Beach camping near Key West with hiking

Florida Keys camping comes with tropical beaches, palm trees, and dazzling corals.

89% (50 reviews)

United States
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Florida
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Key West

89% (50 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Key West

2 top beach campgrounds near Key West with hiking

93%

(7)

Floating Campground Private Island

3 sites · Tents10 acres · Big Coppitt Key, FL

MUST READ!!!!!! This is one of the most unique camping opportunities you will ever experience! Welcome to our 10 acre private island only 10 miles from Key West! *You must paddle or boat to the island. At night, camp out under the beautiful Caribbean Stars! And by day, swim, snorkel, fish, paddle or just enjoy the only Caribbean like place in the U.S.! You will have access to 10 plus acres with a beach and sandbar area, tidal flats, mangrove forest and everything the Florida Keys is famous for! *Pricing is for use of the Island only! Tents, gear, kayaks, paddleboards are not provided unless you rent them from us. The island is a coral island with tidal flats and thick mangrove trees and brush. It is a harsh environment but beautiful! Check-in is between 1pm and 3pm unless you work out different times with us. Also, we want to make sure you know what you're getting into. This is not easy camping, it's more adventurous camping. It's a beautiful environment but can be harsh. If exploring you will may need to trek through tidal water, salt flats and real thick mangroves. Please let us know if you have any questions before booking. With all that said... The best experience is to rent one of our floating tents! See photos in listing. We rent everything you need! Kayaks or Paddleboard: $75/day Floating Tent: $150/day Floating Platform: $75/day Full camping kits with everything you need! Just Fly and Float! Prices vary depending on needs. If you have your own gear... We can still provide linens like sheets, camp pillows and sleeping bags for $25 If you have your own vessel - there is a 1 time $40 launch fee.

89%

(59)

Little Palm By The Sea

1 site · RV1 acre · Cudjoe Key, FL

We are located on Kemp Channel, one of the most accessible boating channels to both the beautiful back country as well as a quick ten-minute run to the open Atlantic and it’s Coral Reefs. Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary is a nearby must for snorkeling and diving in the crystal blue Atlantic. On the gulf side, Cudjoe Key offers the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge… A kayak or small boat paradise.Beautiful landscaped waterfront site in Venture Out Cudjoe Key Florida, 25 miles to Key West. The site includes a concrete picnic table, boat slip and a swim ladder. Venture Out is a gated community with 24 hr. security on the shores of Cudjoe Key. The amenities include a marina, ship store, fuel, playground, heated pool and spa, ocean swimming area, ocean front beach area, pickleball, tennis, bocce, outdoor pavillion, activity center, laundry facilities and showers, tons of activities...Bring your boat, jetski, scuba gear, snorkels, kayaks, paddle boards, bikes and fishing poles for a camping trip of a life time. Seasonal, Weekly and Monthly Pricing Available. Lobster season 7/24- 8/14

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

93%

(35)

Bahia Honda State Park

Big Pine Key, Florida

Beach camping near Key West with hiking guide

Overview

Whether you’re sipping Sangria as you watch the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico, snorkeling and scuba diving along kaleidoscopic coral reefs, or relaxing on white-sand beaches beneath the Florida sun―Key West ranks high when it comes to vacation destinations. The westernmost city of the Florida Keys is a great choice for campers, too. Check into an RV park or resort, book a beachside cabin, or rent a houseboat and fall asleep to the sound of lapping waves. Along the keys, there’s also beachside tent camping at Bahia Honda State Park and hike-in sites at Long Key State Park.

Where to go

Dry Tortugas

History buffs and beach lovers will be in their element at Dry Tortugas National Park, a collection of seven coral-ringed islands marooned off the coast of Key West. Hop on a ferry or seaplane to reach the islands, where you can snorkel and scuba dive to your heart’s content, explore the 19th-century Fort Jefferson, and lounge on immaculate beaches. You can even pitch a tent right on the beach and spend the night.

Islamorada

Palm-lined shores, vibrant coral reefs, and world-class fishing draw vacationers to the village of Islamorada, made up of six islands: Plantation Key, Windley Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Lower Matecumbe Key, Indian Key, and Lignumvitae Key. Take a hike through the rainforest at Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park, explore the Indian Key Historic State Park, or charter a backcountry fishing cruise and try hooking a sailfish, snook, or bonefish.

Key Largo

The drive along the Overseas Highway, which runs all the way from Key West to Key Largo at the mouth of the Florida Keys, is worth a road trip for the views alone. Dive in to snorkel or scuba dive at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, take a cruise along the Port Largo Canal (the same route seen in the 1951 classic movie “The African Queen”), and marvel at migrating birds at the Wild Bird Sanctuary.

When to go

With its balmy temperatures and warm waters, winter (December through February) is peak season in the Florida Keys. Crowds—and prices—peak over the holidays and during popular events such as Key West Pride (June) and Fantasy Fest (October), so be sure to book well in advance. Hurricane season runs from June through November, so prepare for showers if camping in summer. For the perfect compromise, we recommend a spring (March through May) visit.

Know before you go

Key West has plenty of supermarkets, restaurants, and gas stations, and you’ll find several shops selling camping and outdoor supplies.
There are day-use fees for all Florida State Parks, and campsite booking fees also apply.
Stingrays are common in the Florida Keys from May through October, so take care when swimming and always follow warning flags and local advice. Bug spray is equally a must for coastal camping.