So its a private campers snorkeling spot! ZION UT 10 Awesome Florida Keys State Parks You Must Visit Want to spend some time on the hammock? Take a swim, paddle in the clear waters, or cast a line for other aquatic activities. We suggest bringing umbrellas or sunshades or renting them from our concessionaire. I rented two kayaks and paddled the upside-down jellyfish alley to the mangroves. You can have a, Bahia Honda State Park is a triple threat with its array of activities. (It took YEARS!) The Campground also offers tent rentals. Explore the ships remaining ballast stones, cannon replicas, and anchors via snorkeling or scuba diving. Mile Marker 102.5 Overseas Highway I made camping reservations in April and May. 5 Great Camping Spots in Florida's National and State Parks Henry Flaglers bold effort to build a railroad to Key West in the early 1900s turned the remote island of Bahia Honda Key into a tropical destination. ARIZONA Out of all the campgrounds, the waterfront campsites at Sandspur Campground come with the best views! Maximum RV lengths vary by park. (850) 245-2157, Or send an email to: BADLANDS SD 1 night stays will generally be easier to find than multi-night stays. WYOMING Kayaks and snorkeling gear can be rented, and boat trips to the reef for snorkeling excursions are available. Well come back when its a little cooler and with bug spray! Curry Hammock State Park is around a 10 minute drive from Marathon. EVERGLADES FL Here in Florida, park rangers, biologists and volunteers are still telling stories and planning for 2020. THEODORE ROOSEVELT ND Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. The 500-acre Bahia Honda State Park is an obvious choice for people who love to bask on soft sand and clear sea waters. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Don't Miss: Camping World Of Georgetown Kentucky. The Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad, built in the early 1900s and connected the Florida Keys to the rest of the world, was built on this Key Largo Limestone as its foundation. It is conveniently located between Islamorada and Marathon at mile marker 67.5. Paul Harris/Getty Images. Boasting more than 5 miles of pristine beaches and 3 miles of bike trails, Little Talbot offers untouched natural beauty and diverse ecosystems for visitors to explore. The islands are split into 3 regions- the Upper Florida Keys (closest to Miami), the Middle Florida Keys (about halfway down to Key West), and the Lower Florida Keys (Key West area which is as far south in the US as you can go). Key Largo's John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is one of a kind, offering an amazing glimpse into the underwater world. Bahia Honda State Park, Florida. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Enjoy a morning beachcombing, an afternoon fishing and an evening camping along the eastern salt marshes. So, you are never too far from seeing amazing views! Long Key State Park | Florida State Parks Grab a tent or jump in your RV and go camping in the Florida Keys. So the 2 most popular things to do in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a snorkeling tour or a glass bottom boat tour, both of which include a boat ride out to the reef. But dont worry, not all hope is lost if you arent capable of planning that far in advance. Florida Keys state parks: 11 remarkable places to discover Fort Lauderdale FL 33304, 3400 N.E. 10 Best Florida Keys State Parks You Must Visit! When it comes to summer vacation spots, its picturesque coastal views put it on the front of almost every travel magazine, earning it a positive reputation among residents and visitors. Securing yourself to a kite-powered board, you can ride the wind over Florida Bays stunning emerald ocean. Due to the park's popularity, the park may close when it reaches maximum capacity in its day use areas. Bayside Campground is for tent camping only. Bahia Honda State Park Celebrities and many of the world's best-known saltwater anglers of the time fished here, includingauthor Zane Grey and U.S. presidents. Individual annual passes cost $60, while annual family passes cost $120. We enjoyed exploring around. Bahia Honda State Park is an island in the Florida Keys that offers everything you need to connect to nature, history and recreation. Ten state parks are located in the 125-mile-long island chain. Visiting the park is a great way to get out of the house and enjoy Florida's outdoors, exploring the nature trails and kayak trails or having up-close encounters underwater. The process for signing up, processing payment, receiving snorkeling equipment, loading and unloading the boat, and every other step were very organized and methodical. One person,$4.50; two-plus people, $5.50, 56200 Overseas Highway Long Key State Park is around a 20 minute drive