The Florida Keys stretch over 100 miles of island paradise, offering some of the most breathtaking beach camping spots in the entire country.
Whether you love waking up to turquoise water, spotting wildlife, or paddling through mangrove tunnels, the Keys have something for every outdoor adventurer.
From the wild and remote to the cozy and convenient, these campgrounds deliver unforgettable experiences under the stars.
Pack your tent, grab your sunscreen, and get ready to discover the best beach camping the Florida Keys has to offer.
Bahia Honda State Park (Big Pine Key)
Few places in Florida can compete with the jaw-dropping beauty of Bahia Honda State Park. Sitting on Big Pine Key, this park is widely considered one of the best beach camping destinations in the entire state.
The moment you arrive, the crystal-clear turquoise water and soft sandy beaches make it obvious why campers return year after year.
Campsites are just steps from the shoreline, so you can fall asleep to the sound of gentle waves. During the day, activities are endless.
Swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding are all within easy reach. The shallow, calm waters are especially welcoming for families with younger children.
A true highlight of this park is the Old Bahia Honda Bridge, a historic railroad bridge that offers panoramic views of the surrounding islands and ocean. Walking across it at sunset is an experience you will not forget.
Campers should book well in advance because this park fills up fast, especially during winter and spring. Reservations through the Florida State Parks system are required, and spots are limited.
Arriving early in your stay gives you the best chance to snag a prime waterfront campsite.
Curry Hammock State Park (Marathon)
Tucked away from the tourist buzz of Marathon, Curry Hammock State Park feels like a hidden gem most visitors never discover. The park stretches across several small islands connected by the Overseas Highway, giving campers a sense of true island solitude.
Mangroves line the campsite edges, providing natural shade and a lush green backdrop that feels worlds away from everyday life.
Paddling is the main event here. The shallow, calm waters surrounding the park are ideal for kayaking and kiteboarding, and you can easily spend an entire afternoon exploring the winding waterways.
Marine wildlife sightings are common, with manatees, sea turtles, and colorful fish regularly spotted near the shore.
Birdwatchers will absolutely love this park. Hundreds of migratory bird species pass through each year, making it one of the top birding spots in South Florida.
The campground itself is well-maintained, with clean restrooms and shower facilities available. Sites accommodate both tents and RVs, though tent campers tend to get the most immersive nature experience.
If peaceful paddling and wildlife watching sound like your kind of vacation, Curry Hammock should be at the very top of your Florida Keys camping list.
Long Key State Park (Long Key)
Back in the early 1900s, Long Key was a favorite retreat for famous author Zane Grey, who loved the area for its incredible sport fishing. Today, Long Key State Park carries on that legacy as a beloved destination for campers who appreciate natural beauty and outdoor adventure in equal measure.
The park sits along a gorgeous stretch of the Atlantic coast with waterfront campsites that overlook shallow, glassy flats.
Sunrise here is genuinely something special. The eastern exposure means early risers are treated to brilliant pink and orange skies reflected across the calm water.
Bring a camera, because those morning views are absolutely worth capturing. Birdwatching along the Golden Orb Trail is another popular activity, with herons, ospreys, and roseate spoonbills frequently spotted.
Kayaking through the mangrove creeks that wind through the park is a must-do experience. The narrow channels feel almost magical as you glide beneath a canopy of tangled roots and branches.
The campground offers both oceanside and bayside sites, and the oceanside spots book up extremely fast. Reservations are highly recommended months in advance, particularly for winter visits.
Long Key is a quieter, more nature-focused alternative to some of the busier campgrounds further down the Keys.
Key Largo Kampground & Marina (Key Largo)
Key Largo is the first island you hit when entering the Florida Keys, and Key Largo Kampground and Marina makes for a fantastic first stop. Sitting right along the edge of Florida Bay, this campground gives tent campers direct access to the water without the resort price tag.
The small beach area is perfect for lounging, wading, or watching pelicans cruise by overhead.
