Quick Definition
Key West (population 25,122) is the southernmost incorporated city in the continental United States — latitude 24°32' north, 90 miles from Cuba, 160 miles southwest of Miami. The city occupies a 2-by-4-mile island at Mile Marker 0 of the Overseas Highway (US-1). Land scarcity is absolute: Key West has no undeveloped land and no RV parks within the city proper. The nearest RV campgrounds are on Stock Island (MM 4, 5 minutes east) and in the Lower Keys (MM 14–30). Despite the driving distance, these are the only economically viable bases for visiting Key West by RV — hotels in the Old Town area average $300–500/night in peak season.
Key West's economy runs on tourism, the US Navy (Naval Air Station Key West, established 1823), and commercial fishing. The city has been home to Ernest Hemingway (1931–1940), Tennessee Williams, Jimmy Buffett, and US Presidents Truman through Obama. Explore the broader region at Florida Keys RV parks.
TL;DR
- Southernmost incorporated city in the continental US: latitude 24°32'N, 90 miles from Cuba
- No RV parks in Key West proper — base on Stock Island (MM 4, 5 min) or Lower Keys (MM 14–30)
- Mallory Square nightly sunset celebration: free, running since the 1960s
- Hemingway Home (907 Whitehead St): 6-toed cats, National Historic Landmark, $18/adult
- Dry Tortugas National Park: 70 miles west, accessible by ferry ($185+) or seaplane ($365+)
- Peak season hotel avg $300–500/night; Stock Island RV parks $80–130/night — savings of $200–370/night
Key West RV Base Camp Zones: Stock Island, Lower Keys & Marathon
Stock Island (MM 4) — Primary Base. Stock Island is immediately east of Key West, connected by a short causeway with no toll. Boyd's Key West Campground (5101 Shrimp Rd, MM 4) and Bluewater Key RV Resort (MM 14) are the two major RV parks serving Key West visitors. Stock Island itself has evolved from a working shrimp fishing community to a mixed-use area with the Key West Yacht Club, Hogfish Bar & Grill (waterfront, local institution), and artist studios. Old Town Key West is 10 minutes by car; the Duval Street bar scene is 15 minutes in a golf cart (golf cart rentals $70–100/day are extremely popular). Stock Island parks run $80–130/night for full hookups.
Boca Chica / Lower Keys (MM 8–14). Boca Chica Key (MM 8–10) hosts Naval Air Station Key West facilities — public access is restricted, but the area affects traffic flow. The Lower Sugarloaf Key and Cudjoe Key (MM 14–22) have small private campgrounds at $60–90/night. This zone positions you 20–30 minutes from Old Town Key West — slightly further than Stock Island but quieter and often less expensive. The nearby National Key Deer Refuge (Big Pine Key, MM 33) adds wildlife watching as a secondary activity.
Big Pine Key (MM 33) — Nature-Focused. Big Pine Key is 40 miles east of Key West (45–60 minutes drive depending on traffic) but offers excellent camping at private parks ($60–90/night) and natural attractions — the 700-800-individual Key deer herd (the only population on Earth), Blue Hole (freshwater lens quarry with resident alligator and turtles visible from a wheelchair-accessible observation deck), and the National Key Deer Refuge's Watson Hammock Trail. This zone suits travelers who want Key West day trips alongside authentic Keys wildlife experience. Bahia Honda State Park is 4 miles east (MM 37).
Marathon (MM 50) — Value Hub. Marathon (35–50 miles east, 45–60 minutes drive) is the closest city with a full range of RV parks, grocery stores, and services outside the Key West/Stock Island zone. Grassy Key RV Park (MM 58.5) and similar properties run $70–100/night with full hookups. Marathon's Crane Point Museum (63 acres, MM 50) and the Old Seven Mile Bridge pedestrian path add on-site activities to reduce drive time. For travelers willing to drive further for better rates and quieter sites, Marathon is a legitimate Key West base. Learn more at Marathon RV parks.
