The Florida Keys make up a chain of small islands that begin at the state’s southernmost tip. They range from Key Largo to the Dry Tortugas. The Florida Keys experience is decidedly Caribbean in flavor, with crystal blue waters and beautiful sandy beaches on the Atlantic Ocean side of the islands as well as the Gulf side. There are many places to camp within the keys with enough variety between them so that anyone seeking a tropical vacation should be able to find something they like. Here is a selection of some of the best campgrounds:

John Pennekamp State Park

This park is located on Key Largo and has a 47-site campground with all of the main amenities, including washers and dryers in the restroom. Each campsite has it’s own individual grill and picnic table as well as electricity hookups. Unfortunately for pet-owners, no animals are allowed on the campsites or on the beaches. The state park has two large beaches, and coral reefs that can be viewed from glass bottom boats. The John Pennekamp State Park also has a mangrove forest that can be explored by canoe or kayak. There is also a fully equipped playground for the kids.

Long Key State Park

This park is located on Long key, as its name may suggest. It has 60 well-equipped campsites. Each campsite has its own picnic table and grill. Some of the campsites have foliage for privacy. As for things to see and do, they do offer canoeing and kayaking on a “canoe trail”, there is also a shallow lagoon in which to do both. For those who prefer to not risk drowning, there are hiking trails of different lengths as well as picnic areas. Pets are welcome at Long Key State Park as long as they are kept on a 6 foot leash.

Curry Hammock State Park

This is located in the Middle Keys, Grassy Key to be specific, near the city of Marathon. The camping area consists of 28 campsites each with electricity, grill and picnic table. As for activities, there is canoeing and kayaking and a short nature trail on which visitors can hike. There are hot showers available at the campsites and cold showers on the beach. Where the park is located makes it perfect for viewing migrating birds and therefore it is of special interest to birdwatchers. There are many varieties of birds to see at the Curry Hammock State Park. Pets are fine as long as kept on a 6 foot leash.

Bahia Honda State Park

12 miles South of the city of Marathon, this park is among the most southern of the state parks in the Florida keys. Bahia Honda offers 3 different campgrounds, Bayside, Buttonwood, and Sandspur. All of the campsites on the Buttonwood campground have electricity and water; availability of those 2 amenities is limited on the other sites. All 3 do have the picnic table and grill combo, however. For those who prefer not to deal with a tent, there are cabins capable of up to 6 people available. There are 3 nature trails in Bahia Honda State Park, with everything from spectacular beach views to gardens. There is a 3.5 mile paved road that is good for cycling as well. Pets are not welcome in cabins or on the beaches, so it is probably not wise to bring them.

Sugarloaf Key KOA

Sugarloaf Key KOA is 14 miles north of Key West. This KOA has a tent campground that is considered to be the largest in the Florida Keys. No recreational vehicles are allowed, but tent campers are definitely encouraged. It also has lots of amenities including cable TV and (paid) wireless Internet. Not only are pets welcome at Sugarloaf, they even get their own playground/dog park. Hot showers and restrooms are nearby. There are also rental units available here if tent campers get tired of the sweltering Florida heat and decide that they want to opt for some air-conditioning. There are shuttles to Key West and a pub on the campground.