Searching for glamping near Big Pine Key? The Dyrt can help find the best glamping in and around Big Pine Key, FL. The Dyrt's camping photos, reviews, and tips are an easy way to find the right Florida glamping spot for you.
BTWC
$36 / night
The Flamingo campground is one of two drive-in campgrounds accessible from the Homestead entrance of the park. It offers solar-heated showers, two dump stations, picnic tables, grills, and an amphitheater for seasonal Ranger programs. Flamingo has several hiking trails and canoe trails, and opportunities for saltwater fishing are plentiful. Check at the visitor center for a daily schedule of Ranger guided programs.
Traveler
The Campgrounds are very nice and pads are very level, some have adequate shade, others none, we were at site 31 for 5 days. Site was very tight for our camper with slide out and awning was on the trees, Bugs were just unbearable, we tried everything. Showers were in need of repair, (men’s side)shower handle was broken , but we’re very clean, Staff were super friendly, concession stand on site had gifts as well as anything you might have forgot to pack. The views from the old bridge were breathtaking. This part of the keys was less touristy which was good/bad , so if you wanna go to a good restaurant go north toward ismorada . Family beach was excellent for little one’s , no waves, no bad currents , the sites are super hard to come by, so it will piss you off to see some on the water with nobody on them for days (Sad)
LegendWe had site 45, which may even be the least desired site, by the dumpsters and dump station. It doesn’t matter. This park is a gem. Several beaches, all different. A nice walk up the bridge. Staff super friendly. The sites are wide and offer plenty of space in buttonwood.
Ranger
Mostly enjoyed our two night stay in the Everglades. Flamingo Campground is run by a concessionaire, and its most expensive than we like to pay for campgrounds. $38-42ish per night depending on if its a weekend or week night. Mosquitos were bad the last week in April, wind helped a bit but we basically stayed in our camper the entire time.
Bathrooms were clean and bug free, hot showers available in the A loop!
RangerGreat campground within a state park offers lots of biking and beaches to choose from.
Legend
Flamingo in the Everglades: Open parklike with new and what are the absolute largest of campsite signs I have seen in 5 years of traveling. No excuse to be in the wrong site at Flamingo! I had to laugh and wonder that if they are that big, blind drivers must be frequenting Flamingo. On a serious note, the brand new visitor center is a 5 star. Spending time there will not be regretted,. (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good
(70 yr olds in 17’ trailer. Our rating of a campground is influenced by the following: The general ambiance- sort of wilderness feel the campground gives us. A selection of campsites which offer some visual privacy and/or view from sites. Cleanliness of whatever facilities are offered is important and usually noted in my review.
Overall Rating: 3.5
Price 2023: $ 34 w interagency pass
Usage during visit: 1/2 full
Site Privacy: Poor
Site Spacing: Fair
Site surface: Blacktop
Reservations: Yes
Campground Noise: Not bad for an open area
Road Noise: No outside road noise
Through Traffic in campground: None
Electric Hookup: Many sites
Sewer Hookup: No
Dump Station: Yes
Potable Water Available: Yes
Generators: Allowed
Bathroom: Flush toilets.
Showers: Solar. Water temperature depends on sunshine, time of day, usage , and the length showers folks take.
Pull Throughs: All
Cell Service (AT&T): 4 bars
Setting: Open park like with scattered mature trees
Recent Weather: The weather has really varied this year. Hot, cod, cloudy, windy, rainy.
Solar: Yes
Host: Paid personnel
Rig Size: The largest of rigs can be accommodated here
Sites: Last loop is best
GuideThis campground has great reviews and we were looking forward to our visit. Our site was right on the water, facing the overseas freeway. We loved the location but we could not sleep, it was so loud with the traffic, trucks and cars. Our site was 15 and faced the highway. The park was lovely, the grounds and the beaches beautiful. However, if you have dogs, it's a no-go. No dogs allowed and they have to stay at your camp. We were disappointed because potentially, we could return and stay for 14 nights, but with two nights of zero sleep, we were ready to go. The nearest town is Big Pine Key and there's a Winn Dixie, UPS store, bagel shop and a dog park. The dog park was packed so not an option. Maybe check out other campsites that don't have the freeway noise.
TravelerThe store by the marina is well stocked and the marina itself is pretty big though we did not use it. The sites are cozy and pretty close together and the bathrooms were well kept. The water in the showers gets about lukewarm. There’s a little beach nearby too. We were able to buy firewood at the site and help was easy to find if it was needed.
