Best Tent Camping in The Florida Keys: Top Spots & Tips:

The Florida Keys have some of the most beautiful tent camping spots in the country. You can wake up to clear blue water and drift off to the gentle sound of waves at night.

State parks like Bahia Honda and Curry Hammock give you prime tent camping with beachfront views. Private campgrounds tack on more amenities but cost a lot more, from $65 to well over $100 a night.

We’ve learned you really have to plan ahead to snag these popular campsites. Florida residents can even reserve state park sites up to 11 months before their trip.

What makes camping in the Keys special? It’s that wild mix of tropical paradise and outdoor adventure.

Long Key State Park has primitive oceanfront sites. Dry Tortugas National Park brings you a remote wilderness vibe. Every spot feels different.

You can snorkel world-class reefs, paddle through mangroves, and catch sunsets right from your tent site. Hard to beat, honestly.

The downside? Tent sites are getting rarer and pricier every year. Hurricanes have wiped out some of the best beachfront areas, and development keeps shrinking the options.

But if you plan ahead and stay flexible, tent camping in the Florida Keys still lets you soak up paradise without paying resort prices.

Key Takeaways

• State parks have the best value and locations for tent camping, but you need to book up to 11 months early
• Private campgrounds cost more but work as a backup when state parks are full
• Flexible dates and planning ahead help you grab those beachfront campsites

Top Tent Camping Destinations in the Florida Keys

The Florida Keys have several standout state parks and one remote national park that are perfect for tent camping. These places offer beachfront sites, coral reefs, and wild, one-of-a-kind camping experiences.

Bahia Honda State Park Campgrounds

We think Bahia Honda State Park is easily one of the top spots for tent camping in the Keys. The park has two main camping areas that work well for tents.

Sandspur Campground finally reopened in 2022 after Hurricane Irma hit in 2017. It’s right on the ocean, with 17 sites that include picnic tables, grills, water, and electric. Most have killer Atlantic views.

The surface is hard gravel, so driving in tent stakes is tough. Bring a stakeless tent or a pop-up if you can. Only site #72 sits above a sandy beach; the others overlook coral rock and tide pools.

Bayside Campground has eight primitive tent sites on sand. These are tucked near the rental cabins and don’t have utilities. Honestly, these sandy spots feel more like real tent camping to us.

Short trailers (up to 23 feet) and pop-ups can fit, but big RVs can’t handle the curves. All the sites are pretty close to the Overseas Highway, so expect some traffic noise.

Cost: $36 per night (no utility fee for tents)

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Sites

If you love snorkeling and diving, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a solid choice. The campground has gravel pads—better for RVs—but you can tent camp with a little prep.

We always bring a ground cover and maybe a cot to get off the gravel. Every site backs up to thick vegetation, so it actually feels private. Sites 24 through 40 on the west side have the best shade for tents.

The main draw here is the marina, with dive, snorkel, and glass-bottom boat tours. We can walk there from the campground. There are also decent beaches for swimming and shore snorkeling.

Pennekamp is the country’s first undersea park, covering a huge area. The best snorkeling and diving is out on the reef, not right off the beach.

Key Features:

• You can have two tents per site
• Easy walk to marina and boat tours
• Thick vegetation for privacy
• Several private dive operators nearby

Cost: $36 plus $7 for water and electric

Curry Hammock State Park Camping

Curry Hammock State Park gives you beautiful tent camping with easy beach access and plenty of water sports. The campground sits far enough from the Overseas Highway that you don’t really hear traffic.

All 28 sites have gravel pads, but most also have a sandy tent pad. If you’re tent camping, avoid sites #3, 10-19, 21, 26, and 28.

The best tent spots are the beachfront ones: sites #6-9 and #22-25. You get direct beach access and water views. Each site has a picnic table, grill, water, and electric hookups.

The park is awesome for kite-surfing, kayaking, and swimming. There’s a central building with hot showers for everyone.

