RV Camping in the Florida Keys
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Never have I ever needed a vacation as much as at the end of 2020, when we booked our trip to RV Camp in the Florida Keys. One can only self-soothe by compulsively cooking up Meyer lemon recipes and drinking Sour Orange Margaritas for so long. (I skipped the toilet hoarding and sourdough phase of 2020 and went straight to the random citrus varieties if that tells you much about how dire our stress level was.)
THIS TRIP DID NOT DISAPPOINT. I'm ready to get back in the car and do it all over again today.
And - hey, you know what? I figure no one actually reads my deeply personal and hilarious intros, so let's just get down to it.
Here are all my tips and tricks on having an unforgettable experience RV Camping in the Florida Keys.
When to Go to the Florida Keys
This one is HUGE. I once went to Key West as a child in July, and it was literally like walking on the face of the sun. We didn't leave the hotel room until after dark to avoid spontaneously bursting into flames and leaving behind a pile of ash on the scalding sidewalk. Do not do it.
The Keys are delightful October through April. I've been there in January, and it was stunning and in the lower 70s but too cold to enjoy the water. We just got back from our trip in late February, and the air temperature was warm and perfect, but the water was still on the cool-but-tolerable side. Obviously, this will vary year to year, but I recommend late February or early March. It spiked as high as the mid-80s during our most recent trip, and I've never been more excited to shed my sweater and get the weirdest farmers' tan of my life thanks to kayaking. My legs have a lovely ombre aesthetic now.
Where to Camp
The Florida Keys are full of stunning RV campgrounds. Do yourself a favor and splurge for a waterfront site; there is nothing better than RV camping with a view of the ocean out your window. We stayed at the Key Largo Kampground (it was a little over $100 a night), and our site was flanked by palm trees and came with its own tiki hut over the crystal blue water. (Am I selling you on it yet?)
We pulled in on our first evening right at sunset, and I thought I had died and gone to heaven. We just sat there in our tiki hut watching the moon rise with our feet over the water... until I got hangry. I'm an extraordinarily food-driven lady.
We also loved Key Largo Kampground for its proximity to John Pennekamp State Park and the tourist activities and the water, sewer, and electric hookups. It was basically glamping.
We had a blast trying out all the Keys had to offer, but honestly, I could also have just laid under that tiki hut with a book all weekend, and it would have been utterly glorious.
What to Pack for RV Camping in the Florida Keys
Reusable water bottle: This is not a joke. We picked up so many water bottles and bottle caps off the beach in Key West and Key Largo, I wanted to vomit. It was disgusting. There's no excuse not bring your own reusable, eco-friendly water bottle. And if you happen to buy a bottle of water, for the love of GOD, keep track of where it is at all times, y'all.
Reef safe sunblock: Again, this one is serious. Those beautiful coral reefs you came to see are struggling to survive. Our glass bottom boat tour was both beautiful and horrifying. Help us protect one of the reasons you're heading there in the first place.
Extra towels: Y'all, your glorious trip RV Camping in the Florida Keys is going to use waaaaaay more towels than you expected. It's part of the adventure, so pack at least three more than you think you'll need!
Campsite flair: Nearly everyone had decorated their campsite, which is so much fun as you pull into the campground. We threw our party lights and two pink plastic flamingos I... stole? relocated? from an event into the truck at the last minute, and they added such a festive vibe to the vacation.
Water sports equipment: I'm not personally into water sports, and virtually everything is available for rent. HOWEVER, if you want to save some money and have the space, pack your snorkel, surfboard, inflatable paddleboard, or kiteboarding gear.
Shade tent: If your campsite doesn't come with a private tiki hut, you may want to bring a tent so you can enjoy those island breezes while avoiding a sunburn.
Waterproof Adventure Camera: If you’re planning on adventuring, I recommend the Sony RXO. This tiny camera can slip into your back pocket, and it’s shock-proof, drop-proof, and water-proof. It’s my go-to adventure camera, and it’s tough as nails.
