The best campgrounds near Marathon, Florida with wildlife watching

Spanning 13 islands off the southern tip of Florida, Marathon is set in the heart of the Florida Keys. It’s best known for its barrier reef and breathtaking beaches, offering amazing opportunities to spot loggerhead turtles and colorful sea life. The Dolphin Research Center and Wild Bird Center are great places to learn more about the local wildlife. Tent camping and RV sites at and near Curry Hammock, Bahia Honda, and Long Key State Parks provide easy access to beaches, hiking trails, and big fishing opportunities. Catch tarpon as big as eight feet in length, weighing up to 280 pounds! Anglers can also hook mahi, snapper, and even sailfish.

94% (147)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Bayside beach, fishing and camping

95%

(135)

49mi from Marathon · 2 sites · RVs · Key Largo, FL

Circa 1954 an old fishing camp unforgettable memories the way the keys used to be the good old times and memories fortunately I still preserve some of that nostalgic era , however, it’s changed for better or for worst .. but still hold the same charm.. I’m fortunate to manage it and continue with the same old traditions. We are excited to have you learn more about our beautiful Bayside Beach Camp and sunsets in Key Largo, Florida. Located just 1 hour from Miami, and 2 hours from Key West, you will find the amazing beautiful Florida Keys within your reach. Situated on the Florida Bay you will quickly come to appreciate and enjoy the incredible beauty that surrounds you at Bayside Beach Camp and Sunsets As our guest, you will enjoy beautiful amenities, a private sandy beach fishing pier and kayak rentals great trails to cruise along the shoreline, direct access to the Florida Bay, the Gulf of Mexico, and a short ride away from the Atlantic Ocean. Thanks to year-round sunny skies, makes for an amazing weekend escape, holiday vacation getaway or seasonal extended stay. While nature may have provided the perfect sunsets and fishing adventures it makes it possible for you to enjoy it from your own coach, back-in site or pull thru partially shaded Surrounded by tranquil and peaceful old native trees and abundance of wildlife.

2. Little Palm By The Sea

91%

(81)

29mi from Marathon · 1 site · RV · 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 Other things to note Canal front RV lot 35' x 70' with a 35 ft. seawall for your boat - ocean views and access. Accomodates up to a 45 ft RV. Water, sewer and electric hook up. WIFI At the Site ( Reach out to me to access it) ( 30,50,110 amp service). Please read the listing for all the Venture Out Rules, Fees and Venture Out RV Restrictions. 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 Site #353. NO POP UP STYLE OF ANY KIND OR CANVAS TOP CAMPERS , NO TINY HOUSES, TENTS, AND HOMEMADE TRUCK CAMPERS ARE NOT ALLOWED. N

Spanning 13 islands off the southern tip of Florida, Marathon is set in the heart of the Florida Keys. It’s best known for its barrier reef and breathtaking beaches, offering amazing opportunities to spot loggerhead turtles and colorful sea life. The Dolphin Research Center and Wild Bird Center are great places to learn more about the local wildlife. Tent camping and RV sites at and near Curry Hammock, Bahia Honda, and Long Key State Parks provide easy access to beaches, hiking trails, and big fishing opportunities. Catch tarpon as big as eight feet in length, weighing up to 280 pounds! Anglers can also hook mahi, snapper, and even sailfish.

94% (147)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Bayside beach, fishing and camping

95%

(135)

49mi from Marathon · 2 sites · RVs · Key Largo, FL

Circa 1954 an old fishing camp unforgettable memories the way the keys used to be the good old times and memories fortunately I still preserve some of that nostalgic era , however, it’s changed for better or for worst .. but still hold the same charm.. I’m fortunate to manage it and continue with the same old traditions. We are excited to have you learn more about our beautiful Bayside Beach Camp and sunsets in Key Largo, Florida. Located just 1 hour from Miami, and 2 hours from Key West, you will find the amazing beautiful Florida Keys within your reach. Situated on the Florida Bay you will quickly come to appreciate and enjoy the incredible beauty that surrounds you at Bayside Beach Camp and Sunsets As our guest, you will enjoy beautiful amenities, a private sandy beach fishing pier and kayak rentals great trails to cruise along the shoreline, direct access to the Florida Bay, the Gulf of Mexico, and a short ride away from the Atlantic Ocean. Thanks to year-round sunny skies, makes for an amazing weekend escape, holiday vacation getaway or seasonal extended stay. While nature may have provided the perfect sunsets and fishing adventures it makes it possible for you to enjoy it from your own coach, back-in site or pull thru partially shaded Surrounded by tranquil and peaceful old native trees and abundance of wildlife.

