk along the historic Old Bahia Honda Bridge (broken bridge above pic) for stunning sunsets and views of the surrounding islands.
Location: 36850 Overseas Highway
Big Pine Key FL 33043
Types of Camping Offered at Bahia Honda:
- Cabin
- Tent
- RV
- Camping Boats
Activities offered at Bahia Honda State Park (besides camping):
- Beaching (they have 2 amazing ones, one on the Atlantic side and one on the Gulf of Mexico side!), swimming, shelling
- Fishing, Boating, Kayaking, Scuba, Snorkeling (equipment rental available)
- Bicycling
- Birding
- Geo-seeking
- Hiking (the trail to the broken bridge is great at sunset)
- Picnicking
- Star-gazing, wildlife viewing
**You can also book this half-day boat charter and explore the nearby waters!
Nearby Bahia Honda State Park Attractions:
- Boat Tours [Varied Locations and Companies]
- Calusa Beach [0.6 miles from park]
- The Overseas Highway [3.2 miles from park]
- Old Seven Mile Bridge [7.5 miles from park]
- National Key Deer Refuge [5.2 miles from park]
- Fishing Expeditions [Varied Locations and Companies]
- Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary [1.9 miles from park]
2. Big Pine Key Resort and Fishing Lodge
The Big Pine Key Resort offers a unique camping experience with a variety of accommodations, including tent sites, RV sites, and motel rooms. This family-friendly campground features a swimming pool, playground, and boat ramp. Enjoy fishing in the nearby waters or explore the unique wildlife of the National Key Deer Refuge, home to the endangered Key deer.
Location: 33000 Overseas Highway
Big Pine Key FL 33043
Types of Camping Offered At Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge Resort:
- Tent
- Rv
- Rv and Trailer Rentals
Activities offered on location at Big Pine Key Resort:
- Beach Bon Fires
- Block Parties
- Dances
- Game Nights
- Sunset Happy Hours
- Lobster Tournaments
- Fishing Tournaments
- Tropical Sport Fishing
- Fun Arts & Crafts and bingo
Nearby Attractions to Big Pine Key Resort:
- Bahia Honda State Park [4.7 miles from park]
- National Key Deer Refuge [2.4 miles from park]
- Blue Hole [5.4 miles from park]
- Calusa Beach [4.5 miles from park]
- Key West Visitors Center [1.6 miles from park]
- Grimal Grove [2.4 miles from park]
- Jack C. Watson Nature Trail [5.7 miles from park]
3. Bluewater Key RV Resort
Bluewater Key RV Resort is a luxury RV resort offering 81 spacious, privately-owned sites with tropical landscaping, tiki huts, and waterfront access. This pet-friendly resort provides a range of amenities, including a temperature-controlled pool, clubhouse, and boat docks. Just a short drive from Key West, you can easily explore the area’s attractions while enjoying a comfortable stay at the resort on your camping road trip in the Keys!
Location: 2950 Overseas Highway
Key West FL 33040
Types of Camping offered at Bluewater Key:
- RV
- RV rentals
Activities Offered on Location:
- Walking Paths
- SwimmingPool
- Private Tiki Huts
- Docks and Boat Access
- Park Clubhouse
Nearby Attractions:
- Sugarloaf Key Bat Tower [3.2 miles from park]
- Sugarloaf Farmers Market [2.8 miles from park]
- Sammy Creek Landing (Beach) [8 miles from park]
- Skydive Key West [3.2 miles from park]
- Discover dolphins dockside with this tour!
4. Boyd’s Key West Campground
Complete your Florida Keys road trip at Boyd’s Key West Campground, located just minutes from downtown Key West. The waterfront campground offers tent and RV sites with full hookups, a heated pool, and a camp store. Discover the vibrant culture and fun of Key West!
Location: 6401 Maloney Ave
Key West FL 33040
Make Reservations and read reviews here
Types of Camping:
- RV
- Tent
- Tiny Home Rentals
Activities offered on location:
- Pavilion Activities [dance lessons, games/tournaments, cookouts, etc.]
- Boating
- Fishing
- Pier
- Game Room
- Bike & Walking Paths
- Swimming Pool
Nearby Attractions to Boyd’s Key West Camping:
- Stock Island Marina Village [0.7 miles from park]
- Collections Key West Gallery [0.5 miles from park]
- Sacred Space Key West [0.2 miles from park]
- Air Adventures [1.9 miles from park]
- Ernest Hemingway Home [4.5 miles from park]
- Key West Aquarium [4.7 miles from park]
5. Curry Hammock State Park
Located in the heart of the Florida Keys, Curry Hammock State Park boasts 28 oceanfront campsites with water, electricity, and a dump station. The park offers a range of activities, including fishing, kayaking, swimming, and bird-watching. The park’s shallow waters and sandy beaches make it ideal for families with young children and a great Keys road trip camping stop. We did an amazing kayak tour here complete with lots of wildlife viewing experiences!
Location: 56200 Overseas Highway
Marathon FL 33050
Types of Camping at Curry Hammock State Park:
- RV
- Tent
- Tiny Home Rentals
Activities offered on location:
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Paddling/Kayaking
- Star Gazing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking
- Snorkeling
- Bicycling
- Beach
Nearby Attractions:
- The Turtle Hospital [8.4 miles from park]
- Sombrero Beach & Reef [8.7 miles from park]
- Dolphin Research Center [3.2 miles from park]
- Florida Keys Aquarium – get tickets here! [3.8 miles from park]
- Crane Point Museum & Nature Center [6.7 miles from park]
6. Fiesta Key RV Resort & Marina
Fiesta Key RV Resort and Marina is a 28-acre island resort offering a variety of accommodation options, including RV sites, tent sites, and vacation rentals. The resort features a marina, swimming pool, hot tub, and onsite restaurant. With its prime location in the middle of the Keys, you can easily explore nearby attractions like the Dolphin Research Center and the Turtle Hospital.
