Quick Definition
The Florida Keys are a 125-mile coral island archipelago extending southwest from the Florida mainland into the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean. US-1 (the Overseas Highway) connects 42 islands across 42 bridges — including the Seven Mile Bridge (between Marathon and the Lower Keys), the longest of the chain — from Florida City south to Key West at Mile Marker (MM) 0. The Mile Marker system runs from MM 106 at Key Largo to MM 0 at Key West and is the primary navigation reference used by locals and visitors alike. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (2,900 square miles) protects the only living coral barrier reef in North America — the third largest in the world after Australia's Great Barrier Reef and Belize's. Average year-round temperature: 77°F. No traffic lights exist between Key West and the mainland — only the two-lane Overseas Highway and the Atlantic horizon. For Florida camping context, explore Florida RV parks.
TL;DR
- 125 miles, 42 islands, 42 bridges — all connected by US-1 (Overseas Highway) using the Mile Marker system (MM 106 to MM 0)
- Only living coral barrier reef in North America (Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, 2,900 sq miles)
- Key Largo (MM 102.5): John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park — first undersea state park in the US (1963)
- Islamorada (MM 73–90): "Sport Fishing Capital of the World"
- Marathon (MM 35–60): Seven Mile Bridge, Crane Point Museum, Pigeon Key historic settlement
- Key West (MM 0): southernmost point in continental US, Hemingway House, Mallory Square sunset
- Bahia Honda State Park (MM 37): best beach in the Keys, full-hookup sites $28–43/night
Florida Keys RV Zones: Upper, Middle & Lower Keys
Upper Keys: Key Largo & Islamorada (MM 106–73). Key Largo (MM 106–90) is the largest island in the Keys (33 miles long) and gateway to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (MM 102.5) — the first undersea state park designated in the United States, established 1963, covering 70 nautical miles of reef. The Christ of the Deep bronze statue (submerged at 25 feet, 9 feet tall) is the most photographed dive site in Florida. Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge (MM 106.5) protects the largest remaining population of American crocodiles. Islamorada (MM 90–73) spans six islands and has held the title "Sport Fishing Capital of the World" for decades — more world fishing records have been set in Islamorada waters than anywhere else on Earth. Tarpon, bonefish, and permit schooling the Florida Bay flats define the area's fishing reputation.
Middle Keys: Marathon & Seven Mile Bridge (MM 60–35). Marathon (population 8,300) occupies the middle of the Keys chain from MM 60 to MM 35. The Seven Mile Bridge — one of the longest segmental bridges ever built (completed 1982, 35,716 feet long) — connects Marathon to the Lower Keys. The adjacent Old Seven Mile Bridge (1912) appears in dozens of films and TV productions and is open for pedestrian access. Pigeon Key (36 acres, MM 47) sits under the old bridge and served as the construction workers' camp during the original railroad building (1905–1912). Crane Point Museum and Nature Center (63 acres, MM 50) preserves the largest undisturbed tract of tropical hardwood hammock forest in the Keys, with an 18,000-year-old coral reef and Calusa and Bahamian settler artifacts.
Lower Keys: Bahia Honda & Big Pine Key (MM 37–25). Bahia Honda State Park (MM 37) is consistently rated Florida's best beach — a 524-acre park with white sand and clear blue-green water, framed by the old Bahia Honda railroad bridge. Full-hookup RV sites run $28–43/night. Big Pine Key (MM 33) is home to the endangered Key deer, a subspecies of white-tailed deer standing only 24–28 inches tall at the shoulder, with a population of 700–800 animals found nowhere else on Earth. The National Key Deer Refuge (MM 33) allows vehicle access during daylight hours.
Key West & Stock Island (MM 4–0). Key West (population 25,122) occupies the southernmost incorporated city in the continental United States — 24°32' north latitude. Duval Street (the main commercial corridor) connects the Gulf side to the Atlantic side and anchors the bar-and-gallery scene. Mallory Square's nightly sunset celebration draws thousands year-round: street performers, artists, and vendors beginning their act 90 minutes before sundown. The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum (907 Whitehead Street, 1931) houses descendants of Hemingway's original six-toed cats. Dry Tortugas National Park — 70 miles west by ferry ($185+) or seaplane ($365+) — is accessible only as a day trip from Key West. Stock Island (MM 4) holds most Key West-area RV parks due to land scarcity in Key West proper. Travelers coming from the north who based in Southwest Florida RV parks can make Key West a long day trip before fully committing to the Keys.