The marina adds a fun layer of adventure to any stay. You can launch kayaks or canoes right from the property, or rent a small boat to explore the surrounding waters.
Key Largo is also world-famous for its scuba diving, and the campground serves as an excellent base for reaching John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, just minutes away.
Snorkeling and glass-bottom boat tours are easy to arrange from nearby outfitters. After a day on the water, the campground has a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where campers often gather to share stories and watch the sun dip below the bay.
Amenities include clean restrooms, a laundry facility, and a camp store stocked with basics. Key Largo Kampground is especially popular during the busy winter season, so booking early is strongly advised for the best waterfront spots.
Boyd’s Key West Campground (Key West)
Finding a campsite close to Key West’s famous attractions while still being right on the water is a rare treat, and Boyd’s Key West Campground delivers exactly that. Situated on Stock Island just minutes from downtown Key West, this campground offers waterfront tent sites with sweeping views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Watching the sun melt into the horizon from your own campsite is the kind of evening you will talk about for years.
Boyd’s has been welcoming campers for decades and has built a loyal following among those who want the Key West experience without the hotel bill. The campground provides solid amenities including a swimming pool, clean bathrooms, a marina, and a boat launch.
Campers with their own watercraft can easily explore the surrounding flats and backcountry areas.
Key West’s vibrant nightlife, restaurants, and landmarks like Mallory Square and the Hemingway Home are just a short drive or bicycle ride away. Renting bikes from the campground area is a popular and affordable way to explore the island.
Tent sites here fill up quickly, particularly during Fantasy Fest and other major Key West events. Planning ahead and booking months in advance will save you from disappointment when visiting during peak season.
Leo’s Campground (Key West)
Not everyone heading to Key West wants a pool, a restaurant, and a packed campground buzzing with activity. For those who prefer a simpler, quieter experience, Leo’s Campground offers a refreshingly laid-back alternative.
Smaller and more intimate than Boyd’s nearby, Leo’s has a hometown feel that makes campers feel like they have stumbled onto a local secret.
Beachfront tent sites sit right at the water’s edge, giving campers completely unobstructed views of the ocean. Evening hours here are particularly magical.
As the sky shifts from blue to gold to deep purple, you can sit at the shoreline with a cold drink and watch one of the most beautiful sunsets in the Florida Keys. It is the kind of simple pleasure that reminds you why camping beats any hotel stay.
The campground is no-frills by design, which is exactly its charm. Basic facilities are available, and the relaxed rules allow campers to truly unwind without the structured schedule of a larger resort.
Leo’s is ideal for solo travelers, couples, or small friend groups looking for an authentic island experience. Because of its smaller size, availability is limited, and spots go fast during the busy winter months.
Reaching out early to reserve your site is always a smart move.
Sugarloaf Key / Lazy Lakes RV Resort (Sugarloaf Key)
About 20 minutes north of Key West on Sugarloaf Key, Lazy Lakes RV Resort earns its name in the best possible way. The campground wraps around a calm, scenic lagoon with sandy edges that give it an almost beach-like feel.
Tall palm trees provide natural shade, and the sound of water lapping at the shoreline creates an instant sense of calm the moment you arrive.
This is a campground designed for people who want to slow down. The lagoon is perfect for a lazy morning swim or an afternoon float on a raft.
Kayaking around the perimeter of the resort is a favorite pastime for guests, and the crystal-clear water makes it easy to spot fish and other marine life from the surface. Sunsets viewed from the lagoon shoreline are genuinely spectacular.
Sugarloaf Key itself is a quieter part of the Keys, free from the heavy tourist traffic of Key West or Key Largo. That makes Lazy Lakes an excellent choice for campers who want a peaceful tropical escape while still being close enough to Key West for a day trip.
The resort accommodates RVs primarily, but tent campers are welcome in designated areas. Booking ahead is recommended, especially for weekend visits throughout the winter season.
