FLKeys suggestions

[kfp673]

Hello All,

We have a spring time trip planned to Disney and are considering adding an additional week somewhere in the keys or possibly gulf coast. I have poked around via Google and found some openings but am curious to hear some campground opinions. We are a family of 5 with kids ranging from 4-13. We have kayaks and a paddle board so those type activities would be ideal, but also a pool and just general fun/relaxation type place. Would love a site on the water but even just having the park itself be on the water would be ideal. It's pretty late so I know there may be availability issues but please suggest places anyway. If we can't do it this year then we may book a year ahead for next year so all suggestions are welcome. Thanks

[vermilye]

Just a heads up on Bluewater Key - they do not accept trailers under 24'.

[dodge_guy]

ford truck guy wrote:

enblethen wrote:
We stayed at this great resort.
Bluewater Key

YUP... another Blue Water Key RV Resort lover here ! We have stayed there , and a place in Largo that is now closed... Blue Water was un freakin believable !

Like stated, Blue Water is pricey, but oh so worth it if you can swing it....

Yep. this is on my bucket list of places to stay!

[otrfun]

We've visited the FL Keys and Key West so many times we've lost count. If you're a first time visitor, just the drive from Key Largo to Key West is a treat. A drive like no other in the US.

Commercial RV spots in the Fl Keys are pricey---typically $100-$150 a night (some like Bluewater even higher). The best overall value is the Bahia Honda State CG's with a number of scenic tree-lined FHU sites right on the water for only ~$40. Unfortunately, they're typically booked up solid almost a year in advance. There is no one "ideal" RV park in the FL Keys---there are major pros and cons to all (price, availability, location, accommodations, etc.). To my knowledge, there are no public RV parks located on Key West (NAS KW CG is currently closed due to Covid). However, there are several located on Stock Island (less than a mile from Key West). High tourist season runs Dec-Mar. IMO, you can get a very good feel for what each offer by visiting their websites, viewing the premises via satellite and reading reviews.

If you can find accommodations for your camper, I'd say a visit to the Fl Keys would trump a trip to the panhandle. The panhandle's nice, but IMO it's more or less a replay of the entire eastern seaboard.

Good luck!

[Guy_Roan]

enblethen wrote:
Near Fairbanks is Chena Hot Springs.
Just wanted to let people know there is more to see and do.
Trip is the experience!

In 2001 on the solstice we got a shuttle for our kayaks and camping gear up to Chena Hot Springs and then paddled and camped on the way back to Fairbanks.
On other Alaska hikes to glaciers and paddles in the various rivers and fiords we had many awesome black and brown bear, moose and caribou experiences.

Guy

[ford_truck_guy]

enblethen wrote:
We stayed at this great resort.
Bluewater Key

YUP... another Blue Water Key RV Resort lover here ! We have stayed there , and a place in Largo that is now closed... Blue Water was un freakin believable !

Like stated, Blue Water is pricey, but oh so worth it if you can swing it....

[enblethen]

Near Fairbanks is Chena Hot Springs.
Just wanted to let people know there is more to see and do.
Trip is the experience!

[Guy_Roan]

There in BC

But I like all the 72 degree spring runs in Florida. -Paddled in almost all of them and in the days gone by skinny dipped in the better ones


Guy

[enblethen]

Guy Roan: What about the hot springs at Laird?

[Guy_Roan]

enblethen wrote:
I remember getting gas at Marathon key. I think it was less then at Homestead.
The experience of going to the Florida Keys is liken to the experience of going to driving to Alaska.
For many it is the experience of a lifetime!
It is the experience!

Having been to Alaska three times I agree completely, except the crystal clear, eighty degree water is much more inviting then the 35 degree water of the Noatak River in the Artic circle

Guy

[enblethen]

I remember getting gas at Marathon key. I think it was less then at Homestead.
The experience of going to the Florida Keys is liken to the experience of going to driving to Alaska.
For many it is the experience of a lifetime!
It is the experience!

[Guy_Roan]

A couple of points about the Keys:
1. Someone above claimed that gas costs a lot more here.
They are completely wrong !
Here in Key Largo there are lots of stations, and a few of them are the exact same as those in Homestead and Florida City, while others might be a few cents a gallon more. I wouldn't wait until Key West though. That place is a tourist trap!

2. If you are looking for wide open beaches with a big distance between the water and the dunes like there is on the east and west coast of FL.
you won't find them on the entire length of the Keys. There are a few small ones like Sombrero Beach in Marathon, Bahia Honda SP and Mathers beach in Key West.

If you do plan on a trip to the Keys, post again here prior to your trip and those of us who live here year round or for six or seven months in the winter can supply you with more info (that doesn't come from those who have had just one or two trips to a specific Key or Key West)

Guy

[kfp673]

charlestonsouthern wrote:
kfp673, are you and your family doing Fort Wilderness camping for Disney activities? DH and I have reservations there in March, but are rethinking the trip because we're not sure the parks will have parades and such.

Yes. After speaking (chatting) with a customer service rep, we confirmed that Disney is waving cancelation fees up until the day before arrival through the end of April. That put our mind at ease in case there was an outbreak or god forbid someone in my family gets sick. That said, yes, I am concerned about the lack of characters and parades. Meeting the characters is far more important to our 4yr boy than any ride, so while we have paid our deposit it is possible we change our mind. Weird times for sure!

[haste_maker]

I have stayed at Jolly Rodger RV park in Marathon Key many times & enjoyed this park, it's about 75 miles from Key West.

[JoeH]

enblethen wrote:
We stayed at this great resort.
Bluewater Key

Agree with Bluewater Key. Most sites are on the water with their own dock and tiki . Lots of great paddling in the area in the mangroves or bay . This the lot we are on right now. BWK Lot 8

[charlestonsouth]

kfp673, are you and your family doing Fort Wilderness camping for Disney activities? DH and I have reservations there in March, but are rethinking the trip because we're not sure the parks will have parades and such.