The Best Campgrounds In The Florida Keys For An Amazing Outdoor Escape, According To Explorers

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When the northernmost regions of the United States are glazed in ice and coated in snow, there is one part of the country where folks are guaranteed a drop of sunshine: the Florida Keys. This stunning archipelago boasts balmy year-round temperatures, crystal clear waters, and islands topped with greenery. As a result, approximately 4.4 million travelers explore the region every year, according to Road Genius. And what better way to enjoy the full outdoor paradise of the Florida Keys than by going camping?

As Florida locals, we know a thing or two about identifying the best places to travel in the region. Using our experience organizing outings for friends and family, we took the time to research some of the best places to go camping in the Florida Keys. By parsing through traveler opinions on sites like Google reviews and Recreation.gov, we were able to select a couple of establishments that truly stood out from the rest. We were particularly excited to highlight places with fantastic beachside locations and gorgeous water views.

Getting to Elliot Key in Biscayne National Park is not easy, as it's only accessible by boat, but previous visitors say it's worth it. Although the Biscayne National Park Institute offers some guided day tours of the area, campers will generally need to arrange for their own transportation. That being said, as soon as travelers arrive on-site, they are blown away by the deep turquoise waters, swaying palms, and views of nearby islands. A simple dip into the ocean also quickly reveals an abundance of colorful fish that flit below the waves. The reason? Biscayne National Park is home to the third-largest coral reef in the world. One Google reviewer even gushed, "The eco diversity was incredible. You have to get into the water to experience this park. We did the eco snorkel and paddle board tour and could not recommend it more."

To spend the night in this little piece of paradise, bring a rustic tent on your Elliot Key adventure and pitch it in the designated camping area. You cannot reserve your favorite spot ahead of time, as overnight stays are first-come, first-served. However, those who get a campsite rave about the experience. As one happy camper shared on Recreation.gov, "Not the first [time] at Elliott Key. I love the place. Real chance to get in touch with nature. Beautiful, peaceful ... Bathrooms are well maintained." Camping spots rent for $35 per night.

When you plunge your feet into the crystal clear waters of Bahia Honda State Park, you might also feel a cool breeze coming off the ocean. If this is the sort of relaxing holiday experience that you're searching for, you might consider spending the night at the state park's gorgeous Buttonwood Campground. This location stands out, offering visitors the chance to camp right on the ocean's shores. Fall asleep to the sound of the waves lapping the sand, then jumpstart your morning to the image of vibrant aqua waters. As one Google reviewer shared, "One of the nicest FL state parks we've visited. If you manage to get one of their highly sought after waterfront campsites, it really can't be beat as a camping destination ... well-kept waterfront amenities, shop, and bathrooms."

Naturally, though, securing a campsite at Bahia Honda State Park is no easy task. Make your online reservations well in advance and remember that some visitors book their spots as early as 11 months before their trips. A second Google reviewer gently reminded future guests, "Great for camping ... Reservations must be done ahead of time ... rarely [do] they have ... [a] spot available last minute for a weekend ... the park has a boat ramp [for] waterfront camping." Pitching a tent at Bahia Honda State Park costs $36 per night. To arrive, drive approximately 45 minutes from Key West International Airport.

While pitching a tent on the water's edge might sound like a bucket list travel experience to some, others would rather sleep indoors. Enter Sunshine Key RV Resort and Marina. Located just a 50-minute drive from Key West International Airport, this stunning spot offers comfy RV camping for folks who are looking for a solid shelter to spend the night. The best part is that the property is crawling with pristine amenities, ranging from beach volleyball courts to lounge chairs to an actual swimming pool. As an added bonus, nature is never too far away, thanks to the white sand beach that stretches along the edge of the property.

Perhaps, then, it's no surprise that previous visitors gave this establishment an impressive 9.1 stars on Booking.com. One RV camper raved about the cleanliness of the location on Google reviews, sharing, "Had a great experience at Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina. The entire place is very well maintained, everything was clean and orderly throughout my stay. I was especially impressed by how well the bathrooms were kept ..." Another couldn't seem to forget the natural beauty at Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina, writing on Google, "This place is a hidden gem! The sunsets here are absolutely stunning & some of the best I've ever seen." RV overnight rentals are pricier than other camping options, costing around $240 per night.

