Florida Keys RV Parks: Island Hopping from Key Largo to Key West

The Overseas Highway is one of the great American drives. A hundred and thirteen miles of bridges, mangroves, and open Atlantic stretching from Key Largo to Key West, with nothing quite like it anywhere else in the continental US. Doing it in an RV sounds perfect — and it can be — but the Keys camping reality requires planning that most travel blogs skip over.

Here’s the truth: the Florida Keys have very few RV sites. The entire island chain is narrow, built-out, and expensive. You’re looking at maybe 1,200 total RV sites across 113 miles, compared to thousands along the Gulf Coast or the eastern seaboard. Demand is extreme from November through April when snowbirds flood south. Nightly rates run $80–200, and the best park in the chain — Bahia Honda State Park — books out within minutes of its reservation window opening.

None of this means you shouldn’t go. It means you should go with a plan. This guide covers every worthwhile park from Key Largo to Key West, the booking strategies that actually work, and the driving realities of hauling an RV across 42 bridges.

For more Florida RV camping beyond the Keys, see our Florida springs camping guide and the full Florida state guide.

Upper Keys: Key Largo to Islamorada#

The Upper Keys are your gateway and, for many RVers, the most practical stretch to camp. Parks here are larger, slightly less expensive, and easier to access without crossing the longest bridges. You’re also closest to the mainland for supply runs.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park#

The first state park you’ll hit after entering the Keys, and the only one in the US focused on an underwater coral reef. The campground sits in a tropical hardwood hammock, and the snorkeling boat tours to the reef are genuinely world-class.

The catch: the campground is small and the sites are tight. Big rigs can physically fit but maneuvering gets uncomfortable fast. If you’re over 35 feet, think carefully.

• Mile marker: MM 102.5 (Key Largo)
• Hookups: Electric and water (no sewer)
• Sites: 47 sites
• Max rig length: 40 ft (but 35 ft is more realistic for comfort)
• Cost: $36–48/night + $8 park entry per vehicle
• Reservations: ReserveFlorida.com, opens 11 months ahead
• Cell signal: Decent (Verizon and AT&T)
• Best feature: Glass-bottom boat tours and snorkeling trips depart from the park marina
• Dump station: Available on-site

Pennekamp’s campsites are shaded but sandy — bring leveling blocks. The mosquitoes in the hammock can be aggressive at dusk, especially during summer months.

Key Largo Kampground & Marina#

The largest private campground in the Upper Keys and one of the more family-friendly options. It’s on Florida Bay (the calm side), with a boat ramp, tiki bar, and enough amenities to keep people parked for a week without feeling restless.

• Mile marker: MM 101.5 (Key Largo)
• Hookups: Full (30/50 amp, water, sewer)
• Sites: 172 sites (mix of waterfront, pull-through, and standard)
• Max rig length: 45 ft on pull-throughs
• Cost: $95–175/night (waterfront premium)
• Reservations: Direct booking, 12 months ahead for winter season
• Amenities: Pool, marina, boat ramp, kayak rentals, laundry, camp store
• Pet policy: Dogs allowed on select sites

This is a solid base camp if you want full hookups and marina access. The waterfront sites on the bay are genuinely nice at sunset. Standard interior sites are less impressive — you’re paying Keys prices for what feels like a regular RV park.

Fiesta Key RV Resort#

A Thousand Trails property on its own small island around Mile Marker 70. Fiesta Key has undergone renovations in recent years and now positions itself as a resort-style park. The location is good — far enough down the Keys to feel like you’ve arrived somewhere, with water views on most sites.

• Mile marker: MM 70 (Long Key area)
• Hookups: Full (30/50 amp)
• Sites: 300+ sites
• Max rig length: 50 ft
• Cost: $100–180/night (or included with Thousand Trails membership)
• Reservations: Thousand Trails members get priority; public booking available
• Amenities: Pool, waterfront dining, kayak/paddleboard rentals, dog park
• Cell signal: Good (all carriers)

If you hold a Thousand Trails membership, Fiesta Key is the obvious Keys play — you’ll save hundreds over a week compared to paying rack rate. Without the membership, it’s pricey for what is essentially a well-maintained RV resort without the character of the state parks.

Upper Keys strategy: Pennekamp for the nature and reef access. Key Largo Kampground for families wanting full amenities. Fiesta Key for Thousand Trails members or those wanting a resort feel. None of them will give you that postcard Keys experience — that comes in the Middle Keys.

Middle Keys: Bahia Honda and Marathon#

This is the heart of the Keys, and where the camping gets extraordinary — if you can secure a spot.

Bahia Honda State Park#

Let’s be direct: Bahia Honda is the single most sought-after campsite in the state of Florida, and arguably the most competitive reservation in any state park system east of the Mississippi. The park sits on a genuine white sand beach — rare in the Keys — with the old Flagler railroad bridge arching overhead and clear turquoise water in every direction.

