10 Family-Friendly Places For Camping In The Florida Keys

Have you ever wished to spend a night in the lap of nature? Get ready to explore the most budget-friendly spots in the Florida Keys. Just ask me for the cheapest places to live, and I’ll guide you to your coastal haven without breaking the bank!

Here you’ll enjoy the cool breeze of palm trees swaying overhead, gazing at the stars, witnessing the beautiful sunrise, and the sound of the waves crashing – all magical and boundless. 

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If you have always dreamt of it, then camping in the Florida Keys is ideal. 

Moreover, this is an epic way to experience beach life, engage in water activities, and witness fascinating coral reefs, which never fail to disappoint.

Below, I have sourced my favorite 10 best places for camping in the Florida Keys that are ideal for catching glimpse of exotic wildlife, water activities, and tasting peace.

Camping in the Florida Keys

Whether you choose RV parks, or tent camping in the Florida Keys, both of them offer lifetime memories those million dollars gifts cannot buy. 

These ten sites are a few of many other camping grounds in the Florida Keys. 

These sites are the true treasure of the Florida Keys and you should visit them once in your lifetime. 

Let’s begin.

1. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Address: 102601 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037

If you are planning for camping in the Florida Keys, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo is a highly demanded spot among people.

The spot sits just adjacent to Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary with very few coral reefs (178 nautical square miles) and aquatic animals as their home.

You can experience 70 nautical square miles of beauty, the magnificent Atlantic Ocean, a half-crescent beach, marine life and the cool shade of trees over the picnic tables.

You can experience the underwater space for approx.178 nautical square miles of seagrass beds, mangrove swamps, and colorful reefs.

You can explore the underwater diversity, and reef by glass-bottomed boat, snorkeling, and scuba. 

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park has 39 sites for RVs and tents. However, the site can be uncomfortable for large RVs and fifth wheels.

The amenities available are an ADA- approved restroom, pavilions, playground, cable television, laundry facilities, and more. 

Things to know about John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park:

• Entry to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is $8 per car
• You can see iguanas species
• In winters the temperature can be very chilling
• There are two swimming beaches including Cannon Beach, a dive shop, and a Spanish shipwreck within 100 feet offshore. 

2. Biscayne National Park

If you wish to choose a campsite in the Florida Keys on the beach and enjoy the shallow water of the Maritime Heritage Trail then Biscayne National Park should be on your wishlist.

Just north of Florida Keys near Homestead sits Biscayne National Park which is home to mangroves, coral reefs, lush sea-grass beds, unexplored islands and fishes.

Moreover, Biscayne National Park is home to two campgrounds – Boca Chita Key Campground and Elliott Keys. These islands are accessible only by boat.

Elliot Keys is the biggest island of Biscayne National Park. This is the most comforting for campers as they have a restroom, drinking water spots, a separate swimming area, sinks and cold water showers.

You will also find two hiking trails, one that runs six miles down the length and another one mile by the harbor. 

The peaceful campsite of Elliot Keys sits on the bay side of the island and offers you the most unforgettable memories to cherish.

Boca Chita Key has a reputation for having an iconic and historic lighthouse that offers gorgeous waterfront views, and grassy camping areas with picnic tables and grill areas.

They have a beautiful path to kayak and take underwater tours to engage in adventure activities. 

The protected lagoon of Boca Chita Key makes it the best romantic destination in Florida. 

Things to know about Biscayne National Park:

• Boca Chita Key does not have facilities and amenities like Elliot Keys. They have toilets but no showers and sinks. 
• No reservations for camping at Biscayne National Park. Sites believe in first come first served
• In summer from 1st May – 1st September docking and camping are cheap. However, winter camping is so much fun and thrilling
• The campsite is near the ocean so carry all the necessary personal kinds of stuff with you. You can check this essential camping packing list.
• Do not forget to get reef safe sunscreen because here you might encounter the dead coral reef
• You might witness The Florida Reef, the third largest living barrier coral reef in the world.

