Community Forums

bzumwalt · 03-06-2012, 05:22 AM

Barbara and I are planning our first trip to Key West from our home in metro Atlanta, but have never been there before. We have had our motorhome for just about a year now, so we are still kind of new at this.

Any recommendations on best time of year to go and campgrounds?

paz · 03-06-2012, 05:43 AM

We were in the Keys in late November. It's best not to take an RV to Key West unless you have reservations at one of the very expensive RV parks there. There is no on-street parking for RVs, and the streets are narrow.

As mentioned, most RV parks in the Keys (especially in Key West) are very expensive, but there are a couple of state parks that are reasonably priced. However, it is usually hard to get reservations at the state parks in the fall and winter. We checked the reservation web site several times several months in advance, and finally lucked out when we happened upon what must have been a cancellation at Curry Hammock SP on Marathon Key. Curry Hammock is a nice campground with wide sites and with water and electric hookups.

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The only downside to Curry Hammock is that it is about an hour's drive to Key West. When you go to Key West, don't miss Sunset Celebration held every evening at Mallory Square.

Jol912 · 03-06-2012, 05:50 AM

We were there the first week of November and stayed at the Bahia Honda State Park campground. Our spot was right on the water, not crowded, and a great place for bike riding and exploring. Only thing to watch out is the size of your rig and the spot. Our spot was a little tight getting in but lots of room once we were in. Only complaint was only 2 tv channels, both Spanish. This was before we had our Dish Network. For a state park this was very nice and clean.

Kuppajoe · 03-06-2012, 06:07 AM

We stayed at Boyd's RV Park close to Key West as part of a rally group. The sites were very tight and expensive but the park was quite nice with 50 amp full hookups. Their staff parked us and if a tree or palm branch was in the way, they just cut it off. Key West is worth a visit with a lot of eccentric folks to add to the experience.

Boyd's is close to the downtown historic district. Allow yourself a few days for seeing all the sites. A day trip over to Fort Jefferson we found worth the cost.

RVThere · 03-06-2012, 06:58 AM

We go down for Easter every year and will be leaving NJ on March 30.

We stay at the Sugarloaf Key KOA. Sites on the water are real tight but other sites have room for slide outs and an awning. Campground has a pub, nightly entertainment, marina, breakfast diner, and there is a great 1-2 mile run/bike on an abandoned road to a washed out bridge. Only about 20 miles from KW.

In addition to the KW Sunset Festival every night, I like the Mel Fisher Museum and the Hemingway House.

ga traveler · 03-06-2012, 07:07 AM

We live in Mcdonough, Ga. We always stay at the state parks.(John Pennacamp amd Bahia Honda) they have more room and are cheaper. Make sure you stop at mile marker 98 and get a key lime pie. Also go to the Mel Fisher museum.

HD4Mark · 03-06-2012, 07:43 AM

Here is where we spend most of our winter Knights Key RV Resort and Marina | …the fun island It is 47 miles from KW so an hour or more drive.

Boyds is not bad and about as close as you can get but as said kind of tight. Definitely do not try to drive the MH into KW, especially old town. The streets are way to narrow.

The closest state park is Bahia Honda, still 30 miles or so. Good luck getting a reservation though. We will be there in April for a couple of weeks but made the reservations almost a year ahead.

A few private parks to check are Sugarloaf KOA, Sunshine Key and Big Pine fishing lodge. Make sure to look at reviews for them first.

Have fun!

CoastieSCPO · 03-06-2012, 07:58 AM

As others have said, it is expensive in the Keys, especially during the winter high season. Not so crowded in the summer, but real hot! We lived for 35 years in Homestead just north of the Florida Keys and the summers are long, hot and humid.

Are your retired military or DOD? If so, check out the US Navy's Sigsbee Famcamp in Key West. It's cheap, near downtown and right on the water. We'll be there in April. No reservations unless you are active duty military.

GaryKD · 03-06-2012, 06:43 PM

Hi bzumwalt,
I go to the Keys a couple of times a year. Consider mile marker 39, Sunshine Key. Go to http://www.rvonthego.com/Sunshine-Key-RV-Resort.html and read about it. I suggest this CG because there is plenty to do both North and South of the CG. It is also a good compromise on cost. 39 miles from Key West. If you go and want details of stuff to do, PM me and I'll send you quite a few suggestions. This includes places to park in Key West.

Chuck&Pam · 03-06-2012, 07:31 PM

I suggest going sometime mid April to mid May (rates drop drastically the first of May) and staying at Bluewater Key. The nicest RV park anywhere and only 14 miles from KW and a short trip up to Big Pine and the lower keys. Get a waterfront site and you will not want to even leave the place.

toneumanns · 03-06-2012, 07:39 PM

Be aware that if you can't find a RV park to park there is no place in the Keys to boondock. The police are very strict on this.

bdaball · 03-06-2012, 08:01 PM

We recently drove the toad to Key West and stayed at a B&B. Best money we could have spent. Walked to Duval street and Mallory square.

That being said we stopped at several campgrounds on several of the Keys. During mid-late January we did not find a campground that was anywhere near 50% occupied, including Siesta Key. I'm not sure if they were reserved and the people where just not there or not but there was plenty of room in several parks. Seems negotiations would be in order on pricing.

Also realize it is about 130 miles from Homestead to Key West. Not a quick drive.

fred481 · 03-07-2012, 08:16 AM

Check out Long Key state park. It's between John Pennekamp and Bahia Honda state parks. The sites are directly on the water on the ocean side. There are water and electric hook-ups and a dump station.
Reservations are a must. It's a long way to drive and not find a place, and like everyone says, boondocking is not allowed anywhere.
I you plan to go during the summer, keep in mind that we have hurricanes that time of year and you may have to evacuate.
You will certainly want to have a tow vehicle to get around.
If you are Humphrey Bogart and Kathren Hepburn fans and saw the movie "African Queen", the original African Queen boat is on display at Holiday Inn on Key Largo.
You must go to Key West, even for a day. It's like no place you have seen and the food is to die for. Don't take the motorhome there. There is no place to park.
don't be disappointed when you first get on the keys. Once you get south of Key Largo, you will drive across bridges and will be able to see the beautiful water.
Enjoy

cvik · 03-08-2012, 05:36 AM

No body mentioned the Cemetery. A must see, 'Told you I was sick, 'Just resting my eyes, then there used to be one 'I know where he is sleeping tonight' family had it removed several years ago. If you have never been to Key West before, you should ride the Tour Train, takes you by all the sites & attractions. Can get off & on at all the stops. We found, while staying at a B&B the train tour ticket was good all the time as long as you got off before the end of the route. Being retired always looking for ways to save a buck these days.
Carl & Gloria