What to Do in Key West by RV: Five Must-Experience Activities
Mallory Square Sunset Celebration (Free, Every Clear Evening). The nightly sunset ritual at Mallory Square (northwest waterfront, Whitehead Street) has run continuously since the 1960s. Street performers — acrobats, Will Soto the cat trainer (performing since 1980), escape artists, fire jugglers — stake out waterfront territory 90 minutes before sunset. The crowd builds steadily and applauds the moment the sun touches the Gulf. It's free, genuinely local, and unscripted — one of the last authentic free public events in Florida tourism. Arrive 60 minutes early for a prime spot on the seawall. The adjacent Sunset Pier at the Ocean Key Resort charges $15–20 for table seating with drink minimums, but the free Mallory Square view is arguably better.
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum (907 Whitehead Street). Hemingway lived and wrote at this Spanish Colonial estate from 1931 to 1940, producing "A Farewell to Arms" revisions, "For Whom the Bell Tolls," and "The Snows of Kilimanjaro" here. The house (built 1851) was the first in Key West with an indoor swimming pool — Hemingway's wife Pauline had it installed; Hemingway famously threw a penny in the wet concrete saying it was "his last cent." The 60+ polydactyl (six-toed) cats roaming the property are descendants of Hemingway's original cat Snow White, gifted by a ship captain. Tours run continuously 9am–5pm; admission $18/adult. The house is a National Historic Landmark. Book online to avoid peak lines; the tour takes 45–60 minutes.
Dry Tortugas National Park (70 Miles West by Ferry or Seaplane). Dry Tortugas National Park is accessible only from Key West — no road exists. The Yankee Freedom III high-speed ferry ($185/adult, 2.25-hour crossing) departs Key West Historic Seaport at 8am and returns at 5:30pm for a full day trip. The park's centerpiece is Fort Jefferson — the largest brick masonry fortification in the Western Hemisphere, with 16 million bricks, begun 1846 and never completed. The surrounding reef (Garden Key and Loggerhead Key) is among the most pristine in the US; snorkel gear is included in ferry tickets. Seaplane Adventures ($365+/person, 40 minutes each way) offers the same day trip with aerial views of the reef system. Book both at least 2–3 weeks ahead; the ferry holds 150 passengers and sells out on peak dates.
Duval Street & Old Town Key West Walking Tour. Duval Street stretches 1.2 miles from the Gulf to the Atlantic (locals call this "a Duval crawl") and anchors the bar, gallery, and restaurant scene. The Southernmost Point Buoy (Whitehead and South Street) marks 90 miles to Cuba and is the most photographed spot in Key West — expect a 20–30 minute wait on winter weekends. The Old Town Historic District contains 3,000+ buildings in the National Register — conch-style wood-frame houses with covered porches, built by Bahamian settlers in the 1800s. Walking tour apps (Key West tour from the app store, $6) identify specific houses and their history. The Duval Street scene peaks Thursday–Saturday; Sunday mornings are genuinely quiet.
Snorkeling the Key West National Wildlife Refuge. The reef system accessible from Key West extends from MM 4 west to the Marquesas Keys and Dry Tortugas. Key West's proximity to the Gulf Stream (10 miles offshore) means water clarity regularly exceeds 60–80 feet. Half-day snorkel charters ($45–65/person, 3–4 hours) depart from Key West Bight Marina at Garrison Bight. Common sightings: hawksbill sea turtles (frequently seen sleeping in coral heads), nurse sharks, spotted eagle rays, barracuda, and parrotfish. The Sand Key Lighthouse Reef (7 miles offshore) is consistently rated among Key West's top snorkel sites — white sand bottom, brain coral heads, and abundant fish life in 5–15 foot depth. For more camping options throughout the state, see Florida RV parks.
Practical Tips for RVing Near Key West
Golf Carts Are the Best Key West Transportation. Old Town Key West is 2.5 miles across and mostly flat — ideal for golf cart exploration. Rentals run $70–100/day from half a dozen companies near the airport and Duval Street. Golf carts access neighborhoods cars can't (narrow lanes in Old Town), park where cars cannot, and cover the island faster than walking. Load your bikes or rent from Stock Island before driving to Key West; parking in Old Town for full-size vehicles is $3–4/hour in paid lots with limited availability.