3. Lazy Lake RV Resort

Address: 59275 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050

Just 15 miles north of Key West, Lazy Lake RV Resort sits on 28 acres in Sugarloaf Key, Florida with a beautiful peaceful water ambiance. 

The resort has its own 7 acres of saltwater lake; you will enjoy the sight of swaying palm trees, the sweet ocean breeze and cherish the sound of waves coming from the bay. 

You can create your paradise sitting by the poolside with a cool beer enjoying the cool atmosphere and chilling. I promise you will have a great escape! Don’t forget to bring a beach cooler.

Lazy Lake RV Resort has 99 RV campsites, with premium pull-thru sites that include 30 – 50 amp electrical service.

Take pleasure in choosing lakefront places near the peninsula that have propane refill service too. You will discover 3 tiny houses for rent too!

They offer a wide range of facilities like bathhouses, laundry facilities, a pinball pool table, and a clubhouse with a book exchange facility, a heated pool, a fishing dock and more. 

Things to know about Lazy Lake RV Resort:

• However, the Lazy Lake RV Resort lacks privacy from neighboring campsites. Additionally, after COVID and Hurricane Irma, there has been a lot of damage. 
• Lazy Lake RV Resort is pet friendly and also flies friendly too. Therefore, do not forget to carry mosquito repellent to protect your legs and hands. 
• Prices are high in winter and less in summer. 

4. Jolly Roger RV Resort

Address: 59275 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050

Jolly Roger RV Resort is an 11-acre resort that is quite spacious, shady, and grassy. It has 160 hookup sites, just north of Marathon Key. 

Jolly Roger RV Resort is one of the most famous RV campgrounds in the Florida Keys, to explore islands, and witness the best sunset on the planet. 

Each premium site has 50 amp electricity connections, water connections, charcoal grills, picnic tables, a modern restroom with showers and flushing toilets, dump stains and more. 

The oceanfront site enriches your camping experiences offering you the best comforting services you can think of! They have AC, microwave, TV, stove to cook and so on. 

Jolly Roger RV Resort is perfect for diving, snorkeling in the transparent water and tanning yourself. 

Things to know about Jolly Roger RV Resort:

• Pets are welcomed at Jolly Roger RV Resort where he enjoys like a free man (off-leash)
• Rates vary from time to time, moreover, through November the rates are $77 per night. They also run summer special offers. 
• The local attractions like Dolphin Research Center, Crane Point Museum, Pigeon Key Foundation & Marine Science Center, Curry Hammock State Park, Coco Plum Beach Park, and Sombrero Beach Park are a great show of Jolly Roger RV Resort. 

5. Bahia Honda State Park 

Address: 36850 Overseas Hwy Big Pine Key, FL 33043

The most scenic camping in the Florida Keys archipelago has to be the 500 acres of Bahia Honda State Park. It sits in the lower keys, southwest of Marathon.

Aerial view of white sandy beaches, turquoise blue water, and picture-postcard surrounding makes Bahia Honda State Park the most desirable camping spot.

The park share proximity to Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary. You might get a chance to witness surgeonfish, butterflyfish, angelfish, parrotfish, barracudas, and more. 

The Bahia Honda State Park has two gorgeous campsites – Buttonwood and Bayside. 

Buttonwood Campground allows RV and tent camping ensuring a comfortable stay with electricity, picnic tables, a bathhouse, restrooms, and a dump station.

On the other hand, Bayside campsite is home to eight campsites with non-electric services. Here you can get the rustic campsite feeling with more close to nature. 

Additionally, the park is home to three wonderful beaches – Sandspur, Loggerhead, and Calusa offering gorgeous views of the Atlantic Ocean side. 

Things to know about Bahia Honda State Park:

• Bahia Honda State Park is an offshore island that engages snorkelers to get the best experience in water experience
• There is a 3.5-mile bike ride trail that also adds memories to your travel stories.
• There are three large cabins in Bahia Honda State Park that welcome groups of six people.
• Very few people know about it because it is a great spot for stargazing at night. 

