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Best Tent Camping near Islamorada, Village of Islands, FL

304 Reviews

Tent camping near Islamorada in the Florida Keys centers primarily on backcountry experiences, with the majority of tent sites located in nearby Everglades National Park. Long Key State Park Campground provides one of the few established tent camping areas directly accessible from the Keys, offering four waterfront tent-only sites across a boardwalk from the parking area. Most other tent camping options require boat access to reach chickee platforms and beach sites within the Everglades backcountry system.

Sites within the Everglades backcountry require permits and advance planning, as all supplies must be carried in and waste packed out. Most chickee platforms include a basic porta-potty but no fresh water sources. Fires are prohibited on the elevated wooden chickee platforms, though some beach sites like Northwest Cape allow beach fires. Bugs present a significant challenge throughout the region. A camper noted, "Mosquitos were awful right after sunset, but a strong north wind came in which blew them away." The summer months bring particularly intense insect pressure, with no-see-ums capable of penetrating some tent screens.

The boat-accessible chickee platforms provide unique camping experiences with remarkable isolation. These elevated wooden platforms sit directly over the water, offering unobstructed views and wildlife viewing opportunities. Pearl Bay Chickee features newer facilities with ADA accommodations, while other sites like Hells Bay Chickee provide more rustic setups. According to one visitor, "This is one of the wildest places I've camped. Felt super remote, only a few boats went by the 2 days we were there." Wildlife sightings commonly include dolphins, sharks, various fish species, and abundant birdlife. Most backcountry tent sites require kayak or canoe access, with paddle times ranging from 2-6 hours depending on the site, winds, and tides. Weather conditions can change rapidly, so proper planning and paddling experience are essential for reaching these remote tent camping destinations.

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Best Tent Sites Near Islamorada, Village of Islands, Florida (19)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Islamorada, Village of Islands, FL

17 Photos of 19 Islamorada, Village of Islands Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Islamorada, Village of Islands, FL

304 Reviews of 19 Islamorada, Village of Islands Campgrounds

  • Katie M.
    Aug. 24, 2021

    Flamingo Campground — Everglades National Park

    Eco Tents 😍

    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 ✨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!

  • Sara B.
    Jan. 10, 2021

    Long Pine Key Campground — Everglades National Park

    FORGET IT

    DYRT IS WRONG, NO ELECTRIC AT ANY SITE and NO WATER AT SITES. If you are dry camping, go for it, IF your reservation exists when you arrive!  We booked a site, arrived and they did not have any record of our reservation.

    The showers are solar and only hot in the middle of the day.  Forget a shower at night if you get in late.   NO Generators after 8 PM.

  • Denis P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 19, 2025

    Curry Hammock State Park Campground

    Peaceful Shore Access, Well-Designed Sites, Some Bugs in June

    A well-kept campground with just enough greenery between sites to suggest a whisper of privacy — rare and welcome. The real charm, though, is the direct access to the shoreline. Not exactly a swimmer’s paradise, but perfect for sitting in quiet contemplation, watching the light play on the water and pretending — briefly — that time isn’t real.

    The sites are leveled, clean, and smartly set up. I had barely started wondering how I’d stake down the tent against the wind when I noticed the perimeter already fitted with anchor rings. A small detail, but one that says: “We’ve thought this through.”

    Power and water? All good. Bathrooms and showers? Clean, well-maintained, no notes. There’s no A/C, only a ceiling fan — which worked fine until the midday sun decided to get philosophical about what "shade" really means.

    We camped with a tent in June, and while the breeze was nice, the ants liked our car and the mosquitoes liked us, sprays or not. Still, it’s a solid campground — quiet, thoughtful, and worth the stay. I’d absolutely recommend it.

    Starlink - excellent coverage

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 21, 2025

    Flamingo Campground

    Very Clean but Costly

    Large paved pads on huge site. We were in electric site number 1 which included shade trees. No water at the sites but potable water and dump facilities are provided. There is no Verizon or T-Mobile service. There is Wi-Fi available in the Marina store area. The campground is very clean. (Lots of mosquitos even in January).

  • G
    Jul. 15, 2016

    Flamingo Campground — Everglades National Park

    Very practical camping - a way to stay but not a reason to go!