The beach is great for relaxing or playing in the water. Florida residents 65+ get a 50% discount on camping.

Cost: $36 plus $7 utility fee and $6.70 reservation fee per stay

Dry Tortugas National Park Experiences

Dry Tortugas National Park is about as remote and unique as you can get in the Keys. The campground sits 70 miles west of Key West, only reachable by ferry.

You have to bring everything with you—including water—and pack out all your trash. There’s a 60-pound weight limit per person. No showers, no stores, no cell service. It’s truly primitive.

Each of the 15 campsites comes with a picnic table, raised charcoal grill, and hooks for your gear. Composting toilets are available, but they close during midday hours.

The experience is wild: explore a Civil War fort, go bird watching, or snorkel in crystal-clear water. The nearby islands are bird sanctuaries. If you want to kayak, you’ll need to bring your own and book it on the ferry.

Campsites are first-come, first-served, but you have to reserve ferry spots through Yankee Freedom III. Only three kayaks fit per ferry trip, and it costs extra.

Cost: $15 per campsite (cash only)
Ferry: Must book separately through Yankee Freedom III

Private Campgrounds and RV Resorts with Tent Options

Private campgrounds are a good fallback when state parks are booked up, but they’ll run you $58 to $90 a night. You get more amenities—pools, marinas, the works—but you’ll pay for it.

Big Pine Key Resort Overview

Big Pine Key Resort has a big "rustic" camping area just for tents. We counted 72 tent sites, including 13 right on the ocean and 14 on the boat basin.

The tent area doesn’t have individual hookups, but there are three water spigots for everyone. Sites start at $58 in summer 2024. No dogs or generators allowed in the rustic section.

Resort amenities include:

• Heated pool
• Boat ramp and marina
• Mangrove nature trails
• Onsite store for snacks and supplies
• Fish cleaning station

The campground is just a few miles south of Bahia Honda State Park. You can launch kayaks or fish from the boat ramp, and Looe Key Reef is nearby for snorkeling.

An unmarked trail at the south end leads into mangroves. You can also bike Long Beach Road to reach quiet beaches at Coupon Bight Aquatic Preserve.

Boyd's Key West Campground Features

Boyd’s is on Stock Island, right next to Key West. You can bike or take the bus downtown from the campground.

Tent sites in the primitive section have waterfront views, but they’re close together. Low fences separate each spot. You can pick sites with or without water and electric.

The campground packs in some handy amenities:

• Boat ramp with docks
• Heated pool
• Four bathhouses with dish-washing stations
• Free Wi-Fi everywhere
• Poolside tiki hut with a TV

Hogfish Bar and Grill is just blocks away and serves solid food with harbor views. The location gives you easy access to Key West without paying crazy hotel rates.

Key Largo Kampground Highlights

Key Largo Kampground has 35 tent sites along the property’s edge. RVs aren’t allowed here, so it’s quieter for tent campers.

Sites come with picnic tables, grills, and 20-amp electric. Standard tent sites with electric are $75 per night. Larger or water-view sites go for $90 a night.

It’s mostly an RV park, but the tent section is decent. You can pay extra for boat dockage and get direct water access for fishing or snorkeling.

The location is just about an hour from Miami and Fort Lauderdale, which is handy for South Florida folks wanting a quick Keys escape. The tent area stays shady and pretty comfortable, even with gravel pads.

Other Notable Campgrounds for Tent Camping

Plenty of RV resorts in the Keys also let you set up a tent. Waterfront sites and resort amenities—marinas, pools, you name it—come at a price, usually $65 to well over $100 per night.

Jolly Roger RV Resort

Jolly Roger RV Resort in Marathon is a bit more upscale. Tent campers get their own section with full hookups if you want them.

There’s a big heated pool, hot tub, and a tiki bar overlooking the water. Tent sites have picnic tables, grills, and access to clean restrooms and showers.

Key amenities include:

• Marina with boat slips
• Fishing pier and boat ramp
• Laundry facilities
• Wi-Fi everywhere

Sites start around $85 per night for tents during peak season. The place fills up fast, especially in winter when snowbirds flock down.

