Quick Definition
Islamorada ("Purple Island" in Spanish) is a village of approximately 6,500 residents spanning six islands — Plantation Key, Windley Key, Upper and Lower Matecumbe Keys, Craig Key, and Fiesta Key — from Mile Marker 90 to Mile Marker 73 in the Upper Florida Keys. The village holds the title "Sport Fishing Capital of the World" — more world fishing records have been broken in Islamorada waters than anywhere else on Earth, driven by unique geography: the Atlantic Ocean reef and the Florida Bay flats lie within minutes of each other, giving anglers access to two completely different ecosystems from a single port. The Florida Bay flats — vast shallow-water areas (6–18 inches deep) — hold tarpon (100–200 lbs), bonefish (the world's fastest inshore fish), and permit in numbers found nowhere else in the US. The Atlantic side offers reef fishing for mahi-mahi, wahoo, cobia, and sailfish. Theater of the Sea (MM 84.5), established 1946, is the second-oldest marine attraction in Florida. Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park (accessible by boat, MM 77.5) preserves one of the last virgin tropical hardwood hammock forests in Florida. For the full Keys picture, see Florida Keys RV parks.
TL;DR
- Population 6,500; MM 73–90 across 6 islands — Upper Florida Keys
- "Sport Fishing Capital of the World" — more world fishing records set here than anywhere on Earth
- Florida Bay flats fishing: tarpon (100–200 lbs), bonefish, permit in shallow water (6–18 inches)
- Theater of the Sea (MM 84.5, established 1946): second-oldest marine attraction in Florida, dolphin encounters
- Lignumvitae Key: one of Florida's last virgin tropical hardwood hammock forests — accessible only by boat
- Long Key State Park (MM 67.5, 3 miles south): full-hookup sites $28–43/night
Islamorada RV Access Zones: Plantation Key, Upper Matecumbe & Florida Bay
Plantation Key (MM 90–86) — Upper Islamorada. Plantation Key is the northernmost of Islamorada's six islands, just south of Tavernier (MM 91) in Key Largo. Parks here are 5–10 minutes north of Islamorada's commercial center and offer easy access to both Key Largo attractions (John Pennekamp, MM 102.5) and central Islamorada activities. The Tavernier Creek bridge at MM 90 marks the formal village boundary. This zone is quieter than central Islamorada and attracts travelers who want access to both Upper Keys areas from a single campsite.
Windley Key / Theater of the Sea (MM 84–85) — Central Islamorada. Windley Key hosts the Theater of the Sea (MM 84.5) — the area's signature attraction — and sits at the center of Islamorada's commercial strip. The Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park (MM 84.9) preserves exposed 125,000-year-old coral reef formations in a former quarry used to build Henry Flagler's railroad. Parks on Windley Key are within walking distance of Theater of the Sea and 0.5 miles from the Islamorada Fishing Village marina complex.
Upper Matecumbe Key (MM 83–80) — Islamorada Village Center. Upper Matecumbe is the commercial and civic heart of Islamorada, running from MM 83 to MM 80. The main Islamorada marina district sits here, with dozens of fishing charter operators launching daily for both flats and reef fishing. Robbie's of Islamorada (MM 77.5) is a legendary waterfront hangout and tarpon feeding spot — enormous tarpon (3–4 feet long, 50–80 lbs) crowd the dock for handfeeding ($3/bucket of baitfish). The Florida Keys History & Discovery Center (MM 82.1) documents 10,000 years of Keys habitation from Calusa culture through the railroad era. Travelers splitting time between the Upper Keys will find the widest dive and snorkel selection at Key Largo RV parks, 22 miles north.
Lower Matecumbe / Fiesta Key (MM 73–77) — South Islamorada. Lower Matecumbe Key is home to the Indian Key Historic State Park and the Anne's Beach public park (MM 73, free beach with boardwalk through mangroves). Fiesta Key (MM 70) hosts the Fiesta Key RV Resort — a KOA property on its own small island with direct Florida Bay water access. The Labor Day Hurricane Memorial (MM 81.8) commemorates the September 2, 1935 hurricane that killed 400+ people — the most intense hurricane to strike the US in the 20th century at the time — and destroyed the Florida East Coast Railway extension. Long Key State Park (MM 67.5, 3 miles south) offers the closest state park camping to Islamorada.