Jolly Roger RV Resort (Marathon)
Marathon is right in the heart of the Florida Keys, and Jolly Roger RV Resort puts campers directly on the edge of Florida Bay with views that make every morning feel like a postcard. The wide-open bay stretches endlessly to the west, setting the stage for the kind of sunsets that stop conversations mid-sentence.
Campers at Jolly Roger frequently describe the evening light as some of the most beautiful they have ever seen.
Beyond the scenery, the resort is well-equipped for active outdoor enthusiasts. A fishing pier juts out over the bay, giving anglers a great spot to cast a line for snapper, tarpon, and other local species.
The boat launch makes it easy to head out on the water for a day of exploring the flats or visiting nearby sandbars. A small sandy beach area provides a comfortable spot for lounging between adventures.
Jolly Roger caters primarily to RV campers, but the waterfront atmosphere and solid amenities make it worth mentioning for anyone touring the Keys. Clean facilities, friendly staff, and a welcoming community of fellow campers add to the overall experience.
Marathon itself offers grocery stores, restaurants, and other conveniences within a short drive. Reserving a waterfront site months ahead is the best way to secure the most desirable spots along the bay.
Fiesta Key RV Resort & Marina (Long Key)
Imagine camping on your own private island in the middle of the Florida Keys. That is essentially what Fiesta Key RV Resort offers.
Situated on a small island just off the Overseas Highway near Long Key, the resort combines tropical beach access with full resort-style amenities that make roughing it feel surprisingly comfortable. Sandy shoreline areas give campers a proper beach experience with calm, swimmable water just steps away.
The marina is a busy hub of activity throughout the day. Campers with boats can dock and explore the surrounding waters at their leisure.
Kayak and paddleboard rentals are typically available for those without their own gear. The onsite waterfront restaurant is a welcome bonus, serving up fresh seafood and cold drinks with a view that few dining rooms anywhere can match.
A swimming pool adds another option for cooling off during the notoriously warm Florida Keys afternoons. Fiesta Key draws a mix of families, couples, and seasoned RV travelers who appreciate the combination of natural beauty and modern convenience.
The resort fills up quickly during the winter snowbird season, and weekend availability can be tight even in the off-season. Booking several months in advance is strongly recommended.
It is a polished, well-run destination that consistently earns high marks from returning guests.
Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina (Ohio Key)
Ohio Key might not be the most famous name in the Florida Keys, but Sunshine Key RV Resort has built a devoted following among campers who know exactly what they are looking for: an entire island to themselves. The resort occupies the whole of Ohio Key, which means beaches wrap around multiple sides of the property.
No matter which direction you wander, the water is always close.
Clear, shallow water surrounds the island, making it ideal for kayaking, snorkeling, and simply wading along the shore. Palm trees line the sandy edges of the property, creating that classic tropical postcard scene that draws visitors to the Keys in the first place.
Wildlife sightings are common here, with dolphins, sea turtles, and a wide variety of seabirds making regular appearances near the shoreline.
The resort has a marina, a swimming pool, and a clubhouse, giving campers plenty of options when they are not out exploring the water. Sunshine Key sits in the Lower Keys, positioned perfectly for day trips to both Key West and the Middle Keys.
The island setting creates a natural sense of separation from the outside world that many campers find deeply restorative. Peak season reservations at this popular spot should be made as early as possible to avoid missing out entirely.
Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge Campground (Big Pine Key)
Big Pine Key is already famous for the tiny, endangered Key deer that wander freely through the island. Add a waterfront campground with stunning sunset views and beach-like shoreline access, and you have one of the most uniquely charming camping destinations in the entire Florida Keys.
Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge Campground sits along Bogie Channel, where the water turns shades of gold and orange every evening as the sun drops below the horizon.
The shoreline here is not a traditional sandy beach, but the rocky and grassy waterfront still provides excellent access for fishing, kayaking, and watching the spectacular light shows that come with each sunset. Anglers will find plenty to keep them busy, with tarpon, bonefish, and permit all accessible from nearby flats.