    I have camped here many, many times. Since the other overnight options were destroyed by hurricanes, this is the only way to remain at the end of the road overnight without having to drive back out (40 miles) or wilderness camp.

    The campsites are separated into three sections, one for RVs, the other not, and a special "walk in" field. I've only stayed at the "tents" areas. Each is essentially a large mowed field with sparse trees. The "walk in" field is essentially treeless and probably best described as an overflow area for tent campers.

    The RV and regular camping areas are loops that allow vehicles to access and park close to the campsite, which is a parking pad, a picnic table, and a fire containment device for cooking and/or a campfire. BTW... you must bring your own fire wood.

    There is no privacy, the ambiance is more one of community than peaceful tranquility. The combined restroom, showers, and dish washing buildings are few but never far from any campsite. Consider their location when choosing your site, closer might not be better for you if you might be offended by foot traffic through your site. A recent upgrade to solar heated water for the showers is fantastic!

    The entire area is famously buggy in all but the coldest months, and even then you better be prepared. It is also incredibly hot during the summer, making the few shaded sites a consideration... but the bugs love shade too!

    Despite the above bleak description, the camping area is commonly filled to capacity (hence the "walk in" area) during the cooler months. But it is also commonly empty during the summer when only fanatical anglers will brave the conditions.

  • neveraroadmap M.
    Feb. 7, 2022

    Key Largo Kampground & Marina

    Tent sites, eh, for the money.

    This cost $85 a night and really old picnic tables, right next to your neighbors, old showers, wasn’t given the wifi password, but smack dab in Key Largo. The RV sites are awesome, but that’s not me, lol. I got a site as a walk-in same night. Also everything is relative, if you’ve been using vault toilets it’s amazing to have a flush toilet, but these are a bit rough for $85.

  • P
    Jan. 12, 2021

    Flamingo Campground — Everglades National Park

    Enjoyed our visit

    Flamingo Campground, Florida Everglades—eco-tent

    Pro: The location is superb. Ours was located closest to the water(#6). You don’t get to choose—assigned when you check in. There was a lovely breeze each afternoon and very few mosquitoes. Egrets and Anhingas were in abundance. Our eco-tent was equipped with a queen size bed, pillows, bed linens, blankets, fluffy large bath towels, a fan and bedside lights. The towels were a pleasant surprise because I had specifically asked about towels and was told “no.” The tents are located on boardwalks with embedded lights to the bathroom building (it can be a fair walk from your tent) so you can see your way there at night. There is an electrical outlet box with one spare outlet. We brought a surge protector with additional outlets so we could charge electronics and toothbrushes. Several people we met rented empty eco-tents for $50 (no beds, lights, etc) a night.

    Con: a solar panel was broken wide open with water flowing out onto the ground so there was no warm water at all in the showers. The bathrooms are adequate but old and tired—cleaned once daily. Only one shower in the ladies room was working. For the price, a decent bathroom would be anticipated. There is an electrical outlet near the sinks which seemed to be constantly in use by a crockpot. (Despite a sign on the boardwalk saying for eco-tents only, this bathroom and the nearby picnic tables were heavily used by tent campers.) There are two dish washing stations at the bathroom building—faucets were not sealed and so water ran out the sides splashing on the backsplash. There are no water spigots so if you need water, you must use the dish washing faucet (the water is potable but for drinking, you might want to bring in your own as it has a salty taste). Maintenance certainly could be improved.

    Eco-tent residents must use tables and fire pits close to the parking lot which are not very close. No food is allowed in the tents. There are no lights around the picnic tables so if you are cooking after dark, be sure you’ve planned for that. Also know that you cannot leave unaccompanied food at the picnic tables or the Anhingas will be feasting with abandon.

    The food truck was open at the Marina. It had been closed due to hurricane damage. Because of the long new year’s weekend, the shop had no ice, no firewood and only minimal supplies like snacks and beer—lots of empty shelves and coolers. We received an email just before arriving telling us that there was no ice or wood due to the holiday long weekend so we needed to get them before arriving. We had planned to bring all our food which was a good thing given the lack of items at the store. With a 38 mile drive from the Coe entrance center to the campground and another 45 minutes to Homestead, you don’t want to have to go back to Homestead for supplies!

