Forum Discussion

kginder's avatar
kginder
Explorer
Sep 20, 2013

Christmas in the Keys

My family and I are packing up our Christmas tree and taking our Class C to the Keys for the week of Christmas. We love the Keys but we’ve only been there in the summer. A few questions for all you experienced winter folks:

Any skeetters that time of year?

Is it worth towing a car down (1100 miles) or do you think it would be better to rent a car for the week? I know the cost of EVERYTHING in the Keys is exponential. Snow/ice on the travel down is always a possibility.

I’m sure it’ll be crowded which is fine. We’re there to, ah, celebrate the holiday season (PARTY!)

Any tips, hints, secret finds for that time of year y’all would like to share?

We're not every Sunday church goers but we do attend from time to time and we do enjoy a Christmas eve candle light service : Methodist, Reformed, Baptist etc. Any suggestions? We're staying on Sugarloaf.

Sure do thank you much for your input! Can’t wait to see Santa in shorts and a sleeveless T.
  • Shot-N-Az's avatar
    Shot-N-Az
    Explorer
    Sep 20, 2013
    We were there last Christmas, and will be returning again this year.

    I do not recall a problem with mosquitos, but no-see-ums or some other small insect were abundant at sunset. Bring spray.

    We brought our toad and will be taking it again on this trip. I didn't see any reason not to.
  • rr2254545's avatar
    rr2254545
    Explorer
    Sep 21, 2013
    I would be more conserned with getting a camping spot, have you tried yet ?
  • Queens_Carriage's avatar
    Queens_Carriage
    Explorer
    Sep 21, 2013
    The Keys are 150 miles long. Will you be staying at key largo? key west? or some ware in between? If you don't have reservations might want to stay home you can not boondock in the keys. They will give you a healthy ticket.
  • bakerkids's avatar
    bakerkids
    Explorer
    Sep 21, 2013
    Queens Carriage wrote:
    The Keys are 150 miles long. Will you be staying at key largo? key west? or some ware in between? If you don't have reservations might want to stay home you can not boondock in the keys. They will give you a healthy ticket.


    OP states they're staying at Sugarloaf.
  • NanciL's avatar
    NanciL
    Explorer II
    Sep 21, 2013
    We are in the Keys every year for Christmas.
    I bring a four foot live Christmas Tree and we put it on the picnic table.
    There are very few mosquitoes, but as soon as it gets dusk, the no-see-ums come out.
    Get a "thermocell" and you can sit at your picnic table all night and they won't bother you.

    If you hit the area at the right time you can see one or more of the many decorated boat parades.
    The Keys are very festive at Christmas and you will get a kick out of seeing all the displays showing a "white" Christmas

    Jack L
  • rr2254545's avatar
    rr2254545
    Explorer
    Sep 21, 2013
    Queens Carriage wrote:
    Sorry missed that.


    Me too hope it is not the KOA - stayed there a few days for over $100 a day, no sewer and site was so narrow we could not even put our awning out. And I generally like KOA
  • dieharder's avatar
    dieharder
    Explorer
    Sep 23, 2013
    I have absolutely no input on this other than to say I am extremely jealous...
  • kedanie's avatar
    kedanie
    Explorer II
    Sep 23, 2013
    We were at Bluewater Key RV last year for Thanksgiving. Weather was great, in the 70's all the time.

    Keith
  • kginder's avatar
    kginder
    Explorer
    Sep 23, 2013
    Bluewater has a 90+ long waiting list for that week. Yes we are staying at the KOA. We do have full hookups. We've stayed there in the summer and really liked it. I'm sure it'll be a little more of a challenge this time since we don't have one of the "premium" waterfronts. DW and I think Mangrove Mamas across the street from the KOA is just about the best seafood place we've ever eaten.

    Thank you for the heads-up on the no-see-ums. We do have 2 Thermocells I'll make sure to bring them. No-see-ums just love me.

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