Location: 70001 Overseas Highway
Layton FL 33001
Read reviews and make reservations here
Types of Camping offered at Fiesta Key:
- RV
- RV Rentals
- Cottage
- Hotel
Types of Activities offered on location:
- Ocean Swimming & Snorkeling Fishing
- Basketball & Volleyball
- Marina & Boating
- Scheduled Entertainments
- Horseshoes
- Planned Activities
Nearby Attractions:
- Curry Hammock State Park [14.3 miles from park]
- Long Key State Park [2.8 miles from park]
- Anne’s Beach [3.7 miles from park]
- Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail [1.9 miles from park]
7. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Camping
Kick off your road trip with a visit to the first undersea park in the United States. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Campgrounds offers two campgrounds with a total of 47 sites, all equipped with water, electricity, and picnic tables. Enjoy the park’s pristine beaches, mangrove swamps, and discover the famous Christ of the Abyss statue while snorkeling or scuba diving. Canoeing and kayaking opportunities are also abundant in the park’s labyrinth of waterways.
Location: 102601 Overseas Highway
Key Largo FL 33037
Types of Camping offered:
- RV
- Tent
- Trailer Camping
- Boat
Activities offered on location:
- Boat Tours
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Paddling
- Scuba Diving Snorkeling
- BeachSwimming Amphitheatre
- Jr. Ranger Activities & Playground
Nearby Attractions:
- Christ of the Deep [0.2 miles from the park]
- Key Largo Undersea Park [0.2 miles from the park]
- Boat and Ocean Tours [Varied Locations and Companies]
- Dolphins Plus Bayside [0.8 miles from the park]
- Key Largo Art Gallery [0.5 miles from park]
8. Key Largo Kampground and Marina
Nestled in a tropical setting, the Key Largo Kampground and Marina offers a variety of accommodations, including tent sites, RV sites, and vacation rentals. The campground features a swimming pool, boat ramp, and marina, making it the perfect spot for boating and fishing enthusiasts. The nearby Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Everglades National Park offer additional opportunities for exploration and adventure.
Location: 101551 Overseas Highway
Key Largo FL 33037
Read reviews and make reservations here
Types of camping offered at Key Largo Kampground:
- RV
- Tent
- Trailer
Activities offered on site:
- Boating & Launch
- Lawn Games
- Fitness Center
- Swimming & Kiddie Pool
- Planned Activities & Recreation Hall
- Beach & Swimming
- Fishing
- Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
Nearby Attractions:
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park [1.8 miles from park]
- Friendship Park [0.7 miles from park]
- Rainbow Reef Dive Center [2.2 miles from park]
- Theater of the Sea [17.4 miles from park]
- Key Colony Beach Golf Course [49.4 miles from park]
Some other Key West articles to check out:
Discover Beach Bliss With a Soul Nourishing Vacation
The Best Key West Lighthouse Sunset Experience Review!
9. Long Key State Park
Long Key State Park offers 60 oceanfront campsites equipped with water, electricity, and a picnic table. This park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with activities like canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and bird-watching. The park’s Golden Orb Trail, a 1.1-mile loop, offers a glimpse of the area’s diverse ecosystems, including mangroves, dunes, and hardwood hammocks.
Location: 67400 Overseas Highway
Layton FL 33001
Types of Camping offered at Long Key State Park:
- Tent
- Cabin
- RV
- Boat Camping
- Equestrian camping
Activities offered on site:
- Birding
- Fishing
- Geo-Seeking Hiking
- Paddling Snorkeling
- Star Gazing Swimming
- Wildlife Viewing
Nearby Attractions:
- Wild Dolphin Tours [12.6 miles from park]
- Fishing Tours [Varied Locations and Companies]
- Water Sports Tours [Varied Locations and Companies]
- Dolphin Connection [7 miles from park]
- Anne’s Beach [6.2 miles from park]
- Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail [0.8 miles from park]
Essential Packing List Items for Your Florida Keys Road Trip:
Packing the right items can make your camping trip smoother, safer, and much more enjoyable. Here are five essentials you’ll want to bring along on your next Florida Keys adventure.
- Portable Phone Mount – A sturdy phone mount is a must for easy access to navigation and hands-free calls. We love this budget-friendly one on Amazon!
- Reusable Water Bottle with Filter – A reusable water bottle (like this Brita one on Amazon) with a built-in filter ensures you’ll always have access to clean water and be well-hydrated.
- Compact Car Emergency Kit – From flat tires to minor injuries, you’ll want to be prepared with essential tools for being on the road!
- Travel Cooler Bag – A soft-sided, insulated cooler bag keeps drinks and snacks fresh and accessible, saving you time and money on stops. (Amazon)
- Portable Power Bank – This budget-friendly option (Amazon) can keep all your devices charged, and has a solar panel so everyone in the car can stay connected.
Final Thoughts on Best Camping Spots in the Florida Keys
There are so many ways to explore and experience the Florida Keys through the outdoors! A camping road trip through the Florida Keys offers an unforgettable adventure filled with natural beauty, recreational activities, and a laid-back atmosphere.
Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a first-timer, these campgrounds will provide you with the perfect base to camp and explore the unique charm of the Keys. So pack your bags and set off on an extraordinary journey through the tropical paradise of the Florida Keys.