Florida Keys for the first time Oct/Nov 2016 - Page 2

jnstewart · 03-27-2016, 07:52 AM

We have stayed twice at Venture Out Resort on Cudjoe Key. Mile maker 21-23. You go through a realtor as the spots are privately owned. Waterfront Keys Realty. Very nice place to stay. Clean with amenities. Nice heated pool and hot tub. Great security. It was easy to get around the lower keys from there. One year we rented a car in Marathon and one year used a motorcycle.

phillyg · 03-27-2016, 03:51 PM

I don't know when Fantasy Fest is this year, but DON'T GO then unless you enjoy looking at some old folks who should never even think, never mind act, on their desire to paint their droopy bodies and parade around naked (google it). Yuk! Also, we've always parked on street for a few quarters. Maybe we've just never stayed in downtown longer enough to spend more.

Sharps45120 · 03-28-2016, 11:06 AM

Fantasy Fest is always the last week or so of October. The 2016 dates should be published already. But I agree with phillyg, that time of year is a madhouse and prices for everything are through the roof. The Keys are expensive enough without adding the huge upcharge for surge pricing.

Oh and no, I've never been to Key West for Fantasy Fest - totally not my thing - but I've heard stories...

Springerdad · 03-28-2016, 12:09 PM

Parking in Key West is not all that bad if you know where to go. Go a couple of streets off of Duval to the west and there's parking. We used to stay in a cute place on Petronia Street by Blue Heaven before we got into RVing, parking was never a problem in that area. YES the streets are narrow and crowded. Don't ever think of driving a moho or TT near downtown Key West.

**ependydad** · 03-28-2016, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joel ritchie

Well the cost of parking can break you up . $30 to $50 and some of that's just for 1/2 a day. We took the trolley. Cost you $30 each and add another $10 each for the next day. We stayed at sugarloaf keys was nice a little crowded had a great bar and lots of activities

I don't think we paid anywhere near that for parking in Key West.

Quote:

Originally Posted by monte

The last 2 weeks in Oct is Fantasy Fest in Key West and there will be 50,000 people there so plan accordingly.

Hrmm, I just emailed Bluewater Key and looks like I'm not spending Halloween there. Though, it sounds like it would be a good time and discussion provoking for the kids! We had a great discussion about trannies and being happy the last time we were there.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Springerdad

Parking in Key West is not all that bad if you know where to go. Go a couple of streets off of Duval to the west and there's parking. We used to stay in a cute place on Petronia Street by Blue Heaven before we got into RVing, parking was never a problem in that area. YES the streets are narrow and crowded. Don't ever think of driving a moho or TT near downtown Key West.

We had our crew cab dually all over the place when we were there for Christmas 2014. Only once did I have a hard time finding parking and that was because there was none or I was too long for the few spots I found. I ended up in a super tight parking garage (had to drive over a curb to get in) and wound my way to the top to find an open spot. Worst part was that there was no elevator and I had the Cadillac of strollers to carry down the steps.

Had a WONDERFUL date night with my beautiful wife that trip.

Springerdad · 03-28-2016, 01:33 PM

I probably should have said Old Town Key West. Other parts of the island are easy to navigate.

Coolharts · 04-16-2016, 06:41 PM

I noticed the Keys State parks don't seem to show up on the Reserve America when doing a search 11 months out, how is the best way to reserve a site, we are looking at May or June next year. I know the window is 11 months but I am just trying to see if those parks work differently or if calling Reserve America is the best option.

conceptumator · 04-16-2016, 07:08 PM

I just checked Reserve America and put in a date of March 20 to check it out. It told me to select a date no later than March 16 or try again at a later date. Sounds like you may be just a week or so outside their window.

Coolharts · 04-16-2016, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by conceptumator

I just checked Reserve America and put in a date of March 20 to check it out. It told me to select a date no later than March 16 or try again at a later date. Sounds like you may be just a week or so outside their window.

Maybe it is just me but when I did a search 47 campsites popped up but not the Keys State Parks, didn't even tell me not available.

conceptumator · 04-16-2016, 07:35 PM

Try looking at Bahia Honda. Not sure if any of the other state parks down there offer camping or not.

Witch Doctor · 04-17-2016, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by conceptumator

Try looking at Bahia Honda. Not sure if any of the other state parks down there offer camping or not.

There's a State Park in Key Largo, But I think they only take resv. 6 mos out. Call the park itself. Have stayed there before. Nice beach but very small sites. I think it's called Pennington.

geeman53 · 04-17-2016, 08:45 AM

The parking garage is three blocks south of Kermit's Key Lime pie store,both true gems! Reservations @ B.H. are 11 months to the minute - we've camped there twice, so far !

conceptumator · 04-17-2016, 10:39 AM

In case you haven't been to the Keys before, look at a map before you reserve anything. That's a two lane highway all the way to Key West after you leave the mainland and traffic can be terrible, especially if there's an accident. Key Largo, for example, is at least 2-1/2 hours from Key West in ideal conditions. There are a number of nice private campgrounds, they're just a bit pricier, like everything else down there.

Life Without Whine · 04-19-2016, 06:31 PM

Reserved exactly 11 months in advance for John Pennekamp on Key Largo without issue

Coolharts · 04-19-2016, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Life Without Whine

Reserved exactly 11 months in advance for John Pennekamp on Key Largo without issue

Thanks, I am going to try in July for a June trip. As a fall back we are going to look at private campgrounds too.

rstoro · 04-20-2016, 07:35 PM

check out knights key in Marathon. They are closing next year but will be open in November. They are centrally located and has everything you need not far away. Really nice campground on the water. No sewers but they do have a honey wagon that will come to your sight to pump you out. You can't beat the views from here.
R & S
2010 Georgetown
2012 Honda CRV toad

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