What to Do in Islamorada by RV: Five Must-Experience Activities
Flats Fishing for Tarpon, Bonefish, and Permit. Islamorada's flats fishing is the reason the village holds the world title. The Florida Bay flats (6–18 inch depth) allow anglers to sight-fish to species they can see before casting — a fundamentally different experience than deep-water fishing. Tarpon (average 100–160 lbs in Islamorada) jump 6–8 feet in the air when hooked and run 200–300 yards in seconds. Bonefish — 5–10 lbs, the fastest inshore fish in the world — require long, accurate casts to spooky fish in clear water. Flats guides ($550–750/half-day) pole shallow-draft skiffs silently through the flats; the client casts to visible individual fish. This is fly fishing at its most technical. No fishing license needed for guided trips (covered under captain's license). Book guides 2–4 weeks ahead for December–March season.
Tarpon Feeding at Robbie's (MM 77.5, $3/bucket). Robbie's of Islamorada is a working marina and bait shop at MM 77.5 that became famous for the enormous tarpon that congregate at the dock. The fish — many 3–4 feet long and 50–80 lbs — arrive daily expecting handfeeding from visitors at $3 per bucket of sardines. Getting slapped by a tarpon tail trying to grab your sardine is a legitimate possibility. Boat tours ($35/adult), kayak rentals ($30/hour), and snorkel gear are available from the same dock. It's a genuinely local hangout, not a manicured attraction — corrugated metal buildings, working boats, live bait tanks, and Keys regulars eating fish tacos at picnic tables.
Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park (Boat Access Only). Lignumvitae Key (280 acres) is accessible only by boat — kayak from MM 78.5 (3 miles, manageable in calm conditions), or take the ranger-led boat tour from Robbie's ($40/adult, 1.5 hours). The island contains one of the last undisturbed virgin tropical hardwood hammock forests in Florida — a pre-Columbian ecosystem that once covered the entire Keys interior. Lignumvitae trees (12,000-year lifespan, the hardest wood in the Western Hemisphere), gumbo limbo, strangler fig, and mastic form the canopy. The 1919 Matheson House (coral rock construction) is the only structure. Rangers lead guided tours Fridays through Sundays; reserve through the Florida State Parks system.
Theater of the Sea (MM 84.5, Established 1946). The Theater of the Sea is the second-oldest marine attraction in the United States — opened 1946, predating every major Florida theme park by decades. Unlike modern marine parks, its lagoons are actual tidal pools connected to Florida Bay, populated by dolphin, sea lion, stingray, and sea turtle residents in naturalistic settings. Dolphin swim programs ($195/person, 30 minutes in water) and sea lion encounters ($75) run daily. The 2.5-hour educational tour ($40/adult) covers all species without requiring in-water interaction. Advance booking required for swim programs, especially December–March.
Indian Key Historic State Park (Boat Access, MM 78.5). Indian Key is a 12-acre island (boat access only from MM 78.5 rental kayaks or guided tours) that served as the official seat of Dade County from 1836 to 1840 and was the site of a thriving wrecking operation. The settlement of 40–50 residents was destroyed in the 1840 Indian Key Massacre during the Second Seminole War — outlines of the original buildings remain visible as foundation ruins. The Haunted Hammock trail and observation tower offer archaeological access. Kayak from MM 78.5 (1.5 miles, 20–30 minutes). The broader Florida RV parks guide covers camping across the state for travelers extending beyond the Keys.
Practical Tips for RVing in Islamorada
Flats Fishing Guide Booking. The best Islamorada flats guides — the ones with decades of experience reading the flats and putting clients on fish — book months in advance for January–March peak season. Research guides at islamoradafishing.com; look for certified Orvis guides or IGFA-certified captains. Guide fees ($550–750/half-day, $800–1,100/full-day) seem high until you understand what you're paying for: decades of accumulated knowledge about fish behavior, tides, and water temperature that makes the difference between a productive day and a frustrating one. Book early.
Robbie's: Go Before 9am. Robbie's waterfront (MM 77.5) draws crowds by late morning — tour boats, kayak renters, and tarpon-feeding visitors create a festive but crowded scene from 10am on. Arrive at 8am when the dock is quiet, the light is soft, and the tarpon are most active. Early morning light on the tarpon rolling at the dock surface is excellent for photography. The café opens at 7am.