from both Islamorada (to the north) and Marathon (to the south). Which to stay at?! They share one thing in common passion for parks. We are proud to be a part of this lovely Florida State Park. The Sandspur Campground is on the other side of Bahia Honda State Park compared to the other campgrounds and the main Bahia Honda beaches. Photo credit: Andy Newman / Florida Keys News Bureau 4. Learn Stargazing at Bahia Honda It looks like all of the sites will be right on the beach. MICHIGAN There are state parks in the Florida Keys that are located between Key Largo and Key West that offer camping. Lazy Lakes RV Resort (MM 20) Geiger Key Marina & RV Park (MM 10.5) Boyd's Key West Campground (MM 5) Leo's Campground (MM 4.5) PRO TIP Our number one app for finding campgrounds all over the US is called The Dyrt. PEARL HARBOR HI What are the best places for state parks in Florida Keys? The camper dock and overnight boat camping facility behind the Dive Shop is closed for repairs. The visitor center features several large saltwater aquariums filled with sea creatures, and nature videos are shown in its theater. View all the flora and fauna, birds and wildlife. Top 20 Florida Keys RV parks | FloridaRambler.com Please contact the park for the most up-to-date information regarding restoration efforts. Shade is limited on our sandy beaches. And, you dont have to go to Key West for the best of the Florida Keys, because Bahia Honda State Park is a best of on its own! You can make it a great Florida Keys road trip! 58671 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050, Phone: 305-289-1606. Sandspur campground, west view from the beach. Book your trip early, because these places fill up fast. Interested in taking less-traveled paths? People go swimming in front of these waterfront campsites. With 1,043 acres, Oleta River State Park is Florida's largest urban park and a tranquil refuge from the bustling life of the city. HAWAII EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park Islamorada, MM 77.2. Key Largos John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is one of a kind, offering an amazing glimpse into the underwater world. Since Hurricane Irma in 2017, staff and volunteers have worked tirelessly to restore Bahia Honda State Park. Though it seems like the edge of the world, Bahia Honda State Park gives you a genuinely singular experience and the opportunity to enjoy the real wonder and beauty of Floridas majestic Keys. floridastateparks.org/longkey. Take a peek beneath the waves where the sunlight shimmers on swaying sea fans and rigid stony corals. Powered by Mai Theme, Florida Keys Itinerary E-Book + Planning Pack, Tips For Visiting Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, Best Things To Do in Marathon, Florida Keys. Buttonwood Campground is for RV camping and tent camping. 305-664-4815 HALEAKALA HI We had rats attacking our tent all night. Tent, RV and group campsites are available. There have also been negative reviews in the past of the bad smell of seaweed. Instead, you can use the showers at Buttonwood Campground. The Florida Keys has it all, whether youre seeking breathtaking bike rides along the seashore, tours of deserted military outposts, or petrified coral reefs. 163rd St. Or do you prefer an exhilarating deep-sea dive? Bahia Honda state park is also a birders' paradise, duly noted on the Great Florida Birding Trail as the best of the Keys birding habitats. Bring your own kayakor rent one from our ranger station for a paddle along a natural shoreline to see a variety of wildlife hiding in the mangroves or in the clear shallow waters. They feature some of Floridas most beautiful beaches and waterfront views, with several being only a few steps away from the turquoise waters of Florida Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. You can stop by Publix to pick up some prepared food or picnic food to eat at Long Key State Park with views! Copyright 2023 Copyright 2018 Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Check into an RV park or resort, book a beachside cabin, or rent a houseboat and fall asleep to the sound of lapping waves. Paying several entrance fees is one thing that keeps people from visiting multiple state parks. This underwater park spans 70 nautical miles and is home to the sole live coral reef in the continental US, the Key Largo Dry Rocks. Bahia Honda State Park is along the Florida Overseas Highway, which is the main road that goes through the Florida Keys. Bahia Honda State Park Camping conditions 5. For a spectacular view of Long Key, head out to the observation tower on the 1.2-mileGolden Orbhiking trail. IDAHO It doesn't get any better than this 1.5 million-acre subtropical and tropical habitat, which is home to a mile-long list of different plant and animal species. Hop aboard a glass-bottom boat, take a kayak trip through the mangroves or lounge on Cannon Beach. The park also has designated spots for camping, fishing, swimming . 