Florida Keys without Key West

Forester Fred · 01-21-2016, 07:42 PM

We headed down to Key West a couple weeks ago and stayed at Boyd's. Now that we've done Key West, we're done with it. My wife and I don't drink or eat seafood and we're not partiers so the bar/nightlife scene isn't something that interests us. We did all the other tourist stops there so we can cross Key West off the list.

On the way back up RT 1 we noticed several campgrounds on the various Keys. Is there anything to do at any of the other campgrounds in the Keys? We don't have a toad but have electric bicycles that give us a 10 or 15 mile travel radius from the camper. Also, what campgrounds are recommended and what ones should be avoided?

Thanks

phillyg · 01-21-2016, 08:19 PM

If you like to fish, swim, bike and relax, there's plenty of things to do. I don't have an opinion on which CG, but I think I read that one of them is closing up permanently NLT April (can't recall the name). On second thought, I do have an opinion on Bluewater Key. Super nice, and super expensive.

DreiHunde · 01-22-2016, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phillyg

If you like to fish, swim, bike and relax, there's plenty of things to do. I don't have an opinion on which CG, but I think I read that one of them is closing up permanently NLT April (can't recall the name). On second thought, I do have an opinion on Bluewater Key. Super nice, and super expensive.

X2 on the "relaxing" part!!! That is what makes the smaller Keys so great for some of us....not a lot to do except watch the "best show in the keys" everyday! The Sunset

Sharps45120 · 01-22-2016, 10:32 AM

We really liked Jolly Roger, but there isn't much to do right there at MM58, you would need to have transportation.

aceinspp · 01-22-2016, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Forester Fred

We headed down to Key West a couple weeks ago and stayed at Boyd's. Now that we've done Key West, we're done with it. My wife and I don't drink or eat seafood and we're not partiers so the bar/nightlife scene isn't something that interests us. We did all the other tourist stops there so we can cross Key West off the list.

Thanks

Did that a few years ago. Never again. Later RJD

Springerdad · 01-22-2016, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phillyg

If you like to fish, swim, bike and relax, there's plenty of things to do. I don't have an opinion on which CG, but I think I read that one of them is closing up permanently NLT April (can't recall the name). On second thought, I do have an opinion on Bluewater Key. Super nice, and super expensive.

That about sums it up. They are all pretty expensive. But then, most everything in the Keys is. Tried to get a spot at several places this winter, but couldn't - they are usually booked up a year in advance.

woodpile · 01-22-2016, 11:47 AM

We spent 8 days at Marathon over the new year. Like you, not into seafood but I tried several dishes from raw tuna to the best Hogfish that made me a fan. Oh yeah and the best Cuban expresso that I'll miss like a good dog. Key West was worth the visit to me I liked the excitement of the big crowd (for a time) and the Sunsets that we rarely get to see and the food. We didn't camp but all the campgrounds we seen we wished we were staying at any of them. We fished a lot and golfed a little. We left 84 degrees and came home to 33 and I believe I'd rather be hungry than cold. Well I'm rambling and off topic, sorry.

Harley2152 · 01-22-2016, 01:12 PM

We are currently staying at Sunshine Key (MM38) It's an Encore resort. Not bad, but could be better. The sites are big for the keys. If you stay here, try and pick a site along the mangroves as these are away from US1 (less road noise). Bathhouses are well kept. Very small showers, but very clean. Pool is very nice. Not so good: the staff seems very indifferent to any concerns brought to them, lots of "not our problem" and "working on that" but very little action. If cell service is important to you, this may not be the place. WIFI is also very spotty at best. Gate security is VERY lax, many times the guard house is unoccupied both day and night. The location is not bad, but you will have to cross the 7 mile bridge to get to Marathon (10 miles away) or its about 8 miles to Big Pine Key. Both of these involve riding on US1, which some people find challenging. I think there are better choices in the Keys, but it's hard to find the perfect campground in the Keys. Good Luck!