The fishing lodge portion of the property means there is always a knowledgeable crowd around happy to share tips on local hotspots.
The National Key Deer Refuge is practically next door, and spotting the miniature deer wandering through the campground or along nearby roads is a genuinely magical experience. These tiny deer, standing only about 30 inches tall, are found nowhere else on Earth.
The campground offers both tent and RV sites, with waterfront positions being the most sought-after. Early reservations during the busy winter season are absolutely essential for securing the best spots.
Bahia Honda Sandspur Beach Area (Backcountry Camping Nearby)
Bahia Honda is already one of the most celebrated spots in the Florida Keys, but adventurous campers know there is a wilder side to this area that most visitors never experience. Beyond the main campground, backcountry-style experiences await those willing to paddle out to designated spots accessible only by kayak or canoe.
The reward for that extra effort is extraordinary: a stretch of remote beach all to yourself, with no crowds, no noise, and no light pollution dimming the night sky.
Stargazing from a backcountry beach in the Lower Keys is genuinely spectacular. With the Milky Way stretching overhead and nothing but the sound of water around you, it is hard to imagine a more peaceful setting for a night under the stars.
Bring all your own supplies, because there are no facilities in these remote areas. Proper Leave No Trace principles are essential to preserve these pristine environments for future visitors.
Planning a backcountry trip near Bahia Honda requires preparation and the right permits from Florida State Parks. Checking current regulations and designated camping zones before heading out is critical.
Tides, weather, and water conditions should all be carefully monitored. That said, campers who make the effort consistently describe these backcountry nights as among the most memorable outdoor experiences of their lives.
The sense of solitude and natural beauty simply cannot be replicated anywhere else.
Dry Tortugas National Park (Garden Key Campground)
Nothing in the Florida Keys region quite compares to spending a night on Garden Key inside Dry Tortugas National Park. Reachable only by ferry or seaplane from Key West, this remote island sits about 70 miles west of the mainland Keys in the Gulf of Mexico.
The journey alone feels like a true adventure, and the destination delivers on every bit of that anticipation.
Garden Key is home to the massive, 19th-century Fort Jefferson, one of the largest brick structures ever built in North America. Camping in its shadow is a surreal experience, blending history with raw natural beauty in a way that few places on Earth can offer.
The water surrounding the island is some of the clearest and most vibrant in all of Florida, with coral reefs teeming with colorful fish just steps from the shoreline.
The primitive campground has no electricity, no running water, and no stores. Campers must bring absolutely everything they need, including food, water, and all supplies.
That challenge is part of the appeal. Waking up on a remote island surrounded by turquoise water, with sea turtles swimming nearby and the historic fort glowing in the morning light, is an experience that stays with you forever.
Permits are required and capacity is very limited, so planning this trip months ahead is absolutely necessary.
Fort De Soto Park
Fort De Soto Park is a beloved coastal destination on Florida’s Gulf Coast that combines award‑winning beaches, camping, natural beauty, and outdoor adventure into one unforgettable park experience. Although it’s not in the Florida Keys, its beach camping vibe, expansive shorelines, and scenic surroundings make it relevant for anyone who loves seaside camping destinations and exploring Florida’s best sand and surf.
Fort De Soto Park stretches over more than 1,100 acres of interconnected islands, offering more than seven miles of waterfront and nearly three miles of white sand beach that regularly ranks among the top beaches in the United States — including a No. 1 ranking by “Dr. Beach.”
The Fort De Soto Campground contains over 230 family‑friendly sites with water and electric hookups, picnic tables, grills, modern restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and a campground store, blending beach access with convenient amenities for both tent and RV camping. It’s also pet‑friendly in designated areas.
Beyond the campground, visitors can bike or walk miles of paved trails, kayak through coastal mangroves, fish from Gulf piers, explore historic fort ruins, or take a ferry to nearby Egmont Key for wildlife viewing and secluded beaches. The park’s diverse ecosystems support abundant wildlife, birdwatching, and shelling along peaceful shorelines.