It’s smart to book a few months ahead for the best site selection.

Fiesta Key RV Resort & Marina

Fiesta Key RV Resort & Marina sits on Long Key with direct ocean access. You’ll catch some of the best sunrise views here. The resort lets you tent camp on certain sites close to the water.

Tent campers can use the resort's pool complex, which includes a heated pool and a kiddie pool. The on-site tiki bar serves food and drinks, and there's live music on weekends.

Resort features:

• Private beach area
• Boat rentals and charters
• Snorkel gear rentals
• Camp store with basics

Tent sites run $75-$95 per night, depending on where you are and the time of year. Waterfront spots cost a bit more, but you get those killer ocean views.

The resort feels more social than the state parks. Families with kids tend to love the pool and all the organized activities.

Bluewater Key RV Resort

Bluewater Key RV Resort on Key Largo mainly caters to RVs, but they do save a few spots for tent campers. The resort sits right on the bay, so fishing and snorkeling are easy to access.

We liked how quiet it felt compared to other commercial campgrounds. Sites give you more space and privacy than the average RV park, which is a nice bonus.

Available amenities:

• Boat ramp and marina
• Swimming pool
• Clean restroom facilities
• Picnic areas with grills

Off-season tent sites start at $70 per night, but in winter, prices jump over $100. You’ll need to book ahead, especially if you want a spot on the water.

The marina makes it easy to get out to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park’s snorkeling areas.

Sunshine Key RV Resort

Sunshine Key RV Resort on Ohio Key offers tent camping with all the usual resort perks in the Lower Keys. The property stretches across both sides of the Overseas Highway, so you get access to the bay and the ocean.

There are multiple pools, including one just for adults and an activity pool with games. Tent campers get to use everything, just like the RV folks.

Resort highlights:

• Two beaches (bay and ocean side)
• Tiki bar and restaurant
• Boat ramp and marina
• Tennis and pickleball courts

Tent sites cost $80-$120 a night, depending on when you go and where your site is. Ocean-side spots are pricier, but the sunsets are unreal.

This place works well for groups since there are lots of accommodation types. The central location makes day trips to Key West or the Upper Keys pretty simple.

Planning Your Tent Camping Trip in the Florida Keys

If you want to camp in the Florida Keys, book your site early and bring the right gear for the heat and humidity. Florida residents get first shot at state park reservations, but private campgrounds are a backup (at a higher price).

Best Time to Camp and How to Reserve Sites

The busiest season runs from December through April, when the weather is perfect but prices are steep. Honestly, we like the shoulder seasons—November or May—for lower rates and fewer crowds.

State Park Reservations:

• Florida residents can book 11 months ahead
• Non-residents get 10 months advance booking
• Use reserve.floridastateparks.org or call (800) 326-3521

Booking Strategy: Stay flexible and have backup campgrounds in mind. State park sites—especially beachfront ones at Bahia Honda and Curry Hammock—go fast.

Private campgrounds like Key Largo Kampground usually have more openings, but expect to pay $75-100 per night. They don’t fill up as quickly as state parks.

Best Months to Visit:

• November-January: Cool, dry weather with fewer bugs
• February-April: Peak season with highest prices
• May-October: Hot and humid with afternoon storms

What to Pack for a Florida Keys Campout

Tent camping here means you’ll deal with gravel pads, intense sun, and the occasional downpour. Pack with comfort in mind.

Essential Gear:

• Stake-free tent or heavy-duty stakes for gravel
• Ground tarp and sleeping pad for comfort
• Pop-up canopy for extra shade
• Cooler with plenty of ice

The sun bounces off the water all day, so shade is a must. Most campgrounds don’t have much tree cover.

Clothing and Protection:

• Long sleeves for evening mosquitoes
• Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30+)
• Quick-dry clothing for humidity
• Rain jacket for afternoon storms

Water and Food: If you’re heading to Dry Tortugas, bring all your drinking water. Other campgrounds usually have water, but it can taste super chlorinated.