Springerdad · 01-22-2016, 01:20 PM

One thing you will find in the Keys is that the weekend campers from the lower east coast tends to be heavy - unless you cross the Seven Mile Bridge -which is a ride DW and I always enjoy. After that, you'll find people who are more serious about staying in the lower Keys. Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge is a very nice place. We can't stay there, since we have dogs. The Key Deer are found there, are protected, so dogs tend to be banned in some areas. There are a couple of other CGs on Big Pine Key, but don't have the water view we look for.

nikita · 01-22-2016, 01:39 PM

Our cousin and her husband have been staying at Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge for many years. They pay $1500 a month for full hook ups. The people there make their own entertainment with special theme weeks and theme nights. My DH and I stay in South Florida so we always make a trip to stay with them for a few nights, we rent a camper, mobile home or an apt. Usually $120 to $150 a night. It's not the most beautiful place in the world but it's very doable with a lovely view. Nothing in the Keys is cheap, some CG up to $200 a night!! Nice place to visit for a few days.

justwinginit · 01-22-2016, 02:29 PM

We are headed down South from St. Augustine. St. Augustine is booked everywhere. We got 3 days and then kicked out. While here looked at other places and all are booked. So where do we go next? What's a great place to visit? Any small old towns on this coast? We live on the west coast of Fl.

V-Lite Fun · 01-22-2016, 03:05 PM

If you can get into Bahia Honda State Park it is very nice. It has the longest natural beach in the keys. There are some short hiking trails, kayak rentals and beautiful scenery. Our favorite place in the keys.

twiggw · 01-22-2016, 04:02 PM

I believe the CG that's closing is Knights Key in Marathon. Right at the north end of Seven Mile Bridge. I read they are going to put condos there. What a shame. MHO

Springerdad · 01-22-2016, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justwinginit

We are headed down South from St. Augustine. St. Augustine is booked everywhere. We got 3 days and then kicked out. While here looked at other places and all are booked. So where do we go next? What's a great place to visit? Any small old towns on this coast? We live on the west coast of Fl.

See if you can get into the Red Coconut on Ft Myers Beach. It's Gulf coast,,,, You can camp Gulf side or bay side. Not the fanciest place, but clean and staffed with great people.

Springerdad · 01-22-2016, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twiggw

I believe the CG that's closing is Knights Key in Marathon. Right at the north end of Seven Mile Bridge. I read they are going to put condos there. What a shame. MHO

That's a shame. It's one of the better rated ones in the middle Keys. I had a hard time even getting to talk to a human a few weeks ago when I tried to book there. That might explain it.

Springerdad · 01-22-2016, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justwinginit

We are headed down South from St. Augustine. St. Augustine is booked everywhere. We got 3 days and then kicked out. While here looked at other places and all are booked. So where do we go next? What's a great place to visit? Any small old towns on this coast? We live on the west coast of Fl.

Mike and Cathy,,,,, just thought of this - if you need a place on the way down, try the KOA at Lake Whippoorwill just SE of Orlando. Nice place - we go there every Christmas

5picker · 01-22-2016, 04:53 PM

Fishing, snorkeling and relaxing are the things to do on the upper keys.
Big Pine Key is our favorite.

RoyalFrog2 · 01-22-2016, 06:06 PM

We can vouch for KOA Lake Whippoorwill in SE Orlando. Stayed there the week before Thanksgiving to visit family in the area. THE KEYS: We have a time share at Matecumbe Resort in Islamorada and have been going there for years. After getting our Rockwood TT thought about selling time share and camping but found campsites are outrageous, too close together, too near highway. Cheaper to keep our time share so I can't help with CG in the Keys. But check our Robbie's Marina in Lower Matecumbe key. Kayaks and other water sports. Also Theater of the Sea was good-not your usual tourist trap. Lazy Days restaurant and get the fish house special. And we love Key West in all it's weirdness!

Forester Fred · 01-22-2016, 06:44 PM

Thanks all. I'll have to look into Big Pine Key resort (I like to fish) and Bahia Honda (we like to snorkel).

Blazer · 01-22-2016, 08:58 PM

Me and wife. Go to key west every year lot to do other then duval street the state parks are great place to spend the day we stay at fiesta key baya Honda state park about a mile or two from camp ground . Good kayaking every ware .
With out a toed it's hard to get around without a car your missing out on some of the best parts of the keys maybe rent a car for a day or two .another good day trip is fort Jefferson state park

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