Wind Direction Matters. The Florida Bay side (Gulf/north) and Atlantic side respond differently to wind. Southeast winds (common in spring) create chop on the Atlantic, making reef snorkeling difficult, but calm the Gulf flats. Northwest winds (common in winter cold fronts) reverse this. Check wind direction before booking day activities; any guide or charter captain will tell you which side of the island fishes best in current conditions.
Hurricane Memorial and Historic Context. The Labor Day Hurricane Memorial (MM 81.8) should not be skipped. The September 2, 1935 hurricane made landfall as a Category 5 storm — the first Category 5 on US record — with a central pressure of 892 mb, still the lowest Atlantic basin pressure ever recorded. The storm killed 400+ people, including World War I veterans who had been working on Keys projects during the Depression. The Florida East Coast Railway extension — Henry Flagler's most ambitious project — was destroyed completely and never rebuilt. Understanding this history reframes everything about the modern Overseas Highway.
Fuel and Supplies. Islamorada has fewer services than Marathon (30 miles south) — no Home Depot, no full-service hospital. Stock up on supplies in Florida City (mainland) before entering, or stop at Marathon on your way south. Fuel in Islamorada runs $0.25–0.40/gallon more than mainland prices. Marathon, 27 miles south, has the largest concentration of Middle Keys services — see Marathon RV parks for what's available there.
Cost Math: Islamorada RV vs. Upper Keys Resort (3 Nights, Peak Season)
| Accommodation | Nightly Rate | 3-Night Total |
|---|---|---|
| Long Key State Park (full hookup) | $35 | $105 |
| Fiesta Key RV Resort (full hookup) | $100 | $300 |
| Islamorada budget motel (US-1) | $180 | $540 |
| Islander Resort (waterfront Islamorada) | $380 | $1,140 |
Long Key State Park at $35/night provides full hookups with ocean views in a protected state park setting — arguably the best camping value in the Upper Keys. Savings vs. budget Islamorada motel: $435 over 3 nights. Savings vs. waterfront resort: $1,035. Flats guides and snorkel charters cost the same regardless of where you sleep — saving $1,000 on lodging funds two additional fishing days.
Islamorada RV Parks: At a Glance
| Park Name | Location | Full Hookups | Pull-Thru | Nightly Rate | Pets | Wi-Fi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiesta Key RV Resort | MM 70 | Yes | Yes | $80–130 | Yes | Yes |
| Long Key State Park MM 67.5 | Yes | No | $28–43 | Yes | No | |
| Caloosa Cove RV Resort | MM 74 | Yes | Yes | $75–110 | Yes | Yes |
| Islamorada Campground | MM 79 | Yes | Yes | $70–100 | Yes | Yes |
| Tavernier Hotel & RV Park | MM 91.8 | Yes | Yes | $65–90 | Yes | Yes |
| John Pennekamp SP | MM 102.5 | Yes | No | $28–43 | Yes | No |
| Curry Hammock SP | MM 56.5 | Yes | No | $28–43 | Yes | No |
| Grassy Key RV Park | MM 58.5 | Yes | Yes | $70–100 | Yes | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Islamorada called the Sport Fishing Capital of the World? More world fishing records have been broken in Islamorada waters than anywhere else on Earth. The unique geography — Florida Bay flats (6–18 inch depth) immediately accessible from the Gulf side, and Atlantic reef and bluewater fishing within minutes on the ocean side — gives anglers access to three distinct ecosystems from a single location. Tarpon, bonefish, permit, mahi-mahi, wahoo, and sailfish are all reasonable targets depending on season and conditions.
What is flats fishing and why is Islamorada famous for it? Flats fishing means sight-fishing in shallow water (6–24 inches) where you can see the fish before casting. The Florida Bay flats north of Islamorada hold tarpon (averaging 100–160 lbs), bonefish (the fastest inshore fish in the world), and permit in concentrations found nowhere else in the US. Skilled anglers cast to individual visible fish — a fundamentally different challenge than trolling or bottom fishing. Islamorada's flats guides are among the most technically accomplished in the world.