Stock up on groceries before you get to your campground. The deeper you go into the Keys, the higher the prices climb.

Unique Activities and Nearby Attractions

The Florida Keys have some pretty wild outdoor adventures right outside your tent. You can snorkel coral reefs, paddle through mangroves, or even meet dolphins up close.

Snorkeling and Diving Adventures

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is America’s first underwater park. You can snorkel or dive among living coral reefs just off Key Largo.

The park offers glass-bottom boat tours if you’d rather stay dry. You’ll spot colorful fish, sea turtles, and coral through the clear bottom.

Popular dive sites include:

• Christ of the Abyss statue
• Molasses Reef
• Key Largo Dry Rocks

You can rent snorkeling gear right at the park. Shallow water makes it a good pick for beginners and kids.

Many campsites are close to boat launches, which makes early morning dive trips easy to organize.

Kayaking, Hiking, and Nature Trails

Curry Hammock State Park has some of the best kayak trails winding through mangrove creeks. Paddle narrow waterways and keep an eye out for birds overhead.

The Layton Trail is an easy 1.5-mile walk through tropical hardwood forest. You’ll see native plants and maybe spot a Key deer if you’re lucky.

Trail highlights include:

• Boardwalks over wetlands
• Bird watching spots
• Interpretive signs about local plants

Most state parks rent kayaks by the hour or day, so you don’t have to bring your own. The calm bay waters stay protected from ocean waves, which makes kayaking safe for families.

Wildlife Encounters and Visitor Centers

The Dolphin Research Center on Grassy Key lets you meet dolphins up close. You can watch training sessions and learn how they care for marine mammals.

Key deer wander all over the lower keys. These little deer only stand about 3 feet tall and you won’t find them anywhere else on Earth.

Wildlife we might see:

• Manatees in shallow waters
• Great blue herons fishing
• Iguanas sunning on rocks
• Sea turtles near shore

Visitor centers at state parks have educational programs. Rangers often lead guided walks and share stories about local wildlife.

Many parks have touch tanks with starfish and other sea creatures. Kids always get a kick out of these hands-on exhibits.

Tips for a Memorable Tent Camping Experience

Getting the right campsite and staying comfortable in the Keys takes some planning and the right gear. The tropical climate and limited tent sites mean you really need a strategy if you want a smooth trip.

Insider Tips for Scoring the Best Sites

Book Early and Stay Flexible

Florida residents get to book state parks 11 months out; non-residents, 10 months. Mark your calendar and jump on reservations as soon as they open.

Last-minute cancellations do happen, so check the reservation system daily if your dates are full. Weekend spots open up more often than you’d think.

Target the Best Locations

At Bahia Honda State Park, we like Sandspur Campground for oceanfront views. At Curry Hammock, sites 6-9 and 22-25 get you right on the beach.

Long Key State Park has three primitive oceanfront sites now. They’re a short hike in but feel more private than the main campground.

Avoid Problem Areas

Skip tent sites 3, 10-19, 21, 26, and 28 at Curry Hammock—no proper tent pads. At Pennekamp, sites 24-40 on the west side offer better shade.

Staying Safe and Comfortable in the Keys

Gear for Gravel Pads

Most Keys campsites have gravel, not grass. Bring a thick ground tarp and maybe a cot to get off the rocks. Stakes won’t work, so use a stake-less tent or guy lines.

Weather Protection

Summer brings brutal heat and sudden storms. Pack a pop-up canopy for shade and shelter. Mosquito netting is a must in summer.

Winter is the sweet spot for tent camping. Temperatures are comfortable and bugs aren't much of an issue.

Water and Supplies

Bring more water than you think you’ll need. Saltwater is rough on gear, so rinse everything with fresh water. Stock up on supplies before you arrive—choices are slim on the islands.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Florida Keys don’t have a ton of tent camping spots, and beachfront sites at Bahia Honda and Curry Hammock State Parks are the most sought-after. Private campgrounds are an option but cost more, with tent sites generally running $65-100+ per night.

