John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Campground
Tropical Adventure the Kids Will Never Forget
There is something truly magical about waking up surrounded by swaying palms and that unmistakable saltwater breeze, and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo feels like stepping straight into a tropical adventure designed for families. This is a well-known and beautifully maintained state park with a moderate number (like 40 total) of campsites tucked among the trees, offering a mix of privacy and EZ access to the park’s main attractions, with clean restrooms, showers and plenty of kid-friendly activities that keep little ones engaged from sunrise to sunset. One of our favorite moments was taking the boys out on the glass bottom boat, watching their faces light up as colorful, exotic fish drifted through the coral reef below us, a memory that felt equal parts educational and awe-inspiring. While the sites are close together, offering next to zero privacy, the restroom / shower facilities were good (not great) and overall, the vibe of being here was quite positive. I would absolutely recommend this campground for families thanks to its unique ocean experiences, well-kept facilities, and unforgettable activities that make it so much more than just a place to sleep.