The name "Florida Keys" may bring to mind the classic images of Key West resorts and island vibes, but there's a whole lot more to the archipelago than just one famous island. There are approximately 1,700 islands in the Keys — the majority of which have never been named. With this in mind, the most adventurous of campers may consider pitching a tent on the hidden gem of Pavilion Key. 

As one of the most remote islands around, Pavilion Key requires that overnighters arrive by sea. Many visitors choose to make the journey by kayaking the 12.5 miles between the campsite and Everglades City. Out-of-towners can reach the boat launch by driving about one and a half hours from Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport. Although the time it takes to kayak there can vary greatly depending on one's abilities, the views make the trek worth it. As you paddle past dozens of uninhabited islands, you'll see sandy beaches and deep green trees.

Reflecting on their camping experience, one previous visitor wrote on Google: "Such an incredible little island. This was the highlight of our sea kayaking trip to the ten thousand islands. The beaches are beautiful and the view from the porta potties at sunrise is gorgeous! It feels very remote." Spending the night on Pavilion Key is relatively affordable. Campers must pay a fixed rate of $21 as well as $2 per camper per night.

Some travelers want to bask in the glories of nature, while others might miss the hustle and bustle of city life. If you want to try camping without venturing too far from a bit of downtown fun, Boyd's Key West Campground may be the spot for you. Nestled in the heart of Stock Island, this campsite is just 1.2 miles from the island of Key West. A city bus will take you to some of the area's best attractions, with the Hemingway Home and Museum situated just a 25-minute drive away and the Key West Nature Preserve a mere 35-minute drive. This makes Boyd's one of the best places to stay if you want to visit Key West on a budget. Plus, once you consider that a campsite costs $65 per night compared to the area's overall nightly average of $299, this one seems like a pretty good deal.

Beyond the convenience factor of Boyd's, this Key West campground offers some breathtaking views. Waterside tent sites are available, allowing campers to jumpstart their mornings with a stunning view of little white boats bobbing in the waves. Campers can rest to the sound of the wind running through the fronds. As one group shared on Google reviews, writing, "We absolutely loved our stay! The view from our campsite was stunning—such a peaceful and beautiful spot. The staff was incredibly friendly and welcoming ..." To arrive, drive seven minutes from Key West International Airport.

Camping in the Florida Keys is a guaranteed good time — so fun, in fact, that some digital nomads and retirees might wonder how to stay for more than a weekend. Vaca Key's Jolly Roger RV Resort is the perfect solution for anyone looking to explore long-term RV camping. The location offers monthly rentals starting at $3,000, and plenty of visitors have enjoyed this offer. One even took to Google reviews to exclaim, "We stayed for a month and had a wonderful time. The grounds are beautiful and well kept. The staff is very friendly and helpful. There is a nice pool that was plenty warm in February." Sounds like a great place to go to escape the freezing cold!

Beyond its unique pricing, the Jolly Roger RV Resort attracts guests with its fantastic location. Several of the overnight spots brush up against the water's edge, and even those that don't still allow travelers to access a communal beach area that's out of this world. Candy-colored chairs line up on the sand, overlooking a deep blue sea. Palms sway too and fro. The location is a bit remote; you'll have to drive for 1 hour and 15 minutes from Key West International Airport. The pro to this distance is that it allows for easy access to air transport. Plus, major eco-tourist attractions like the Dolphin Research Center and the Turtle Hospital are located in the vicinity, making this campsite a dream destination.

When you think of the Florida Keys, what images appear in your mind's eye? A tray full of piña coladas? A glass-bottom boat? Maybe you even think of the best beaches in the Florida Keys. Chances are that you don't immediately think of peregrine falcons. Curry Hammock State Park spans multiple islands and stands as a vital habitat for this gorgeous species, among others. And what better way to soak up this unique outdoor environment than pitching a tent in the park's stunning campground on Little Crawl Key?

