Glamping accommodations close to Summerland Key, Florida offer climate-controlled comfort on the waterfront with easy access to both Gulf and Atlantic waters. Located at mile marker 24.5 on the Overseas Highway, the area sits at sea level with an average year-round temperature of 77°F. Mosquito intensity varies seasonally, with January through April typically providing the most comfortable camping conditions with lower humidity and fewer insects.
What to do
Kayaking and paddling access: Jolly Roger RV Resort offers direct water access for paddlers with a boat ramp for launching kayaks. "What a wonderful place to spend time watching the sunset, snorkeling, fishing, paddling, or taking a dip. The best place centrally located in the Florida keys," notes one visitor.
Wildlife viewing excursions: Flamingo Campground provides opportunities to see native birds and animals in their natural habitat. "Egrets and Anhingas were in abundance. Our eco-tent was equipped with a queen size bed, pillows, bed linens, blankets, fluffy large bath towels, a fan and bedside lights," according to one camper who visited during winter.
Beach exploration: Visit multiple beach areas with different characteristics. "The beach is wonderful, the store has all you will need & the snack bar is so much more than that. Bring bikes because there is so much to explore," says a camper who frequented the Buttonwood sites.
What campers like
Waterfront camping options: Tent campers appreciate water proximity at Bayside Campground which offers a more secluded experience. "I have to say the tent only is more secluded which I prefer. You can walk down this short trail right to the ocean and take a swim," explains a camper.
Accessibility features: Some campgrounds have gone to great lengths to accommodate all visitors. "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 were able to checkout, so we could go to the beach as an entire family!"
Diverse water experiences: Different water access points offer varied experiences. "The pad for the camp suite is big gravel so bring something for your back they also had 2 hammock hookups and a grill waterfront with a great sunset," mentions a camper at Bayside Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal challenges: Summer months bring intense heat and insects. "Primitive site #73 is large, set up as a hammock site and convenient to restroom/dish washing sink. Very limited shade provided by bushes depending on time of day. We made use of the hammock poles to create additional shade."
Reservation timing: Buttonwood Campground requires extensive advance planning. "This was my first time visiting Bahia Honda State Park. I had previously attempted to make reservations here over the course of what seems like the last two years but the popularity of the park and being shut down after Hurricane Irma had given me trouble."
Water considerations: Water access can be rocky in some locations. "The swimming area was my only very slight disappointment. Wear water shoes, the rocks are rough. No beach area right with the swimming area, they are in separate areas."
Communication challenges: Cell service varies widely between glamping locations. "NO PHONE SERVICE, NO WI-FI. Good luck in an emergency or if you work virtual. And there is NO privacy at any of the sites—totally wide open area, no vegetation."
Tips for camping with families
Plan for beach time: Organize daily beach schedules around peak sun hours. "During the day we only wore swimsuits and stayed wet by dousing ourselves with buckets of water. The view of the water from our site was not a swimming area but it was teeming with tarpon playing."
Mosquito preparation: Flamingo Campground T-Loop requires serious insect management. "Mosquitos were bad the last week in April, wind helped a bit but we basically stayed in our camper the entire time," reports a recent visitor.
Wildlife education opportunities: Take advantage of guided tours to enhance educational value. "The bugs, especially the sites around the ring loop near the shrubs - they are relentless and almost unbearable. Not just mosquitos but those tiny gnats, just horrible really. I'd suggest bringing one of those screened in pop up shelters."
Tips from RVers
Hook-up availability: Many glamping sites close to Summerland Key offer varying levels of services. "We were in electric site number 1 which included shade trees. No water at the sites but potable water and dump facilities are provided."
Maintenance awareness: Post-hurricane recovery affects amenities. "The Bath Houses were destroyed by Irma and the Atlantic Ocean area is fenced off due to damage. We enjoyed the Gulf Beach and kayaked in the Gulf. The weather was perfect, very warm days, but cool nights."
Supply planning: Bring all necessities to avoid long supply runs. "Remember everything you need because it's a long trip back to Florida city or Homestead the nearest places for picking up supplies."
