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Old 11-19-2017, 12:04 PM   #1
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Florida Keys

Not anytime soon but one of these days, the wife and I wish to go further south than Disneyworld. I love Florida trips in the wintertime and doing the Keys seems only logical. But with that big of a commitment, I want it to be right.

We don't drink at all and have no desire to do the saloon scene. I've "heard" many places are just one constant "Jimmy Buffet" fest. Not our thing.

For those who have done it, is it worth it? Do you have to stay in something like that Bluewater Resort to be somewhere really nice? I just don't want to drive 1000 miles and end up being disappointed. Thanks.
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Old 11-19-2017, 12:18 PM   #2
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We're from the Tampa area, so Key West is close-ish, but we've only camped down there once. We stayed at Boyd's for a few days and then Pennekamp SP for a few.
If you're not into the beach or water-based activities it might be somewhat boring, but everyone is different. There's a fair amount of history type stuff to check out. We did one of the bus tours which was interesting. We were there in the summer so it was mostly beach, scuba, dolphin tour, etc.

Hopefully by the time you go, they'll be mostly recovered from Irma.
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Old 11-20-2017, 03:32 PM   #3
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If you're going to Key West, Bluewater is the place to stay. It's really that dang nice! Been there twice, they have buckets full of my money and I'd go back in a heartbeat if I could justify the cost.

Though, people stay all over and have been happy about it.

The state parks are supposed to be really nice. I just can't fit, for the most part, at 42'.
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Old 11-20-2017, 03:56 PM   #4
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Been going to the Keys for a week in the winter the last 20+ years...tent camping the first 17 or so and now a TT. Fiesta Key is at MM70, between Islamorada and Marathon. Swimming pool, 2 hot tubs, bar and grill on site.
Lots to do in the middle keys. We always take one day and do a Key West trip...best to take bikes to get around KW when you go.

Great places to eat...Blue Heaven and El Siboney in KW...Hungry Tarpon in Islamorada...and world famous conch chowder at Mrs. Mac's Kitchen in Key Largo...to name a few.

The Keys got knocked around pretty hard this hurricane season. They are still recovering but will greatly appreciate all comers as they mend. We've had our annual trip (about 25 of us go) planned for the 1st week in Feb. for over 6 months now...looking forward to it again...

Go and enjoy!
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Old 11-20-2017, 04:34 PM   #5
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As Doug said, Bluewater is super nice but have a thick wallet. It is expensive. (but worth it)
Keys Palms R/V Resort is nice too but also pricey (not quite as much as Bluewater) and not as many sites. Both are higher end resorts and don't allow PUPS, Tents or most hybrids.

Jolly Roger on Marathon is nice, we'd go back there.
We also stayed twice at Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge & R/V Resort but I believe it is still closed after Irma went through.

We drove through John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and thought it was nice but were never able to find an empty spot available when we wanted to go.
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Old 11-20-2017, 05:12 PM   #6
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These posts encourage me. I was really worried it would be one big party scene. But the things tony5oh mentioned in his post are perfect for us. Not to mention the restaurants listed by windsurfdog. Makes me hungry just reading it.

So its a definite but not sure how soon. I have read on several campground websites about the hurricane and it definitely sounds like they got banged up pretty good.

Thanks everyone. Hopefully one of these days, I'll be posting about our trip.
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Old 11-21-2017, 03:37 PM   #7
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Used to go down to Key West a couple of times a year when my brother owned a B&B down there, Artist House. Never camped, that's a long ride from Buffalo, NY, but dang it was great going down in late February/early March. To me its worth going to just for the weather and relaxation. Places to see and things to do like taking a snorking tour, highly recommended, sunset cruise on a restored of replica four mast schooner, parasailing, or fishing charters. Or, you can rent a nice 19 foot boat to do a little water side exploring of the area. The restaurants alone almost make the trip worth while guaranteed to satisfy any pallet out there. Shops, the people, museums and oh, did I mention the beautiful weather. First time down there just after New Year's my other brother and I laughed listening to the soft jazz radio station Conk FM weather forcast...today's hi 76 low 72, tomorrow's hi 75 lo 73....long range forecast hi mid 70's low's in the low 70's. How can you beat that!
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Old 11-21-2017, 03:58 PM   #8
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Keys

