Best Campgrounds near Key West, FL
Camping in the Florida Keys centers around Key West and neighboring islands, with waterfront locations dominating the landscape. Boyd's Key West Campground and Sugarloaf Key/Key West KOA Resort are among the most popular options, offering tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations. Most campgrounds provide direct water access with marina facilities, boat ramps, or docks. Stock Island and neighboring keys like Sugarloaf and Big Pine host several campgrounds within a 30-minute drive of downtown Key West, providing alternatives to the limited camping options on Key West proper.
Advance reservations are essential year-round, with many campgrounds maintaining waiting lists during peak winter months. Sites are typically close together and command premium rates compared to mainland Florida. As one visitor noted, "Key West is expensive but you can stay here for a quarter of the price!" The subtropical climate remains warm throughout the year, though summer brings intense heat, humidity and occasional hurricane threats from June through November. Many campgrounds have rebuilt extensively following Hurricane Irma's damage in 2017, resulting in updated facilities but also higher prices. Campgrounds generally provide full hookups, modern bathhouses, and swimming pools to offset the heat.
Waterfront access consistently ranks as the primary draw for campers visiting the region. "When they say water view, they mean it! The sites pull up right to the edge of the water where you can dip your toes in and enjoy an epic sunrise," reported one visitor to Boyd's. While natural beaches are limited at most campgrounds, pools and boat access compensate for swimming opportunities. Several campgrounds feature onsite restaurants, bars, and activities. Military personnel should note that Sigsbee Military RV Park offers dedicated facilities on a space-available basis. Proximity to Key West attractions balances the typically tight camping spaces, with most reviewers mentioning the convenient location and tropical atmosphere as justification for the higher prices compared to mainland camping options.