There are three camping loops:

Buttonwood — The largest loop, set back from the water in a buttonwood and mangrove canopy. Shaded, buggy, no water views from the sites. Full hookups.

Bayside — Small loop on the Florida Bay side. Partial water views, moderate shade. Electric and water only.

Sandspur — The prize. Beachfront sites on the Atlantic side with direct sand and water access. You’re camping on the beach in the Keys. Electric and water only, no sewer.

• Mile marker: MM 37
• Hookups: Varies by loop (see above)
• Sites: 48 total (yes, only 48)
• Max rig length: 34 ft hard limit (park enforces this — the roads and turns cannot handle larger rigs)
• Cost: $36–48/night
• Reservations: ReserveFlorida.com, opens 11 months ahead at 8 AM ET
• Cell signal: Moderate (Verizon best)
• Dump station: Available on-site

The booking reality: Bahia Honda’s 48 sites for peak season (December–April) sell out within 5–15 minutes of the reservation window opening. This is not an exaggeration. Set a calendar reminder for exactly 11 months before your target date. Be logged into ReserveFlorida.com at 7:55 AM Eastern. Have your dates selected and payment ready. Click the moment the window opens. Even then, you may not get the loop you want.

Weekday stays in shoulder season (November, May) are your best odds. Summer is hot and buggy but available.

The 34-foot limit is real. Rangers measure. If you show up at 35 feet, you will be turned away and there is no overflow lot. Measure your rig bumper to bumper, including the hitch.

Long Key State Park#

Often overlooked because it sits in Bahia Honda’s shadow, Long Key is a quieter, more intimate camping experience. The park occupies a long, narrow strip of land with sites scattered along the shore of a tidal lagoon.

The ocean access isn’t as dramatic as Bahia Honda — there’s no sandy swimming beach. Instead, you get kayaking through mangrove channels, wading flats where you might spot bonefish, and a 1.1-mile nature trail through tropical hammock.

• Mile marker: MM 67.5
• Hookups: Electric and water (no sewer)
• Sites: 60 sites
• Max rig length: 34 ft
• Cost: $36–43/night
• Reservations: ReserveFlorida.com, 11 months ahead
• Cell signal: Weak (all carriers)
• Best for: Kayakers, birdwatchers, people who want quiet over scenery

Long Key books up fast for winter but not as aggressively as Bahia Honda. You can often find midweek availability 2–3 months out for shoulder season.

Marathon Area — Jolly Roger RV Resort#

Marathon is the practical hub of the Middle Keys: grocery stores, hardware stores, restaurants, a hospital, and the most services between Key Largo and Key West. If you need to resupply, do laundry, or handle anything logistical, Marathon is your stop.

Jolly Roger sits on the oceanside with its own small beach and boat dock. It’s a working RV park, not a resort despite the name — but the location is functional and the full hookups are welcome after state park dry camping.

• Mile marker: MM 59 (Marathon/Grassy Key)
• Hookups: Full (30/50 amp)
• Sites: 170 sites
• Max rig length: 45 ft
• Cost: $90–165/night
• Reservations: Direct booking, recommended 6+ months ahead for winter
• Amenities: Pool, boat dock, marina, fishing pier

Middle Keys strategy: Bahia Honda if you can get it — the booking effort is worth it. Long Key as an excellent backup or complement. Marathon for logistics, supplies, and full hookups between state park stays.

Lower Keys and Key West#

The Lower Keys thin out even further. Fewer parks, fewer services, and the feeling of being genuinely remote despite being 30 miles from Key West. Then Key West itself is a different beast — limited space, city prices, and an RV scene that’s more about the destination than the camping.

Bahia Honda to Big Pine Key#

The stretch from Bahia Honda to Big Pine Key crosses the Seven Mile Bridge — the iconic Keys drive. Big Pine Key is home to the National Key Deer Refuge, where miniature Key deer wander through neighborhoods. There’s no campground on Big Pine itself, but the Lower Keys have a couple of options.

Sugarloaf Key / Cudjoe Key KOA#

The only KOA in the Lower Keys, set on a canal with ocean access. It’s functional and clean, with the KOA consistency you’d expect. The location puts you 20 miles from Key West — close enough for day trips, far enough to sleep without Duval Street noise.

• Mile marker: MM 20 (Sugarloaf Key)
• Hookups: Full (30/50 amp)
• Sites: 198 sites
• Max rig length: 50 ft
• Cost: $95–200/night (season and site dependent)
• Reservations: KOA.com, book 6–9 months ahead for winter
• Amenities: Pool, hot tub, marina, boat ramp, camp store
• Cell signal: Good
• Pet policy: Dogs welcome

The canal sites are the draw here — you can dock a small boat and fish from your campsite. Interior sites are packed tighter than most KOAs and can feel claustrophobic during peak season.