What is Theater of the Sea? Theater of the Sea (MM 84.5) opened in 1946 — the second-oldest marine attraction in the US. Unlike modern marine parks, its pools are actual tidal lagoons connected to Florida Bay. Dolphin swim programs ($195/person), sea lion encounters ($75), stingray feeding, and 2.5-hour educational tours ($40/adult) are available. The facility is a genuine marine mammal care institution, not a franchise park. Book swim programs in advance for December–March.
What is Robbie's of Islamorada? Robbie's (MM 77.5) is a working marina and bait shop famous for the large tarpon (50–80 lbs, 3–4 feet long) that crowd the dock expecting handfeeding. Feeding costs $3/bucket of sardines. Boat tours, kayak rentals, and snorkel charters depart from the same dock. It's genuinely local in character — not a manicured tourist attraction but a functioning working waterfront where tarpon happened to show up decades ago and stayed.
How do I get to Lignumvitae Key? Lignumvitae Key is a 280-acre state park island accessible only by boat. Kayak from the MM 78.5 boat ramp (3 miles, manageable in calm conditions). Alternatively, take the ranger-led boat tour departing from Robbie's ($40/adult, reserve through Florida State Parks). The island contains one of Florida's last virgin tropical hardwood hammock forests. Tours run Fridays–Sundays; the island is closed other days to protect the ecosystem.
What is the Labor Day Hurricane Memorial? The Memorial (MM 81.8) commemorates the September 2, 1935 hurricane — the first Category 5 hurricane on US record and the most intense Atlantic storm of the 20th century, with 892 mb central pressure (still the Atlantic basin record). It killed 400+ people including Depression-era veterans working in the Keys and destroyed Henry Flagler's railroad extension, which was never rebuilt. The memorial is a simple, powerful historical marker worth the 10-minute stop.
Are there state park campgrounds near Islamorada? Long Key State Park (MM 67.5, 3 miles south) offers full-hookup RV sites at $28–43/night. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (MM 102.5, 12 miles north) is the next state park option with camping. Both book months in advance for December–March peak season on reserveamerica.com. Curry Hammock State Park (MM 56.5, 17 miles south near Marathon) is another option.
What is Indian Key Historic State Park? Indian Key (12 acres, boat access from MM 78.5) was the seat of Dade County, Florida from 1836 to 1840 and a prosperous wrecking operation hub. The settlement was destroyed in the 1840 Indian Key Massacre during the Second Seminole War. Foundation ruins of the original buildings are visible; a trail and observation tower allow archaeological exploration. Kayak from MM 78.5 (1.5 miles). Open daily sunrise to sunset.
When is the best season to fish in Islamorada? Tarpon season runs April through August — peak in May–June when 100–200 lb fish stage in channels awaiting the full moon spawn. Bonefish peak in spring and fall (March–May and September–November). Permit are available year-round. Winter (December–March) is peak season for bottom fishing, reef fishing (mahi, cobia, wahoo), and guide availability — book early. Summer heat (June–August) is significant but offshore conditions are often excellent.
How far is Islamorada from Key West? Key West is approximately 80 miles from central Islamorada (MM 80) via US-1 — typically 90–120 minutes under normal conditions, 2+ hours in peak season traffic. Key Largo is 22 miles north (25–30 minutes). Marathon is 27 miles south (30–40 minutes). Islamorada's central position in the Upper-Middle Keys makes it a logical base for exploring the full northern half of the Overseas Highway.
Thinking About Selling Your RV Park in Islamorada?
Islamorada's status as the Sport Fishing Capital of the World gives RV parks here a marketing story that transcends seasonal camping. Repeat visitors — serious anglers, families with established fishing relationships, winter residents — generate loyalty and occupancy that's less price-sensitive than transient tourist traffic. Parks on or near the water command premium rates and trade at 8–11% cap rates.
Monroe County's Rate of Growth Ordinance makes new park development impossible in Islamorada. Existing operators hold assets that cannot be replicated — scarcity that institutional buyers and experienced campground operators both recognize.
If you own an RV park in the Islamorada area and are exploring your options, the market is active and buyers are serious. Contact Jenna Reed at jenna@rv-parks.org or visit /sell for a private conversation about your property's value.