Searching for a tent campsite near Key Largo? Find the best tent camping sites near Key Largo. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.
Orb Trail
$23 / night
Eliott Key is only accessible by boat. No services are available on the island. Elliott Key is the park's largest island. Restrooms with sinks and cold water showers, picnic tables and grills are available. Drinking water is available, but bring water as a precaution if the system goes down. There are 33 boat slips in the marina. This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you can pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app. There is limited cellular connectivity at this location. Please download the free Recreation.gov mobile app and create an account prior to arrival.
Daytime use and overnight camping - the campground is located on the Biscayne Bay side. Overnight camping and docking fees are required. Picknicking - tables and barbecue grills are available in the campground and marina. Hiking - a mile-long loop trail starts near the campground. Also, "Spite Highway" runs approximately six miles down the center of the island. It affords a good opportunity to see a variety of habitats in the martime forest. Fishing - permitted from the maintenance dock (south of the harbor) or from the shoreline outside of the no-wake zone. Fishing regulations apply.
The largest island in the park was once a thriving community of pioneers engaged in pineapple farming, sponging, wrecking, and other pursuits. Today the island offers camping, picnicking, wildlife watching and a hiking trail. A mile-long loop trail starts near the campground. Also, "Spite Highway" runs approximately six miles down the center of the island. It affords a good opportunity to see a variety of habitats in the martime forest.
Elliott Key is located just south of Boca Chita Key.
Ensure one of the designated campsites is available prior to paying. Once payment is made on-site, we do not offer refunds or modifications.
$25 - $60 / night
$23 - $33 / night
$23 - $35 / night
$21 / night
Boca Chita Key is only accessible by boat. No services are available on the island. Boca Chita Key is the park's most popular island. It features beautiful waterfront views, a grassy camping area, picnic tables and grills. Toilets are available, but there are no showers, sinks or drinking water. The harbor entrance at low tide is approximately four feet. This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you can pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app. There is limited cellular connectivity at this location. Please download the free Recreation.gov mobile app and create an account prior to arrival.
Boca Chita Key features daytime use and overnight camping. Grills and picnic tables are in designated camping areas. A half mile hiking trail starts just east of the restrooms. The trail continues to the south end of the island and emerges near the pavilion.
The iconic and historic lighthouse, built by Mark Honeywell in the 1930s, guides boats to the beauty and wonders of the park. Boca Chita is the most visited island in the park. The observation deck of the 65 foot tall lighthouse provides a fantastic view of islands, bay, ocean and Miami skyline. If park employees are around they may be able to open the observation deck for viewing. A half mile hiking trail starts just east of the restrooms. The trail continues to the south end of the island and emerges near the pavilion.
Boca Chita Key is located just north of Elliott Key.
Ensure one of the designated 21 campsites is available prior to paying. Once payment is made on-site, we do not offer refunds or modifications.
$25 - $60 / night
$23 - $31 / night
Guide
Kings Kamp is a unique property that will work for all visitors. Personally, I camped in a tent, but they also have RV spots and on-site cabins. It was right off the main highway through the keys so it was very easy to get to. Very close to John Pennekamp and everything else in Key Largo. Pretty standard tent sites, nothing glamorous. The campground is in The Keys, so you can't complain about anything! It actually has a small marina, so bring the boat or kayak and launch right there. We found a nice little spot where we fished and had our lunch by (pictured). We did not stay for very long, and truthfully, we ventured out around town for most of the day. That being said, we didn't worry about our gear while out. It felt very safe.
Very beautiful location and reasonable price compared to most other options in the area. Would stay again.
Traveler
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. The two private beaches they advertise were something we were looking forward to!
This is definitely not a place to camp if you’re looking for space and peace and quiet. All of the sites are very close together. Plus you’re mixed in between trailers, RVs, and residents. It really gave off the feel of staying in a crowded trailer park.
We made the mistake of picking out a site close to the main office as we thought being close to the bathrooms would be nice (#26). Cars were driving in and out and late arrivals headlights would blind us throughout the night. We were also the campsite right by the main watering hole and walkway so there were constantly people walking around our campsite.
The beaches at this campsite are not what you would think for the keys nor would I consider them a beach, maybe more like a launch site or previous boat launch. The water looks more like a swamp. Not to mention they have pipes leading into the water that were making the water bubble up. Not something you’d want to swim in. For kayakers this won’t be an issue. Plus the signs about crocodiles being present didn’t make us want to hang out for very long.
Pros: -There’s a shopping center within walking distance that has everything you could need. -The bathrooms were kept clean and smelled clean as well.
Cons: -No fires allowed. There were a couple of residents with fire pits lit up at night so I’m not sure what this rule is about. Probably cause the sites are so close together and there are trees? -Sites are too close together -No privacy
All in all $70 for one night here was not worth it in my opinion for a tent site without electricity but if you’re just passing through or don’t mind being close to other people this might work for you. We just enjoy the more primitive sites.
TravelerIt was tight getting our 32ft pull behind back to our spot, but folks all came out to offer tips and help us get around. So we actually got parked in fairly short order.
The dog walk area near our site was pretty small and it’s bookended by tent camp sites. My dogs were more interested in the goings on than doing their business and we couldn’t really walk them away from it.
That being said. The location is great! As I mentioned in the title. It’s cozy and friendly and pretty quiet.
The marina is nice. And the beaches were great launch points for kayaks.
I would, and probably will, stay here again.
Guide
They have tent camping without electric and a lot of rv area.. plenty of bathrooms and Washer and dryer area.. great place to visit while in south Florida I have been many times and different times of year
GuideHave stayed twice, not many places that allow tent camping and this had a few sites for tents and clean facilities.
