Camping near Islamorada offers additional options beyond the Everglades and Pennekamp parks. The village sits at Mile Marker 80 on the Overseas Highway, with average winter temperatures around 70°F and summer highs near 90°F. Campers can expect consistent ocean breezes at oceanside campsites, though inland spots may experience more mosquito activity.
What to do
Kayaking through mangroves: At Curry Hammock State Park Campground, paddlers can explore a dedicated trail through dense mangroves. "There's a neat kayak trail through the Mangroves which is cool to do and you can kayak into the Atlantic out to the sandbar it's beautiful," reports one camper who also enjoyed collecting abandoned crab buoys during their exploration.
Snorkeling from shore: Several campgrounds offer direct water access for exploring marine life. At Blue Fin Rock Harbor Marina & RV Park, campers can start their day right from their site. "My favorite thing about Blue Fin is starting my mornings on the water, watching the sunrise on my paddle board just steps from my front door!" writes one visitor.
Wildlife observation: Early mornings and evenings provide optimal viewing times for local bird species and marine life. "Egrets and Anhingas were in abundance," notes a visitor to Flamingo Campground, adding that "no food is allowed in the tents" because the Anhingas "will be feasting with abandon" if unattended food is left at picnic tables.
What campers like
Waterfront camping spots: Fiesta Key RV Resort earns praise for its premium waterside locations. "We paid premium price for a water front spot. We recommend when visiting you get a waterfront spot for sunset," advises one camper who enjoyed the unobstructed views. Sites facing west offer particularly impressive sunset viewing.
Community atmosphere: Several Keys campgrounds foster social environments with organized activities. "We absolutely love this place... Super dog friendly and everyone seems to be loving it here," shares a Fiesta Key visitor, while another noted the resort offers "free things from them like begals and juice, ice cream, wine and cheese."
Marine life encounters: Key Largo Kampground & Marina provides opportunities to spot various sea creatures. "We were able to rent kayaks from local rental for 24 hrs. and they delivered and picked up at the campground!!" writes a camper who appreciated the convenience of having equipment brought directly to them.
What you should know
High-season crowds and reservations: Winter months (December-March) see peak visitor numbers at all Florida Keys campgrounds. "We made a quick trip up to Key Largo and chose this spot as it seemed like the only option for tent camping in the area," reports one camper, highlighting limited availability during popular periods.
No-see-ums and insect management: These tiny biting midges pose a significant challenge, especially during calm evenings. At Long Pine Key Campground, one visitor noted the insect situation was "10x better here than over at Flamingo," making it a potentially more comfortable alternative during buggy seasons.
Limited cell coverage: Connectivity varies widely between campgrounds. "NO PHONE SERVICE, NO WI-FI. Good luck in an emergency or if you work virtual," warns one Flamingo Campground visitor, while others reported that "only AT&T SERVICE" was available, with Wi-Fi limited to visitor centers.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water areas: Jolly Roger RV Resort provides accessible swimming spaces for children. "Really good campground if u travel south to keys or if u just wanna park RV there and enjoy time. Clean bathrooms. Swim clean water area in ocean," notes a visitor who appreciated the designated swimming zones.
Playground availability: Some campgrounds offer play areas for younger children. A visitor to Fiesta Key mentioned they "have a restaurant that is good, beach, snorkeling, sun rises and sunset are serene," adding that their family particularly enjoyed "the weekly farmers market, the Easter egg hunt on Easter... and how they pickup your trash for you right at your site."
Protection from elements: Prepare for both sun and rain with appropriate shelter. "It was HOT. Things were closed in the park...had to go outside of park to eat and find things to do. But kids loved getting in the water," shares a summer visitor to Fiesta Key, highlighting the importance of water access during hot months.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: RVers recommend researching specific site characteristics before booking. At John Pennekamp, a camper advised: "Site 20 was great, full hookups, only issue was the no see ums - make sure you bring a thermacell bc they are no joke!" They also noted shower design issues: "The set up for women's showers - there were 2 side by side and you have to come out of the shower into a common area with the other to get to your dry clothes."
Power requirements: Many campgrounds offer varying electrical hookup options. "Sites are level and graveled. There is water and electric at every site," reports a visitor to Key Largo Kampground, providing essential information for planning power needs.
Generator alternatives: Some parks restrict generator use, making alternative power sources important. "Bring our own generator. Camp sites have not been maintained like they should have, lots of overgrown brush in the campsites, which makes them harder to squeeze into," advises a Long Pine Key camper, noting that sites often accommodate smaller rigs than advertised.
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