- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
The best camping in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, FL
100% (18)
Pack your scuba or snorkel gear to explore America's first undersea park.
The best camping in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, FL
100% (18)
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park adventure.
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A
Andréa
3 days ago
20 ft travel trailer
With pets
Foi perfeito minha estadia no Kings Kamp. Pessoas gentis, lugar seguro e linda vista pro mar. Agradeço a Margaret e toda sua equipe por tornar nossos dias muito especiais, no Kings Kamp!
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R
RAJESH
6 days ago
Tent
With kids
We had a great time camping at Kings Kamp. Sunset by the water is amazing, bath rooms are clean and the camp sites are well kept.
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Elliott
1 week ago
Tent
The staff and location there are wonderful. Beautiful place to watch the sunset.
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Gage
1 week ago
Tent
With kids
We got a new favorite place. Friendly helpful staff clean affordable place. Boat launch beach and dock. We explored the area by day and fished off the dock while I cooked at night. I highly recommend it.
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Madeline
1 week ago
Tent
Very pretty site!! Caught a variety of fish species that I was hoping for including a nurse shark, toadfish and some awesome ladyfish. Very clean bathrooms and the tent pad was very convenient!!!
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Peter
3 weeks ago
22 ft Class A
Jose was a wonderful, very friendly, and helpful host. If you're traveling to Miami in a motorhome, this is a great place to park close to the city center.
Uber is a quick and affordable way to get to the city center.
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George
3 weeks ago
Tent
Great location and amenities. I will definitely be back.
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Dwayne
3 weeks ago
40 ft Class A
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.
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Michelle
3 weeks ago
24 ft Class B
Fantastic RV park right on the water. There was a cute little area by the water with lounge chairs and some tables, we sat nearly every night watching boats go by and the sun go down. Directions to get there were very easy to follow, check in was a breeze, the park and facilities were well maintained and clean. Staff were easy to find and helpful.
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kathy
November 2025
19 ft travel trailer
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.
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Matt
November 2025
31 ft travel trailer
A gem of a HipCamp that is a perfect stop before heading to the Keys. Really enjoyed a quick overnight stay. The site itself is secluded and really great looking. The only issues are a little tight entry gate for any longer RVs. There was also some noice from a next door property in the morning, but I would definitely say not the fault of the host.
Last thing is road right outside the property is not the best maintained gravel road, but it is ok if you go slow, and only a couple of hundred feet from the Main Street to the property.
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Amy
October 2025
19 ft travel trailer
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.
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Shane
October 2025
Tent
This place was amazing I will be returning again. Could walk straight to the water from the campsite..
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Johanna
October 2025
25 ft Class C
With kids
The place was absolutely nice and perfect to visit Miami City and Miami Beach. Eileen and Jose are very friendly and.welcoming hosts! Thanks you so much!
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Jesse
October 2025
15 ft travel trailer
Beautiful property Right at the top of the keys. Perfect location. Private beach and fishing pier on site.
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Shanna L
October 2025
30 ft Class C
With pets
Sandra and Joe were great! Sandra was quick to respond to messages. They were very understanding when we had RV issues and had to arrive after dark. Joe came out and helped with the gate and letting us know where to park. The grounds were beautiful. Our dog was very welcome there. Definitely would recommend them to anyone looking for a peaceful place to stay.
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Elsa
September 2025
20 ft travel trailer
Group trip
I absolutely recommend this hipcamp.
The hosts- Jose & Eileen are soo friendly, you feel like family.
The area is very nice-super quite & safe. (Double metal gates) It is a little tight to get in but, Jose would even back it in for you.
💯 % Recommend this place.
Close to Marlins Stadium-Loan Depot Park- & it's close to Hard Rock Stadium.
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Johnny
September 2025
30 ft Class C
Awesome views and great and generous staff also has the best food truck on site
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Michal
September 2025
25 ft Class C
Group trip
Jose & Eileen’s place is very conveniently located. It is a good stop to explore Miami and is located in safe neigborhood. Owners are polite and provide a lot of usefull tips on RV / camping. There is water, power, waste hookup as well. Recommended.
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M
M
September 2025
16 ft car
Very pleasant stay amongst the old growth avocado trees. This was a fantastic stay for us as we like minimalist camping (overland conversion, rooftop tent) We have our own water, power and ability to cook however bathroom with running water is the one thing we still at times depend on. We got both with this site, as well as a tour and some mangos from our wonderful host Joanne. Will definitely stay again.
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Other options near John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
The best camping in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, FL guide
Overview
About
At 70 nautical square miles, this Florida state park is huge. Scuba divers and snorkelers love it here because the warm waters harbor a gigantic coral reef system. Crystal-clear visibility makes it easy to see everything underneath you.
Fish include sergeant majors, blue tang (Dory!), chubs, and bar jacks. Slow down a bit when you swim through Molasses Reef by Key Largo.
If diving isn't your thing, BYOB (bring your own boat). Explore the beautiful water on a canoe or kayak. Hire a tour guide with a special glass-bottom boat so you can see the reef without getting wet. You can fish, but it's permitted in designated areas only.
Campsites range from rustic to full facilities with hookups. Some sites put you near the water, while others have tropical hammocks for you to enjoy. Walk some of the trails near your campsite to find that secluded picnic spot.
When to go
The ideal time to visit John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is during the dry season, from December to April, when the weather is mild and the skies are clear. Summer months can be hot and humid, with a higher chance of rain and storms, potentially affecting visibility for snorkeling and diving.
Know before you go
- Check weather conditions before planning water activities, as they can change rapidly.
- Ensure you're familiar with safety guidelines for water sports and wildlife interactions.
- Accessibility options are available; contact the park for specific needs.
- Visit the park's website for the latest information on closures and hours of operation.
- Remember to pack sun protection and hydration for your day amid the natural beauty.
100%
18 ratings · 4 reviews
Love the location at the top of the keys. Sites are a little close for my comfort for a state park but still nice.
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Mario E.
7 reviews
March 2018
This is a wonderful campground. We stated 2 nights and had an amazing experience from the moment we pulled in until the moment we left. We took a snorkel tour right from the park and saw tons of fish (a lot of barracuda!), coral, and even a spotted ray. Full hook-ups and very clean restrooms / showers.
Kylie S.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2017
Being your snorkel gear. Plenty of places to stock up close to camp.
Alexander L.
8 years on Hipcamp
April 2015
Most of this park consists of water and coral reefs. Boat rides can be purchased to take you out to the reefs for snorkeling. It also has two lovely beaches for swimming and mangrove canals for paddling.
J
Jane J.
10 years on Hipcamp