Boyd’s Key West Campground#

The closest RV park to downtown Key West and a Keys institution since 1963. Boyd’s sits on the oceanfront at Mile Marker 5, meaning you can bike or take the bus to Duval Street, Mallory Square, and the Hemingway House without moving the RV.

The trade-off: it’s dense. Sites are close together, the trees are mature but the shade doesn’t offset the packed-in feeling, and the oceanfront is more mangrove shoreline than sandy beach. You’re here for the Key West access, period.

• Mile marker: MM 5
• Hookups: Full (30/50 amp)
• Sites: 220 sites
• Max rig length: 42 ft (tight turns limit practical size)
• Cost: $85–185/night
• Reservations: Direct booking, winter sells out 6–12 months ahead
• Amenities: Pool, fishing pier, waterfront tiki area, laundry
• Cell signal: Strong (all carriers)
• Transit: City bus stop at the entrance

Boyd’s has a loyal following of repeat visitors who book the same week every year. If you want a waterfront site in January, you may need to call in the spring before.

Leo’s Campground#

A smaller, scrappier alternative to Boyd’s, also on Stock Island near Key West. Leo’s has been around for decades and operates with less polish but more personality. The sites are small, the facilities are basic, and the crowd skews toward long-term residents mixed with seasonal travelers.

• Mile marker: MM 5 (Stock Island)
• Hookups: Full (30/50 amp)
• Sites: 80 sites
• Max rig length: 35 ft
• Cost: $75–140/night
• Reservations: Phone booking preferred
• Vibe: Old Keys, no frills

Leo’s works if Boyd’s is full and you need a Key West base. Don’t expect resort amenities — expect a place to park, plug in, and walk to the restaurants on Stock Island, which have become a culinary destination in their own right.

Florida Keys RV Parks Comparison#

Park	Mile Marker	Hookups	Sites	Max Length	Price Range	Best For
John Pennekamp SP	102.5	E/W	47	40 ft	$36–48	Reef snorkeling
Key Largo Kampground	101.5	Full	172	45 ft	$95–175	Families, marina
Fiesta Key RV Resort	70	Full	300+	50 ft	$100–180	Thousand Trails members
Bahia Honda SP	37	Varies	48	34 ft	$36–48	Beach camping (if you can book it)
Long Key SP	67.5	E/W	60	34 ft	$36–43	Kayaking, quiet
Jolly Roger RV Resort	59	Full	170	45 ft	$90–165	Marathon base camp
Sugarloaf Key KOA	20	Full	198	50 ft	$95–200	Canal fishing
Boyd’s Key West	5	Full	220	42 ft	$85–185	Key West access
Leo’s Campground	5	Full	80	35 ft	$75–140	Budget Key West base

Driving the Keys with an RV#

The Overseas Highway (US-1) is a two-lane road for most of its length through the Keys. It’s scenic, but it’s not an easy tow.

Bridge Crossings#

You’ll cross 42 bridges between Key Largo and Key West. Most are short causeways, but a few are significant:

• Seven Mile Bridge (MM 47–40): The famous one. Modern bridge, two lanes, 65 mph speed limit. The crossing itself is straightforward — it’s the crosswinds that catch people off guard. A 30+ mph crosswind on Seven Mile Bridge in a high-profile Class A or travel trailer is genuinely white-knuckle driving. Check wind forecasts before crossing.
• Long Key Bridge (MM 65–63): Two miles, similar wind exposure.
• Bahia Honda Bridge: The old railroad bridge is closed; the modern road bridge handles traffic.

No bridge in the Keys has height restrictions that would stop a standard RV. The concern is width (two narrow lanes) and wind, not clearance.

Length and Road Reality#

There are no formal length restrictions on US-1 through the Keys, but practical limits exist:

• 40 feet or under: You’ll be fine everywhere, including state parks and most private campgrounds.
• 40–45 feet: You can drive the highway and park at larger private parks. State parks are off-limits (34 ft limit at Bahia Honda and Long Key).
• 45+ feet: Drivable but stressful. Parking lots, fuel stations, and turnarounds become real challenges. The Keys were not built for Class A motorhomes towing a car.

Fuel and Supplies#

Gas stations exist throughout the Keys but prices run $0.30–0.60 higher per gallon than the mainland. Fill up in Florida City or Homestead before entering the Keys. There are no diesel-specific truck stops in the Keys — several gas stations carry diesel, but selection is limited.

Grocery stores with real selection are in Key Largo (Publix, Winn-Dixie) and Marathon (Publix, Winn-Dixie). Key West has a few options but at higher prices. Between those towns, you’re relying on small markets and convenience stores.

Speed and Traffic#

The speed limit drops to 35–45 mph through most Keys towns. Traffic backs up badly during peak season weekends, especially on Friday afternoons (southbound) and Sunday afternoons (northbound). A drive that takes 2.5 hours with no traffic can stretch to 4+ hours on a winter Sunday.