GuideLoved the campground. I stayed during the week and it was mostly quiet. This is the place to be if you like to fish, kayak or want to be alone.. I can’t say enough about the fishing. Many Crocodiles. The 1.5 hour boat tours are both well worth the 35$. Make sure you ask for a site with shade‼️
ScoutWe thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Flamingo Eco-tents. We appreciated being able to camp without brining in the typical supplies since we were visiting from out of state - the tent includes your bedding, towels, etc.
Even in January bugs were intense as soon as the sun went down - don't plan to sit around a campfire here, even doused in bug spray. Instead, eat an early dinner and then head back to your tent for sunset.
When booking, request a bay side tent (7,8,13,14,17,18) to have an uninterrupted water front view from your porch.
LegendThis is one of three options to "camp" in this part of Everglades National Park (the other two are RV sites and a large grassy area for tent camping (only open during the winter months). The 20 Eco tents provide a change of pace to regular camping, and they are nicely appointed, but they are a bit of a splurge (over$100 with tax).
Each tent has full deck flooring and comes equipped with a double or queen bed with bedding (November– April only), a fan, 110 outlets, towels, two chairs/small round tables, and shelving with baskets. You can enjoy at least a partial view of Florida Bay from each tent.
The Eco tents have their own “private” bathroom/shower separate from the public restroom and it was clean. Unlike the bathrooms at Long Pine Key campground, there is a handicap-accessible stall. Towels are provided in the tents.
Cooking or food of ANY KIND is not allowed in the tents as it would attract bugs and other wildlife. There are picnic tables/fire pits by the parking lot for cooking/eating but it was very windy when we arrived, so we just ate cold food in our van. All food must stay in your vehicle. You are also not allowed to use bug spray in the tent due to the flammable nature of the spray. Other rules include no music in the campground or tents.
We were there shortly before the winter season so there were not as many options for recreation available. There are hiking trails and you can rent canoes or kayaks. Other boat tours are available, but we didn’t take advantage of any of these, preferring instead to take photos of birds and walk the short Anhinga Trail (closer to the northern entrance to the park).
Both the sunsets and the sunrises are spectacular (if you can stand the mosquito assault!)
LegendWe love Bahia Honda and camp there every year. It's hard to get a reservation there so good luck. The Atlantic and the Gulf meet and it's a beautiful park. There are 2 main loops for camping. Buttonwood has some bigger sites and a little more privacy. If you lucky enough to get a waterfront site you can snorkel off your site or launch your kayak. We float on rafts after a day of fun and cool off. You see a good sunset here too.
The sandspur loop is for campers under 23' and they are tighter with no shade or privacy. Yet they are right on the Atlantic ocean and the view is awesome. Loggerhead beach is beautiful.
You can rent a kayak if you don't have one and paddle around the island. It's all good. The old Flagler bridge is a great photo op and you can walk up to it and catch a beautiful sunset or stargaze.
There is a primitive campground loop too on the gulf side near the Cabins. You can't get under the bridge to drive back with a high vehicle so make sure you look at the standards if you are booking a cabin or a primitive site. My truck with the kayak racks on top won't go under it.
Lot's of good eats south on Big Pine Key and north on Marathon. There are 2 grocery stores on Marathon Key and a Winn Dixie on Big Pine Key. Lot's of small deer on Big Pine Key do not speed they will get you. As a matter of fact the keys are loaded with police looking for speeders so take it slow.
ScoutVery nice
GuideThe sites are bare and very close together, so no privacy. Also, cannot choose site, so I was stuck next to the very loud bathroom, I could hear the toilet seats and hand dryers going. Kindof took away from the camping experience. Ended up switching my reservations to the walk in camping as there was no one there, plus it’s right on the water. Much better!
GuideWe booked a site, but stayed in the walk-in field on the water instead. It was so pretty and we grabbed a picnic table and got water and charged phones in the bathroom. We had paid to park our car at the first campsite and loaded up our bikes and did an out and back bike tour to this site! A great 35 mile overnight practice ride!
RangerThis was an amazing spot to camp with my bestie. My only complaint was that the mosquitos are HUGEEE and swarm at night and will eat you alive so prepare! Kayaking was beautiful on the ocean and also on the river but there are alligators and salt water crocs! A very memorable experience! Would go back!
