Best Campgrounds near Marathon Shores, FL
The Florida Keys near Marathon Shores feature a range of coastal camping opportunities along the Overseas Highway. Curry Hammock State Park Campground and Jolly Roger RV Resort offer established sites with ocean views and water access. The area includes options for tent camping, RV hookups, and cabin rentals, with several parks providing waterfront sites. Campgrounds generally have electric and water hookups, with many offering picnic tables and designated areas for both tent and RV camping. Bahia Honda State Park provides some of the most scenic waterfront camping in the region, situated where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Gulf of Mexico.
Most campgrounds in the Florida Keys require reservations well in advance, especially during winter months when snowbirds migrate south. Sites at popular parks like Bahia Honda and Curry Hammock often book up 11 months ahead. The region experiences tropical conditions with high humidity and occasional mosquito activity, particularly during summer months. Hurricane season (June through November) can affect camping plans, as evidenced by recovery efforts at some campgrounds following previous storms. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the Keys. Most campgrounds offer clean facilities but limited privacy between sites. A camper noted, "We stayed in site #17 which was waterfront but you can't access the water from the site. There is a lot of bush between the water and the site so you walk down a little and take the path to the water."
The Atlantic Ocean and Gulf waters provide the primary backdrop for camping experiences in the Marathon Shores area. Several campgrounds offer direct water access for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. Campgrounds like Buttonwood at Bahia Honda State Park receive high ratings for their beach access and swimming opportunities. Visitors frequently mention wildlife sightings including manatees, deer, and various bird species. A review highlighted, "The view of the old bridge is amazing. We've stayed in several sites yet do have some favorites. You need to book 11 months in advance to get on the water or maybe you luck out if someone cancels." Many campgrounds feature communal fire pits and gathering areas, though some waterfront sites have fire restrictions. The Keys' unique ecosystem and water access remain the main draws for campers, with proximity to snorkeling, boating, and fishing opportunities.
