Your Complete Guide To RVing in the Florida Keys

From pristine beaches, epic snorkeling, and gorgeous coral reefs, RVing in the Florida Keys unlocks a range of experiences for adventurers. Whether you want to fish, swim, or simply relax near the water’s edge, you’ll find plenty of Florida Keys RV camping to unlock your dream getaway.

The Florida Key’s gorgeous blue waters, laid-back atmosphere, and warm sunshine make it an RVers paradise. But given its popularity, it’s a trip that requires major planning.

This guide to RVing in the Florida Keys will help your plan and prepare for your RV trip including some of the best Florida Keys RV resorts and RV campgrounds to stay at. As well as tips for scoring reservations at hard-to-book campgrounds.

Sit back, buckle up, and prepare for your ultimate guide to RVing in the Florida Keys.

Table of Contents

1. About the Florida Keys
2. When is the best time to RV the Florida Keys?
3. Driving an RV to the Florida Keys
4. RV camping in the Florida Keys
5. How much does RV camping in the Florida Keys cost?
6. Camping in Florida Keys State Parks
7. How to Camp at Florida Keys State Park
   1. Top RV parks in the Florida Keys
8. Getting around in the Florida Keys

About the Florida Keys

The Florida Keys are a series 800 of islands located off the southernmost tip of Florida. Nestled between the Gulf of Mexico on its northwest and the Atlantic Ocean on the southeast. This mixture of the waterways creates brilliant blue waters that resemble the Caribbean. The Florida Keys is an incredible area for diving, snorkeling, boating, kayaking, and home to beautiful beaches.

Most of the Florida Keys are natural barrier islands that are too small to be inhabited by people. However, the five largest Keys are where the roughly 12,000 residents call home. It’s also where you can find incredible RV camping. Each island has its own vibe and unique activities. The five largest Florida Keys are:

1. Key Largo
2. Islamorada
3. Marathon
4. Big Pine
5. Key West

Key Largo is 33 miles long, making it the largest of the five Keys. It’s also the first Key you’ll reach when heading south from Miami. This is a fantastic spot for RVers short on time and still want to get a taste of the vibe and beauty of this area. There are several reefs you can dive or snorkel at in this area making it a great spot for those wanting to enjoy water activities.

Islamorada is the next Key as you head south. This small key is home to loads of higher-end resorts and has a super laid-back vibe to it. If you like diving or looking for off-shore fishing trips Islamorada is the place for you.

Marathon marks the halfway point from Key Largo to Key West and is where many of the residents and workers in the Florida Keys call home. Boating is a popular activity here and you’ll find loads of marinas and RV resorts on this Key.

Big Pine is one of the least inhabited Keys and has a much more natural aesthetic. If you want to explore the more untouched side of the Florida Keys through its mangroves, beaches, and natural parks then this is the spot for you.

Key West is the final Key along the Florida Keys making it the southernmost point of the country. It’s just 329 miles (530 km) from Cuba it has a lot of influence from the nearby Caribbean islands. This is a fantastic spot to visit for history buffs or those looking to have a good time. Its fun, eccentric, and somewhat wild vibe simply can’t be beaten.

When is the best time to RV the Florida Keys?

There really is no bad time to go to the Florida Keys. Each season offers its own activities to enjoy. However, many RVers prefer to visit in late fall to early spring when the weather is more favorable.

November to March is the peak season for the Florida Keys. Expect warm sunny days in the mid-’70s to 80s and temperate evenings. It’s also the dry season for Florida, meaning rain showers shouldn’t keep you from exploring.

If you’re looking for the top things to do in the Florida Keys, check out this post.

Summers in the Florida Keys which start around April and last until late October can be extremely hot and humid. It’s also the rainy season, so visitors should expect daily thunderstorms in the afternoons or evenings. Summer is better for those who want to enjoy water activities as the water is warmer in the hotter months compared to winter.

Driving an RV to the Florida Keys

The five main Keys are connected by US-1, a 110-mile long two-lane highway home to 42 bridges. Also called the Overseas Highway, the road can accommodate any size rig from small vans to larger class A motorhomes or giant fifth wheels.

The highway passes through mangrove walls with pockets of crystal clear blue water and beautiful beaches making it one of the most scenic drives in the country. The water that can be seen from the Florida Key’s longest bridge (aptly named the Seven Mile Bridge) which is sure to take your breath away.

It takes around 2 to 3 hours to drive from Key Largo all the way to Key West. However, since the road is only a two-lane highway any accidents, even minor ones, can cause very long traffic delays.

We suggest embracing the slow-paced relaxed vibes of the islands as soon as you start your drive to the Keys. And if possible, secure RV camping on a few different Keys to make the most of your time in paradise.

RV camping in the Florida Keys

The Florida Keys is only 137 square miles in landmass (which really isn’t big in the scheme of things). Limited space and high demand mean RV camping in the Florida Keys comes at a premium — no matter the season.

There are dozens of different RV resorts, campgrounds, and state parks for RVers to choose from throughout the Florida Keys. No matter where you plan to stay, reservations are 100% required. This is not an area you can simply drive up to and score a last-minute spot.

Below are some of the best options for RV camping in the Florida Keys.

How much does RV camping in the Florida Keys cost?

State Parks are by far the most affordable option for RV camping in the Florida Keys. Home to some of the most picturesque campsites directly on the beach or waterfront, a camping spot at a State Park can cost between $16 to $42 a night depending on the campground.

RV parks can cost anywhere from $100 a night to $300+ a night depending on the RV resort and the time of year you are visiting. Many resorts will offer weekly and monthly rates. But bookings for these spots fill up months if not years in advance. Make sure to call ahead and secure your spot accordingly.

