The El Mar RV Resort, Leo's Campground and Boyd's Campground are on Stock Island's south side, not far from the Florida Keys' main drag, U.S. 1, otherwise known as the Overseas Highway. El Mar, which has 10 sites, is on the water, as is the much larger Boyd's.
Booking a space for an air-conditioned recreational vehicle is usually less expensive than booking a room in one of Key West's many hotels and guesthouses. At Stock Island's three RV campgrounds, full hookup rates range from $49 to $120, depending on the site location and season. Each one offers nightly, weekly or monthly rentals. Prices--and demand--rise in the busy winter season, and during special events, like Key West's annual Fantasy Fest.
Leo's Campground bills itself as the most affordable campground in the Florida Keys, and its amenities are modest to match the price. The full hookup sites include water, sewage, electric and cable television, plus a picnic table and a barbecue area, bathhouse and laundry.
El Mar's five waterfront and five off-water sites offer room for big rigs and supply water, cable TV, telephone and electricity. The gravel sites also have patios.
Boyd's is the most luxurious of the three RV campgrounds. It features the usual amenities at its full hookup sites, but also offers a pool, beach, boat ramp, docks, poolside tiki bar and picnic pavilion.
Stock Island is home to one of the Florida Keys' gems, the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden. The lush property features spectacular native and exotic plants, and it's a popular spot for birdwatchers during the fall and spring migrations. Located on College Road, across the Overseas Highway from Stock Island's campgrounds, the garden is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is $5 for adults. There are seasonal tours and special events.