What to Do in the Florida Keys by RV: Five Must-Experience Activities
1. Snorkel or Dive John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (Key Largo, MM 102.5). The first undersea state park in the US (designated 1963) encompasses 70 nautical miles of Atlantic reef system. Glass-bottom boat tours ($32/adult, 2.5 hours) depart for the reef without getting wet. Snorkel tours ($30/adult) access the shallow reef at 5–15 feet depth — fire coral, parrotfish, sea turtles, and moray eels are routine sightings. The Christ of the Deep bronze statue (replica of the Genoa original), submerged at 25 feet and 9 feet tall, is the most photographed dive site in Florida. Scuba dives ($72+) reach the Molasses Reef, considered one of the top 10 dive sites in North America. Reserve at pennekampstatepark.com; tours book out weeks in advance December–March.
2. Fish the Islamorada Flats (MM 73–90). Islamorada's fame as the "Sport Fishing Capital of the World" rests on its Florida Bay flats — vast shallow-water areas (6–18 inches deep) where tarpon (100–200 lbs), bonefish (the world's fastest inshore fish), and permit school visibly. Fly fishing guides charge $550–800/half-day and pole their skiffs silently through the flats; clients cast to visible fish. No other fishery in the United States offers this combination of species at this density. Charter boat fishing (reef and offshore) runs $600–1,200/full day for 4–6 people targeting mahi-mahi, wahoo, and sailfish. Theatre of the Sea (MM 84.5, opened 1946) is the second-oldest marine attraction in Florida and offers dolphin and sea lion encounters.
3. Walk or Bike the Old Seven Mile Bridge (Marathon, MM 47). The original Seven Mile Bridge (built 1912 as part of Henry Flagler's Florida East Coast Railway, converted to road in 1938) stretches 2.2 miles from Knight's Key on the Marathon side. It's now open for pedestrian and bicycle access only — closed to vehicles — and offers 360-degree views of the Atlantic and Gulf waters meeting at the bridge's midpoint. Sunrise and sunset light is extraordinary; on clear days, visibility extends 20+ miles in both directions. Access from the Knight's Key parking area (free). Bicycles available for rental in Marathon ($20–35/day).
4. Mallory Square Sunset Celebration (Key West, MM 0). Every clear evening at Mallory Square (northwest waterfront, Key West), the nightly festival begins 90 minutes before sunset and peaks at the moment the sun touches the Gulf horizon. Street performers — acrobats, escape artists, trained cats, fire jugglers — set up along the waterfront edge. The crowd gathers densely and applauds the moment of sunset. It's been running continuously since the 1960s and is one of the authentic, free experiences in Key West that hasn't been commodified. Arrive early for a good vantage; parking is brutal in Old Town — park at the Key West Park & Ride (corner of US-1 and Shrimp Rd) and take the city bus.
5. Bahia Honda State Park Beach (MM 37). The beach at Bahia Honda is consistently rated Florida's best — and one of the top 10 beaches in the eastern United States. The white sand, clear blue-green Atlantic water, and framing by the old railroad bridge create a scene unlike anywhere else in Florida. The park's full-hookup RV sites ($28–43/night) place campers 100 yards from the water. Snorkel rentals, kayak rentals ($18/hour), and guided snorkel trips ($30/adult) depart from the park's marina. The Loggerhead Beach (south side) is the quieter, more secluded alternative to the main Sandspur Beach. Reserve sites 11 months ahead on reserveamerica.com — the 80 sites fill for peak season the day reservations open. Travelers combining a Keys trip with an Everglades excursion can find base camp options at RV parks near Everglades National Park, about 37 miles northeast.
Practical Tips for RVing the Florida Keys: Location-Specific Guidance
The Overseas Highway Is Two Lanes — All of It. US-1 through the Keys is a two-lane highway for its entire 125-mile length. Passing is rarely possible. A single disabled vehicle or accident can back traffic 10–20 miles for hours. RV travelers should: time departures for early morning (before 7am) or midday (10am–2pm) to avoid the worst congestion; carry extra water and food in the RV in case you stop unexpectedly; and never plan tight connections from the Keys. The Florida DOT posts Keys traffic conditions at fl511.com.
