Long Key State Park

Stopped to stretch our legs here as we drove from Key West to Miami. Took the turn and realized we’d have to pay a day rate to do so. We did not have time so we turned around.

We stayed here with the family in July. Campground was clean the kids love playing in the water just seconds from our camper. My only complaint is the bathrooms need to be air conditioned or have better air flow. Overall a nice place to stay in the middle of the Florida keys.

Nice little place, but we rented kayaks and discovered that low tide in a windy day isn’t good for sea kayaking. The Ranger was nice and gave some suggestions, indicated that once we got into the mangroves the wind wouldn’t be a problem — but didn’t clarify until after we returned that there isn’t an inlet from open sea to calm water.

Definitely an amazing and beautiful Florida State Park along the Overseas Highway! Lots to see, including a 2-​mile nature trail, views of the beach areas, shoreline, a boardwalk with an observation deck, and some picnic areas. Entrance fees vary by number of occupants in each vehicle. One of those locations you won’t want to miss!

Decided to take a break from the more touristy activities and check out the Long Key State Park.
+ Friendly guards/​attendants; really fun to chat with
+ Reasonable day rate: $ 4.50/adult
+ Cool campground areas available
+ Well groomed trails
— Not a ton to see/​do; not really near the water too much, save for one section of trail near the campground
I’d be tempted to camp here; I have a feeling it would be pretty awesome.
** Heads-​up: be sure to wear long pants/​sleeves and use plenty of bug repellent. The next day following our visit, I woke-​up with a ton of super tiny bites all over my legs and arms. They were crazy itchy and lasted forever — I had them for a week or so, despite trying every known home remedy to man. I was told they were from «no seeums» — which are apparently quite prevalent in the area. So, be warned and be proactive! **

This park was beyond amazing! We recently relocated to the Ft Lauderdale area and was looking for a great place to camp in the keys. From all the reviews we thought LK state park was a great first place to try.
We knew we would be arriving late so we called ahead and were given the code to the locked gate that was set after sunset. There was another gate just before the camp ground with the same gate code.
Each camp site had perfect space, a firepit, and a picnic table. The biggest perk was your very own ocean front entrance! We literally were able to carrying our kayaks 10 feet from our truck and place them in the ocean, also alleviating having to store our kayaks when not in use.
Will be returning soon! Must see camp ground

So I’ll begin by saying that I’ve done real outdoorsy, leave-​no-​trace backpacking and even car camping (like this is) that’s quite remote in California. So what I’ll do here is letcha know that the campsites are only a stand of trees away from the only highway on the keys (it’s busy), and your neighbors are as likely to be a rowdy family with a RV and a generator as another set of quiet tent campers. The bathrooms are really, really clean (though the hot water wasn’t working the day I was there), which is nice, and there’s recycling available.
It’s windy on the ocean side, so bring guy lines for your tent and a layer to throw on. There’s a fire ring, so buy firewood somewhere nearby and you’ll have a lovely view. And pray for well-​behaved neighbors.

Long Key State Park is one of a number of State Parks that call the Florida Keys home. An annual pass for all the Florida State Parks is $ 60 per person I’m sure discounts apply for families. If you purchase a annual pass note that the State Parks located in Monroe County charge an addition $ 0.50 per person even with your pass unless you also purchase a Monroe County Stamp with your annual pass.
This is a relatively small park but it offers a number of amenities and some beautiful scenery. The water surrounding the park is absolutely beautiful this is a great place to take a driving break and have a snack while enjoying the peacefulness.
Long Key State Park is a 965-​acre Florida State Park located on Long Key, one of the Florida Keys, in Monroe County, Florida, United States. It is at mile marker 67.5 on U.S. 1.
History:
Prehistoric coral reefs grew here over the course of millennia, when the sea level was over 20 feet deeper. The remnants came to form Long Key, and the rest of the Florida Keys.
«Cayo Vivora», or Rattlesnake Key, is what the first Spaniards called the island, since to them it resembled a snake with its jaws open.
By the early twentieth century, Long Key became an important depot for the completed Key West Extension of the Florida East Coast Railroad. The railroad’s founder, Henry Flagler, also established the Long Key Fishing Camp, a resort that attracted the greatest saltwater fishermen from around the world. But it did not last for long, when in 1935, the Labor Day hurricane devastated the Club, the railroad, and much of the Keys.
The land that came to comprise the park was acquired between 1961 and 1973, with the official opening in 1969

I am totally not an «outdoorsy» person and this was my first time camping. It’s a beautiful place but what I recommend is to come in the winter. It’s really hot inside the tent! But it’s nice and breezy outside which kept it cool at night. The whole camping area we stayed at was a sand lot surrounded by trees, there are outlets and fresh water to wash hands and use as needed. There’s a big bbq to make your delicious food.
Animals we saw… crab holes all over the place but they won’t come out to bother you. By the water there are sea lice all over jumping everywhere. Take lots of repellent and watch out for those no-​see-​ums. We heard and saw lots of birds at night.
Sunset and sunrise were awesome!
Come out after 3 am when it’s pitch black and look up, the stars look amazing. You can see every star you’ve wished upon.
Bathrooms: considering a camping site, the bathrooms were very very clean. They have showers as well and very very clean! I am shocked! I would definitely recommend someone coming here to camp out.
There’s also a natural trail where you can go walking around to see the wildlife! Come out here and have some fun!

