I almost didn't want to review this amazing place. I wanted to keep it a secret.
If you like kayaking and uniquely Florida nature, this is it. This is paradise. List marshlands with twists and cuts for paddling. Birds you never knew existed. Great fishing. And of course, alligators. I could live there, easily.
There are both primitive and full hook-up sites, hot showers and even laundry facilities for longer stays. Very close to main roads should you need anything.
This beautiful, and historic Park is one I'd like to revisit. My husband and I spent only one night there, as a pit stop along a long drive between South Florida and Texas.
We were so impressed with the beautiful nature around us. Admittedly, we didn't have time to go into the caverns this trip, and therefore need to go back when we can. We did get to hike around the grounds a bit, and enjoyed every minute of it.
We chose a tent site, which required a very short hike from our car. This is the first time we had done that, and although the city side of us may worry around our car and it's contents, it sure made us feel more in the woods than we were. It was quiet and beautiful, having a campfire surrounded by nothing but sky-high trees.
They did experience damage from Hurricane Michael, but I plan on revisiting once things are repaired!
I wish we could have stayed longer! We arrived late to our reservation after driving from Texas. The people we talked to at the office are super nice and helpful, and provided us with a gate code to get in.
Even in the dark, we had no problem navigating our way into our campsite. I booked an RV site, even though we were tent-ing, as it was the same low price either way. The sites are very spacious and the grounds are beautiful. Bath and shower house was very clean.
Come morning, we had a couple of deer visit us!
They have canoe, kayak, sup, etc for rent for great prices. The river is beautiful, and abundant with wildlife. Saw plenty of birds, fish, alligators and snakes. Next was the spring, and that was out of this world.
We have a new favorite Campground!
Kings Kamp is a unique property that will work for all visitors. Personally, I camped in a tent, but they also have RV spots and on-site cabins. It was right off the main highway through the keys so it was very easy to get to. Very close to John Pennekamp and everything else in Key Largo. Pretty standard tent sites, nothing glamorous. The campground is in The Keys, so you can't complain about anything! It actually has a small marina, so bring the boat or kayak and launch right there. We found a nice little spot where we fished and had our lunch by (pictured). We did not stay for very long, and truthfully, we ventured out around town for most of the day. That being said, we didn't worry about our gear while out. It felt very safe.
Very beautiful location and reasonable price compared to most other options in the area. Would stay again.
I know, I know, before you start the "that's not camping, it's Disney"… Okay, yes, it's Disney, but it's not like visiting anything else on Disney property. You don't feel like you're at Walt Disney World, with thousands of other people. We reserved one site, and had 5 adults and 3 kids staying there comfortably. Two tents and two cars and we still had room around the fire pit and picnic table.
It is surprisingly quiet at night, considering the size and amount of kids running around. The amenities are endless. You really can just stay within the campground and not visit the Parks and have a great time. From horseback riding to hiking, canoeing, fishing and boating, there is so much to do! One of my favorite things that I have been doing since I was a kid is going to watch a movie under the stars. They do it every night and have free s'mores for the kids and Chip n Dale come to meet them. It's really a fun night, for young and old.
There are a couple of restaurants and little general stores with basic groceries, so they really make it so you have everything you need.
Being Disney, it's a bit higher than your average campground, but the amenities and perks make up for it. Should you choose to include the Parks, you can take advantage of Extra Magic Hours, with free transportation throughout Disney property.
It really is a magical place!
Bear Lake Campground is a little piece of paradise! Nestled within the Blackwater River State Forest, you are surrounded by beautiful nature. The lake is so gorgeous, I kept saying to my husband that I felt like I was in a jigsaw puzzle picture.
I visited in late January, and was unfortunately hit with a rogue cold snap much colder than usual Florida temperatures. We did unfortunately cut the camping short, but really enjoyed the little bit of time we had there. The campground is pretty small, and the RVs are on one side and the tent sites are on another, which I really like as a tent-er. Given the season, we were the only ones on the tent side, so we were right up on the lake and I can't remember ever staying in a more beautiful site anywhere. Sites have a picnic table and a fire pit with a grate. Bare ground here, no rocky tent pads. We were at the furthest site from the (very clean) bath/shower house, but it wasn't far at all.
You are about a half hour to the nearest town, so get your essentials beforehand. There is a small country shop closer, but options are limited.
Great fishing and canoeing available. Highly recommended!