Key West Traffic and Parking Reality. US-1 through Stock Island narrows before the bridge into Key West. Weekend afternoon traffic backs up significantly in peak season (December–March). Park at the free Key West Park & Ride (3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd, near airport) and take the free Dade-Monroe Express bus into Old Town — this eliminates parking frustration entirely. Alternatively, the City of Key West trolley ($35/person, unlimited re-boarding) loops continuously through Old Town stops.
Heat Index in Summer. Key West's latitude means summer heat index regularly reaches 105–110°F. June–September: plan all outdoor activities before 10am or after 5pm. The reef (snorkeling) is cooler than land — water temperatures run 85–88°F in summer, which sounds warm but feels refreshing in the heat. RV parks with full hookup and strong shore power are essential for AC operation June–September.
Dry Tortugas Booking Lead Time. The Yankee Freedom III ferry ($185/adult) books out 2–4 weeks ahead for December–March visits and sells out on major holidays months in advance. Book at yankeefreedom.com the moment your Keys dates are confirmed. Seaplane Adventures ($365+) has more flexibility but still fills on peak weekends. If your Dry Tortugas day gets rained out (ferry may cancel in rough seas), rescheduling requires rebooking at whatever availability remains — don't plan Tortugas as the only activity for a short trip.
Navy Airspace and Low-Flying Aircraft. Naval Air Station Key West operates fighter jet training year-round. F/A-18 and F-16 aircraft regularly perform approaches and departures over Stock Island and the Lower Keys at low altitude. The noise is significant — particularly morning training runs (7–9am). RV travelers who are light sleepers should use earplugs; it's not a problem after the first morning. The trade-off: occasional fighter jet fly-bys over Mallory Square at sunset are genuinely spectacular. Travelers who want to experience both ends of the chain can start in Key Largo RV parks and work their way south to Stock Island over 7–10 days.
Cost Math: Stock Island RV vs. Key West Hotel (3 Nights, Peak Season)
| Accommodation | Nightly Rate | 3-Night Total |
|---|---|---|
| Boyd's Key West Campground (full hookup) | $100 | $300 |
| Bluewater Key RV Resort (full hookup) | $130 | $390 |
| Budget Key West motel (off Duval) | $250 | $750 |
| Mid-range Old Town guesthouse | $350 | $1,050 |
| Boutique hotel on Duval Street | $500 | $1,500 |
Savings vs. budget motel: $450–1,200 over 3 nights. The Key West hotel market has no budget tier — even the most basic motels within walking distance of Duval Street exceed $200/night in season. Stock Island RV parks, 5–10 minutes from Old Town, represent the only economical lodging option in the Key West market.
RV Parks Near Key West: At a Glance
| Park Name | Location | Full Hookups | Pull-Thru | Nightly Rate | Pets | Wi-Fi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boyd's Key West Campground | Stock Island MM 4 | Yes | Yes | $80–130 | Yes | Yes |
| Bluewater Key RV Resort | Sugarloaf Key MM 14 | Yes | Yes | $100–175 | Yes | Yes |
| Sunshine Key RV Resort | Ohio Key MM 39 | Yes | Yes | $70–110 | Yes | Yes |
| Bahia Honda State Park Bahia Honda MM 37 | Yes | No | $28–43 | Yes | No | |
| Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge | Big Pine Key MM 33 | Yes | Yes | $65–95 | Yes | Yes |
| Lazy Lakes RV Resort | Sugarloaf Key MM 19 | Yes | Yes | $75–110 | Yes | Yes |
| Grassy Key RV Park | Marathon MM 58.5 | Yes | Yes | $70–100 | Yes | Yes |
| Long Key State Park Long Key MM 67.5 | Yes | No | $28–43 | Yes | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there RV parks in Key West? No. Key West proper has no RV campgrounds — land scarcity and the city's historic zoning prevent new park development. The nearest RV parks are on Stock Island (MM 4, 5–10 minutes east) and in the Lower Keys (MM 14–33). Boyd's Key West Campground and Bluewater Key RV Resort are the two primary options for RV travelers targeting Key West.
How far is Stock Island from Key West? Stock Island (MM 4) is immediately east of Key West — approximately 5 minutes by car across a short causeway with no toll. The distance is 2–3 miles from Stock Island RV parks to the beginning of Old Town Key West. Golf cart rentals from Stock Island cover the distance in 10–15 minutes.