305-872-2353 I dont know fish, but someone mentioned its tarpon. Long Key sustained significant damage from Hurricane Irma in 2017, and efforts are continuing to restore the oceanfront campsites. GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS TN NC Your luck will increase the more you search, and the closer you are to your travel date. As the sun sets and the stars fill the night sky, the island of Bahia Honda becomes a magical place. Reservation Information | Florida State Parks This Florida state park was spared from a planned condo construction and is home to one of the countrys greatest expanses of West Indian tropical hardwood hammock. Unleash your sense of adventure and dive into this wonderland that lies just below the surface. For information about tent camping in the Florida Keys, go to Best Tent Camping in the Florida Keys UPPER KEYS and KEY LARGO The snorkeling capitol KINGS KAMP. Lignumvitae Key is located Islamorada, you need a boat to get there. You might expect to find a treasure trove in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park if youre fascinated by marine life. John Pennekamp State Park is one of the most popular state parks in the Florida Keys. Best tent camping in the Florida Keys: 8 favorite spots Get this: A prehistoric fossilized reef served as the foundation for the road that leads to this 300-acre park. Boyds Key West has been around since the 1960s and offers all the amenities youd expect from one of the top campgrounds in the Keys. Key Largo to Curry Hammock State Park is around a 1 hour drive. View the soft and hard corals that have populated the ships wreckage up close. This is just outside Homestead FL. Discover vast expanses of seagrass beds, mangrove swamps, and tropical hammocksall essential components of the Florida Keys ecology. HAWAII VOLCANOES HI The Keys played an important role in American history, and you can get a glimpse of that history at places like Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, a National . You can also explore red mangrove streams and seagrass flats while paddling a kayak. The team pulled together at Long Key State Park to assess the damage and develop a plan to help habitat recovery. Curry Hammock provides vital habitat for many local and migrating species and hosts record numbers of peregrine falcons every fall. Curry Hammock State Park (Middle Florida Keys) Camping conditions 4. Guests have encountered many horseshoe crab, starfish, upside down jellyfish, birds, dolphins and manatees while kayaking in the waters of Curry Hammock. WIND CAVE SD My Florida Keys camping trip was in April and May 2022. The community site can be found along the side of the road just before you go under the bridge. Kitesurfing is a thing at Curry Hammock State Park. Bahia Honda State Park is a triple threat with its array of activities. Whether youre looking for a rugged adventure or just want to save a few dollars, campgrounds in the Keys are as diverse as the islands themselves from primitive and no frills to sites that can accommodate the largest recreational vehicles. State park campgrounds may offer a more pleasant camping experience than many private campgrounds. There are no showers at the Bayside Campground. Dry Tortugas National Park (Key West) Camping conditions Tent camping in Florida Keys: Private campsites 1. Camping in Bahia Honda State Park in May, the tiny little bugs (which I understand to be called no-see-ums) were a serious nuisance in the evening! Pros: beauty, location, price, exceptional amenities. Striking in its seclusion along a stretch of the Keys known for development, this untarnished sanctuary will entice even the most seasoned travelers. 6401 Maloney Ave., Key West Take in captivating sights of the countless fish (over 65 species), invertebrates, and other underwater sea life that call this distinctive structure home. It's home to endangered white-crowned pigeons and, during the fall and winter migration, to more than 30 species of wood warblers. Although Americas national parks may get all the attention, Florida Keys state parks have equally stunning landscapes that are accessible through a variety of activities. Otherwise, I would say late April and early May was almost perfect to be camping in the Florida Keys because the water temperature was great for swimming and snorkeling. The island's beaches are well-known for their silky expanses of smooth, white sand and calm waves that lap against them. The over 1000 acer state park is the largest uninhabited land in the keys and is a protected mangrove swamp. You can have a stunning waterfront dining experience or avoid breaking the bank with free things