Went camping had a great time. Beside the mosquito and the other insect had a blast. Some different to do. Recommend for any family.

beautiful park, friendly rangers, but the beach was very seaweeded and we ended up moving on to Bahia to swim.
there are no concessions and the rest of the road that is on the map was not accessible unless you were camping, which was definitely a bummer, and slightly misleading from all the maps I read.

Wouldn’t stay again. No-​see-​ums were really bad! They got thru our pop-​up screens. To walk into the water you have to walk over nasty stuff. The bathroom number one, it looks like the building is about to fall over, they’re actually disgusting, there are so many bugs it’s incredible. They do clean them every day so they’re clean, but they’re disgusting.
The smell of Lowtide is terrible. But the smell never goes away at high tide either. It might lessen a little bit but it never goes away. We would not stay here again. And we typically love the Florida state parks! It is breath-​takingly beautiful, but not worth the annoying bugs and smell.

Pros:
Really nice view for an ocean-​side campground, picnic table and fire-​pit with grill in each lot, somewhat private lots separated by some trees, friendly neighbors, nice and informative ranger, clean bathroom.
Cons:
Close to the main road so you hear a bunch of cars passing by, park closes at 8pm so you have to open a gate with padlock to get in passed that time (not really a con, just a bit annoying).
Tip:
Very windy on ocean side! If you camp make sure to fasten your tent properly.

I researched this campsite and went due to all the online reviews about how quiet and beachy this place was. First off, there is no ‘beach’ in that there is no sandy beach. At low tide, you can walk out onto the water as it’s very shallow for a long ways out however you would be walking on Corals. I’m actually kind of shocked they allow this.
The highway is literally right next to the camp sites so all day and night you hear the restful sounds of cars and trucks flying by.
There is really not much you can do here except walk out onto the flats after the low tied rolls in.
There is a fire pit in which the fire circle is not even bolted onto the cement meaning a nice wind could send some embers out to start a fire. I was actually pretty shocked at the state of disregard for that however they were clean.
The shower door was off the hing and although they were more or less clean, they definitely need to be repaired.
We had campers that arrived at 10 pm and proceeded to set up their tent and argue loudly which sucked because I thought the park closed at sundown.
The good: the site did not seem to be too crowded due to the layout if the camp sites.
However given the ‘beach’ and the proximity of the highway, I would not go back.
Also, campfire wood is 6 dollars and not 3 dollars as someone else wrote on a review.

Let me start by saying I am not the camping type; I’m the hotel type! That being said, I tagged along with a friend to this state park for a little camping expedition. This is an awesome state park, both for day-​use and for campers.
As you enter this state park, you stop to pay a day fee, or register as a camper. The fee is minimal for day use. There are lots of picnic areas, right on the ocean, and PLENTY of birds for birdwatchers. If you go to the left, there’s a nice boardwalk that is shaded by mangroves. By the boardwalk, there is a huge bathroom that was super clean and well-​kept. You can picnic, ride your bike, birdwatch, and, of course, enjoy the ocean that you are surrounded by. There are lots of outdoor things to do in the park.
The camping area is to the right. After you check in at the front area, you go through a gate to get to the camp sites. The camping area is not only secure by that gate, but there is also a fence around the entire area. At night, after the park closes, they lock the front gate. You are given a code if you need to get in and out; it is really good security.
This is the most beautiful place. The camping sites are immaculate. We were in # 03, which only allows 2 people (the rules are strict). Some sites allow 2 people, some allow RV’s, some allow more people. I found the site to be very private. It’s a small strip, with a picnic table, a fresh water spigot, and electrical outlet (we didn’t use the electricity), and a very nice fire well where you can light a fire and cook (you can buy firewood when you check-​in if you didn’t think to bring your own). Each camp site in this park is just steps to the ocean — all sites are oceanfront. Beautiful.
You awake in the morning and peek out your tent and see the most awesome sunrise. In the evening, the ocean just bursts with orange from the beautiful Florida sunsets. The campground is SO quiet, peaceful and dark at night. When the stars come out, you can see them bright for miles. All of it really takes your breath away (see my photos).
Site # 03 was in the full sun. After about 3pm, there was a little shade at the front part. The site next to # 03 (I guess that would be 04) had a HUGE palm tree on it and had a lot of shade (I put photos of several of the sites). Some sites farther down — some had shade, some didn’t. Sea grape trees that are a little more than waist-​high border the sites to give you privacy, and there is a little wooden fence separating sites. In # 03, there was plenty of room for the fire, the picnic table, our 2-​person tent, a chair, and plenty of space to park the car. More than enough room. In this site, it was less than a minute walk to the showers/​bathroom/​trash area.
Now let me discuss the bathrooms /​shower areas. I have NEVER seen anything so immaculate! The one we used had 2 toilet stalls (one was a big handicap one), and 2 big shower stalls. It was just perfect; I couldn’t believe how clean it was (see my photos). Outside of the bathroom was the trash dumpster and recycling bins (be sure to use them). There are no trash cans at the individual sites — which it good to keep wild critters out of your site.
This was an awesome place for a camper. The check-​in park people were SO nice and helpful. They run a tight ship here and it shows — the park could not be cleaner or better kept. Even as a non-​camper-​type, I found it so wonderful. I’m a fan! Who knows, I might even camp again!

