Trail and Park Reviews: Camping on the Coast; Long Key State Park, Florida Keys

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Camping on the Coast; Long Key State Park, Florida Keys

Raised campsites along boardwalk near Golden Orb Trail

I had the pleasure to visit the Florida Keys last week and get out of the miserable cold that blasted into Colorado, while Josh and I were there, we visited two State Parks for hiking and snorkeling. Both of these parks offered camping, which we were excited to check out for a future road trip with our little Chalet.
Long Key State Park has two separate camping areas; one specifically for tent camping that has raised decking to deter snakes from coming into the campsite. These sites are widely spaced; there is a shower and water and a grill nearby along the boardwalk, and the sites are within a few yards of the beach but there is a lot of foliage that obstructs the view.

Getting there: Long Key State Park is located in the town of Layton, in the Florida Keys, here is their website. The address is: 67400 Overseas Highway Long Key, Florida 33001. This is at Mile Marker 67; just over an hour south of Key Largo.
Specs: The state park has restrooms, showers, camping, trails, small beachfront, snorkeling, and canoeing to list a few of the activities. Check their site for more info. Fees: a day pass is $6 for 2 people in addition to the camping fee of $38.50 per night. Reserve your site early, they fill up fast in the winter months and are booked for months out!

One of the 11 tent sites elevated along the coast.

Camping: The campground is along the coast and provides showers, bathrooms, changing area and swimming. There is a tent only section with 11 sites elevated on the boardwalk; and then an additional 46 sites along the beach that can accommodate an RV or tent. The additional 46 sites are locked with a code to enter for campers only; the 11 sites on the boardwalk do not have this feature.

The beach area is not a super sandy coastal beach; you can swim when wading far out; watch the crabs or birds hunt for food and watch the sky light up as the sun sets. This campground is much smaller than the larger Bahia Honda State Park just 40 minutes farther south along the highway.
I can't wait to come back to the Keys very soon with our Chalet to camp in the future.