Snowbird Prices (RANT)

Dog Folks wrote:

rocmoc wrote:

jimroach wrote:


One I did find was Larry and Penny Thompson Park, just a little over $500 a month, so yeah, you can find them, but you do have to search. We have been looking more towards the center as well, as you are a little more centralized and can head to either coast easier.

Still gripes me when campgrounds don't respond to emails and phone calls though ;)

Almost impossible to get in, tried for two years. My understanding is the existing campers make reservations while there giving them an advantage. This is also the case at Penny Camp in Key Largo which I also tried for two years. Both 100% booked. I called & called but never was successful. You may have your best shot at the Everglades Fed Campgrounds East of Homestead. Good luck!

rocmoc n AZ/Mexico

If you are referring to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Please consider this:

Present campers have no advantage. They must go through the same reservation system as you do, even if standing at the ranger station. The state parks in the Keys are booked 11 months in advance because of their high demand.

Keep trying every day to grab a cancellation.

Please don’t blame us Floridians. We are in the same boat as the rest of the country when it comes to getting a site.


It is simple math:

1. Number of State Parks in the Florida Keys: 4

2. Number of RV sites available in all 4 parks added together: 186

3. Number of Tent only sites. (can’t be used for RV’s): 30

4. Number of people from all over the country that want to camp in the Keys in the winter? Lots and a Lots and Lots!!

I was told by a Ranger at Pennekamp that the person who is in the site will be in the ranger's office to make the reservation the moment of the morning it becomes available, thus most sites are reserved by the same person year after year. Was told the site is available to reserve 1 year early on location therefore they are there when it is available. This is what I was told when I called, not My Opinion. Also my understanding at Florida State Parks, Floridians get to make reservations a month earlier than non-Floridians (which I support) and some county parks have an even longer lead time for locals (which I support again). I just wanted the OP to realize that even if he/she finds a prime location online like Pennekamp & Larry / Penny Campgrounds chances are low of being able to get a site especially at this late date.

rocmoc n AZ/Mexico