Camping near Marathon Shores combines accessible waterfront locations with practical challenges from the subtropical climate. During winter months, temperatures average 70-75°F while summer brings 85-95°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. The limestone substrate in the Keys creates unique camping conditions, with limited natural shade and minimal elevation changes across the archipelago.
What to do
Beach exploration at Bayside Campground: Sites face Florida Bay with water access for swimming and wildlife viewing. "It's really beautiful and quiet over there, but it's hard to enjoy when each night is filled with the sounds of fighting rats and each morning starts with cleaning rat droppings off our things," explains one camper about the Bayside area of Bahia Honda State Park.
Wildlife watching at Flamingo Campground: Located 45 miles from Homestead in Everglades National Park, the area provides excellent bird watching opportunities. "Egrets and Anhingas were in abundance. There was a lovely breeze each afternoon and very few mosquitoes," notes a visitor to Flamingo Campground.
Explore by bicycle: The flat terrain throughout the Keys makes cycling an excellent option for transportation between camping areas and nearby attractions. "Bring your bike, kayak or board, and trail runners. All possible right from the campsite!" recommends a Flamingo Campground visitor.
What campers like
Waterfront camping access: Campsites with water views provide the most memorable experiences. "The view of the gulf is amazing," notes one visitor to Riptide RV Resort, which offers a community grill and picnic area for enjoying sunsets over the water.
Clean facilities at Buttonwood: The campground maintains high standards despite hurricane recovery efforts. "The Bath Houses were destroyed by Irma and the Atlantic Ocean area is fenced off due to damage. The Park is using very nice, modern trailers for restrooms and showers. Everything was very clean and had hot showers," reports a visitor to Buttonwood Campground.
Yurt and glamping options near Marathon Shores: Canvas accommodation options provide comfort without sacrificing the outdoor experience. "We enjoyed our site, full hookups and very good wifi," explains a camper at Jolly Roger RV Resort, which offers glamping alternatives to traditional tent camping in Marathon Shores, Florida.
What you should know
Limited availability requires advance planning: Reservations fill quickly, especially during winter. "It's very hard to get a spot," notes a Buttonwood camper. Another mentions, "I keep looking to stay again, preferably on the beach, but every time I go to look there is nothing available even if I push it out a year."
Seasonal insect considerations: No-see-ums and mosquitoes affect comfort levels differently throughout the year. "They literally drove us all insane. Otherwise it was beautiful. The mangroves are fun to explore by canoe or kayak and the rangers are very informative," explains a visitor to Flamingo Campground T-Loop.
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies widely across the region. "NO PHONE SERVICE, NO WI-FI. Good luck in an emergency or if you work virtual," warns one Flamingo Campground visitor, while another notes "No Verizon coverage, but I've been told there is AT&T. Wifi is available at the visitors center."
Tips for camping with families
ADA accessibility options: Some campgrounds offer exceptional accessibility features. "This place was just amazing for my family member in a wheel chair! Everywhere was wheelchair accessible, and they even had a beach wheel chair that we could checkout, so we could go to the beach as an entire family!" shares a Bahia Honda visitor.
Kid-friendly biking areas: The campground loops provide safe cycling spaces for children. "Our son loved this because he could ride his bike all around the campground to his hearts content," explains a visitor to Flamingo Campground, noting how they often had the loop to themselves during off-season.
Supply planning for remote locations: Stock necessary items before arriving at more distant campgrounds. "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."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: RV campers recommend requesting specific sites when making reservations. "We were in electric site number 1 which included shade trees. No water at the sites but potable water and dump facilities are provided," explains a camper at Riptide RV Park.
Compact RV sites in the Keys: Many campgrounds feature tighter spacing than mainland locations. "This campground is small with tight sites (short and close together). There's no pool but there are laundry facilities and a clean bathroom," notes an RVer at Riptide RV Resort.
Hurricane recovery awareness: Some campgrounds still show effects of past storms. "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."