GuideThere aren’t that many big open fields on the water in the USA for tent camping. Lots of fun, easy to meet people, and chill atmosphere. I slept in my car in the parking lot and they had no problem with that, BUT the mosquitoes were intense. Even the campfire and wind didn’t stop them.
TravelerI camped two nights in January 2022 in the A-loop for tents. Plenty of space between sites. Even though it was January, mosquitoes could not be ignored. Once I applied bug spray they didn’t bother me again. My site was unshaded, but others had shade trees. Wasn’t a big deal in January (plus I wasn’t around the camp during the day) but being in the direct sun would be miserable in summer. Bathrooms were clean and plentiful. Stargazing was excellent. Small convenience store about .5 mile away. Quiet hours started at 10 pm, but the area was pretty quiet much earlier. Pretty much by sundown.
RangerDown at Flamingo, there’s four types of camping: eco tents, tents (A Loop), campers/ RVs (T Loop) and the backcountry chickees. This review is for the ✨A Loop Tent Camping.✨
I happened to be down here on a weekend of a full moon, so my thoughts on tent camping in Flamingo might be a bit skewed because that night sky was IMPRESSIVE.
There’s not much by way of privacy on A Loop, but I personally didn’t mind. I had a corner site near a bathroom and even despite that, the evenings were still pretty quiet.
The bathroom was in clean condition and had plenty of stalls. No showers or potable water down this way though!
Bring plenty of mosquito repellent or a thermacell because the bugs take no prisoners down there!
RangerDown at Flamingo, there’s four types of camping: eco tents, tents (A Loop), campers/ RVs (T Loop) and the backcountry chickees. This review is for the ✨eco tents✨.
The eco tents are awesome in general, but more so if you’re new to camping. Some come fully furnished with beds, nightstands, etc, while others are completely unfurnished and you can set up your own gear, so you choose your level of comfort. They also come with electric fans.
It’s incredibly quiet down there and the full moons are outta this world - no pun intended! 😉 Waking up and drinking your coffee on the shore of Florida Bay is a great way to start the day.
But there is no food allowed in the tents whatsoever. Because the walkways to and the platforms of the eco tents are elevated, there’s also no way to cook even near your eco tent. There are fire rings and picnic tables near the parking area, which is also where the bathrooms are. So if you’re someone who wakes often in the middle of the night for “bio breaks”, you might want to keep that walk in mind - or plan for an alternative.
There are bathrooms with running (non potable) water and toilets with real plumbing, but no showers.
I’d definitely recommend the eco tents for a short stay!
TravelerStayed at the T loop campground. Arrived late at night around 10 pm. We reserved a spot without hookups, big mistake, too hot to sleep and somehow mosquitos made their way inside. Next morning I called to switch spots and the kiosk switched us no problem. Very helpful and friendly staff. Both spots we stayed at are fairly even, and they are all pull through sites with hard compact dirt. We’re we’re able to easily fit our 35ft coachmen plus the car we are towing. Two bathroom facilities, one of which was locked ( I think due to the fact there were only 4 other campers here) bathroom and showers are old but they work. My only issue is the relentless and vicious attack of mosquitos 24/7. Would definitely stay again.
LegendOriginally I was over in the Trailer loop but was able to relocate to the tent camping loop.
Site #53 was a winner with a nice big tree for plenty of afternoon shade.
Nice bathroom with solar heated showers centrally located in the loop.
Also within walking distance of a beach area and the trailhead for the Coastal Prairie trail (~12 miles round trip).
Mosquitoes were on the cusp of being pretty bad, but as long as you layered up and light a fire a little before dusk, they weren't unbearable.
Quick drive over to the marina to restock on food, firewood, ice, and other supplies.
Also highly recommend taking a boat tour up the canal and checking out manatees in the bay!
TravelerWent four times between January an February and it was always beautiful. People have the misconception that the Everglades is just a huge swamp. It is not. Flamingo campground has a few trails around the trail that allow anyone to be absorbed by the depth of nature. The walk in cite has a beautiful green plain with a bunch of nicely separated fire pits and benches ant the “A loop” has each individual cite a little closer to each other but the trees allow for a little sense of privacy (and shade).
Highly recommended
GuideWe were able to get a site with electricity. Not all of them do. The campground doesn’t have hot water in their bathrooms. Visiting the park was a neat experience. We saw manatee, osprey and a crocodile. Ultimately we shortened our trip and only stayed one night instead of two. It is really far away from everything! The Visitor Center is still closed for renovations but they hope to be open in the fall.