6. Fiesta Key RV Resort and Marina

Address: 70001 Overseas Hwy, Layton, FL 33001

Fiesta Key RV Resort and Marina is a beautiful spacious 28 –acre resort that sits between Key Largo and Marathon.

This is a paradise for camp lovers as it has in total 324 sites – waterfront as well as non-waterfront camps, RV sites, villas, travel trailers, and 2-star on-spot-hotels with amenities.

Have you ever thought of staying in a tiny house? Starting from the house to everything inside the house is tiny!

Few RV sites have 50 AMP electric service facilities. The property has a restaurant, bar, relaxing area, heated pool, basketball, horseshoes, fishing sites and more. 

From here Dolphin Research Centre and Long Key State Park are easily accessible and you can learn to swim. 

 Things to know about Fiesta Key RV Resort and Marina:

• Fiesta Key RV Resort and Marina impose a pet limit of 50 lbs.
• Fiesta Key RV Resort and Marina is one of those campsites that is surrounded by gorgeous views of the Gulf of Mexico ocean
• The sites are ranked in three tiers – elite sites that sit along the water, premier and standard. 

7. Boyd’s Key West Campground

Address: 6401 Maloney Ave, Key West, FL 33040

Boyd’s Key West Campground sits near Key West at Mile Marker 5, the number 1 beach camping in the Florida Keys.

It is a family-owned campground that is exposed to the Key’s freshwater with its tropical weather and popular escape space.

In 1963, Boyd and Elsie Hamilton first came to Key West to escape harsh Canadian winters. The quiet midst of mangroves, seagrass bed, and the Gulf stole their heart, and the campground business started then.

Boyd’s Key West Campground offers RVs, and tent camping with all the amenities you can think of! You get a tiki hut, boat ramps, a beautiful garden, a game room, a dump station, WiFi, and rental things for kayaking and paddle boarding.

Moreover, the best part is that 30-50 AMP electricity fully hooks up waterfront RV sites with modern washrooms, covered picnic areas and barbecue grills. 

The quality of service and facilities are exceptionally commendable.

Things to know about Boyd’s Key West Campground:

• If you are spending a romantic weekend with your partner, then visit Duval Street for shopping. Nonetheless, a visit to Hogfish Bar and Grill is a must if you are a food lover.
• Must try Boyd’s ice cream, live music, and cookouts.
• Boyd’s Key West Campground offers you all the fancy amenities, therefore, the price is high compared to the others. You have to pay $105 per night for RV full hookup sites. Waterfront hook-up sites start from $127 but can reach as high as $137. And, tent cost ranges from $61 – $77.

Read Also: 13 Most Abandoned Places To Visit In Florida

8. Curry Hammock State Park

Address: 56200 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050

When we talk about the affordable and best campground in the Florida Keys, CurryHammock State Park ranks on the list. It offers the most alluring camping experience.

Curry Hammock State Park sits between Key Largo and Key West along the US 1 on Crawl Keys in the Florida Keys. 

It is home to 28 campsites offering gorgeous ocean views of the Atlantic Ocean open year round. 

The view of mangrove swamps and rock land hammocks is something you won’t find anywhere else. On the beach, you will find crabs, shells and more. Do click photos!

Moreover, Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail passes over the state park but sadly, you cannot launch powerboats, motorized vessels, or gheenoes here.

CurryHammock State Park offers campsites for tents, and RVs with 20, 30, and 50 AMP electricity hookups. These campsites are ADA friendly and on gravel areas with an ocean view.  

Things to know about Curry Hammock State Park:

• Avoid campsites number 3, 10-19, 21, 26 and 28 because there is no sand.
• Go hiking through Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail following the route of the Old Overseas Railroad. Also, hike the South Florida Birding Trail to observe different colors and beautiful birds.
• RV’s of 70 feet in length are highly recommended in Curry Hammock State Park.
• From the campsite, the beach is not directly accessible. 