What is the Hemingway Home in Key West? The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum (907 Whitehead Street) is a National Historic Landmark where Hemingway lived from 1931 to 1940. Built in 1851, it was the first Key West house with an indoor pool. Hemingway wrote "For Whom the Bell Tolls" and other major works here. The 60+ six-toed cats on the property are descendants of his original polydactyl cat Snow White. Admission: $18/adult. Open 9am–5pm daily; tours run continuously.
What is Dry Tortugas National Park and how do I get there? Dry Tortugas National Park is a 100-square-mile protected area 70 miles west of Key West, accessible only by ferry or seaplane. The Yankee Freedom III ferry ($185/adult) departs at 8am and returns at 5:30pm for a full day trip, with snorkel gear included. Fort Jefferson — the Western Hemisphere's largest brick fortification (16 million bricks, begun 1846) — is the centerpiece. The surrounding reef is among the most pristine in the US. Book at yankeefreedom.com 2–4 weeks ahead for peak season.
What is Mallory Square in Key West? Mallory Square is a waterfront plaza in northwest Key West where the nightly sunset celebration has run since the 1960s. Street performers set up 90 minutes before sunset; the crowd applauds when the sun touches the horizon. It's free to attend. Will Soto's trained cat act has performed here since 1980. Arrive 60 minutes early for a good viewing spot on the seawall.
How much does parking cost in Key West? Paid parking in Old Town Key West runs $3–4/hour at metered lots. Free parking exists on the eastern end of the island along South Roosevelt Boulevard but requires a 20–30 minute walk or bike ride to Old Town. The Key West Park & Ride (3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd) is free and connects to free bus service into Old Town. RV travelers should leave their rig on Stock Island and use a tow car, golf cart, or bicycle for Key West navigation.
What is the Southernmost Point in the continental US? The Southernmost Point Buoy at the corner of Whitehead and South Street in Key West marks 90 miles to Cuba and the southernmost point in the continental United States (24°32'N). It's the most photographed landmark in Key West. Expect a 20–30 minute wait for photos on winter weekends — visit before 9am or after 4pm to minimize queuing.
Is Key West worth the drive from Key Largo? Yes, but plan for 2.5–3 hours minimum each way under ideal conditions — and 4+ hours with peak season traffic on US-1. Staying on Stock Island and using Key West as your base eliminates the commute problem. If you're touring the entire Keys chain, a 7–10 day itinerary makes more sense than attempting Key West as a day trip from Key Largo.
What is the best time of year to visit Key West by RV? December–April is ideal: temperatures 68–80°F, low humidity, no mosquitoes, and peak festival season (Fantasy Fest runs late October; Hemingway Days in July; Key West Brew Fest in November). Summer (June–September) is hot and humid with hurricane risk. September–October brings no-see-um season (biting midges). April–May offers a sweet spot of good weather, reduced crowds, and better campground availability.
Can I take a day trip to Dry Tortugas from a Keys RV park? Yes, but only from Key West — the Yankee Freedom III ferry departs from Key West Historic Seaport. If you're based in Key Largo or Marathon, drive to Key West the night before, stay overnight in a Stock Island park, and take the morning ferry. The 8am departure and 5:30pm return makes same-day logistics difficult from parks more than 45 minutes away.
Thinking About Selling Your RV Park Near Key West?
RV parks within driving distance of Key West represent one of the tightest supply markets in American camping. Monroe County's Rate of Growth Ordinance (ROGO) effectively caps new construction — new RV parks are essentially impossible to permit in the current regulatory environment. Existing parks hold permanent scarcity value that appreciates as demand grows without supply response.
Key West-area parks transact at 7–10% cap rates, supported by near-100% winter occupancy and premium nightly rates ($80–175). The buyer profile includes both experienced campground operators and institutional investors seeking Florida exposure with genuine moat characteristics.
If you own an RV park anywhere between Stock Island and Marathon, the case for selling — or knowing your value — has never been stronger. Contact Jenna Reed at jenna@rv-parks.org or visit /sell for a confidential conversation about your property.