Long Key is part of the Florida Keys, a chain of islands dotting the waters off south Florida. It contains the city of Layton, a smattering of resorts and restaurants. Long Key is roughly one hour and 20 minutes outside of Key West and 20 minutes away from the Marathon airport. It's home to Long Key State Park, which is located on the east side of the island.
Long Key State Park, located at mile marker 67.5, is south of Islamorada and north of Marathon. It takes up a good portion of the east side of Long Key, and while some campsites are visible from the Overseas Highway, each campsite offers beachfront real estate and some privacy afforded by the palm trees.
The park has snorkeling (although the park doesn't offer snorkel rentals), nature trails, canoe and kayak rentals, picnic areas, and plenty of beach to explore. Nature trails on land include Golden Orb Trail and Layton trail.
Long Key State Park has 60 campsites, all bordering the Atlantic Ocean. Each site has water and electricity as well as a grill and picnic table. The park has a dumping station and hot-water showers. The park can accommodate RVs up to 45 feet long.
In an attempt to remove what some deemed "invasive" plants from the campground, the park had removed all of its Australian pines by 2009. Returning visitors may be surprised at the change in the campground, as it now offers comparatively little shade over the sites. Privacy between the sites is also lessened as well. As native vegetation fills in, this should change. Until then, make plans for shade in the warmer months (May through October).
Long Key State Park opens at 8 a.m. and closes at sundown (for day visitors) every day of the year. For noncampers, as of 2010 admission costs $5.50 per vehicle (between two and eight people), $2.50 for pedestrians, cyclists, vehicle passengers who possess an annual pass to Florida state parks, and $4.50 for motorcycles or single-occupant vehicles.
Florida state parks welcome leashed, well-behaved pets, and Long Key State Park is no exception. However, pets may not visit bath houses, picnic shelters or the shoreline. Dogs should have proof of a current rabies vaccination and stay on a leash no longer than six feet long; the leash must be hand-held and not a tether. Owners should pick up any pet waste immediately. The park does allow certain other pets; please call for specific guidelines.
Make reservations through Reserve America up to 11 months ahead of time. Call 800-326-3521 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. or visit Reserve America's website (see References). TDD users can reach Reserve America at 888-433-0287.
