State Park Campground in the Upper Keys

Closest to the Florida mainland are the upper Keys, which includes Key Largo.  And speaking of Key Largo, you’ll find John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, at MM (Mile Marker) 102.5, on the Atlantic side.

Pennekamp is especially known for its superb diving and snorkeling.  You can take a glass-bottom boat tour as well, if you’d rather not get wet.  There are also ranger programs and tours available, in the water and off.

The campgrounds at Pennekamp are gravel-based, so if you’re tent camping, bring padding.  There are 47 spaces available, all with electricity.

Camping in the Florida Middle Keys

If you’re planning a trip to the Florida Middle Keys, which includes Marathon, there’s a place you need to stay.  It’s the Long Key State Park campgrounds, at MM 67.5.

Now Long Key State Park has an unusual feature that’s highly desireable — all 60 of the camping spaces are facing the ocean!  This means ocean breezes, which also helps to keep the insects away.  Ahhh!

Tents and RVs are both welcome.  The ground here is sandy, so it’s softer to the body than Pennekamp.  All sites have electricity and water, and there are hot showers, restrooms and the like.

Florida Keys Campgounds – Lower Keys

There’s a jewel hidden in the Florida Lower Keys, and it’s called Bahia Honda State Park.  And what a tropical beauty it is — the kind that has to be experienced to be believed.

Picture crystal waters and one of the exceedingly rare natural sand beaches in the Keys.  Add in nature programs, hiking trails and snorkeling, and you have a recipe for a perfect trip.

RVs and tents are both welcome, but RV space is limited, due to a low bridge.  So if you have an RV, please keep that in mind — the clearance is 6 feet 8 inches.

Bahia Honda State Park also has camping cabins…that include air conditioning!  Maybe it seems a little like cheating, but you’ll glory in it in the heat of the summer.

Florida Keys Camping Summary

The absolute best Florida Keys campgounds are the Florida State Parks — hands down.  There is lots to do in the State Parks, and you’ll get to experience more of what you came to Florida for — the glorious outdoors.

Enjoy your wonderful vacation in the Florida Keys!