Bridge Clearances and RV Size. The Overseas Highway bridges have no height restrictions for standard RVs (14–15 feet), but the two-lane road with guardrails creates lane width pressure for very wide rigs (over 8.5 feet). Slide-outs should only be deployed at established campgrounds. On Stock Island and in Key Largo, some campground entrances require 90-degree turns off US-1 — scout the entrance before committing a large rig.
No-See-Um Season (September–November). Biting midges peak in fall throughout the Keys. DEET and fine-mesh window screens are essential for this window. Waterfront campsites experience highest concentrations. Winter (December–March) is near-mosquito and near-midge free — the best camping season by far.
Book Far Ahead — Especially Bahia Honda. Bahia Honda State Park's 80 sites open for reservation 11 months in advance on reserveamerica.com. They sell out on opening day for December–March weekends. John Pennekamp's campground (47 sites) and Long Key State Park (60 sites, MM 67.5) have similar patterns. Private campgrounds in Key Largo and Marathon fill by October for the winter season. Monthly rates ($900–1,500) at private parks are common for snowbirds.
Fuel Strategy. Fuel in the Keys costs $0.30–0.60/gallon more than the mainland — prices increase with distance from Florida City. Fill your tank completely in Florida City before entering the Keys, and top off at Marathon if you plan to drive to Key West and back. Key West fuel prices are the highest in the chain. Key Largo RV parks often have fuel recommendations posted at the front office if you're coming from the mainland and need guidance on fill-up locations.
Cost Math: Florida Keys RV vs. Key West Hotel (3 Nights, Peak Season)
| Accommodation | Nightly Rate | 3-Night Total |
|---|---|---|
| Bahia Honda State Park (full hookup) | $35 | $105 |
| Key Largo private RV park | $75 | $225 |
| Marathon private RV park | $80 | $240 |
| Stock Island / Key West area RV park | $95 | $285 |
| Budget Key West hotel (off Duval) | $280 | $840 |
| Key West guesthouse on Duval Street | $450 | $1,350 |
Savings vs. budget Key West hotel: $555–1,065 over 3 nights. Key West's land scarcity and year-round demand keep hotel prices permanently elevated — even the most basic motels in the Old Town area exceed $200/night in peak season. RV travelers who base on Stock Island (MM 4, 5 minutes from Old Town) access the same bars, restaurants, and sunset spectacle at a fraction of the price.
Florida Keys RV Parks: At a Glance
| Park Name | Location | Full Hookups | Pull-Thru | Nightly Rate | Pets | Wi-Fi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Pennekamp Coral Reef SP | Key Largo MM 102.5 | Yes | No | $28–43 | Yes | No |
| Key Largo Kampground | Key Largo MM 101.5 | Yes | Yes | $65–110 | Yes | Yes |
| Long Key State Park Long Key MM 67.5 | Yes | No | $28–43 | Yes | No | |
| Grassy Key RV Park | Marathon MM 58.5 | Yes | Yes | $70–100 | 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 |
| Boyd's Key West Campground | Stock Island MM 4 | Yes | Yes | $80–130 | Yes | Yes |
| Bluewater Key RV Resort | Stock Island MM 14 | Yes | Yes | $100–175 | Yes | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you navigate the Florida Keys by RV? The Mile Marker (MM) system runs from MM 106 at Key Largo to MM 0 at Key West. Green markers appear on the Gulf (west) side; red on the Atlantic (east) side. Every park, business, and attraction in the Keys uses MM references. Download the Florida Keys MM guide at fla-keys.com before arrival for quick reference. US-1 is the only through-road — there are no parallel routes.
Are there RV parks in Key West? Key West proper has minimal RV facilities due to land scarcity. Boyd's Key West Campground (MM 4, Stock Island) is 5 minutes from Old Town and is the most practical Key West-area base. Bluewater Key RV Resort (MM 14) is a higher-end option. Both provide easy access to Key West via car or bicycle.
