Florida Keys in November 2012

[grb2980]

We're planning a trip down to Homestead Miami speedway next November. After the race we're going to stay at Bahia Honda SP and J. Pennecamp SP for 5 days.

It's been over a decade since I was last in the Keys, and then it was tent camping. I'd like to hear from anybody with experience hauling a 32' TT down through the Keys, particularly at those two SP.

[jackhartjr]

You will not have a problem getting down through there.
We honeymooned at Long Key State Park 4 years ago and LOVED it!
I have heard nothing but good things about Bahia Honda.
Make sure since you are down that far that you go to Big Pine Key, make the right and find the 'No Name Bar' on No Name Key. Best pizza to be had!
While you are there, drive down some of the liitle roads and look at all of the little bitty 'Key Deer'!
Get a book or two on the history of the Keys, if you don't know it.
Up in Key Largo, there is a little restaurant called the Largo Inn I think, on the right going south. Italian/Greek! WOW!!!
Jack

[frankm]

No problems traveling into the keys or staying at either of the SPs you mentioned, we hit those same parks (plus a few other Florida's SPs) every year! US1 between Florida City and Key Largo (the nasty stretch) has been redone with a barrier between N/S lanes. Ease up once you hit Key Largo, cops there like to give out gifts, the kind you pay for! Key Largo to Big Pine Key (just on the other side of the Seven Mile bridge) is easy going, again watch your speed.

This far in advance try to get a site on the water at Bahia Honda, you won't be disappointed. Pennekamp now has full hook-ups so that's good too.

Here is us September 2011 at Bahia Honda:

[jackhartjr]

Frankm makes a good point. You are on 'Island Time' down there, DO NOT get in a hurry. Those cops LOVE to park at the end of a bridge where you don't see them until too late!
Jack

[toshu]

for those of you that have booked at the parks in the Keys, whats the best way to get a reservation on Reserveamerica.com during the high season??

[ddemme]

Originally Posted by toshu

for those of you that have booked at the parks in the Keys, whats the best way to get a reservation on Reserveamerica.com during the high season??

Plan your vacation a year in advance and start booking at 12:01 am 11 months to the day prior to your anticipated arrival.

If you don't find what you want, check back daily. People cancel all the time.

[slipf18]

If you will be visiting Homestead, you will be just a stone's throw from Everglades National Park...a really interesting place to explore...especially if you don't mind dry camping for a few days. We scuba off Key Largo and stay in Pennecamp all the time. Although November is not particularly hot, try to get a site towards the back of the campground (it's "L" shaped) so that your TT is oriented west to east, end to end and under the trees for afternoon shade...your AC unit will thank you. Mrs. Mac's Kitchen is the place to be for breakfast (especially) or lunch in Key Largo. It's a locals place and just down the road from Pennecamp. You'll find it tucked by the side of the southbound lane, just where the highway divides. Snappers is the place to go for dinner and seafood. You'll like Bahia Honda...just keep in mind that there are no sandy type beaches in the Keys...it's coral. If you expect "the Bahamas" you'll be disappointed. If you are the drinking sort, THIS is the place to try a mojito. Have fun. Go slow.

[toshu]

Thanks for the replies. Looking at the Reserveamerica.com site, I thing I figured out how to do the 11 month deal, although it appears to be hit and miss based on the number of days someone has already booked sites for.

We have a dog, which is allowed in State parks, but it seems that they are not allowed on the beaches, etc. so she would have top e inside the camper all the time????

[Smokyroo]

I have spent a lot of time in the Keys and November while nice it can be windy especially after a front passes. I have been down there a few times in late November and a 25 knot NW wind coming off the Gulf can be chilly. There is a BBQ place on the north side of US 1 right before the 7 Mile bridge that is a complete hole in the wall but has some good grub and deep fried Key Lime Pie!!! The fish place next to the Yellow Bait shop is nice too. Enjoy your trip.

[whj77372]

Have reservation at campgrounds(s) before you go as this part of Florida is popular that time of year. Good Luck and have a great time.

[waynes]

So when is the best time of year to go to the keys? How does one find out about all the campsite in the Keys?

[whj77372]

When you want to go, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb and Mar. It is to hot in the summer. Have fun and the campgrounds can be located at Good Sam's web site and/or campground guides.