Camping near Marathon, Florida provides access to diverse marine ecosystems across the Florida Keys. The subtropical climate maintains warm temperatures year-round with average winter lows of 65°F and summer highs around 90°F. Most campgrounds in the area sit at sea level with minimal elevation changes, making them susceptible to strong winds and occasional flooding during hurricane season from June through November.
What to do
Kayaking through mangroves: At Jolly Roger RV Resort, visitors can launch directly from the campground's boat ramp. "The swimming area was my only very slight disappointment. Wear water shoes, the rocks are rough," notes one camper, but the mangrove waterways provide excellent paddling opportunities.
Fishing from campground docks: Fish right from your campsite at Riptide RV Resort, where "there's a community grill, picnic area, and chairs to enjoy the sunsets." The resort caters to anglers with a fishing-focused community atmosphere.
Wildlife viewing at dawn: Early mornings at Flamingo Campground offer prime wildlife spotting when temperatures are cooler. According to a visitor, "We got to see a lot of the famous wildlife" including wading birds, alligators and numerous water species that are more active during cooler parts of the day.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Bayside Campground at Bahia Honda State Park maintains modern bathrooms and shower facilities that campers appreciate. One camper mentioned, "Clean camp sites with electric and water besides a handful of sites located in the tent only section."
Community atmosphere: Many Marathon-area campgrounds foster community connections. At Jolly Roger RV Resort, campers note the "large pavilion with a beautiful beach and boat dock area" where visitors gather for sunset viewing and socializing.
Historical elements: The remnants of Henry Flagler's railroad provide interesting historical context. "It is really neat to walk on the old bridge, and learning the history of it," reports one Bayside Campground visitor about the nearby historic railway bridge.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Book sites 11-12 months in advance for winter stays at popular locations like Buttonwood Campground. After Hurricane Irma damage, one visitor noted, "The Atlantic sites are gone and won't be available for maybe 2 more years, I will keep checking."
Insect preparation: No-see-ums and mosquitoes can be intense, especially at dusk. A Flamingo Campground T-Loop visitor warned, "Lots of mosquitos even in January" while another mentioned sites near shrubs are "almost unbearable" with both mosquitoes and tiny gnats.
Limited shade: Many Keys campgrounds offer minimal tree cover. A camper at Flamingo T-Loop mentioned, "We were in electric site number 1 which included shade trees" - noting this as an exception rather than the norm in an area where most sites have limited natural shade.
Water concerns: Some campgrounds experience intermittent water issues. A recent visitor to Flamingo noted, "Our last night the water went out and all bathrooms in all loops were closed. Apparently this can be common with pump going out."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible options: Buttonwood Campground at Bahia Honda offers excellent accessibility features. One reviewer shared, "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."
Kid-friendly activities: Bring bicycles for family exploration. A camper mentioned, "Our son loved this because he could ride his bike all around the campground to his heart's content" when staying at Flamingo during off-season when fewer campers were present.
Heat management strategies: The Florida Keys heat requires planning, especially with children. One family at Buttonwood Campground reported, "We managed to survive the heat by purchasing an easy up to cover our tent. We removed the tent fly so we could get air flowing through."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: When glamping near Marathon, Florida in an RV, seek waterfront sites with afternoon shade. A Jolly Roger RV Resort visitor advised, "We were lucky enough to get campsite number 150 and we were about 1 min walk to the water and pier area."
Small campground advantages: Smaller RV parks often provide more personalized experiences. A Riptide RV Resort camper noted, "This is a small campground with mostly lot models and a small motel, but don't let that keep you away, the people are wonderful!!"
Utility considerations: Many glamping sites near Marathon provide electric hookups but limited water access. At Flamingo Campground T-Loop, an RVer mentioned "No water at the sites but potable water and dump facilities are provided" - important information for planning water usage during your stay.
