A complete guide to camping in Key West

Key West sits at the end of the Overseas Highway, 160 miles southwest of Miami on a coral island at the southernmost point of the continental US. The camping options are limited by the island's size and density, but the campgrounds that exist provide an affordable alternative to Key West's hotel prices, which rank among the highest in Florida.
Boyd's Key West Campground and Leo's Key West Campground operate on the eastern side of the island with waterfront sites on the Atlantic side. Both accommodate tents and RVs. El Mar RV Resort and Bluewater Key RV Resort sit along the Overseas Highway approaching Key West, with Bluewater Key occupying its own island between Key West and Sugarloaf Key. Sigsbee Campground on the naval air station provides camping for military personnel and eligible civilians.
Sugarloaf Key KOA Resort on Summerland Key (20 miles north) and Big Pine Key RV Park provide additional options between Key West and Marathon. The real camping draw in the Keys stretches across the islands north of Key West. Bahia Honda State Park in Big Pine Key (36 miles north) is the most sought-after campground in the Keys, with sites behind a white-sand beach that looks more Caribbean than mainland Florida. The campground books out months ahead. The Keys' coral-rock geography, mangrove shorelines, and clear water create a camping environment unlike anywhere else in the continental US.
Best months: November through April
Winter is peak season in the Keys. January averages 68 degrees with warm, dry days and cool evenings. The water stays swimmable year-round (mid-70s in winter, mid-80s in summer). Summer is hot, humid, and within hurricane season (June through November). Mosquitoes peak from May through October near standing water and mangrove areas. The dry season (November through April) coincides with the highest visitor traffic and campground demand.
| Season |
|---|
| Months |
|---|
| Avg High |
|---|
| Avg Low |
|---|
| Conditions |
|---|
| Spring | Mar-May | 82°F | 70°F | Mosquitoes peak from May through October near standing water and mangrove areas. |
| Summer | Jun-Aug | 89°F | 77°F | The water stays swimmable year-round (mid-70s in winter, mid-80s in summer). |
| Fall | Sep-Nov | 82°F | 70°F | Summer is hot, humid, and within hurricane season (June through November). |
| Winter | Dec-Feb | 75°F | 63°F | Winter is peak season in the Keys. |
Source: NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals

Relative to Key West hotels (averaging over 300 per night in peak season), camping is significantly cheaper. Boyd's and Leo's campgrounds provide waterfront tent and RV sites at a fraction of hotel rates. The savings fund the restaurants and activities. Bluewater Key RV Resort is more upscale but still below hotel pricing.
Bahia Honda State Park in Big Pine Key is 36 miles north of Key West on the Overseas Highway, about a 45-minute drive. The park's beach is the most photographed in the Keys. The campground books six months ahead and fills immediately for winter season dates. It is worth the drive from Key West for a day visit even without camping.
The reef is offshore and requires a boat to reach. Snorkel and dive charters operate from Key West marina daily. Fort Zachary Taylor State Park has the best shore snorkeling on the island. The main reef system at Looe Key (27 miles north by boat) and John Pennekamp (Key Largo) provide the richest snorkeling.
November through April. The dry season brings warm days (75 to 85 degrees), minimal mosquitoes, and trade-wind breezes. This is peak tourist season with the highest campground demand. Summer is hot, humid, mosquito-heavy, and within hurricane season. Campground availability improves in summer but conditions are challenging.