GuideSpent three days fishing and using the camper as a base camp. Caught tons of mangrove snapper, snook, and even a tripletail. Been going to Flamingo for years to fish but this was the first time taking the trailer. Would definitely do it again. 50 amp hookup worked great. Just wish they had running water to the trailer so you don’t have to refill the tank. Great experience as long as your going fishing. Not too many other things to do in the Florida heat.
GuideFlamingo is right inside the national park and is the only center with services available in the park; marina, food and convenience store, rental equipment, boat tours with park naturalist, food truck, and a pricy gas pump for emergencies.
Once you’re all the way down to Flamingo, you’re 50 miles away from nearest town, so bring everything you need that you wouldn't normally find at a convenience store.
Nice array of overnight options: tent camping, new canvas eco tents with electricity, camper sites and even 6-person houseboats to rent (next time!).
I found one of the eco tents that had just been converted to off season (April-November), meaning no furniture except a fan and a large lantern. Bedding etc. is all removed for rainy summertime to avoid mold. Also means you pay $50 instead of $99, great deal! Bring air mattress and camp chairs and you’re good!
Loved the experience, with 3 sides of the tent being screens – can be completely opened or covered for privacy. Woke up to a gale blowing in from the water, felt partially like being on safari and partially like staying on a boat.
Things to know:
Try for waterfront tents 3,4 5, 6, 7 or 8.
No eating or drinking inside the tents - they’re spotless but food remnants would quickly draw bugs in this climate. There are shared tables and fire pits for guests.
Food-wise, the food truck is OK for lunch but next Time I’d pack pre-made dinner and use the store’s microwave to heat it up. Options for anything healthy at the marina store are pretty scant. But... they do have lots of Haagen Dazs flavors for dessert!
To solve for morning coffee, I’d pack my electric kettle and a french press or pour over next time, & drink it out on the tent deck. Coffee in store not recommended.
And bring your bike, kayak or board, and trail runners. All possible right from the campsite! Luckily I had all 3 :)
Definitely an experience not to miss - and every single person on staff at Flamingo was super friendly and full of great info and tips.
RangerWe stayed at this campground the week before spring break and during the week it was nIce and quiet. There was no hot water so showers were very quick. We took our bikes and had some nice rides. We rented a kayak for a few hours and kayaked down the canal but stopped at coots bay as it was very windy. A manatee swam right under our kayak! We also took the boat tour and learned a lot, especially about the trees,history and wildlife. We saw the nest osprey with the adults feeding the babies. The last night we were there the unruly spring break crowd came in and partied all night. The camp host did nothing. They left a big mess in the bathrooms. Also the day before we were to arrive we got a cancellation email so I had to call to fix that error, we had not cancelled. There is a lot of construction as a result of hurricanes and many of the trails are not maintained. We saw huge crocodiles and many bird species.
GuideAfter some of the reviews we read here, we had some trepidation. Much of the ‘cons’ that other people experienced, we did not. We stayed in T loop since we wanted electrical hookup. This loop is designed for RVs and travel trailers, electric hookups at each site, but you needed to fill your water tanks from the spigot at the bathrooms. There is a dump station to make your deposit on the way out. Sites are all pull-thru and very level. Each site has a fire ring with grate, and a picnic table (very heavy and hard to move). There is a smattering of trees throughout, but not enough to offer much shade. There is a good amount of space between sites so you are not crammed in like sardines, which we have experienced at other National park campgrounds.
At this particular time of year, we experienced little to no bugs and there was a constant slight sea breeze which helped to make it feel a bit cooler. We were here the second week of February and it was plenty hot (80s) and humid for us northerners. The area we were in was very quiet, mostly us “older” folks. Very peaceful here at night, and a great location for stargazing since the campground has very few lights. Some previous reviews mentioned pesky vultures, we never saw any. I can’t speak to the conditions of the bathrooms in this loop as we had our own and didn’t need to visit them. Bring your bikes, fishing gear and kayaks as those seem to be the major activities here. It’s long way from major stores, so be sure to bring whatever supplies you might need. The store at the marina has some basics, but you won’t want to buy many groceries there.
Glad we went, but now that we’ve been there, probably won’t feel the need to go back, but it’s a nice place to get to at least once!
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Big Pine Key, FL is Buttonwood Campground — Bahia Honda State Park with a 4.6-star rating from 32 reviews.
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