Bayside Campground, near Big Pine Key, Florida, is a fantastic spot for those looking to soak up the sun and enjoy the beauty of the Keys. With a mix of tent sites, RV spots, and cabins, it caters to a variety of camping styles, making it a popular choice for families and solo adventurers alike.

The campground boasts clean facilities and offers amenities like electric hookups and drinking water, which campers appreciate. Visitors rave about the stunning beaches and the chance to walk along the historic old bridge, with one camper noting, “It honestly feels like we are on the beaches of Hawaii.” You can also dive into activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking, ensuring there's never a dull moment.

If you're planning to visit, be sure to reserve your spot ahead of time, especially during the busy summer months. The campground can get lively, but the serene surroundings and beautiful sunsets make it worth it. Whether you're lounging on the beach or exploring the nearby trails, Bayside Campground is a great base for your Florida Keys adventure.

Henry Flagler’s bold effort to build a railroad to Key West in the early 1900s turned the remote island of Bahia Honda Key into a tropical destination. Known for its iconic Florida scenery—palm-lined beaches, gin-clear waters and magnificent sunsets—visitors to the park enjoy balmy sea breezes that caress the shores year-round. Kayaks and snorkeling gear can be rented and boat trips to the reef for snorkeling excursions are available. Bayside (sites #73-80) is the smallest campground with only eight sites. All sites in this campground are NON electric. There is a vehicle height restriction of 6 feet 8 inches. Your vehicle must be able to go under the new Bahia Honda Bridge to access this campground. All sites have a picnic table, grill and water. Campers have a small restroom nearby and can use of the bathhouse with hot showers in the Buttonwood campground which is one-half mile away.

Bayside Campground — Bahia Honda State Park

Join the fun near Big Pine Key. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Big Pine Key is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Big Pine Key, FL. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Big Pine Key

The Best Camping Near Big Pine Key, Florida

I've camped here a few times. 

Pros:
Cheapest way to stay in the keys
Above average beach for the keys
It's the keys

Cons:
Can be noisy
The ground is all hard, pokey coral (bring a serious air mattress for tent camping), also when it rains it just sits on the ground without soaking in (aka you might get wet)

My Florida Keys Camping Go-To

I've camped here a few times. Pros: Cheapest way to stay in the keys Above average beach for the keys It's the keys Cons: Can be noisy The ground is all hard, pokey coral (bring a serious air mattress for tent camping), also when it rains it just sits on the ground without soaking in (aka you might get wet)

Again!

Camping on the Bayside in Bahia Honda can get buggy at night, especially if there isn’t a breeze. The sites are a bit small but fit a 4 person tent. The facilities are clean. 

Camping in the Middle Keys

I got lucky when I stayed at Bahia Honda - typically they are booked 12+ months in advance.  I took a trip to the keys and got to the park super early. They let us know that if we hung out for a few hours and there were cancellations, we could be in line for that spot, but there were 3 other parties in front of us.  Somehow we were able to get a spot on the bayside after waiting, which was great!

  

I have seen and heard of the beach camping spots at Bahia Honda, but the Bayside was a very pleasant surprise. There were a few cabins and a few tent sites secluded on it's own side, and that's it.  It was beautiful, serene, and everything was perfect.

  

I keep looking to stay again, preferably on the beach, but every time I go to look there is nothing available even if I push it out a year.  Hopefully I can make it back soon!

LOVE LOVE LOVE Bahia Honda!

This is the most popular park in the keys. Clean camp sites with electric and water besides a handful of sites located in the tent only section. It is water only. I have stayed in both sections and I have to say the tent only is more secluded which I prefer. You can walk down this short trail right to the ocean and take a swim. Has kayak rentals, snorkling a giftshop with hot food. 

Best state park in the keys

We had a great time here. Great beach on the oceanfront and Bayside. It is really neat to walk on the old bridge, and learning the history of it. 

Gorgeous spot. Ocean front and Bayside spots. 

The pad for the camp suite is big gravel so bring something for your back they also had 2 hammock hookups and a grill waterfront with a great sunset 

Photos of Bayside Campground — Bahia Honda State Park

Real photos from real campers