Good news! You don’t need an RV to camp in the Florida Keys! There are definitely options for us humble, financially-challenged tent campers, some options even affordable! LET’S GO CAMPING!!!
Note: If you already read 26 Best Places To Camp In The Florida Keys there is nothing new for you here. This is a stripped down article of that which only lists places to go tent camping because I thought it would be helpful for my fellow, humble, tent campers.
4 Florida Key State Parks You Can Tent Camp At
Without a doubt, these four state parks are the best options for the budget tent camper. But that doesn’t mean these places cheapen the Florida Key experience. On the contrary, these are some of the prettiest places I have ever seen.
Competition is fierce to book these sites, though. But you’re in luck. I wrote a free blog post that gives you an edge in snatching up one of these sites: How To Book A Campsite In The Florida Keys
⛺️ Bahia Honda State Park is by far my #1 recommendation for camping in the Florida Keys. This is my favorite place I’ve ever camped at. And I’ve camped at a lot of places! The state park encompasses the entire island. Tent camping is spectacular. RV camping is amazing, many spots are right against the ocean. I even saw the rear end of some RVs hanging over the open ocean water! Beach, hiking, paddling, fishing, and close proximity to Key West. (RV/Tent/Cabin) The Official Website!!! Bahia Honda State Park
⛺️ Curry Hammock State Park is a small, gorgeous state park. We are talking postcard beach beauty here. Gotta see it to believe it. There are 28 campsites available. (RV/Tent) The Official Website!!! Curry Hammock State Park
⛺️ John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is another stunning Florida Key State Park with another stunning beach. The water is the star here–swimming, snorkeling, paddling, SCUBA diving, glass bottom boat tours. 42 campsites are available, plus a primitive group site. Boat camping (on your own boat) is available. (RV/Tent/Boat). The Official Website!!! John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
⛺️ Long Key State Park is gorgeous too! (How about that?) Many of Netflix’s Bloodline beach scenes were filmed here. There are four tent only sites that seem to fluctuate between being online reservable / first-come, first-serve. At the time of this writing, it is first-come, first serve. So good luck! The rest of the campground is currently closed from Hurricane Ian damage, no word when it will be reopened. (Tent). The Official Website!!! Long Key State Park
2 Florida Key National Parks You Can Tent Camp At
National Parks are great and usually offer affordable camping, but not these ones since you need to hire a boat to get to them.
⛺️ Dry Tortugas National Park is about 70 miles west of Key West and you have two options to get there: seaplane (not for camping because weight limits) or watercraft. The campgrounds are currently closed from Hurricane Ian damage. Reopening date unknown. But there is a silver lining! Now you have time to save up for the $220 per person ferry ticket, which is the only way to get camping gear to the island without a private boat. Come by ferry and you are guaranteed a site (when campground open). Book a plane here. Book the ferry here. (Tent/Boat) The Official Website!!! Dry Tortugas National Park
⛺️ Biscayne National Park – Boca Chita Key and Elliott Key are the only Keys that offer camping in Biscayne National Park and you need a boat to get there. You can visit the visitor center by car, but 95% of the park is covered by water, so you won’t see much! Boca Chita Key is the park’s most popular Key. Elliott Key is the largest. 10,000 years of human history can be found here! (Tent/Boat). The Official Website!!! Biscayne National Park
6 Florida Key Private Campgrounds You Can Tent Camp At
These vary in cost, but are pretty expensive compared to state parks and will typically run you $70-$90 a night. But they will accomplish the goal of an unforgettable Florida Key camping trip.
⛺️ Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge (AKA Big Pine Key Resort) is right on the water and offers more than fishing (but is very good for that). They provide an option to specifically book ocean front sites. You can even moor your fishing boat next to your site. (RV/Tent) The Official Website!!! Big Pine Fishing Lodge
⛺️ Boyd’s Key West Campground is a campground in Key West itself, which is cool. Once you get there you don’t even need your car as you can pretty much do all of Key West via bike. Sites right on the water are available. (TV/Tent/Tiny House Rentals). The Official Website!!! Boyd’s Key West Campground
⛺️ Key Largo Kampground and Marina offers 40 acres on the Atlantic, 171 sites, 2 beaches, and 1 heated pool. Marina and slips available, obviously. Amenities for lots of sports, too. (RV/Tent). The Official Website!!! Key Largo Kampground and Marina
⛺️ Kings Kamp RV Park and Marina is located just down the road from John Pennekamp State Park. Lots of restaurants and diving charters nearby. (RV/Tent/Cottage) The Official Website!!! Kings Kamp RV Park and Marina
⛺️ NAS Key West Recreational Lodging Campground – Sigsbee Park, Trumbo Point and Truman Annex is camping for USA active, reserve, and retired military and DoD civilians. 93 RV sites and 500 boondocking and tent sites. (RV/Tent) The Official Website!!! NAS Key West Recreational Lodging Campground
⛺️ Sugar Loaf Key / Key West KOA Holiday is located not far from Key West. It has a private beach, marina, pool, and poolside pub. Nice! (RV/Tent) The Official Website!!! Sugar Loaf Key / Key West KOA Holiday
There you go!
HAPPY CAMPING!!!
BONUS!!!~ ⛺️ Florida Sea Base Adventure In The Florida Keys is a boy scout campground that teaches young scouts water skills and more. When not in use for camps, Sea Base is open to anybody outside of scouts as long as you are camping with at least 1 person under 18, if only camping with adults, all adults must be part of scouts. No Tent or RV, but rather glamping sites are available for rent. (Glamping) The Official Website!!! Florida Sea Base In The Florida Keys
