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

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

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. 