What are the top beachfront tent camping spots in the Florida Keys?

Bahia Honda State Park’s Sandspur Campground is probably the top pick for beachfront tent camping. Oceanfront sites have Atlantic views, but only site #72 sits above a sandy beach. Most overlook coral rock with tide pools below.

Curry Hammock State Park is another solid choice. Sites 6-9 and 22-25 are right on the beach and work well for tents. It’s quieter here since you’re far from the highway.

Long Key State Park has three primitive oceanfront sites on the Orb Trail. You’ll need to hike in from the parking lot. These spots have picnic tables, grills, and hammock stands but no hookups.

Which campgrounds in the Florida Keys are best for families wanting to tent camp?

Curry Hammock State Park is a favorite for families. You get hot showers, a nice beach, and peace away from the highway. The campground has water sports and most tent sites have sandy pads.

Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is great for families who love the water. Kids can snorkel, take glass-bottom boat tours, or swim at the beach. Sites back up to greenery for some privacy, but bring a ground cover for the gravel pads.

Bahia Honda State Park has two family-friendly options. Sandspur Campground gives you oceanfront sites, while Bayside Campground has eight primitive tent spots on sand near the rental cabins.

Can you recommend some tent-friendly campsites in Key West?

Boyd's Key West Campground on Stock Island offers the best tent camping near Key West. The primitive sites come with spectacular waterfront views and low privacy fences between sites.

You can pick sites with or without water and electric hookups. The campground has a heated pool, a boat ramp with docks, and free Wi-Fi.

A city bus connects you to Key West, or you can easily bike over. The nearby Hogfish Bar and Grill serves up great food with a nice harbor view.

Are there any state parks in the Florida Keys that offer tent camping?

Four state parks in the Florida Keys welcome tent campers. Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park charges $36 plus $7 for utilities and allows two tents per site.

Florida residents can book 11 months ahead, while others get 10 months. Curry Hammock State Park costs the same and has 28 sites, with the best tent spots right on the beach.

Long Key State Park offers primitive camping for $22.50 at three oceanfront sites, with no utility fees. Bahia Honda State Park provides both Sandspur oceanfront sites and Bayside primitive camping.

The hard gravel at Sandspur works better with stakeless tents or pop-up shelters. Not the softest ground, but the views make up for it.

How's the tent camping scene in the Florida Keys discussed on platforms like Reddit?

We don't have specific information about Reddit discussions regarding tent camping in the Florida Keys from our current sources. Still, the general camping community often talks about the challenges of booking state park sites and the high costs of private campgrounds.

Many campers swap tips about booking strategies and alternative options. The limited availability and rising prices keep tent camping in the Keys a hot topic among outdoor folks.

Social media platforms usually feature chats about the best sites, booking windows, and budget-friendly alternatives for Keys camping. It's a bit of a hunt, but people seem to love the challenge.

What options are available for oceanfront campgrounds when tent camping in the Florida Keys?

Bahia Honda State Park's Sandspur Campground gives you a front-row seat to the Atlantic. Seventeen sites look out over the water. The surface is all gravel, so you'll need stakeless tents. After hurricane damage, they finally reopened in 2022.

Curry Hammock State Park is another solid pick for oceanfront camping. The beach access sites feel pretty special, and the sandy tent pads make setup easier than fighting with gravel. If you're into water sports, kite-surfing is a big draw here.

Long Key State Park has three primitive oceanfront spots, but you'll need to hike a bit to get there. Big Pine Key RV Resort rents out 13 oceanfront tent sites and 14 more along the boat basin. It isn't cheap, though—expect to pay at least $58 a night.

Dry Tortugas National Park sits way out, about 70 miles offshore. You'll have to take a ferry. The campground has 15 first-come, first-serve sites, $15 per person, and the remoteness is hard to beat.