    No internet or phone service (other than AT&T). Was wonderful to escape!!

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 29, 2020

    Flamingo Campground — Everglades National Park

    If you can beat the bugs, stars and sunrises await

    If you can beat the bugs, stargaze and enjoy the sunrise. But take the bug seriously. Even in late January the mosquitoes or vicious. You'll want insect repellent long sleeve long pants and maybe even a mosquito net when you are out and about.

    Flamingo Everglades is the concessionaire that operates this campground and the nearby marina. The campground is arranged into 2 loops (one for trailers; about half of them with electric) plus a bayside field area that also includes a group tent site. For these, you park and walk to your site, but you get a great view of the bay and sunrises. In addition, there are several new eco-tents (platform tents) with beds two chairs and lamps. I stayed in one of these.

    The Flamingo area still shows the effects of Hurricane Irma a couple of years ago and some neglect. The B & C loops are not open, though NPS is working to clean them up. An employee I spoke with indicated that they hoped to have those open next year. I was there midweek and only the trailer loop was full. On the weekends they do fill up.

    The campsites in the loops have picnic tables and fire rings. The bayside field sites have scattered picnic tables and fire rings in various states of rusty disrepair. The eco-tents some picnic tables closer to the bathrooms for the field sites are not occupied, you can use one of those. You can't use a stove in your tent or on your deck, so you do need to cook elsewhere.

    Bathrooms include flush toilets and free showers, although the water never got very warm. They are solar heated.

    Remember everything you need because it's a long trip back to Florida city or Homestead the nearest places for picking up supplies. Stop at "Robert is Here" on your way in or out for a smoothie or milkshake. The shop at the marina has some basic snacks and drinks. Tuesday to Saturday afternoons there is a food truck available. For activities, campers get a discount on bike rentals. They also rent kayaks & canoes and offer boat trips, though I wouldn't do the boat trip again.

    If you choose to stay in an eco-tent, there is a cart with bicycle tires to quietly take your gear to your tent. The boardwalk lights up at night so you can safely find your way to the bathroom. You'll be conscious of the sound the zipper makes when you leave and return to your tent. These are tents and not cabins, so you may hear some neighbors talking or snoring. Even so, it was a welcome change from a sleepless, noisy night at a campground in the Keys.

    If you're looking for birds, nearby Eco pond or the waterfront near the bayside campsites offer a nice variety for minimal effort.

    No Verizon coverage, but I've been told there is AT&T. Wifi is available at the visitors center.

  • Javier J.
    Aug. 31, 2019

    Backcountry Shark Point Chickee — Everglades National Park

    Wild!

    There is a lot of ways to get there. I kayaked between 3 to 4 hours. Your arms are going to hurt a lot. You are going to need a lot of water, sun screen, food supplies, sleeping pad, and your tent. Is a lot of work but fhe view, the silence, and the wild life is amazing! I saw sharks, dolphins, alligators, and different type of fish. Be prepared!

Guide to Islamorada, Village of Islands

Tent campsites near Islamorada, Village of Islands, Florida are predominantly located within the Everglades National Park backcountry water trail system. Winter months (November through April) offer the most comfortable camping conditions with temperatures ranging from 50-75°F and significantly reduced insect activity. During summer, daytime temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, making paddling and camping physically demanding.

What to do

Beach camping with fires: Northwest Cape in Everglades National Park allows beach fires, unlike the chickee platforms. A camper noted, "Fires on beach recommended to help keep bugs at bay. Tiki torches, too! No tables or fire ring." Tide patterns significantly impact beach access, as "Tide goes way out!!" according to reviews.

Paddling to remote chickees: The Pearl Bay Chickee offers one of the shortest paddling routes for beginners. According to a visitor, "It is among the shortest paddles for any chickee in the Everglades. Starts off through beautiful winding mangroves trails, then a short jaunt across the more open Pearl Bay and you're there!" The trail is typically well-marked and navigable even for those with limited paddling experience.

Wildlife viewing: Shark Point Chickee provides excellent wildlife observation opportunities during the 3-4 hour paddle from access points. One paddler shared their experience: "I saw sharks, dolphins, alligators, and different type of fish. Be prepared!" Another camper noted how "Nobody else for miles. Wind kept bugs blown away."

