Florida Keys Road Trip: RV Camping on the Overseas Highway

Stretching from Miami to Key West, the Overseas Highway offers a scenic journey over the waters of the Florida Keys. This 113-mile highway between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic is famous for its stellar ocean views, coral reefs, and island culture.

The best time to visit is during the winter months (December to April) when the weather is warm and dry, making it ideal for camping, outdoor activities, and sightseeing. Other things to keep in mind? Potential high-season crowds and prices, plus the occasional road closure due to weather conditions or hurricane season (June to November).

Explore the Overseas Highway with Hipcamp and RVshare

For the most unforgettable Overseas Highway adventure, pair Hipcamp with RVshare. Hipcamp is the go-to app to discover and book magical campsites, from beachfront spots to tropical retreats, while RVshare provides a wide selection of RV rentals, making it easy to find the perfect vehicle for your Florida Keys road trip, whether you’re looking for a compact campervan or a spacious motorhome.

Tips for selecting the right RV rental with RVshare

For the Overseas Highway, consider renting a Class B or Class C RV. A Class B motorhome is ideal for couples or small families, offering easy maneuverability and efficiency. A Class C motorhome provides more space and amenities for larger groups, ensuring a comfortable journey.

If you’re looking for more room, consider destination delivery. That way, no matter the RV class or type you choose, it will be waiting for you at your destination—no driving required.

Planning your Florida Keys road trip itinerary

Begin your journey in Miami and travel south, making stops along the way. Key Largo, known for its coral reefs, is a great starting point. Continue to Islamorada, the sportfishing capital, and then to Marathon for a visit to the Turtle Hospital. End your journey in Key West, known for its nightlife and historic sites.

Plan for overnight stays at RV-friendly Hipcamps along the route.

Finding magical campsites with Hipcamp

To find unique campsites on Hipcamp, try out the Roadtrip feature. You can search for Hipcamps between any two destinations (such as Miami and Key West!) to make roadtrip planning ultra easy. Simply plug in your starting and ending points on desktop or mobile web, and the map will connect the two points and show options for Hipcamps within 30 minutes of your custom search route. Now you can find unique places to stay on the road, no matter how planned or spontaneous the journey.

From there, you can filter your search further, based on type of stay (for your RV specifications), proximity to the beach, and amenities offered. Read reviews to gain insights from previous Hipcampers and look for sites that provide special experiences such as private beach access, snorkeling spots, or proximity to wildlife refuges.

Your Overseas Highway itinerary

Here are our top suggestions for worthy stops along the Overseas Highway.

• Hike: Explore the trails at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo.
• Museum: Visit the History of Diving Museum in Islamorada to learn about underwater exploration.
• Dining: Enjoy fresh seafood at the Islamorada Fish Company or try the famous key lime pie at Blue Heaven in Key West, not far from Mallory Square.
• Must-see attractions: Snorkel at Bahia Honda State Park, head to Big Pine Key for the National Key Deer Refuge, visit the Seven Mile Bridge, and tour Ernest Hemingway’s home in Key West. The Southernmost Point in the USA is as toursity as it gets, but still a pretty cool landmark.
• Quirky roadside attractions: Stop at Robbie’s Marina in Islamorada to feed the tarpon.
• Local hot spot: Discover the hidden beauty of Long Key State Park, a lesser-known spot for kayaking, fishing, and paddleboarding among the mangroves.

Hipcamps along the Overseas Highway:

• Bayside Beach, Fishing and Camping – Hipcamp in Key Largo, Florida (2 RV sites)
• Islandmorada Water Retreat – Hipcamp in Tavernier, Florida (1 RV site)
• Floating Campground Private Island – Hipcamp in Big Coppitt Key, Florida (3 tent sites)

Top-rated RV rentals in the area:

• Coachmen Freelander 30BH (Class C motorhome)
• 2022 Keystone BULLET 250BHS (Travel trailer with delivery)
• Winnebago: Shower/Toilet/Kitchen/off-grid power (Class B with delivery option)

Advice from the road

“Floating Campground Private Island is an adventurous way to experience Key West. [The Host] was very communicative and helpful setting us up with kayaks, gear, and thorough instructions before we paddled our way to the island. It was about a 25-minute paddle. And the tent site was clean and well-maintained. Highly recommend for those who are up for an adventure.” —Hipcamper review

“For a 3-day getaway, a Class B RV size was great for driving, maneuvering, and parking in our adventure from Miami to the Keys. The RV made the trip much more enjoyable and comfortable.” —RVshare review

More from Hipcamp and RVshare

• RV Trip Planner: How to Plan the Ultimate RV Route
• How to Plan an RV Camping Trip Like a Pro
• RV Roadtrip: The Outer Banks Scenic Byway
• RV Roadtrip: Cape Cod
• RV Roadtrip: Brandywine Valley