Best Things to Do in Key Largo
There is SO MUCH to do in Key Largo; don't count this Key out. We hit up Snook's for dinner after watching the sunset our first night. I promised myself that everywhere we ate would be on the water, and we damn near achieved this goal. While the vibe at Snook's was a tad on the touristy side, the food was excellent, the music was fun, and they served drinks in coconuts, which was about all I wanted for my first night RV Camping in Key Largo.
We hit the ground running the next morning - after coffee at our private oceanside tiki hut - and headed to John Pennekamp State Park. We lounged by the sea, purchased some eco-friendly flip flops, and did a hike through the hammock (which I loved, and I normally eye-roll at flat-land hiking) only because we had previously scheduled a boat tour elsewhere and the water was too cold to snorkel. The snorkeling here is awesome, though.
We popped in Sharkey's for lunch (also on the canal!), and I cannot recommend the massive fish tacos highly enough, and the bebs hit a home run with both the Key Lime Cider from 3 Daughters Brewing and the Quat Ale. Sharkey's is casual Key Largo dining at its finest, suitable for vacationing foodies and tourists alike.
Glass bottom boat tours may seem cheesy, but they're still really fun. We saw so much wildlife, including my beloved sea turtles, and our tour guide was amazing. Climb aboard the Princess, but check Groupon first. We saved more than $100 on Key Largo activities by checking Groupon before we booked. The Princess also docks next to the African Queen, a vintage boat made famous by the Humphrey Bogart movie of the same name, so hop on that next if you're traveling with a movie buff or looking for a more private, leisurely cruise than a glass-bottom boat ride.
Shop for some souvenirs at one of the colorful yard art stands along Highway 1 (we picked up a manta ray for the mailbox, a hanging parrot, and a bright orange sun because we are the neighbors the HOA has always hoped for) and snag a key lime pie, but refuse that plastic shopping bag out of respect for the unique eco-system you're enjoying.
Rent jet skis and play in the harbor if the water is too cool to really want to be submerged; you're sure to have some house-envy as you cruise along.
Grab a table at Skipper's Dockside and enjoy the live music. Snap a selfie with the taxidermy shark in the front and then faceplant in the ceviche, the Mahi sandwich (blackened), the jalapeño margarita, and the key lime pie. Watch the boats come in and pretend they're yours, but head to bed early to hit up Key West. (Or the Sea Turtle Hospital on Marathon Key!)
12 Hours in Key West
Wake up early, make some coffee, and enjoy the sunrise before hitting the road for your morning kayak tour through the mangroves. Check Groupon for deals; we saved a ton of money on our Kayak Kings tour, which was amazing. We paddled the mangroves (so much fun and a delightful challenge), held jellyfish, spotted iguanas and pelicans, and kayaked over sleeping nurse sharks. Wear plenty of sunscreen, or risk avant-garde tan lines like mine. Bring your shock-proof, water-proof, and drop-proof Sony RXO for some underwater shots.
Cruise down to the historic district for lunch. We did even more tacos at the Southernmost Beach Cafe for the view of the beach. Beaches are actually pretty limited in the keys, which most people don't realize.
Then head to Smathers Beach to soak up the sun, snorkel, or kiteboard. My husband had a blast kiting here. Or go parasailing, try deep-sea fishing, explore scuba diving, or hang out with sharks. The world is your oyster!
Change clothes or don't - it's Key West, y'all - and stroll Duval Street. Bring a camera to capture the vibrant scenery and candid moments with the surprising number of feral chickens. Browse the shops, drop in the Hemingway House, grab a handheld key lime pie at Moondog Cafe & Bakery if you have the metabolism of a hummingbird, like my husband, and enjoy the Bloody Mary bar, live music, avocado tuna boats, and colorful tropical patio vibes at Rams Head Southernmost.
Head to Mallory Square to enjoy the street performers and end your day with an incredible sunset.
Final notes: We had such an incredible time RV camping in the Florida Keys, we're already planning to go back next year with another couple. Whether you wind up camping on Key West, Key Largo, or Marathon Key, there is no shortage of epic adventures to be had! Did you have an unforgettable meal, adventure, or discover a secret spot while visiting the Florida Keys? Drop in the comments so I can check it out on our next go-round!
See you on the road less traveled,
Reese
