For over 60 years, Boyd’s Key West Campground has welcomed travelers with warm smiles, ocean breezes, and a deep-rooted love for island life. What began in 1963 as a dream built on coral rock and hard work has grown into Key West’s most beloved campground—still family-run, still full of heart. Today, we carry on that legacy with every guest we greet, every sunset we share, and every moment of Southernmost Hospitality™ we deliver.
From the beginning, Boyd’s was a true family-run operation. Boyd and Elsie Hamilton, raised their five children—Fern, Andy, Lynn, Henry, and Danny—right here at the campground. The Hamilton kids helped out in every way imaginable, from welcoming guests with a smile to keeping the grounds looking their best. As the family grew, so did the circle of helping hands. Mary, Danny’s wife, brought new life to the campground by founding the camp store, turning it into a must-visit spot for souvenirs, essentials, and little treasures.
One name that stands out as a guiding force through some of Boyd’s most transformative years is Bob Jones.
Bob served as the general manager of Boyd’s for over 40 years, and during that time, he became nothing short of a legend. With a hands-on approach and an eye for opportunity, Bob helped steer Boyd’s through decades of growth, improvement, and success. Whether he was operating a Bobcat, digging trenches, or fine-tuning the guest experience, Bob did it all—with determination, devotion to Boyd and Elsie’s vision and a tireless work ethic.
Under his leadership, Boyd’s evolved into the world-class destination it is today, all while keeping its laid-back charm and sense of community. Bob retired in 2017, but his fingerprints are still visible in nearly every part of the campground. His innovative ideas and steady guidance helped ensure that the spirit of Boyd’s would remain strong, even as Key West grew into a globally beloved destination.
The Life & Times of Boyd Hamilton ~ By Boyd Hamilton – Key West, Florida, July 1996 A few years ago, when I retired from running the campground on a day-to-day basis, I had an opportunity to reflect on the many years of my life. What a full life I
Someone with a Good Idea~ By Boyd Hamilton – Key West, Florida, July 1996 Despite the various pieces of property we had already acquired, I still had my sights set on one good, large piece of land. In late 1962, I learned about a city block on Stock Island that came
~ By Boyd Hamilton – Key West, Florida, July 1996 Stock IslandAs time went on, I was able to purchase the land next to mine. It was almost a necessary move because a man named Frank Smith had moved in and started a junkyard there. Old cars and scrap were everywhere—kind
More Kids in the House~ By Boyd Hamilton – Key West, Florida, July 1996 Five kids, a wife, and a campground office are just too much to cram into a house trailer—no matter how big it is. Although I wasn’t quite ready for it, financially or otherwise, I knew we had
Home Milk to Pavilion ~ By Boyd Hamilton – Key West, Florida, July 1996 The Home Milk property only had one decent building on it when we bought it. That building held their offices and a big walk-in refrigeration room. Out back, there was a concrete slab about 3 or
More Palm Trees ~ By Boyd Hamilton – Key West, Florida, July 1996 In 1987 Elsie and I moved off the campground and started our retirement. Lynn and Bob Jones moved out of their trailer in the far corner of the campground and into the house-office. Bob was now the