Practical tip: If possible, plan your southbound drive for a weekday morning and your northbound departure for a weekday as well. Avoid Friday and Sunday travel during December–April.

Planning Your Keys RV Trip#

Booking Strategy#

The reservation game varies dramatically by park type:

Florida State Parks (Bahia Honda, Long Key, Pennekamp): ReserveFlorida.com, 11 months ahead. For Bahia Honda during peak season, this is a race — be online at 8:00 AM ET on your target booking day. Create your account and save your payment method in advance. For Long Key and Pennekamp, you have more breathing room, but don’t wait past 6 months for winter dates.

Private parks (Boyd’s, KOA, Key Largo Kampground): Direct booking through park websites or by phone. Most open reservations 12 months ahead. For January and February, call in March of the prior year. Many private parks have loyal repeat guests who book the same dates annually.

Thousand Trails (Fiesta Key): Members book through the Thousand Trails system. Availability depends on membership level. Non-member bookings are secondary.

Best Time to Visit#

Peak season (December–April): Perfect weather — highs in the mid-70s to low 80s, low humidity, minimal rain. This is also when every RV site in the Keys is full and prices hit their maximum. If you’re flexible on dates, late November and early December offer near-peak weather with slightly better availability.

Shoulder season (May, November): Warm but manageable. Humidity starts climbing in May. Prices drop 20–30% at private parks. State parks are the same price year-round but easier to book.

Summer (June–August): Hot, humid, and buggy. Afternoon thunderstorms are daily events. But rates are lowest, availability is best, and the water is warm for swimming and snorkeling. Some travelers swear by summer Keys camping — just bring bug spray and an air conditioner that works.

Hurricane season (June 1–November 30): This is not theoretical in the Keys. Hurricane Irma (2017) devastated the island chain. Every campground has an evacuation plan. If you’re camping during hurricane season, monitor forecasts daily and leave early if a storm enters the Gulf or Caribbean. Evacuation from the Keys means a single northbound road — US-1 — and it backs up for hours when an evacuation order drops. Do not wait.

Mosquitoes: The Honest Assessment#

The Keys have mosquitoes. How bad depends on recent rainfall, wind, and season. The Monroe County Mosquito Control District runs one of the most aggressive mosquito management programs in the country — aerial spraying, ground fogging, larvicide — and it works reasonably well in developed areas.

That said:

• Mangrove-adjacent sites (Buttonwood loop at Bahia Honda, many state park sites) can be brutal at dusk
• Summer and fall are worst — rainfall creates standing water breeding habitat
• Wind helps — oceanfront and exposed sites are better than sheltered hammock sites
• DEET is your friend — natural repellents are pleasant but unreliable in the Keys

Water and Power Considerations#

Fresh water in the Keys is piped from the mainland via an aqueduct from Florida City. It’s treated and safe but can taste chlorinated. A basic inline water filter is worth having.

Electricity is reliable at established parks but the Keys grid is more vulnerable to outages than the mainland, especially during storms. A generator or battery backup is smart insurance for extended stays.

Sewer hookups are not available at any Florida Keys state park. Plan your dump station stops if you’re doing a state park circuit — Bahia Honda and Pennekamp have dump stations, but you’ll need to manage your tanks.

Frequently Asked Questions#

Can I boondock or dry camp in the Florida Keys? No. There is essentially no legal free camping in the Keys. Overnight parking is prohibited on most roads and public lots. Walmart lots in Key Largo and Marathon occasionally tolerate overnight stays, but it’s not reliable and not comfortable. Budget for paid campgrounds.

What’s the cheapest way to RV camp in the Keys? Florida state parks at $36–48/night are by far the best value. Pennekamp and Long Key are easier to book than Bahia Honda. Outside state parks, the cheapest private options run $75–95/night in off-season.

Is Key West worth the drive for RVers? Yes, but consider parking the RV at a campground in the Lower Keys (Sugarloaf KOA) and driving or busing into Key West for the day. Key West itself is congested, parking is expensive, and the two campgrounds on Stock Island are fine but not scenic.

Do I need a toad (tow vehicle) in the Keys? Strongly recommended if you’re in a motorhome. Once you’re parked, you don’t want to break camp just to go to dinner or snorkel at a different beach. A small car or even a scooter changes the Keys experience dramatically.

What’s the best rig size for the Keys? Under 34 feet opens every option including Bahia Honda. Under 40 feet works for all private parks. Over 40 feet limits you to the larger resorts and makes the drive less enjoyable.

When should I book Bahia Honda? Exactly 11 months before your target date, at 8:00 AM Eastern, on ReserveFlorida.com. Not 11 months and one day. Not 8:05 AM. Set an alarm.