RV parks and campgrounds in the Florida Keys can be expensive in season. But from April through November, the water activities, sightseeing, shopping, dining, and relaxing under the swaying palms of this U.S. version of the Caribbean is balm to the soul.
Rain is usually on the menu during July and August, but the weather in early spring and autumn can be ideal. There are four RV-friendly Florida State Parks in the Keys, some with water views and sea breezes. Bahia Honda, Curry Hammock, Long Key and John Pennekamp each offer sites for around $40 per night. Not a bad deal considering that these parks offer beach access. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect:
Bahia Honda
Located on Big Pine Key, this park has 86 sites offering beautiful sunsets and sunrises over the water, and private sites hidden by lush green foliage. There are beaches on both ends of the park for toe-dipping, fishing, snorkeling, and swimming. Inland there’s a butterfly trail, and a nice trail hike to a remnant of an original Overseas Highway bridge—the highway being near the southern end of U.S. 1 and the bridge now almost a century old.
Curry Hammock
Located near Marathon, this park’s 28 large sites with tenting areas are generally coveted by RVers because there are no bad sites here—all ocean front and breezy. Hurricane Irma hit Marathon hard, so there’s less vegetation than before, but the lack of trees does make for great satellite reception and good cell service. Hiking trails, lots of iguanas, nearby kayaks rentals and shopping, restaurants, and ice cream shops are a short drive away.
John Pennekamp
Located in Key Largo, this park offers 47 sites which makes for cramped conditions during season, but off-season is not a problem. The seafood dining options are the best! Key Largo Fisheries offers fresh seafood to go or to eat on picnic tables overlooking the marina. The Conch House and The Fish House are within walking distance. There’s plenty to do in Key Largo, so boredom is not problem. Five stars for convenience and activities!
Long Key
Located in Long Key, this park offers 60 sites all overlooking the ocean. Each site has a picnic table and ground grill, plus all the regular electric and water hookups (bring an extension cord to this park). Here, the ocean is shallow and sea grass feels soft on wading feet. The park is a natural ecosystem, and you can wade out into the ocean for a long ways. There was damage from Irma, so call to be sure all the facilities are open.
All of the oceanfront Florida Keys State parks were damaged by Hurricane Irma in 2017. Be sure to check before making reservations online to be sure that the park you like will meet your expectations.
In Collier County, near Naples, residents on one end of the 300-home park returned to their homes to find their homes standing, the power on, and the expected debris everywhere. In other areas of the park, roofs were blown off, blinds tattered, and debris hung from the ceiling. The destruction appeared to be hit and miss, which was remarkable considering that Marco Island reported a wind gust of 142 mph. All along the east coast, on the back side of the storm, the story was similar. Some homes were ripped apart while others held up in the reported 60 mph wind.