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!
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).
Legend
Would not recommend this campground if you are tent camping. It was packed with RVs and the spaces are very close together. Dogs are allowed but there were so many when we went it was difficult to walk our dogs. Great place to snorkel, small beaches, fishing, boat rentals.
ScoutWe loved this spot on Key Largo. Further off the main road than some, you can forget how convenient the access is to the rest of Key Largo. Everything is in great condition—spots are nicely graveled, docks are new, pool is in great shape. Well absolutely be back here again!
GuideVery clean pool and campgrounds. The staff was very friendly. Small beach access. I had a nice quiet tent site in a shady mangrove cutout. Very cozy.I would definitely recommend this campsite and will come back.
ScoutGreat location closes to Miami, clean sites, amenities are great , the pool was clean. Our tent site T31 was facing the Marina and it was great. Electric and water included. Boat ramps for rent, kayak and fishing
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.
LegendTent sites are primative ( no water or power) but you have everything you need close by...even a 25/7 ice machine! Great pool, views are amazing. Lots of campers brought their boats here. Site was sandy but larger than expected. Great jumping off point for diving, kayaking or swimming with dolphins ( which is what we did).
GuideIt was nice and quiet at night. It had sinks around camp for dishes etc. a small beach to launch your boat or paddle board to tour the mangroves. It has socks for big boats. It’s more permanent RV/homes with a couple rows for nightly rentals. The bathrooms were a bit of a walk from tent sites.
Legend
This seemed like the only option around for staying on the east side of everglades. It's a very large campground. We had no problem getting a site (apparently they are first come first serve but I've read reviews that there is a way to reserve sites) during "peak season". Some of the sites are fairly close to one another but we got one on the perimeter which was really nice and a little more private. The showers are huge plus (beware water only gets luke cold at best- no hot or warm water in the winter) and having flushing toilets are always nice. Tables and fire rings at each campground. I believe I read that you needed to bring your own wood but I think you could buy some. The campground is in a pretty ideal location. Close to a couple great trails (Anhinga and Long Pine Key). We were able to break up our 2 days in the everglades by splitting it with an day in Biscayne bay- driving too and from the campground to Biscayne NP was very reasonable from this "home base". The only down side to the campground is how close sites are to one another (again perimeter sites seem a little better). Additionally, walking around and seeing people sitting in their RVs watching TV kind of takes away from the camping experience (especially a NP). It's also pretty pricey for camping in a tent. Lastly, their staff is terrible. They're not bright (they'll have trouble figuring out which sites are open and then tell you sites that are obviously taken are actually open). They also lack any customer service skills and can be rude at times.
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!
ScoutWent there and loved it! Our site backed up to a swamp where the ibis were wading all the time. The iguanas were an issue and we had to make sure and put away all our food but they were neat. The tent site didn't offer a lot of privacy but on the island theres really not much room so I wasn't shocked by this. Great bathrooms and laundry facilities. Very neat places to swim and we even tubbed around the offshoots. Beautiful sunrise.
ScoutThis is our second time staying at this campground. Staff is friendly. Place is clean. Has two beaches which is a lot. The keys aren’t known for sandy beaches but key largo kampground has two small sandy beaches that make u feel secluded from the world.
TravelerWe stayed here in March 2019 with a trailer. It was a very relaxing place with a site close to the water. Lots of good restaurants within a short bike trip. Also a grocery store close by. The staff was very friendly. I was a bit surprised how much I liked key largo and this campground. It’s a relaxing area but with plenty to do
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!
GuideThis 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.
ScoutAwesome place to go for water enthusiasts. There’s boating, canoeing,kayaking,snorkeling,fishing, and there’s a good beach for the little kids to enjoy the water. The campground is very well shaded with showers and bathrooms within walking distance from any campsite. There is full hookups with 30&50amps available. Be aware there are mosquitoes in the summer months ,so bring bug spray. There are great restaurants in the area all serving up fresh fish and seafood caught right off the coast daily. Bring lots of sunscreen and enjoy the water and sun in the Florida Keys. The park is located in key largo on the ocean side of A1A also known as US1.
LegendI spent an entire summer here doing dive medicine research and enjoyed all aspects of the area. The camping is awesome although really hot in the summer (think tropical!). There are plenty of amenities, eateries, stores, and nightlife nearby. Plenty of outdoorsy adventure as well.
You can explore the ocean, gulf, and mangroves within only a mile of each other.
You don't have to be a diver to experience the water excitement either. Many of the sites can be seen and enjoyed via snorkeling as well.
I highly recommend Key Largo as a necessary stop for your bucket list and also a kicking off point for further adventures deeper into the Keys.
Scout
Before our stay my husband called to check on availability. We were told that we would be able to view the sites to see which one we would prefer. When arriving on the property was not able to get anyone at the front gate so had to park in the middle of traffic to walk through gate. While checking in to the front office I was told our spot was the best available and they would just place me there. These tent sites are dangerous they are in the middle of the main road and to make it worse it was karaoke night and open to the public which makes no sense since it was so hard for me to get thru the gates in the daytime when I'm a paying customer. Most people who are camping here live here which is fine and the people are very friendly but word of advice dont go on a Friday night. Very loud and everyone is drinking and I really wish the gates would have been closed to the public.
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!)
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.
LegendIf 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.
Tent camping near Key Largo, Florida, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of the area, with various campgrounds catering to outdoor enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Key Largo, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Key Largo, FL is Long Key State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 7 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 20 tent camping locations near Key Largo, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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