Florida Keys RV Camping: The Complete Guide (Campgrounds, Bridges & Timing)

The Florida Keys are one of the most dramatic drives in America — 113 miles of highway hopping 42 bridges over turquoise water from Key Largo to Key West. For RVers, they're also one of the most logistically demanding destinations in the country: very limited campground space, strict length restrictions, reservations that fill six months out, and bridges that catch drivers off guard. If you plan it right, it's spectacular. Here's everything you need to know.

The Core Challenge: Space Is Extremely Limited

The Keys are a narrow archipelago. There simply isn't room for large campgrounds. Most RV sites along the Overseas Highway are small, tightly packed, and strictly size-limited. Class A rigs over 40 feet will be turned away from most campgrounds in the Keys. The few that accept larger rigs book out months in advance for the November through April peak season. This is not a destination where you can wing it — book 4–6 months ahead.

The Campgrounds Worth Booking

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (Key Largo, MM 102.5): The first state park on the Overseas Highway and one of the best. Located at the start of the Keys, it's the gateway campground — excellent snorkeling access to the first underwater state park in the US, full hookups, and a location that works as a base for upper Keys exploration. RVs up to 40 feet accepted. Reservations through Florida State Parks — books 6 months out.

Long Key State Park (MM 67.5): A narrow strip between ocean and bay. Very tight — most sites limited to 36 feet or less. The snorkeling and kayaking access are excellent, and the campground itself is shaded and quiet by Keys standards. One of the more scenic state park campgrounds anywhere in Florida.

Bahia Honda State Park (MM 36.8): The most scenic campground in the Keys. The old Flagler Railroad bridge rises dramatically from the water next to the causeway — iconic image. Crystal-clear water, good swimming beach, excellent snorkeling. Sites are small (most under 35 feet) and in extreme demand. Book as soon as the 6-month window opens.

Boyd's Key West Campground (Stock Island, adjacent to Key West): The closest full-service RV campground to Key West. Not cheap, but the only reasonable option for RVers wanting to spend time in Key West without driving the full rig in and out daily. Water and electric hookups, site lengths up to 60 feet. Open year-round. Reserve well in advance.

Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina (MM 38.5, Ohio Key): A private park that's one of the better-equipped options for larger rigs (sites to 45+ feet) with full hookups and marina access. One of the few places that can accommodate Class A coaches comfortably in the Lower Keys.

Bridge and Road Clearance

The Overseas Highway (US-1) itself has no significant clearance issues for RVs — it's a modern highway and the bridges are all vehicular-width standard. The constraints are on side roads and campground access roads. Several state park campground access roads have turns and overhangs that limit slide-out width and length. Check each campground's specific restrictions before booking — the state park websites list site dimensions and size limits explicitly.

The Seven Mile Bridge (MM 47) at Marathon is the Keys' most famous bridge and worth noting: it's a divided highway at bridge width, no turning around possible once committed, and the wind exposure can be intense for high-profile rigs. It's manageable but worth knowing about on a windy day.

Timing: When to Go (and When to Avoid)

November through April (peak season): Ideal weather — 70s–80s, low humidity, no hurricanes. Also maximum competition for sites and peak pricing. Book at the 6-month mark.

May through June: Shoulder season. Still dry, water temps rising, summer crowds haven't hit yet. Good window for experienced planners willing to check availability aggressively.

July through October: Hurricane season. Humidity is intense. Some campgrounds close for maintenance. The upside: availability opens considerably, prices drop, and the Keys are genuinely beautiful even in summer if you can handle the heat. Late October through mid-November is the sweet spot — hurricane season winds down, and the early snowbird crowd hasn't arrived yet.

What to Do: Beyond the Drive

• Snorkeling: John Pennekamp and Bahia Honda both have excellent on-site or nearby reef access. The Keys sit on the only living reef tract in the continental US.
• Fishing: The Keys are arguably the best sportfishing destination in the lower 48. Tarpon in Boca Chica Bay, bonefish on the flats, dolphinfish (mahi) offshore, permit — this is the full menu.
• Key West: Worth at least one full day. Duval Street, the Hemingway House, sunset at Mallory Square, the Southernmost Point marker. Drive down in the tow vehicle and leave the RV at Boyd's or Sunshine Key.
• Dry Tortugas National Park: 70 miles west of Key West, accessible only by seaplane or ferry. The Gulf's most remote national park — a Civil War-era fort on a coral atoll with some of the clearest water in North America. A day trip worth planning around.

Practical Notes

• Fuel: Gas prices in the Keys run $0.30–$0.80/gallon higher than the mainland. Fill up before entering at Homestead or Florida City.
• Groceries: Key Largo has the best grocery selection in the upper Keys. Marathon serves the middle Keys. Stock up — prices increase and selection decreases as you go south.
• Water: The Keys are on one of the longest freshwater pipelines in the world (from Florida City). Supply is reliable but conserve at campgrounds — sites with water hookups sometimes have usage guidelines.
• Bug season: No-see-ums (biting midges) are the Keys' great equalizer — they're smallest, they bite through screens, and they're worst at dawn and dusk near water. Bring DEET, wear long sleeves at dusk, and don't camp right next to mangroves if you can avoid it.

Related: 15 best RV parks in Florida  ·  Winter RV camping guide  ·  Boondocking guide

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