Complete Guide to Camping in Key West, Florida

Key West is unlike any other destination in the United States — a tiny island at the end of a 113-mile chain of islands, rich with history, natural beauty, and a unique culture that embraces the eccentric and the adventurous. And one of the best-kept secrets about the Southernmost City? You can camp there. This complete guide covers everything you need to know about camping in Key West, Florida.

Can You Really Camp in Key West?

Yes — and it’s one of the best ways to experience the island. Camping in Key West puts you close to the action without the steep price of downtown hotels. Several campgrounds operate on or near the island, with options for RV camping, tent camping, and even glamping-style Tiny Home rentals. The most notable campground in Key West is Boyd’s Key West Campground on Stock Island, a family-owned waterfront destination operating since 1963.

Where to Camp in Key West

Boyd’s Key West Campground (Stock Island)

The most popular and well-established campground near Key West, Boyd’s sits on the waterfront of Stock Island — just one island north of Key West itself and about 5 minutes from Duval Street. Boyd’s offers waterfront RV sites with full hookups, tent sites, and Tiny Home rentals. The campground has been family-owned since 1963 and is known for its welcoming atmosphere and strong sense of community.

• Address: 6401 Maloney Ave, Stock Island, Key West, FL 33040
• Phone: (305) 294-1465
• Sites: RV (full hookup), tent, Tiny Home rentals
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Pool: Yes

Best Time to Camp in Key West

Key West has a tropical climate, which means warm weather year-round. That said, the best time to camp in Key West depends on what you’re looking for:

• November–April (Peak Season): The most popular time to visit. Weather is ideal — sunny, low humidity, temps in the 70s–80s. Book well in advance.
• May–June: Shoulder season. Fewer crowds, lower rates, and still excellent weather before summer heat sets in.
• July–August: Hot and humid, but a great time for Hemingway Days (July) and fewer crowds than winter. Hurricane season begins.
• September–October: Hurricane season peaks. Fantasy Fest (October) is a major draw — book very early for this period.

What to Do While Camping in Key West

• Explore Duval Street — the heart of Key West’s nightlife and shopping
• Visit the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum — see the six-toed cats and the study where he wrote
• Sunset at Mallory Square — the famous nightly sunset celebration with street performers
• Snorkeling & Diving — the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary offers world-class reefs
• Kayaking and Paddleboarding — explore mangrove channels and calm backcountry waters
• Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory — a stunning indoor butterfly garden
• Dry Tortugas National Park — accessible by ferry or seaplane, a remote island fortress 70 miles west
• Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park — Civil War-era fort with one of Key West’s best beaches

Camping Tips for Key West

• Book early: Key West campsites fill up months in advance, especially for peak season and major events like Fantasy Fest and New Year’s Eve.
• Bring bug spray: No-see-ums (biting midges) can be active near the water, especially at dusk.
• Embrace the heat: If camping in summer, bring a fan or make sure your camper’s A/C is in good shape.
• Use rideshare or bikes: Parking in Key West is limited and expensive. Rideshare apps and bike rentals make getting around easy.
• Respect the environment: Key West is part of a fragile island ecosystem. Practice Leave No Trace principles.

Ready to Camp in Key West?

Boyd’s Key West Campground has been welcoming campers to the Southernmost City since 1963. Whether you’re coming for Fantasy Fest, New Year’s Eve, Hemingway Days, or just a winter escape, we’d love to be your home base in Key West. Contact us to check availability and book your stay.