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Orb Trail
$23 / night
$21 / night
Guide
We stayed at Big Pine Key from January 21- February 08th of 2022. We had a small trailer camper, Clam screen tent, an outdoor kitchen set-up and hammocks. There was a nice heavy picnic table on the site. Our site was on the channel and provided us with plenty of space for our setup. It had electric and water. There are many wonderful amenities including a pool, laundry room, recreation area with ping pong and a pool table, a nice store with provisions, a community fire pit area, and great walking trails directly off of the rustic tent camping area which runs along the beach. We brought our two Labrador Retrievers with us and felt comfortable with them at all times. Everyone was friendly and respectful. Big Pine Key is a great location for recreation or amenities. It is just 30 minutes to Key West or Marathon.We are already scheduled to go back in January of 2023 for a longer stay.
Scout
I have camped all of my life, mostly tent camping. This is the worst tent camping facility I’ve ever paid for. It is disgraceful. This place is designed for RVs and not well designed for them. The closest trash, potable water, and bath house facilities to much of the tent sites are over a block and a half away. All facilities are in the middle of the RV sites. Tent sites can be rocky. Not every site even has a picnic table. There are no fire rings or grills. Few tent campers were cooking at all. Tent campers have no privacy. You hear people farting in other tents. You can’t have a private conversation. So much for getting away from it all. The management doesn’t care about tent campers. Dennis, the main MWR manager, in his own words said “I don’t care any more” when it comes to dealing with problems reported like - people having a pit bull mix dog not tied up, tent campers expanding beyond their assigned spaces, RV school bus conversions illegally boondocking in tent site parking areas to avoid paying camping fees, no assigned parking spaces for tent sites, etc. Our 8’ wide, four person blue tent is shown in the photo. We were told tent sites were 20’ by 20’. There is no way our site was that wide. When I showed the photo to Dennis, he said to me ‘that photo doesn’t tell me anything”. I felt like saying to him, “Get off your dead a$$ and get out there and look at what is going on!” Again, it just shows the terrible attitude of the people who run the place. It really shows. Other campers do let their dogs run loose, especially at night. One evening I was charged by someone’s unchained, growling large dog that I had startled as I was out walking. Had I not stood my ground, I think the dog would have attacked me. The bath house facilities are mostly clean, but the facilities are OLD, think built in the 1950’s. The entire campground (all RVs and tents) has TWO toilets in the one men’s room. The bar and lounge are really kinda sad. Food available is mostly fried. Drinks are only ok. Prices aren’t great. The commissary and exchange which are small and not well stocked are closed all day on Sunday and Monday. There is no real place to eat a sit down meal with table service or get coffee anywhere on the base. This isn’t a “real” military base. Navy MWR runs it. Most of the time there is no on at the gate checking people coming on the base. So much for security. The entire operation is nothing short of a sh!t show. The campground is near the water. That is its only redeeming quality. Do yourself a favor. Pay more and camp somewhere else in the Keys. No matter how cheap this is, it isn’t worth it. It really sucks. Needless to say, even though we only live a few hours away we will NEVER EVER be back.
GuidePros: great staff, great views, very nice amenities (modern and clean), good price for the area
Cons: little privacy, could use toilets closer to the rustic tent area
Overall, this was a great campground. I was able to get the most private tent site in the campground, the very last one next to their (gorgeous) nature trail on the ocean. The site was directly on the water, we could hear the ocean all night and we had wonderful views. Note that it isn't a beach - a lot of decaying sea grass all along those ocean sites, so it not good for swimming or fishing. But there are nice swimming areas near the campground, so it wasn't a huge loss. And the woman who booked the reservation on the phone w/ me made it clear that while it was oceanside, it was not a nice swimming area.
There were lots of nice amenities throughout the campground - very nice clean, and modern bathrooms and showers (which were free!), a rooftop swimming pool, a recreation area, an observation platform over the marsh, and free morning coffee. There was also a fully stocked camp store with lots of great items at fair prices. On our last day we were disappointed to see that they had a GREAT selection of snorkel gear at super fair prices - we paid 3x what they were asking at a big dive store in the area because we didn't think to check their store. Make sure you look around there first if you need anything!
One thing that I would have loved would be a bathhouse (even just toilets!) in the rustic tent camping area. The one shower/bath house was in the RV part of the campground, and was about a 10 minute walk from the tent area, which is not ideal in the middle of the night.
While we were there, there was lots of construction going on, so lots of noise during the day (luckily we left for Key West or the local state parks in the daytime), and sites that had construction equipment. That wasn't ideal, but since the campground is open year round there isn't really any way around it. If that is important to you, you may want to check with them to see if those projects are finished.
There are also key deer in the campground. They are super curious and will come right up to you! We just made sure not to pet or feed them.
Overall, great campground - if we stay in the Keys again we will totally return!
Traveler
Great tent site for car camping. Lots of sites on the water and most have water views
Ranger
Down 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!
Legend
We 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.
RangerOK. So the Everglades can be cool. You can rent a canoe here, and tent camp or RV camp. The bugs can be hellish though. I was bit like a million times (exaggeration, but everywhere).
GuideBoyd’s Campground, Key West, FL Campsites are tight—and I mean tight, Tent and RV alike. The interior tent sites are tiny. A 3 person tent is about all that will fit as you must also park your car there as well. The tent sites with power are a little larger. The primitive tent sites on the water are of varying size and tend toward pie shape which limits configuration of tents as your vehicle must head into the site at the narrowest point. If you have a small tent, the views are lovely. Small RVs and vans can also use these sites. The more parallel waterfront tent sites are closer to the RV sites and preferred if you have a larger tent (we have a Big Agnes bunkhouse 6–9x10 without the vestibules. We were originally assigned 18T and could not put up our tent and park our Jeep and still get out of our tent! We were then assigned 28T which was better but no way the 20x25 foot site we were told. There are also tent sites with power over in the RV village with “beachfront”—note that while you could walk into the water, it’s not really suitable. These sites did appear to be much deeper and would allow a larger tent and a 10x10 shade shelter. Each site has a charcoal grill of varying degrees of decline- some had new, ours was seriously rusted out and difficult to use. The newer ones allow you to turn them adjusting to wind direction. Ours was fixed. They said they are gradually changing them out. Also a 6’ picnic table—nice configuration because you do not have to step over the seat to sit down. The surface is hard packed coral “sand”. Be sure to bring your tent brush as this stuff blows in. And the waterfront sites are windy! The wind direction changes frequently. Putting up a tent and taking it down can be a challenge. Our site faced the naval air station so when wind came from the east, we heard national anthem and taps across the water. The waterfront tent sites are probably the best locations in Boyd’s—on the point. You almost feel like you are camping at the beach as the water is literally right there at your feet. There are some RV waterfront sites as well which are nice.
The bathrooms are well maintained and clean, the showers hot and the dishwashing sinks very nice. There are ramps up so no worries if cannot do steps. The laundry is big and clean. $2 for wash, $2 dry. The office sells ice ($3.50 for 10 pounds versus Publix at $3.29) and large firewood bundles (we didn’t use). The campstore/registration office carries some basic food and camping supplies, has hot coffee and frozen entrees—there is a microwave there if you need to use it. Bike and 50cc scooter rentals in front of the office.
Consistently helpful and cheerful Staff are constantly around so felt very secure. Sites are raked between occupancy. Most campers were respectful and quiet. Most also masked while in the laundry and shop.
Scout
We drove down from Palm Beach County Fl to Sugarloaf KOA June 2017, before Hurricane Irma to camp for the first time.
I could do a whole comedy skit about a couple in their 50's tent camping for the first time but you asked for the campground review.
Super easy to find, long semi bumpy road in covered with trees (hurricane probably brought those down :( )
Tent camping was separate from the large RV's and pretty tightly packed which was fine.
Large pool and on the weekend the bar had a great band performing. We relaxed on the sandy beach, tried fishing from the bridge and of course drove down to Key West for a few hours.
Very clean restrooms and showers and fully stocked store…even the families with small children kept them occupied and behaved.
Can't wait until they reopen!
GuideWe had the best tent site on the property! Spring break was a perfect time to camp as it wasn’t hot. Wish it wasn’t so far away.
GuideWe enjoyed our 2 nights at Boyd’s. We stayed in a tent site on the water with our camper van. If we had chosen a tent site on the water with elec/water then it would have been a bit bigger...but still tight. If you park just right and place your tent just so then you can get more privacy but not much more. The bathhouses were nice and it was great to have laundry and a cute town nearby. The ‘One Love’ Food Truck about .5 miles away made the whole experience super great. Best Food Truck ever! There is a local gym walking distance away too. Lots to do and a short drive to Key West. The price was a bit high for the squeezed in spaces but worth it to us for the location and amenities.
TravelerFor tent camping it was on the more expensive side compared to other places, but was a fairly nice campground. The restrooms and showers were fairly nice. Every camp site had water. There isn’t much to break wind, so it was quite windy every day. The view at sunset is very beautiful.
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.
Ranger
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)
RangerI'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)
GuideAfter calling 6+ other campgrounds in the Keys to find a site for 2 night we came across Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge on our drive to Key West. They had an open site available! And it was cheaper then other campgrounds in the Keys We were right across from the water, an awesome view with the bridge. There is also a nature walk there that we explored. The amenities including the heated pool felt like luxury!! Can’t forget about the Key Deer, they were adorable and quite friendly with us! Highly recommend this spot!!
TravelerMy husband and I had a wonderful time camping at Boyd’s. We tent camped and the site they have are kinda tight because the grounds are right on the water. The staff was more than happy to accommodate for the size of our tent and gave us a very comfortable site. Shower houses and restrooms were always clean no matter what time of day, the showers were hot, and we never had a problem having one available. Great experience!
ScoutWe tent camped 3 nights, leaving Bahia Honda yesterday, May 2nd.
The Bath Houses were destroyed by Irma and the Atlantic Ocean area is fenced off due to damage. We enjoyed the Gulf Beach and kayaked in the Gulf. The weather was perfect, very warm days, but cool nights.
The Park is using very nice, modern trailers for restrooms and showers. Everything was very clean and had hot showers.
The Atlantic sites are gone and won't be available for maybe 2 more years, I will keep checking.
It is still one of the best campgrounds in Florida and only 30 miles from Key West.
GuideI loved this camp. Clean bathrooms .. loot of RV .. tent sites are by water and few by RV. Small sites so make sure u dont have 8 and more ppl tent. Close by is Air Force Base so u can watch and specially heard their training fly overs. U are quick from this camp in downtown Key West by The 0 mile sign and in middle of everything.
GuideThere’s not much shade and there can be plenty of mosquitos depending on the time of year but it’s a fair trade for sleeping on the edge of the wild. We tent camped right on the water and woke up to dolphins swimming by every morning. We saw crocodiles, alligators, every bird and more. I absolutley love being out where I don’t hear road noise. I would definitely only go in the winter. We will go back!
LegendThis campground offers a beautiful spot to spend a couple of days while you enjoy many other activities in the area. The swimming here is fantastic, the snorkeling amazing and the park offers several nice picnic shelters (hurray for shade). The campground also has a nice little interpretive building with several small exhibits about the flora and fauna in the area.
The campground offers hot showers and restroom facilities. There are tent sites and RV sites with hookups.
The Florida Keys can be an expensive place to stay so this campground is a nice inexpensive alternative. It can be buggy and of course, hot...it is Florida after all.
Bring your snorkel gear and a kayak!
LegendThis review is mostly intended for a tent campers.
The traffic noise is very loud. The temporary toilets are one up from pit toilets. The smell is the same as a pit toilet. The temporary showers are very small and you must hold the chain down to get the water to flow. The state is rebuilding a bathhouse and I don't know when it will be completed. My tent was squished between two rv's. No fire pit just a grill. Bring food or expect to drive. I would wait until the campground is rebuilt before tent camping there. Campground is more geared towards RVs
GuideMy husband and I came down from MacDill AFB fam/camp on our 2 week rotation . Was terribly disappointed with the tent sites . They are on top of each other with zero shade . Our tipi has guylines that were so close to the neighbors site we couldn’t even walk around our own site . Park is filled with full timers trying to circumvent the new 2022 rotation policies, and are not friendly to newcomers …in my opinion.. very clicky and act like they own the place . If you’re a military campground visitor you’ll be shocked how this park just “runs a muk” . There’s no gate guard and anyone can just drive in . The tent site/ dry camp bathroom is large but floods easily . Not once did I shower where the floor didn’t have standing water . I used the other bathroom that’s about a half mile away from my area .. it was less populated and your allowed to do so .. though someone did say to my husband “ what are tent campers doing here “… I’m giving it a 3 because the MWR staff is nice and the price is awesome for the area otherwise it would be a firm 1 star from this camper . Tenters pay the same as dry RV and get half the room . We definitely won’t be coming back in our tipi .. maybe in our RV , but not in the tent area again .
ScoutThis campground is great because of its location. Sites are very small, you will be within three feet of your neighbor. Small fences provide some privacy, while sites in the mangrove area provide the most space.
This is a park filled mostly with seasonal RV goers, however, we staid in a primitive tent site. The facilities were all clean, and the staff was very friendly. We went down in March, after Hurricane Irma, and all services were completely restored.
GuideI went to this park to go camping and almost all the tent sites were wiped out I had a reservation but it was canceled but I was able to stay on the bluff overlooking this park. The RV sites and the cabins seem to be OK. On the west side of Bahia Honda there is great snorkeling, small reef, to left of the beach it is easy to get to and snorkel. No shade so bring your own. Small shop and cafe located on premises.
GuideSo I will say the staff are nice and the grounds are clean. Bathrooms very clean also. Tent sites though are right on top of each other and are small. If you all have trucks good luck putting them somewhere. I am so close to my neighbor right now I can hear the conversation on his phone!!!! That he has been on for an hour after quiet time. Also if you are close to the bathroom in the tents then you hear everything from that. People washing dishes after hours and the bright lights shining into your tent. Very hard to get a good nights sleep.
GuideI love this place! I always go at the end of May (yes it is HOT, but NO it is not busy) and while the space itself is breath taking, the location is great too and provides a lot of opportunity to explore all the keys. Be sure to catch the sunset on the bridge and get plenty of snorkeling in. The sand bar goes way out and there is SO much to see!
Be prepared for heat, rain and bugs! The tent sites are pretty basic but there are RV options as well. There are showers and restrooms.
Tent camping near Big Pine Key, Florida, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of the Everglades. With a variety of well-reviewed spots, adventurers can enjoy the tranquility of the wilderness while engaging in outdoor activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Big Pine Key, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Big Pine Key, FL is Long Key State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 7 reviews.
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