Here, you'll see majestic birds soaring over natural sand beaches that contrast against deep blue waters. You'll also have the opportunity to stroll through 1.5 miles of wild palms on the park's unique nature trail. After spending a day immersed in nature, go ahead and relax in the comfortable camping facilities. As one Google reviewer described, "This park is wonderful to camp in. Well spaced camp sites, clean facilities and a nice beach to relax at. It is really nice for day use as well."

Because Curry Hammock State Park offers such an incredible camping experience, previous visitors recommend reserving a spot in advance. You can choose to either pitch a tent or park an RV at your chosen campsite. Overnight prices start at $36. The campsite is a 1-hour-and-15-minute drive from Key West International Airport.

Coconut Cay RV Resort is not only a great place to camp in your RV in the Florida Keys, but also to give waterside glamping a go. Indeed, the camping resort stands out from the rest thanks to its unique houseboat rentals. These Aqua-Lodges may be docked within the resort bounds, but are still free to bob in the waves. Each is equipped with a cute deck table and a set of folding chairs, allowing visitors to gaze at the water as they sip their morning cup of Joe. Plus, the insides are said to be cozy, with one Google reviewer explaining, "We stayed in one of the Aqua-lodges for three nights. Absolutely loved it. Well equipped , comfortable beds, shower, bathroom & living room." To enjoy a houseboat glamping experience, expect to pay at least $129 per night.

The RV stations at Coconut Cay are just as spectacular, as every single one boasts some sort of view. Visitors can choose to park by the pool, the beach, or the local nature preserve. Ultimately, this means that you're unlikely to wake up to the sight of a concrete wall. You'll also be guaranteed a 30/50 amps hook-up throughout your stay. It's worth noting, however, that the poolside sites are the most affordable, starting at $69 per night. To arrive at Coconut Cay, drive just over an hour from Key West International Airport.

Dry Tortugas National Park might just offer the best camping in the Florida Keys. With a campground located on the remote island of Garden Key, Dry Tortuga offers beachy wilderness at its finest. White sands? Just head to the shore. A historical fortress dating back to the Civil War? Check out Fort Jefferson? Curious to see one of the best spots for stargazing in Florida? Pitch a tent and spend the night.

Camping at Dry Tortugas National Park is first-come, first-served, but that doesn't mean you don't have to plan your trip well in advance. Getting to Garden Key requires a lot of planning, as you can only access it by public ferry or private vessel. A trip from Key West to Dry Tortuga on the famous Yankee Freedom Ferry takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes, but seats book out quickly. Because of this, you can't exactly go here on a spontaneous weekend trip.

That being said, the extra effort of camping at Dry Tortugas National Park is worth the challenge. As one adventurer shared on Google reviews, "One of my fav places to visit! It was an amazing trip and I must go back again! Stunning blue water, people arriving by boat & plane, perfect weather." Keep in mind, however, that small camping spots cost $15 per night, while larger ones will set you back $30. Tickets on the Yankee Freedom Ferry cost $235, keeping Dry Tortuga solidly off the budget-travel list.

Designing this list of the best places to go camping in the Florida Keys was an adventure in its own right. We tried to include options that would appeal to different campers, ranging from those who enjoy truly remote locations to those who prefer something in the glamping category. With this in mind, we were sure to include Jolly Roger RV Resort and Sunshine Key RV Resort and Marina for their fantastic RV camping experiences. Coconut Cay RV Resort, meanwhile, made the cut due to its unique offering of houseboat glamping. On the other end of the spectrum, the campgrounds at Biscayne National Park, Dry Tortuga National Park, and Everglades National Park are truly difficult to access — making them ideal for folks who really want to dive into nature. 

We also wanted to include a number of options that would be acceptable to budget travelers. While many of the formal RV resorts are certainly nice, several came with pretty hefty price tags. Thus, we included several state park campgrounds, which are known for providing a great quality experience at a relatively low price. Bahia Honda State Park and Curry Hammock State Park both fell solidly into that category. Because of its location in one of the most expensive areas in the Florida Keys, Boyd's Key West Campground is also considered a great budget option, providing lodging for a third of the price of nearby hotels.