9. Bluewater Key Resort

Address: 2950 Overseas Hwy, Key West, FL 33040, Phone: 305-745-2494

If you want to enjoy sublime luxury with a fantastic view of the Atlantic and The Gulf then Bluewater Key Resort is ideal for you. 

Bluewater Key Resort is more than the campgrounds in the Keys of Florida rather it is a journey to experience the wilderness of tropical plants, shrubbery, and frigate birds.

Reaching Bluewater Key Resort is much more easily accessible through the Great White Heron National Refuge.

It spans over 2000,000 acres of land offering the best waterfront views, luxury RV resorts, with tiki huts, electricity, internet, television, laundry rooms, modern restrooms and more.

Moreover, Bayfront or canal sites have direct access to the beach, private 200-foot docks, dog parks, and clubhouse, and perform activities like fishing, and golfing. Remember, these RVs are categorized based on site and amenities, therefore, the prices vary from each other. 

Things to know about Bluewater Key Resort:

• Bluewater Key Resort does not allow tent camping. Therefore, if you plan to camp then hard-sided RVs are your options. No hybrid campers or truck campers are allowed. 
• You can head to Duval Street, Hemingway’s House, or enjoy the best sunset celebration.
• You will witness fantastic white-crowned pigeons and big white herons in the shallow water. 

10. Sunshine Key RV Resort and Marina

Address: 38801 Overseas Hwy, Big Pine Key, FL 33043

If are you searching for small tent camping in the Florida Keys welcome to Sunshine Key RV Resort and Marina! It sits in Big Pine Key near Seven Mile Bridge and Sandspur Beach. 

Sunshine Key RV Resort and Marinaspan over a 75-acre island of Ohio Key offer great peace of mind, rest, and an unforgettable camping experience.

This is a medium size resort that has access to the fishing pier, beaches, and ocean. You will find large RVs, small tents with tables, electricity, water, grassy sites and other facilities. 

Additionally, they have a nice pool, volleyball court, tennis courts, workout area, a boat ramp, and a fenced area designated for dogs of all sizes. 

All the RV sites at Sunshine Key RV Resort and Marina have white gravel surfaces with 20, 30, or 50 AMP electrical hookup. They are classified as – Standard, Premium, and Elite.

The turquoise and shallow water make it perfect for fishing. You can rent a boat to go parasailing, snorkeling, kayaking, or jet-ski in the open water. 

 Things to know about Sunshine Key RV Resort and Marina:

• There are 25 rental RVs and 6 tiny homes at Sunshine Key RV Resort and Marina
• Sites near Overseas Highway can cause disturbances because of road noises
• The Wifi connection is there but the speed is very low
• RV camping rates start from $200 per night. However, if you have a membership card then the price can drop down to a huge extent.

Camping Packing List for the Florida Keys

• Get your bag with a symbol. You can tie a ribbon to easily identify among the baggage section
• Shorts
• Bathing suites
• A pair of jeans in winters
• Camera
• Sunscreen – spray and cream 
• Cotton shirts
• Beach shoes
• Toiletries
• Gears
• Medicines

Conclusion

Lastly, I want to let you know that these above 10 sites for camping in the Florida Keys bring you close to nature and personal. 

It offers the wild mix of backcountry channels, beaches, swamps, dark skies, and unbelievably beautiful flora and fauna.  

Moreover, Keys is a mixture of American and Caribbean culture offering you the best memories for a weekend trip. I hope you are planning your next trip here soon!

Read Next:

• The Pros And Cons Of Living In The Florida Keys
• 12 Most Beautiful Freshwater Springs in Florida
• 10 Amazing Castles in Florida With Photos
• 13 Most Romantic Couple-Friendly Beaches in Florida

FAQ: Camping in the Florida Keys