The place is beautiful! My boyfriend and I came down for a one night stay and wish we were there longer. The bathrooms are clean, the camp sites are very well kept with electrical and water hookups. There is a fire ring and you can purchase the wood at the rangers station. With a little breeze off the water in mid-​December, we did not have any problems with mosquitoes. Our neighbors were quiet and respectful. Overall an excellent experience. We can’t wait to return!

Schöner Nationalpark, in dem man verschiedene Dinge tun kann. Da gibt es einen Strand, mit Barbecue Plätzen und Bänken, auf denen man sitzen kann. Oder man setzt sich einfach ans Meer und sinniert.
Da gibt es einen Wanderweg, den man in 40−60min laufen kann und der mitten durch die Mangroven und verschiedene andere Vegetationsbereiche geht. Angeblich ist dort auch ein Vogelparadies, aber es waren weder welche zu hören noch zu sehen. An Tieren haben wir nur (schöné) blaue Krebse, Eidechsen und Spinnen entdeckt. Letztere ein bißchen seltsam geformt, außerirdisch irgendwie. Der Ranger ist nett und erzählt einem gerne etwas über den Park, man zahlt 6 USD pro Nase Eintritt. Autos sind erlaubt (wär ja n Wunder in US…)

Terrific place for a weekend getaway. The park itself provides camping grounds right on the beach. Waiting list for a space is long to note. Plenty of adventurous things to do (kayak, snorkel, ride bike). Right next to the park is a 3 mile long side extension of the road that provides fishing platforms. Some good keys fishing can be had from right off the side. No need to she’ll out for an expensive charter if all your looking for is to wet a line and bend some rods.

We stopped off here on our drive from Miami to Key West… I can’t really say this is worth stopping for unless you packed a picnic lunch and want a place to enjoy it or are in the Keys for camping.
There is a short little path through the mangroves and a couple pretty views by the tiny pier, but other than that this is just a campground, albeit a beautiful one.
If I learned one thing about the Keys it’s that they take VERY good care of their state parks. I am dying to go back and camp all the Keys after seeing how many gorgeous, well-​kept parks there are.
Anyway, like I said, stop here if you want a place to have lunch, but skip it if you are looking for a beach/​view/​spectacular nature experience.

This is a fabulous Florida park. The camping facilities are very nice — one side it’s on the ground, one side has wooden platforms very close to the beach. Lots of butterflies all around! Ten steps from your tent to the American Caribbean!
For walkers, you can walk on wooden paths through the mangrove swamps and see the are up close and safely!
A very peaceful place.

There is a quiet irony about camping at Long Key State Park. It is the type of camping site where you go for peace and quiet. However, it’s this peace and quiet that makes you go crazy after four days camping here. You can pitch a tent (or drive your RV), sit down at one of their picnic tables, and just watch the ocean tide come and go. And that is what I did during this Thanksgiving break, and it was pretty relaxing – maybe a little bit too relaxing.
If R & R is not your forte, you also have the option of renting a couple of kayaks or taking a hike through the nature trail. Both are equipped with equal pros and cons.
KAYAKING:
There is a nearby vendor where you can rent kayaks for the whole day, or you can visit the ranger’s station, and rent a kayak for $ 17 for 2 hours. The service at the ranger’s station is exceptional, and they let me have my kayaking adventure for free because I was gone for less than half an hour. Major thanks to the ranger for being so friendly. Also, the best time for kayaking would be midday or in the evening. The low tide is notorious for ruining kayaking trips, and you have to find the best way to get around it. If not, your kayak may just be stuck at the muddy shore. Not fun if you don’t like to get dirty.
HIKING:
Visit the nature trail. It is over one mile long, but you are exposed to the shoreline. If you are scared of spiders, do not go at night. The trail gets flooded at times, so be prepared to wade through water.
AMENITIES:
In regards to amenities (aka the bathroom), it is definitely the cleanest I have ever seen out of all the camping sites I have ever visited. If you are down for campfires, they put out stacks of wood you can buy for $ 3, but make sure you make your move because it goes by fast.
Overall, a decent camping site.
Pros: Clean bathrooms, scenic nature trail, friendly rangers
Cons: They do not have an open field for planned recreational activites.