Top 12 RV Campgrounds In The Florida Keys

Travelers enjoy the RV campgrounds in the Florida Keys all year long. They travel there in search of cool ocean breezes, idyllic beach days, views of the ocean, and less tourist traffic. Additionally, many RV campgrounds in the Florida Keys offer discounted “off-season” summer prices.

The shoulder seasons are sought after by many tourists. These are November through mid-December and March through June. The weather is often moderate and dry, and the winter crowds have dispersed or haven’t yet come.

Here are some tips if you’re planning to visit one of the RV campgrounds in the Florida Keys:

1. State parks vs. private RV campgrounds in the Florida Keys

The four state parks in the Florida Keys are some of the most coveted RV campgrounds and beaches. The cost of RV camping in Florida’s state parks does not vary with the time of year, and it is considerably less than the cost of standard RV campgrounds in the Florida Keys. That makes them even more appealing.

Try to reserve your RV site a year in advance if you want to stay in one of the great Florida State Parks with RV camping, especially during the winter. From one day to eleven months in advance, reservations can be made. Sites that are not reserved are rented on a first-come basis.

The longest stay can be reserved for 14 days at each park, although the camp management may allow you to remain for up to 28 days if it’s a slower time of year. Seniors over 65 who live in Florida are eligible for a 50% reduction in camping costs.

RVers traveling south on US 1 will see private campgrounds lining both sides of the road, many relatively modest and frequently have tiki huts on the water. These provide a relaxing stay, with sunset being the greatest time of day for drinks and meeting new people.

2. Be knowledgeable about the weather in the Florida Keys

Winter, spring, and summer on the Florida Keys are often nearly perfect; however, summer does see more rain. The best weather of the year can be from late September to early November. Ironically, it’s also hurricane season, when storms frequently necessitate a quick evacuation along US 1 or the Overseas Highway, the only road leading away from the Keys. 

Keep an eye on the weather and make plans in advance if you decide to go to RV campgrounds in the Florida Keys at this time of year. To avoid getting stuck in a 100-mile traffic bottleneck, leave early. Above all, follow the authorities’ instructions.

3. Drive carefully

The majority of US 1 in the Keys has low-speed limits and an active police presence. Many drivers are shocked to discover that their anticipated travel time has increased by a few hours, but you must still follow the posted speed limit. 

Authorities enforce a nightly speed limit of 35 mph and a 30 mph limit on minor roads on Big Pine Key. Big Pine Key is home to a Key Deer and habitat information center run by the US Fish & Wildlife Service. 

Adhering to the speed limit is extremely crucial. The Key deer population is in peril. Thus, they take the speed restriction seriously. It’s only a short distance from Mile Marker 29 to Mile Marker 33.

You also need to look out for these adorable young deer, which are common throughout the Keys and normally grow to less than 3 feet tall. They frequently swim across islands. You wouldn’t want to run over one of the cute fawns, which are born in April through June. 

If you have an RV larger than a van, plan to bring along a tow car to use on the islands for the least stressful trip to the Keys. This way, you won’t have to worry about driving your Class A through Key West and other island cities’ frequently congested, always-narrow roadways because you can stay connected at the campsite. Consider hiring a car for the duration of your trip if you don’t tow.

Bus transportation is another great choice for getting around. There are multiple stops along the route taken by the Lower Keys Shuttle between Marathon and Key West. Key West also features a robust city transportation network and the free Duval Loop bus.

4. Don’t miss sightseeing while driving through the Overseas Highway

The Overseas Highway, often known as US Route 1, is the sole road that leads to the Florida Keys. It mostly travels along the route of the Henry Flagler-built Overseas Railroad, which was constructed in the early 1900s. 

The Overseas Highway now spans Monroe County, traveling 113 miles across the Florida Keys until reaching a stop at Milepost 0 in Key West. Mile Marker (MM) shorthand is sometimes used in Keys directions. To find your way, look for the MM signs along US 1.

Keep a look out for any former railroad, and Overseas Highway spurs as you travel the road. These sections were not included in the most recent building, and many of them are currently used as public fishing piers.