2. Little Palm By The Sea

91%

(81)

29mi from Marathon · 1 site · RV · 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 Other things to note Canal front RV lot 35' x 70' with a 35 ft. seawall for your boat - ocean views and access. Accomodates up to a 45 ft RV. Water, sewer and electric hook up. WIFI At the Site ( Reach out to me to access it) ( 30,50,110 amp service). Please read the listing for all the Venture Out Rules, Fees and Venture Out RV Restrictions. 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 Site #353. NO POP UP STYLE OF ANY KIND OR CANVAS TOP CAMPERS , NO TINY HOUSES, TENTS, AND HOMEMADE TRUCK CAMPERS ARE NOT ALLOWED. N

Public campgrounds near Marathon

100%

(7)

Stories from the community

D

Dwayne

3 weeks ago

40 ft Class A

7 nights at Bayside beach, fishing and camping

So peaceful and beautiful. Nice little beach. Of course there are weeds and some rocks, it is the Keys. But both of these provide a place for the fish and other aquatic creatures to live. We went snorkeling one day and watched the fish swim under us. We also used our paddle boards to enjoy some of the coast line. Jack and his family are friendly and I thank them for sharing their slice of paradise with us. We will be back in January.

It doesn’t get any better than this …. at the end of the day a perfect sunset enjoying a fire pit by the beach enjoying cup of wine 🍷

No screen enclosure permitted.

This fire-pit grill is a common area share by all.

k

kathy

November 2025

19 ft travel trailer

5 nights at Bayside beach, fishing and camping

So close to the water, lovely swimming, kayaks available, private (only 2 campsites), quiet, lots of shade, beautiful sunsets, great location to explore the upper keys, nice neighborhood to walk around in.

A

Amy

October 2025

19 ft travel trailer

4 nights at Bayside beach, fishing and camping

This property was very peaceful and calming. I was able to put my kayak on the private beach and go out at my leisure. Fish on the private dock. And my campsite was rather private with nice lights and a beautiful fire ring. I also felt secure with the closed gate. I couldn't have asked for a better getaway.

J

Johanna

October 2025

25 ft Class C

With kids

Weekend Trip to Little Palm By The Sea

Very nice place to stay! We enjoyed it! Everything was clan and comfortable. We can recommend the place.

Jesse

October 2025

15 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Bayside beach, fishing and camping

Beautiful property Right at the top of the keys. Perfect location. Private beach and fishing pier on site.

D

Derick

August 2025

22 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Bayside beach, fishing and camping

Good location close to most things in Key Largo. I would recommend it for a few nights stay.

J

Johnny

August 2025

30 ft Class C

Weekend Trip to Little Palm By The Sea

Easy access to boat great ramp the gate people are very nice. And no one bothered us we were free to be nice and secluded

R

Robert

July 2025

24 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to Bayside beach, fishing and camping

Perfect get away with amazing views and relative privacy. Great central location for day trips. Awesome views and beautiful areas to enjoy. Pet friendly and easy access. Great helpful and friendly hosts!

Thomas

June 2025

21 ft Class B

With pets

4 nights at Little Palm By The Sea

I was not able to make it to little palm. My camper broke down along the way there. Denise was very understanding.

Stacey

June 2025

31 ft Class C

With pets

Weekend Trip to Little Palm By The Sea

Our stay at this location was fun and easy. We enjoyed the beautiful pool and the conveniences of the location. The surrounding area was full of beautiful activities. We went on a dolphin/sandbar tour that was incredible.

Walsworths

June 2025

32 ft travel trailer

With kids

4 nights at Bayside beach, fishing and camping

Jack’s place is beautiful! My family planned on spending 4 nights there that turned into 6 nights after having truck problems and not being able to leave. Jack was very accommodating and there’s no better place to get stuck. The kids had a blast fishing off the dock, snorkeling and seeing all kinds of wildlife. Very quiet area and having full hook ups was a huge plus. Will definitely stay here again if ever in Key Largo!

M

Michelle

May 2025

27 ft fifth wheel

With pets

7 nights at Little Palm By The Sea

Wonderful little spot and Denise was very accommodating.

C

Christy

May 2025

37 ft Class C

With kids

5 nights at Little Palm By The Sea

Denise was the perfect host! She was very responsive, easy to work with and everything was as described. Well, it was more beautiful than the photos represent! We enjoyed the site, it was directly on the canal, with easy access for the boat. The kids enjoyed ping-pong, swimming and riding bikes in a secure /safe environment. We'll definitely be back! Thanks Denise!

DAVID

April 2025

22 ft travel trailer

7 nights at Little Palm By The Sea

The space is terrific for a nice spot to stay while jumping round the Keys. We’ve been there twice and loved it both times. The facilities and amenities at Venture Out are great as well. Close to a couple really great restaurants and bars including Broil, Square Grouper, Boondocks and Tonio’s. Counting the days until we can return. Denise is easy to work with. Thanks!

