RV camping in Marathon Shores, Florida centers on the Overseas Highway where most facilities provide ocean or Gulf access. Camping options range from premium oceanfront resorts with dockage to more basic facilities. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winter brings milder conditions in the 70s, driving peak season demand from November through April.
What to do
Fishing from shore or dock: At Encore Sunshine Key, anglers find excellent opportunities without needing a boat. "Good fishing on the old bridge, nice little marina and pool. The manatee like to hang out in the marina," notes George S., highlighting the accessible fishing locations.
Snorkeling from campground beaches: Marine wildlife viewing requires minimal equipment at Fiesta Key RV Resort. "I love coming here and just walking around the water area you see tons of fish and lobsters," shares Julie M. about the clear waters surrounding the campground.
Wildlife observation: The endangered Key deer population makes camping on Big Pine Key memorable. "There are key deer in the campground. They are super curious and will come right up to you! We just made sure not to pet or feed them," explains Ashlee L. about staying at Big Pine Key RV Park.
Nature trails: Several campgrounds maintain short walking paths for exploring native vegetation. One camper at Sunshine Key mentions, "We can visit several trails close by. Big Pine Key and Bahia Honda State Park are very close and offer excellent scenery!"
What campers like
Ocean proximity: Waterfront sites command premium rates but deliver on ambiance. "We stayed at site A on the peninsula and it was well worth it," writes a camper at Grassy Key RV Park & Resort. "We had a water front space and the view was amazing. Very quite place and the people working there were very nice."
Manatee sightings: Marina facilities often attract marine wildlife. "Water's so clear you can see all kinds of fish, sharks, jelly fish and manatees. Love, love, love this RV resort!" reports one Sunshine Key visitor. Another notes, "Tons of manatee hang out in the marina at the resort. You can get great pictures of them."
Community activities: Resort programming offers social opportunities. According to a visitor at Jolly Roger RV Resort, "First time camping in the keys so I made a couple of calls to campgrounds and found that the Jolly Roger was the best and most reasonably priced." Another camper notes, "Pool can get busy and a little loud but nothing crazy where it makes you want to leave."
Private tiki huts: Premium sites at Bluewater Key RV Resort include outdoor living spaces. "Each spot is privately owned and has its own outdoor cabana (each spot is different though). We stayed in spot 10 on the canal side and loved it. The cabana was recently remodeled and had a nice fireplace and TV along with a kitchen and bar."
What you should know
Space limitations: Marathon Shores RV parks typically have tight spacing between sites. At Jolly Roger, "Narrow roads, shades, water side sites, pool, dog park, boat wash, laundromat... it's nice. But because packed so tight, I can't give higher stars."
Reservation timing: Peak season campsite availability follows predictable patterns. As one Bluewater Key visitor explains, "We loved it so much that we just booked our reservation for a second stay, this time on the bayfront side!" Early booking is essential during winter months.
No-see-ums: Biting insects can impact comfort levels despite precautions. A Bahia Honda camper warned, "No see-ums were too bad for normal screens so I used my mountain tent with finer mesh screens. No breeze could penetrate so I suffered all night in the heat."
Water quality variations: Shoreline conditions change seasonally with some areas experiencing seagrass accumulation. At El Mar RV Resort, "In the summer the sea grass and jellyfish pile up to leave an awful smell," according to one summer visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Swimming facilities provide alternatives to ocean swimming. At Big Pine Key RV Park, "The amenities including the heated pool felt like luxury!!" notes Deanna G. Another camper adds, "Very family friendly. Had a pool, game room with a pool table and ping pong. Lots of board games and a tv watching room."
Kid-friendly activities: Resort programming often targets younger visitors. At Sunshine Key, "They have several activities going on throughout the week for both children and adults. Have a pool but no hot tub. Make sure you get to the pool early though as it closes at sunset."
Beach access quality: Not all waterfront sites include swimming beaches. One camper at Jolly Roger noted, "This campground does not have a beach but it has water access and the water was amazing and calm (bring water shoes, it's rocky in the water)."
Food preparation considerations: Limited grocery options make planning important. A Fiesta Key visitor mentioned, "They have a restaurant that is good, beach, snorkeling, sun rises and sunset are serene." Having meal options beyond cooking helps families manage limited grocery access.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Waterfront premium sites justify higher costs for many. A Fiesta Key visitor advises, "We paid premium price for a water front spot. We recommend when visiting you get a waterfront spot for sunset."
Maneuvering challenges: Many Marathon Shores RV parks have tight turning radius requirements. At Big Pine Key RV Park, "We had a helluva time maneuvering our 35ft tt into space- had to have four neighbors move their vehicles and lots of help. Landscaping is pretty but trees on each site aren't really slide out friendly."
Full hookup availability: Most Marathon area RV parks provide complete hookups. "Full hookups with 50/30/15 amp availability at all sites. Gravel spots to park your RV in and most sites are pull through," notes a camper about Sunshine Key.
Navigation planning: RV height and size restrictions exist on some bridges and access roads. At El Mar RV Resort, a visitor cautions, "There is no turnaround in this campground!! The sites are big but if you're the last one in, your back in to your site will be tricky."