What campers like

Complete isolation: The Lane Bay Chickee offers a unique single-platform experience. A visitor explained, "Unlike the other chickees, it is a single platform, so your group will be the only ones out there. It is right on the wilderness waterway, so we did have 2 small skiffs go by, but other than that, we were completely alone."

ADA accessibility features: Pearl Bay Chickee stands out for its accessible design. A camper detailed, "Brand new and ADA certified as much as a platform over water can be! Both platforms have ladders and the eastern platform has small steps down towards the water level for those with limited mobility. This is the only chickee with railings and 2 porta-potties, one big enough for a wheelchair."

Short hiking options: Clubhouse Beach offers tent camping via a flat 7-mile hiking trail from Flamingo Campground. A hiker described it as having "Elevation changes marked in inches takes you from wet to dry." This site provides a rare walk-in option for those without watercraft.

What you should know

Wind and tide management: Weather conditions drastically affect paddling difficulty. At Johnson Key Chickee, a camper warned about "15 - 20 mph headwinds heading out which was BRUTAL, but the way back was WICKED breezy." Always check tide charts and wind forecasts before departing.

No-see-ums penetrate screens: Standard tent mesh often fails to block the smallest insects. A camper at Northwest Cape explained, "Noseeums will slip thru cheaper tents bug screens. This is the Everglades! Be prepared." Specialized mesh with smaller openings provides better protection.

Chickee platform updates: Recent renovations have changed the camping experience at some sites. At Hells Bay Chickee, a regular visitor noted, "The decking used on the new Hells Bay chickee hurts ones feet after just a few minutes of walking on it, and tears up socks. Shoes are a necessity."

Tips for camping with families

Tent security on platforms: Hells Bay Chickee platforms require careful tent setup to prevent shifting. One visitor advised, "The platforms were clean and both have cooking tables," making meal preparation more manageable with children. Use bungee cords rather than stakes to secure tents.

Evening entertainment: Plan activities for after sunset when bugs force retreats to tents. A camper at Pearl Bay suggested, "bring cards or a book to entertain you in the tent." Children may become restless when confined to tents for 12+ hours of darkness.

Seasonal planning for families: For young children, winter visits are strongly recommended. A visitor to Clubhouse Beach warned, "Better not to attempt in summer," and noted it was "Very wet (August). Must cross mud flats to get to beach."

Tips from RVers

Base camp at Long Key: Long Key State Park Campground offers tent-only sites that serve as an ideal starting point for day trips. A camper noted, "Currently 4 sites open (tent only). Very quite." These sites provide a more accessible option for those traveling with RVs who want to experience tent camping without venturing deep into the backcountry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any waterfront tent camping sites in the Florida Keys near Islamorada?

Yes, several spectacular waterfront tent camping options exist near Islamorada. Backcountry Shark Point Chickee in Everglades National Park offers a unique over-water platform camping experience accessible by kayak (3-4 hour paddle) with amazing wildlife viewing opportunities. Elliott Key — Biscayne National Park provides tent-only sites accessible by boat with excellent snorkeling and water activities. Both require wilderness permits from their respective national parks and proper preparation for primitive conditions.

Where can I find tent camping spots in Islamorada?

While Islamorada proper has limited tent camping options, Long Key State Park Campground is one of the best nearby spots offering tent-only camping with four sites that require a short boardwalk walk from your parking spot. Another option is Sun Outdoors Islamorada, which provides tent sites along with RV spaces. Both locations require advance reservations, especially during peak season. State park sites fill quickly, so booking well ahead is essential.

What campgrounds in Islamorada allow tent camping?

Tent camping in the Islamorada area is available at Backcountry Pearl Bay Chickee, which features new ADA-certified platforms with ladders and porta-potties - perfect for those seeking a unique over-water camping experience. Backcountry Northwest Cape offers beach camping where you can pitch your tent above the high tide line and enjoy spectacular sunsets, though be prepared for insects. Both require wilderness permits from Everglades National Park. For tent campers seeking more amenities, check campgrounds in nearby Key Largo or Marathon, as Islamorada's limited space tends to favor RV camping.

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