The Florida Keys are a chain of islands that sits off the southern portion of the state of Florida. If you love the idea of camping out on the beach, listening to the waves rolling in while resting in your tent at night, you should consider planning a trip to the Florida Keys. Famous for the laid back city of Key West, many of the Florida Keys' 1,700 islands offer great camping and outdoor opportunities.
Time Frame
Winter is the best time to visit the Florida Keys, but also one of the most popular times. Temperatures average highs in the 70s from December to March, dropping only to the 60s at night, according to FloridaKeys.com. Things heat up in the summer with highs pushing into the upper 80s. However, because the islands are close to the Gulf Stream and the Gulf of Mexico, they don't get as hot as parts of Florida to the north.
State Parks
Much of the best camping in the Florida Keys is located in its state parks. One of the closest parks that offers camping is John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, located near Key Largo. This is a popular spot for snorkelers to stay. Bahia Honda State Park offers not only 2.5 miles of white sand beaches but a well-established site that offers flush toilets, grills and a boat ramp.
Private Campgrounds
There are numerous private campsites on the Florida Keys as well, however many of them offer similar amenities like those offered at a motel such as a swimming pool. For example, Key Largo Kampground & Marina has a volleyball court and convenience store available for guests while Boyd’s Key West Campground has a tiki hut with large screen television.
Water Activities
Once you pitch your tent, enjoy some time on the ocean around Key West. Many private campsites will rent or loan you snorkel gear, go fishing for tarpon or simply enjoy the warm, clear water with a swim. Boating enthusiasts will love relaxing on their sailboats in the shallow waters around the Keys.
Biking
Because the Florida Keys are flat, they offer great biking opportunities for people of all levels. While it is not easy to bike from Key to Key because the main highway has no shoulder for some sections, the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail offers 60 miles of bile trails spread out among the Keys. According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, there are plans to build an additional 40 miles of trails to provide even more biking opportunities.
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