Camping in Florida Keys State Parks

There are 4 state parks that offer RV camping in the Florida Keys:

• John Pennekamp State Park
• Long Key State Park (currently closed to RV camping)
• Curry Hammock State Park
• Bahia Honda State Park

John Pennekamp State Park is located on Key Largo and has 42 reservable camping sites with 30 and 50-amp electricity. The state park is mostly located in the ocean, having 70 nautical miles of coral reef for visitors to explore.

The campground is located about a 5-minute walk from the marina and a 10-minute walk from several small beaches. Renting kayaks is a popular activity as there are several mangrove trails for you to paddle through. You can also take a snorkeling tour to some of the reefs off the shore.

If you’re coming during the winter make sure to keep your eyes peeled for manatees who frequent the area from December to February.

Long Key State Park is located on Long Key and offers campers absolutely incredible beachfront camping. This area is mainly undeveloped making it an incredible spot for swimming, kayaking, birding, or just relaxing under the shade of the palm trees. 

Sadly, the State Park suffered serious damage from Hurricane Ian in October 2022 and has closed the campground to all RV camping. There is no update as to when the park will be re-opening.

Curry Hammock State Park is located in Marathon on an undeveloped area of the Key. This park has fantastic nature trails highlighting many native plants and species of the Florida Keys. Strong winds off the island make it a good place for kiteboarding, but kayaking, birding, and bicycling are other popular activities. 

There are 28 camping sites with 30 and 50-amp electricity, with many having direct water views. This is a fantastic spot for those looking for easy access to the Florida Keys’ crystal clear waters.

Bahia Honda State Park is the southernmost state park located about a 50 minutes drive from Key West. Most popularly known for the abandoned railroad bridge that was built by Henry Flagler in the 1900s to connect mainland Florida to Key West.

This remote island has some of the best beaches in the Florida Keys and is the perfect spot for those looking to relax on the palm-lined beach, snorkel, or enjoy wildlife. There are 72 electric sites that can accommodate virtually any size RV. Additionally, there are 7 primitive sites that have no electricity.

How to Camp at Florida Keys State Park

You can make reservations for state parks 11 months in advance and guests can stay a maximum of 14 days at any 1 park. If you want to secure your spot at any of the 4 state parks along the Florida Keys, we highly recommend you be at your computer at midnight when booking opens. Most camping spots will book within hours.

If you’re not able to secure a spot at one of these coveted State Parks, don’t worry you can use Arvie to help you book your stay!

Want to snag a week-long stay at incredible campgrounds in the Florida Keys? Become a pro member with Arvie and instantly book sites at sold-out campgrounds. Arvie is a fully integrated campground booking service. Not only can you search and book your spot in thousands of different campgrounds across the country but it allows you to search for camping spots at sold-out campgrounds.

Enter your desired dates of travel and Arvie will book your spot instantly if a cancelation opens up. This is how we scored a week in peak season at John Pennekamp in January 2022.

Top RV parks in the Florida Keys

If you aren’t able to score a spot at one of the amazing state parks or if you simply prefer to stay in a campground that can offer more amenities, here are some of the top RV parks in the Florida Keys.

• Keys Palm Luxury Resort (Key Largo): 30 full hook-up RV sites in Key Largo. There is direct water access, a kayak launch, a pool, and a hot tub. Price per night ranges from $125 – $165 depending on site location and season.
• Fiesta Key RV Resort and Marina (Long Key): This is a Thousand Trails resort with roughly 150+ full hook-up sites with waterfront RV camping. There is also a pool, a small beach area, a restaurant, a bar, and a marina. Price per night ranges from $175 – $225+ depending on site location and season.
• Jolly Roger RV Resort (Marathon): This is one of the larger RV resorts in the Florida Keys with over 160 full-hook-up RV sites, many of which are directly on the water. The resort has a pool, dock, small beach area, and a spot for snorkeling. Price per night ranges from $100 – $115+ depending on site location and season.
• Sunshine Key RV Resort (Big Pine Key): Another RV Resort under the Thousand Trails umbrella, Sunshine Key RV Resort offers 160+ full-hook-up RV camping spots, many directly on the water. The resort has a pool, dock, marina, ocean access, and sports complex with a basketball court, tennis court, volleyball court, and pickle ball court. Price per night ranges from $130 – $200+ depending on site location and season.
• Bluewater Key RV Resort (Key West): If you want a full blow-luxury RV camping experience, look no further than Bluewater Key RV Resort. Some of the spots come with a private dock and outdoor living space complete with a cabana.
  They do sell spaces and have requirements for the type (and age) of RVs that can stay here. Make sure to visit the website for more information before booking. Price per night ranges from $121 – $247+ depending on site location and season.
• Alternative Key West options: If you are looking for a more economical RV campground near Key West, check out El Mar RV Resort or Leo’s Campground. Both have similar pricing $99 – with full-service hook-ups and normal amenities.

Getting around in the Florida Keys

The Florida Keys are long and narrow. Most destinations you’ll want to visit from restaurants, state parks, or other activities will be 10 to 30 minutes or more from your RV campground. Meaning you’ll want a separate vehicle to explore the islands or have a small RV (like a class-C or van) for getting around.

If you have an e-bike (check out our favorite e-bike here) there are extensive bike paths that follow the highway. However, a car or motorcycle will make exploring the various Keys the most comfortable.

Taking an RV trip to the Florida Keys is an experience you’re sure to remember for years to come. Hopefully, this guide will help you better understand the steps you need to prepare and plan for particularly with RV camping in the Florida Keys.