We took the trip down to the keys from NC this summer. We stayed at the Blue Water Key resort. I knew if my husband was driving that far we better be staying some place worth it. It was worth it! Such a beautiful place. Once in a lifetime trip for us.
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Old 11-29-2017, 11:21 PM   #9
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BIL was down there earlier this month hope photos show some of destruction.[ATTACH][ATTACH][ATTACH]Click image for larger version

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Old 12-02-2017, 12:10 PM   #10
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We are heading down in January for a week at Boyd’s on Key West. DW and I have been there twice before, but not Camping. We plan to explore some other keys while there. Lots to do and see in the keys. Has anyone stayed at Boyd’s?
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Old 12-06-2017, 11:07 AM   #11
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I looked into the Keys but at $100 + per night, we have yet to go!
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Old 12-06-2017, 11:14 AM   #12
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Originally Posted by whj77372 View Post
I looked into the Keys but at $100 + per night, we have yet to go!
You only live once!
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Old 12-06-2017, 11:22 AM   #13
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I looked into the Keys but at $100 + per night, we have yet to go!
I think someone mentioned Jolly Roger (Marathon). It's right around $100, but it is not a dive. Nice pool, laundry/bathhouse, very laidback, gazillion restaurants in marathon. Being smack in the middle of the keys everything is a pretty easy drive.

We're heading that way in March. We're actually staying at John Pennecamp, but or daughter is going to be at the JR. I'm sure we'll visit a time or two. I'm ready now.
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Old 12-06-2017, 11:45 AM   #14
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Fort Wilderness at Disney is over a hundred bucks a night in March and full
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Old 12-06-2017, 11:47 AM   #15
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You only live once!
May only live once but I'd rather be able to do a few more camping trips Later RJD
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Old 12-06-2017, 06:54 PM   #16
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My thinking is even if we spent $200/night, its still going to be cheaper than the Fort with Park Hopper passes. We did close to $5000 last year for a week at the Fort plus all expenses.
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Old 12-07-2017, 08:28 PM   #17
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Our routine has always been to camp at Long Pine in Everglades NP then just drive on down to the Keys for snorkelling and paddling. Occasionally we will stay over at Marathon but usually just return to Long Pine. We hike, bike, swim, and paddle and thoroughly enjoy each trip. GD
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Old 12-07-2017, 08:59 PM   #18
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Boyd's

I stayed at Boyd's Aug of 2016. It's over the bridge on Stock Island about 15 minutes from downtown Duval St. If I remember it was about $95.00 anight off season. I liked it. I think I did a review on RVparkreveiws.com gave it a good review. Some liked it some didn't, so check it out on the site.
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Old 12-15-2017, 08:44 AM   #19
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We stayed at Blue Water Key Resort went just after the winter season was over in April. It is expensive but you will never find a nicer RV site anywhere. We stayed 10 nights and toured the keys from there. The speed limit is SLOW the entire way out through the keys so allow extra time for that trip.

As for Key West we walked around it twice they do have people putting on side shows at Marker one forget think it was in the evening.

The State Park beach was OK we went snorkeling there, also went out on a boat there is a National Park under the water there we snorkeled there also my brother was a certified scuba diver so we went Scuba diving.

There are things to do but take lot's of money, if you are retired military you can camp on the Navy Base out there I am but we did not stay on the base there is always a waiting list.

Go for it and Blue Water Key is worth every cent we have been all over the USA three times now and that was still the nicest RV Site we ever stayed at.
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Old 12-15-2017, 11:53 AM   #20
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RE

I stayed at Boyd's Aug. 2016. It's a short drive to Duval St. and if you don't want to drive there's a bus that goes downtown. The area outside the park is not that great so I used my car.
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