What is Bahia Honda State Park? Bahia Honda State Park (MM 37, 524 acres) is consistently rated the best beach in the Florida Keys and one of the top 10 beaches in the eastern US. White sand, clear blue-green water, and the framing of the old railroad bridge create a distinctive scene. The park has 80 full-hookup RV sites ($28–43/night) that fill instantly when reservations open 11 months ahead. Book on reserveamerica.com on the exact date your target check-in becomes available.
What is John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park? John Pennekamp (MM 102.5, Key Largo) was the first undersea state park designated in the United States (1963). It covers 70 nautical miles of Atlantic reef system. Tours include glass-bottom boats ($32/adult), snorkel tours ($30/adult), and scuba dives ($72+). The Christ of the Deep statue (9 feet tall, submerged at 25 feet) is the signature dive site. The park campground has 47 sites; book far ahead for winter season.
What is the Seven Mile Bridge? The Seven Mile Bridge (completed 1982) spans 35,716 feet between Marathon and the Lower Keys — one of the longest segmental bridges ever built. The adjacent Old Seven Mile Bridge (1912, originally Henry Flagler's railroad bridge) is now a pedestrian/bicycle path. The midpoint offers 360-degree views of the Atlantic and Gulf meeting. Access the old bridge from the Knight's Key parking area at Marathon's south end, free of charge.
When is the best time to RV the Florida Keys? December–March is peak season: temperatures average 72–78°F, humidity is low, no mosquitoes or no-see-ums, and wildlife is active. April–May is excellent with fewer crowds. June–November brings heat, humidity, hurricane risk (peak August–October), and no-see-um season (September–November). If visiting summer, book parks with screened patios and plan outdoor activities for early morning only.
How far is Key West from Key Largo by RV? 125 miles via US-1 (Overseas Highway). Drive time varies dramatically: 2.5–3 hours under ideal conditions, 4–5 hours with snowbird traffic in peak season (especially on weekends). The Florida DOT Keys traffic cam at fl511.com shows real-time conditions. Depart Key Largo before 7am or after 2pm on winter weekends to avoid worst congestion.
Can I see key deer in the Florida Keys? Yes. The Key deer (an endangered subspecies of white-tailed deer, 700–800 individuals) lives exclusively on Big Pine Key (MM 33) and No Name Key. The National Key Deer Refuge is open for vehicle access during daylight hours. Deer frequently cross US-1 at dawn and dusk — drive slowly through Big Pine Key. Feeding key deer is illegal and carries a $250+ fine.
Is there internet/Wi-Fi at Florida Keys RV parks? State parks (John Pennekamp, Bahia Honda, Long Key) do not offer Wi-Fi. Most private parks offer Wi-Fi of variable quality. Cell service (AT&T and Verizon) is generally adequate in Key Largo, Marathon, and Key West, but patchy on the smaller islands between MM 60 and MM 30. Download offline maps, campground info, and streaming content before entering the Keys.
What is Mallory Square in Key West? Mallory Square is a waterfront plaza in Old Town Key West where the nightly sunset celebration has taken place since the 1960s. Street performers, artists, and food vendors set up 90 minutes before sunset; the crowd peaks at the moment the sun touches the Gulf horizon and applauds. It's free to attend, genuinely local in character, and one of the few authentically spontaneous public events in Florida. Arrive 60–90 minutes early for a front-row spot.
Thinking About Selling Your RV Park in the Florida Keys?
RV parks in the Florida Keys occupy one of the most supply-constrained markets in the United States. Land acquisition in the Keys is restricted by the Rate of Growth Ordinance (ROGO) — Monroe County's building permit rationing system — meaning new parks essentially cannot be built. Existing parks therefore hold permanent scarcity value. Florida Keys parks typically transact at cap rates of 7–10%, supported by near-100% winter occupancy and strong monthly snowbird rates ($900–1,500/month).
The buyer pool for Keys parks includes both regional operators and out-of-state investors drawn by the brand recognition and scarcity characteristics of the market. If you own an RV park anywhere between Key Largo and Stock Island, the market conditions strongly favor sellers.
Contact Jenna Reed at jenna@rv-parks.org or visit /sell for a confidential market analysis.