Florida Keys for the first time Oct/Nov 2016

kenandterry · 03-25-2016, 02:03 PM

First time for the Keys...........

We'd like to plan for our first visit to the Florida Keys and we're looking for an RV campground location somewhere along the Keys.

We're looking at fall 2016, for 1-2 weeks maximum stay. Like to set up base, and use the toad for whatever daytime travel for sightseeing and relatively close to grocery shopping. We like a place that's memorable but not because of the price to stay there.

Stats..........35 foot motorhome, towing our car, and the cat owns the RV....we just get to travel with him.

Starting our continental travels recently, so we're on a fixed income to enjoy as much as we can within budget.

Anyone know what fits our requirements in the Keys?

phillyg · 03-25-2016, 02:14 PM

All the state parks are reserved already; you might luck out if someone cancels and you hit reserveamerica.com at the right time. I suggest you try Grassy Key, Sugarloaf Key or Lazy Lakes. Big Pine is still taking reservations if I remember correctly, but they are shutting down after December. Further down the Keys to Blue Water Key and Boyds right near Key West, but both are expensive.

**ependydad** · 03-25-2016, 02:22 PM

Bluewater Key is memorable for both- it was amazing AND it was expensive. But, I would go back.

Witch Doctor · 03-25-2016, 02:24 PM

The best place to stay without the high prices if you can get in is Florida City, 20 miles from key largo, It is called Southern Comfort. Cost is 640 a month. From there you can drive to the keys as it is a short distance, spent 3 mos there and just got back, use to to go down to keys weekly...

Sharps45120 · 03-26-2016, 05:00 AM

Staying in Florida City is still a 3+ hour drive to Key West, pretty far for a day trip. Boyd's sites are small and tight, you may be too big to get in there.

We stayed at Jolly Roger at MM58 and loved the place. They have since upgraded the park, including adding a pool. I would recommend the place for your stay. It is in the middle of the Keys and from there you can do day trips anywhere. You are also close to Coco Plum beach and Sombrero beach.

Oh, forgot to add that, although nothing really is in walking distance, you aren't too far from Marathon, where you can do your shopping.

mrv8outboard · 03-26-2016, 08:13 AM

We have stayed at Blue Water and it is amazing. We have been utilizing Boyd's and it is nice as well. You won't have any issues get in and around Boyd's. It is tight but not too tight. It's location is good for us as we use scooters and a toad. We will be there in November again this year, maybe see you around. Enjoy and safe travels.

geeman53 · 03-26-2016, 08:26 AM

We've stayed a Bahia Honda S.P., twice . Reservations 11 months in advance is a must if you don't want to be moved around daily.

poppytoymaker · 03-26-2016, 12:11 PM

I'm booked at Boyd's on stock Island in June, just 4 miles from downtown Duval St. Bus stops right outside the gate. Parking in downtown Key west tough and expensive so I'm told.

joel ritchie · 03-26-2016, 12:37 PM

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

poppytoymaker · 03-26-2016, 12:46 PM

Well we don't tow and no enterprise pickup in the Keys or Marathon so best option for us

conceptumator · 03-26-2016, 01:23 PM

If you can find something on Grassy Key that may be your best bet. Just far enough out robot cost a fortune. Remember hurricane season lasts until the end of November, though.

bruceconley · 03-26-2016, 02:34 PM

Leo's campground on Stock Island is the cheaper than Boyd's and closer to Key West. No swimming pool and can be a little noisy in the daytime due to proximity to local businesses. Tell them Bruce and Sharon recommended them to you. We stay there in January and February.

Harley2152 · 03-26-2016, 02:45 PM

Sunshine Key....MM39 is where we stayed this past JAN. While far from perfect, we will be heading back this DEC. for the winter so its not too bad. Its 10 miles south of Marathon and 8 miles from Big Pine. Nice pool, fishing pier and bigger sites (for the Keys anyway) are the pluses ....Poor cell coverage (Verizon) very poor internet are the minuses.

Witch Doctor · 03-26-2016, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harley2152

Sunshine Key....MM39 is where we stayed this past JAN. While far from perfect, we will be heading back this DEC. for the winter so its not too bad. Its 10 miles south of Marathon and 8 miles from Big Pine. Nice pool, fishing pier and bigger sites (for the Keys anyway) are the pluses ....Poor cell coverage (Verizon) very poor internet are the minuses.

What is the cost there per month?

Life Without Whine · 03-26-2016, 03:24 PM

Have stayed in Marathon @Jolly Roger, Cudjoe Key @Venture Out Resort & Geiger Key Marina for the past 3 Thanksgivings.... this year @ John Pennykamp SP on Key Largo so we can check out the upper keys (this will be the first year we are not right on waterfront property). Usually 'season' fees don't start until Nov & many are after Thanksgiving that the cost goes up.

Don't know if you can camp on Big Pine with a cat (you cannot with a dog due to Key deer) - Maybe we will see you at Pennykamp (there were plenty of openings & we will be letting a few days of our reservation free up once DH finalizes his vacation week so always worth checking ...)

PIAABRO210 · 03-26-2016, 04:41 PM

We just got back from our 1st time visit to the Keys. We stayed at Leo's Campground in Stock Island and it served it's purpose for what we needed, "a place to rest our head after a full day of fun in the sun or day of shopping!!" The place had all the basic amenities full hookups, cable, laundry facilities, clean bathrooms! Lot's are tight but there were some big rigs in there. I'm only a TT 27' it is somewhat noisy in the morning due to the proximity of a equipment rental business but again there are lots that are a bit more removed from the main street. Again it's not a memorable place per say but it was definitely convenient & cheapest! I will stay there again!! The family HAD A BLAST!!

camperone · 03-26-2016, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenandterry

First time for the Keys...........

We'd like to plan for our first visit to the Florida Keys and we're looking for an RV campground location somewhere along the Keys.

We're looking at fall 2016, for 1-2 weeks maximum stay. Like to set up base, and use the toad for whatever daytime travel for sightseeing and relatively close to grocery shopping. We like a place that's memorable but not because of the price to stay there.

Stats..........35 foot motorhome, towing our car, and the cat owns the RV....we just get to travel with him.

Starting our continental travels recently, so we're on a fixed income to enjoy as much as we can within budget.

Anyone know what fits our requirements in the Keys?

Try this app ( RVParky ) it's free and it has helped me a lot !

monte · 03-26-2016, 07:59 PM

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

kenandterry · 03-26-2016, 08:40 PM

Thanks everyone for the replies.

Looks like we have a lot to research for both availability and pricing and timing.
Maybe we can rent a low mileage used aircraft carrier and weigh anchor just off shore.

Blackhat6mike · 03-26-2016, 08:57 PM

X2 on Jolly Roger CG on Grassy Key just North of Marathon Key. Marathon is halfway down the Keys and has everything you could want. We stay there every year through the Christmas Holidays and love the Jolly Roger CG. Folks are easy to work with and they have a great boat ramp and docks.
The prime sites are literally on the water on the gulf side. Several discounts offered. If you Google them, you will see the prime sites.
Notice the background in the pix.

You may also like: