Where To Camp In Florida Keys?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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You do need to be careful about where you go camping in the Florida Keys, however. Like other Florida camping destinations,

camping is prohibited on all publicly-owned islands in the various National Wildlife Refuges within the Keys

, which cover about 400,000 acres.

Can you camp for free in the Florida Keys?


There is no free camping in the Florida Keys

, but it’s such a spectacular spot, it’s worth the splurge on a state park campground or RV park!

Can you camp anywhere in the Keys?

Throughout the Florida Keys, and especially in Key West, there are not any places where you can pitch a tent, or park a normal car to sleep, without being disturbed by the police.

Formal campgrounds are the only places where you can legally camp

.

How do you get free camping in the Keys?

Located near Marathon, about halfway down the Overseas Highway between Key Largo and Key West,

Curry Hammock State Park

is one of your best options for boondocking on the islands. Sites have electrical hookups, but no water or sewer, which helps to keep its fee lower than most of the campgrounds on the Keys.

Can you sleep on beach in Key West?

In Key West,

overnight parking is not allowed in most public and private parking lots

. If you try to park in a supermarket lot or beach lot, someone will wake you up in the middle of the night to kick you out. The only place left are residential streets. Fortunately, there is plenty of parking there.

Can you sleep in your car Florida Keys?


Do NOT sleep in your car in The Keys

. It is illegal and strictly enforced. You could be arrested.

How much does it cost to camp in the Keys?

Far from wilderness camping, and it’s expensive, but you don’t have many choices this close to Key West.

Waterfront tent sites in season (Oct 15-April 30) are $87, interior sites are $69. Off-season, waterfront tent sites are $71, interior sites are $61

. (2019 rates) Discounts are offered if you book a full week.

Is Boondocking legal in Florida?

Is There Boondocking in Florida?

Yes, there is!

Can you camp on public land in Florida?


YES, FREE camping is possible in Florida

!

How can I camp for free in Florida?

  1. Always leave no trace.
  2. Be bear aware.
  3. Minimize waste.
  4. Do not camp within 100 feet of a water source.
  5. Select a previously used primitive site to minimize environmental impact whenever possible.
  6. Adhere to local campfire restrictions.

What beach in Florida can you camp on?


Biscayne National Park

You can discover this undeveloped, scenic group of islands close to the booming city of Miami. Although most of the park is underwater, there are two islands of note – Elliott Key and Boca Chita Key – where Florida beach camping is permitted.

Can you camp anywhere in Florida?

Can You Camp Anywhere In Florida?

The Sunshine State actually provides many opportunities for camping in Florida: state parks, national parks, city parks, beaches, recreational areas, and even private campgrounds

. It is important, however, to do your homework before just walking around and setting up a tent!

Where can I park overnight in Florida?

  • WALMART. At one time Walmart stores offered at most of their locations an open invitation to RV Camper owners to park at their stores overnight as long as parking was in the uncongested areas of the parking lots (Not in front). …
  • INTERSTATE REST AREAS. …
  • CRACKER BARREL. …
  • TRUCK STOPS. …
  • OTHER PLACES.

How much does it cost to camp at Key West?

# of Months Per Month Savings
1 Month Stay


$3,570


$750
2 Month Stay $3,360 $1,680 3 Month Stay $3,150 $3,150 4 Month Stay $2,940 $5,040

Can you uber in Key West?

Thanks to a change in Florida state law, ride share, is now legal in Key West;

Uber and LYFT are both in operation

.

Can you sleep on the beach in the Keys?

What is this? Not only are there “No Camping” signs everywhere on the Keys that is not a campsite, but

there are “No Overnight Parking” signs everywhere too

. Everywhere. Every street, every park, every public beach (of which there are few).

Can you car camp in Florida?


Car camping can be an enjoyable and affordable way to get the family outdoors, or to travel around the state spending a minimal amount on campsites

. Our optimal tent camping season in Florida is November through March.

Can you stealth camp in Florida?

Although it is widely published that

stealth camping is not allowed in the Florida Keys

, we learned that there are still many options for free overnight parking. See the difference in wording: Stealth camping versus overnight parking? The trick is making yourself invisible when sleeping inside your parked vehicle.

Is it illegal to sleep in your car in Florida?

The Law on Sleeping in Your Car in Florida


There is no federal law that prohibits motorists from sleeping inside their vehicle

. However, in Florida, drivers are only allowed to sleep inside their vehicle for a maximum of three hours. You are not allowed to park overnight and sleep in your vehicle.

Can you RV in the Florida Keys?


The Keys really are the perfect spot for RV camping

. You can enjoy any one of dozens of recreational activities on the water. Or, you can just sit back on the beach and relax with a cold drink.

Can you camp in a tent in Florida?

Florida’s state parks have plenty of options for camping throughout the state.

Full-facility campsites for tent campers and RVers

include water, electricity, a grill and picnic table, along with centralized showers, restrooms and dump station. Maximum RV lengths vary by park.

Can I drive my RV to Key West?

Key West doesn’t have any RV camping on the island and the roads there are TINY. It would not have been enjoyable to drive our 33-ft RV around on the island, and I recommend

avoiding bringing your RV to Key West at all

. It’s really easy to speed across the Keys.

Can I sleep on the beach in Florida?

Under Florida law,

each city ordinance against nighttime beach sleeping or trespassing is a third-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to a $500 fine and up to 60 days in jail

.

Can you live in a tent in Florida?

Even if you own the land,

you cannot legally live in a tent

. In the eyes of the law, living full-time in such conditions is equal to sleeping in a car in a parking lot, thus, you are considered homeless.

Does Florida have BLM land?

Terminology – BLM (Bureau of Land Management) in Florida

It irks me when folks talk about free BLM camping in Florida because

BLM Camping does not exist in Florida

! BLM is huge out west but not so in the East.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.