Because just about every inch of land on Long Key has been owned by the Florida State Park system since 1969, much of the land is undeveloped and in a mostly natural state, which is one reason why Long Key is so appealing for campers. The natural beauty is pristine. This is also the reason why the state park offers the only campgrounds on the island.
The 60 campsites on Long Key are all waterfront overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. This is not primitive camping, as each site has a picnic table and water and electricity hookups. Some sites are equipped for RVs. There are central bathrooms with heated showers, as well as a dump station.
Long Key campsites are in high demand, especially during the summer months and during other peak vacation times such as spring break. The park allows booking 11 months in advance through Reserve America. If you are planning on visiting during one of these busy times, you should book as early as possible if you want to be guaranteed a spot. The peak rate is $38.50 per night and $269.50 per week, though discounts are sometimes available for seniors and during slower seasons.
Pets are allowed if well behaved and on a leash. The park rangers reserve the right to expel rowdy, uncontrolled animals. Though there are Key Deer, hunting is not allowed on Long Key. You are allowed to fish, but in Florida you are required to have a saltwater fishing license. Alcohol is prohibited in the state park.
You will have easy access to swimming and snorkeling in the generally warm, shallow waters right in front of the campsite. There are also designated swimming areas around the park that have slightly deeper waters without rocky bottoms.
The park also has three nature trails, two that involve light hiking, and one that is a water-based trail involving canoeing and kayaking. There is also a ranger-guided hike once a week.
You can also take a drive down the US-1 to Key West, Florida's southernmost point and explore the other keys along the way. Key West is about 66 miles away and it may take a couple of hours to reach it because of traffic and the fact that US-1 is often a two-lane, non-passing highway.