to do. So, while next night availability is not something to depend on, its something you can look for. 23 RV Parks in the Florida Keys- Awesome RV Island Adventure John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Campgrounds. We enjoyed exploring around. What is the nicest place in the Florida Keys? Mangrove swamps, seagrass beds and wetlands make up much of Curry Hammock and provide vital habitats for many fish species. Do you feel like doing some deep-dive investigation? They were pulsating and it looked like they were wearing purple crowns. City bus service runs to Boyds, making travel around Key West a breeze. Visitors are hooked all year long for the Florida Keys, thanks to the regions mild temperatures, immaculate beaches, and selection of all-inclusive hotels. Relax in one of the picnic areas, unwind at the end of a fishing pole or take a kayak down the peaceful Oleta River. Put on a pair of hip waders and throw a line into the lagoon. Camping | Florida State Parks BRYCE CANYON UT Bahia Honda State Park to Key West is around a 1 hour drive. It also harbors an astounding 84 protected plant and animal species, from the American crocodile to wild cotton. Best Beach Camping Sites in the U.S. Camp on the Beach Hampton Inn Key West (Waterfront with pool) Wicker Guesthouse (Great location!) Along withits iconic Florida scenery palm-lined beaches, gin-clear waters and magnificent sunsets the park is known for balmy sea breezes that caress the shores year-round. Reports indicate state park campsites in the Florida Keys can get snatched up within the first 5 minutes or less!). This would still be for campers only, as the campgrounds are gated with access by code only that you will receive at check-in. This connection is probably obvious, what isn't obvious though is that Florida is absolutely stuffed to the gills with State Parks, so there is a vast preponderance of places to enjoy that famous sunshine! No crowds. Or do you prefer an exhilarating deep-sea dive? Otherwise, enjoy the underwater scenery from a glass-bottom boat. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park | Florida State Parks In the morning you might also see some big fish jumping out of the water. But for the best snorkeling experience in John Pennekamp State Park, you really need to do the snorkeling tour! Fish and Wildlife Service are working with researchers from the University of Florida to restore populations of the endangered Miami blue butterfly at two state parks in the Florida Keys. If your hopeful Florida Keys camping trip is just a few months, weeks, or even days away, cancellations do happen. The park's natural beauty and tranquil island setting make Curry Hammock a place to find lifes true pleasures. The location of Long Key State Park can make for a perfect overnight stop between Key Largo and Key West. Boat ramp, dockage, jetty, small swimming beach. One of the coolest spots to visit in Islamorada, a little 11-acre island, is the hidden gem known as Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park. The San Pedro, a 287-ton Dutch-built ship that was a part of a Spanish treasure fleet, went down in Hawk Channel during a hurricane over 300 years ago. There was one day that I was looking for a campsite for the next night and ALL state park campgrounds in the Florida Keys had availability!!! This takes flying a kite to a whole new level. And then directly from Bahia Honda State Park, you might also be able to take a snorkeling tour that goes to one of the best snorkeling spots in the Florida Keys. The park is an excellent place to observe wading birds and shorebirds, and introduces nature lovers to the islands plants and animals. 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MAMMOTH CAVE KY Hike self-guided pathways that wind through a tropical hardwood hammock further out to take in the islands natural splendor. I thought it was a cutesy name until I saw the jellies. The most picturesque stretch of sand and the greatest site for tent camping in the Florida Keys is at Bahia Honda State Park, a little island of 500 acres off the Overseas Highway near Mile Marker 37. 180 reviews # 14 Best Value of 33 Camping in . Copyright 2023 Copyright 2018 Florida Department of Environmental Protection. (Although not all campsites are waterfront!). Outdoor enthusiasts should keep Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park at the top of their list of places to visit. Key Largo is the first major key of the Florida Keys. | Contact Us. In the early 20th century, Henry Flaglers Long Key Fishing Camp was a popular luxury destination along his railroadto Key West. Campgrounds are listed from northeast to southwest. Visitors can also enjoy walking on short trails through tropical hammocks, picnickingor swimming at the beach. Seven little islands dot the open ocean of this 100 square mile park. Explore a self-guided educational tour and ascend the observation tower to obtain a birds-eye view of one of the Florida Keys most intriguing historical footnotes. The lush, tropical grounds feature oceanfront campsites, free Wi-Fi, a boat ramp and docks. Some of the nicest places to visit in the Florida Keys are: The remote Dry Tortugas National Park is located 113 kilometers (about 70 miles) west of Key West. View this amazing ecology from a glass-bottom boat tour, or go snorkeling or scuba diving to experience it yourself. 