Kelsey

April 2025

19 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Bayside beach, fishing and camping

Jack has a great setup and was helpful upon arrival. We loved being on the water and our kids enjoyed the yard to play in. Being from the East Coast of FL, we especially enjoyed the amazing sunset spot. Thanks for sharing your place with us! We hope to be back soon.

angela

April 2025

9 ft Class C

4 nights at Bayside beach, fishing and camping

We found Jack’s place at Bayside Beach camp through an internet search. Living in Australia and going on our adventure we were basically relying on reviews. Bayside Beach Camp reviews were outstanding so we followed our dreams, ending our trip by staying four nights. What a wonderful experience. Jack and his family were so obliging and accommodated a couple of Aussies with open arms. Tranquil, beautiful, relaxing and a memorable visit. Highly recommend Bayside Beach Camp. The sunsets and setting, spectacular. Thanks Jack! Love Pete and Ange

R

Roger

March 2025

27 ft travel trailer

7 nights at Little Palm By The Sea

Great time and nice resort with more amenities than some other resorts which were at comparable pricing. Pickleball courts to swimming pool available. Also, pool tables, ping pong, sewing classes and much more. Church services are available. The only negative we experienced was a couple area wide internet outages. All campsites were affected, but internet was still available in the resort’s activity room. . Enjoy.

A

Angela

March 2025

30 ft toy hauler

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bayside beach, fishing and camping

If you are looking for a quiet, low key place for a quick get away from the mainland where you can watch the sunsets, this is the place.

R

Robert

March 2025

24 ft Class C

Weekend Trip to Bayside beach, fishing and camping

This Hipcamp is a fantastic site. Excellent host, quiet and beautiful gardens with phenomenal views and sunsets. We will definitely recommend this camp with full hook ups and excellent amenities. We will be back.

B

Beverly

February 2025

40 ft Class A

With pets

5 nights at Little Palm By The Sea

What a beautiful site. We loved it. We were greeted before our arrival and instructions were clear. Everything was as instructions stated with no problems.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

100%

(7)

Curry Hammock State Park

Bahia Honda State Park

Big Pine Key, Florida

93%

(55)

Everglades National Park

Florida City, Florida

100%

(18)

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Key Largo, Florida

Other options near Marathon

Flamingo Campground

28mi from Marathon · 66 sites · Homestead, FL

Experience the unique beauty of Everglades National Park by camping at the accessible Long Pine Key Campground and Flamingo Campground. These drive-in locations are perfect for both tent campers and RV enthusiasts, offering a limited number of group sites for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors with friends and family. To ensure your spot, reservations are highly recommended. Open year-round, the Flamingo Campground provides an unforgettable camping experience amidst the stunning landscapes of the Everglades. Campers can take advantage of essential amenities, including bathhouses, dump stations, picnic tables, grills, and an amphitheater that hosts winter programs. For your convenience, the Flamingo Campground Kiosk operates from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Camping fees vary based on the type of site: non-electric sites are $33 per night from Monday to Thursday and $38.50 from Friday to Sunday, while group sites are available for $60 per night. Electric sites are priced at $50 per night on weekdays and $60 on weekends. Whether you're exploring nearby natural features, enjoying outdoor activities, or relaxing at local restaurants and shops, the campgrounds at Flamingo promise a memorable adventure in the heart of nature.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best camping near Marathon with wildlife watching guide

Where to go

Curry Hammock State Park

Described by locals as “uninhabited, untouched, and unrivaled,” Curry Hammock State Park is on the island of Grassy Key. At over 1,100 acres, it’s the largest uninhabited parcel of land between Key Large and Big Pine Key—paddling and kiteboarding are popular activities. Behind the coral reefs of the Florida Keys are expansive estuaries, which serve as invaluable sanctuaries and nurseries for sea life, so keep a lookout for manatees, starfish, horseshoe crabs, dolphins, and jellyfish. Spacious campsites, including some with an ocean view, offer up to 50-amp hookups for RVs. Other nearby campsite amenities include picnic tables, tent pads, fire pit, and ADA-compliant bathhouses with hot showers.

Bahia Honda State Park

The journey to Bahia Honda State Park from Marathon starts by crossing the Seven Mile Bridge, one of the longest bridges in the U.S. when it originally opened in 1982. Running parallel is an early 1900s bridge that’s open only to cyclists and pedestrians. Once in Bahia Honda State Park on Big Pine Key, Hipcampers can explore hundreds of acres of tropical trees and gin-clear waters. Bring umbrellas or sunshades when visiting the open, sandy beaches. In addition to cabins and campgrounds for small tents and large RVs—including hot showers, full hookups, and picnic tables—nearby boat slips are available for overnight boat camping, including full use of park facilities.

Long Key State Park

Follow the Overseas Highway east out of Marathon to arrive at Long Key State Park. On Long Key, Hipcampers can explore nature trails, take advantage of bountiful fishing opportunities, and relax on the beach. Efforts are ongoing to repair and restore the oceanfront campsites following Hurricane Irma in 2017, but for now, off-grid camping is available via the hike-in, tent-only campsites along the Atlantic Ocean. Expect restrooms, cold outdoor showers, and grills.

When to go

Year-round camping is comfortable in the Florida Keys. During the dry season, usually from November to April, Hipcampers can expect weather that is both cooler and drier, which may make outdoor activities more pleasant. As a bonus, migratory birds are especially abundant near Marathon in the winter as they escape the colder weather to the north. Camping during the summer is possible, but it can be quite hot and humid. Tropical storms and hurricanes during the wet season of May to October can dampen camping opportunities.