103620 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo. The beach does not have sandy surface but a great place for a picnic and hanging out. ROAD TRIP AMERICA Resort amenities include laundry facilities with washers and dryers, a swimming pool, a recreation hall and planned activities, a games room, and a dump station and a camp store selling essentials. Key Largo FL 33037. FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov, Florida Department of Environmental Protection. It can make SUCH a big difference! Contact the Statewide Information Line: Powered by Mai Theme, 7 Best Beaches In Pensacola Florida You Must Visit. There are the Bahia Honda beaches which can be for swimming and snorkeling. You'll find Leos Campground just outside of Key West, located at mile marker 4.5. Which places provide the best state parks in Florida Keys for couples? Bahia Honda State Park camping: THE BAD - Flashpacking America Once at the campground, there is a campground road that goes under a bridge that will take you to the Bayside campground and cabins. That is, a Looe Key snorkeling tour from Bahia Honda State Park! State park campgrounds in the Florida Keys are often fully booked 11 months in advance when campsites open up for booking! Long Key State Park Once only for the rich and famous, savor natural luxury found nowhere else Hours 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year Fees One person, $4.50; two or more people, $5.50 plus 50 cents per additional person. During these temporary closures, arriving visitors will be asked to return later. Fort Lauderdales Central Park was gifted to the city by Hugh Taylor Birch, for whom the urban oasis is named. TheMangrove Nature Trailis closed while repairs are being made to the boardwalk, but you can enjoy a view on the new bridge. As of 2022, Long Key State Park is tent camping only. You might need to filter out for campground or camping., Explore the map: Key Largo to John Pennekamp State Park campground to Key West. WHAT TO WEAR SNORKELING Check out the living coral reefs around Molasses Reef at the country's first undersea park. JEWEL CAVE SD, HAWAII TRAVEL PLANNING It can be really shallow for you to determine if thats good or bad! Although construction to rebuild these sites is in progress, the park currently offers hike-in, tent-only campsites for guests to enjoy. In this edition of The Biologist Tells the Story, Biologist Janice Duquesnel tells the story of replanting the park. This includes snorkeling at Calusa Beach and Loggerhead Beach. Jolynne's years as a teacher help her offer visitors a warm welcome and fun activities at Curry Hammock State Park. OAHU Sergeant majors are one of the many fish you can find at John Pennekamp's reefs - and one of the most feisty. On calm days,paddlers come and go finding their own quiet slice of paradise, and on windy, wild days, the park bubbleswith the activity and excitement of kiteboarders. You can also go ocean kayaking in Bahia Honda State Park. Regardless of your thrill level, they will be an excellent choice to challenge your level of exploration. THE 10 BEST Florida Keys Campgrounds This includes tent camping and RV camping and car camping, van camping, etc! Leoscampground.com. Florida residents to get priority for state park reservations If you plan to make this a year of going to a ton of Florida state parks, then there is also the Florida state parks annual pass. Frequently Asked Questions about Florida Keys. The Florida Keys state parks should be on your bucket list. Hike the nature walk for breathtaking views of mangrove tunnels, deep water lagoons, the open ocean, grassland flats, and sandbars. Bring a small portable fan! Charlie and Glennel are the recipients of the 2021 Short-Term Project of the Year Award for Historic Resources. But, people do cancel. Our staff and volunteers are here to help you enjoy your park experience. Looe Key is located 12 miles off of Bahia Honda and its reefs have become a popular snorkeling place. In case you are not able to find availability and/or you just want to get something booked, a good back-up campground near the Florida Keys can be Long Pine Key campground in Everglades National Park.
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