The Keys @ Christmas?

DonHo · 12-16-2007, 03:17 PM

Hello All!

I am thinking of riding down to the Keys over the Christmas Holiday. Camping along the way. (mainly camping in southern Florida) Could anyone give me some advice/recommendations about campgrounds in, or close to Key West? Is accomodations usually booked up for tent camping this time of year?

Thanks for the advice,

DonHo

viverrid · 12-16-2007, 03:25 PM

I xpect that somebody closer will give you better info.

However, I don't think there is that much choice in camping available when you get near Key West. Small islands, valuable real estate, etc. (I have only been there a couple of times and stayed in hotels.)

Zrexrob · 12-16-2007, 05:14 PM

John Pennycamp in Key Largo is a nice place as is KOA in Sugarloaf...pricey this time a year.

The KOA at Lake Ocheekobee is a good stop on the way also...big clean place.

OldBMWMaster · 12-17-2007, 03:31 AM

The KOA at milemarker 20 is awesome. Not like any other KOA you will ever visit. Private beach, with tnet camping right there. Huge pool. Huge hottub. Nightclub.

As a bonus, Mango Mama's is right across the road.

Good luck on your ride.

Mr Baggins · 12-17-2007, 12:20 PM

Key West in the winter.You must like people and a limp wallet.The few campgrounds are not cheap and motel rooms are skyhigh.The scenery and food are great and almost worth it.

RockBreaker · 12-17-2007, 12:52 PM

Hillsbourgh River State park right outside of Tampa would make a great stop
on the way down Rent a canoe and paddle the river, Marathon Key is the
best place for stright people, Good food, party boat fishing (Marathon Lady)
lots of cheap rooms and camping, there is a KOA on Saddleback Key but they cost way way to much, and day trip to Quee West
Hemmingway house is cool and Fisher Museum

twistydave · 12-17-2007, 01:02 PM

If I remember right the camp ground prices started at 35 dollars!! oops no camping rates start at 58 dollars for 2 people plus tax's etc..

DonHo · 12-18-2007, 03:59 AM

Thanks for all the replies guys!!

I've heard some rumors of Key West, but have never been, and, this might be the last chance to go for a while. I'm always in the mood for temps around 80 in the winter! I think it is a place I have to go, if even only once.

My girlfriend and I will probably leave out Thursday eve to get a jump-start (and through Atlanta before rush hour) and be back on Christmas day. Too short of a trip, but, still a trip.......on 2 wheels!

Any other advice is still welcome!

Thanks again

ChrisE · 12-18-2007, 05:26 AM

We stayed at Boyds campground http://www.boydscampground.com/ about 18 months ago.

Their site states $60 per night for a camp site and $70 if you want to be right by the water.

It's on the last island before Key West and is only a 5 minute drive down to Duval St, which is where most of the touristy bars, art galleries, sea front area, etc.. are in Key West.

The drive down the Keys is not as spectacular as one might think. You spend most of the time in the center of little islands, with your typical US route 1 stores either side, with the ocean a couple of hundred yards behind these, so for the most part you could be driving through Anytown, USA.

There are some nice stretches of bridges and most have areas where you can pull over and park.

I also stayed at Looe Key http://www.diveflakeys.com/resort.html back in August. It's primarily a scuba dive center that has their own motel, It was about 30 miles out from Key West.

There's good scuba diving and snorkeling down their, even at this time of year, although it can be a bit choppy, water temps should be in the low to mid 70's and most rental places have wet suits.

Hope this helps

Getting around on bike is the best mode of transport.

Rcrx21 · 12-18-2007, 06:37 AM

Have you checked the tent space thread here on ADV?

RBrider · 12-19-2007, 02:56 AM

Check this out, it might be of help.

http://www.floridastateparks.org/bahiahonda/default.cfm

Bahia Honda State Park is just pass the Seven Mile Bridge. Marathon is just north of the Bridge. IMO, it's a perfect mid Keys location.

RB

ski.dive · 12-19-2007, 05:48 AM

This time of the year you won't find any AVAILABLE campsites in the KEYS.

WARNING!!!! don't come down without a reservation

Eeickey · 12-19-2007, 02:11 PM

Check out Long Key state park and Bahia Honda state park...Florida state parks are much cheaper and they are both waterfront camping at its best!
If you need more info look me up, I am in Pompano Beach/Fort Likkertail...
camp here!

niobium · 12-20-2007, 04:34 AM

There is a very good campground on Big Pine Key. It's called
Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge. They have tent sites, RV sites, hotel rooms, and large clean private showers/bathrooms in a huge bathhouse. They are very friendly, and about 30 miles from Key West. Located just south of Bahia Honda. We stay there at least once a year. Highly recommended.

Colemanfu · 12-20-2007, 05:27 AM

If you stop in Daytona let me know.

I'll buy you a cold one at the Iron Horse.

12-16-2007, 03:17 PM	#1
DonHo ^OP Adventurer Joined: Oct 2003 Location: Middle Tennessee, USA Oddometer: 62	The Keys @ Christmas? Hello All! I am thinking of riding down to the Keys over the Christmas Holiday. Camping along the way. (mainly camping in southern Florida) Could anyone give me some advice/recommendations about campgrounds in, or close to Key West? Is accomodations usually booked up for tent camping this time of year? Thanks for the advice, DonHo __________________ Don Ho 11 Moto Guzzi Griso 8v SE, 12 R1200GSA, 2010 HD XR1200, 2012 BMW F800GS, 2008 Ducati Monster S2R 1000, 2008 KTM 530 XCRW 1977 Triumph T140 V Bonneville, 1976 BMW R75/6

12-16-2007, 03:25 PM	#2
viverrid not dead yet Joined: Jan 2004 Location: Western Mass Oddometer: 26,477	I xpect that somebody closer will give you better info. However, I don't think there is that much choice in camping available when you get near Key West. Small islands, valuable real estate, etc. (I have only been there a couple of times and stayed in hotels.) __________________ Advanced pancreatic cancer diagnosed 04/2010. 95% mortality within 2 years but NOT DEAD YET. Been thru & still doing all sorts of treatments. Gonna keep doing what I'm doing until I can't any more.

12-16-2007, 05:14 PM	#3
Zrexrob Fla Mountains...yep! Joined: Jan 2006 Location: Clermontvegasville, Fl Oddometer: 1,380	John Pennycamp in Key Largo is a nice place as is KOA in Sugarloaf...pricey this time a year. The KOA at Lake Ocheekobee is a good stop on the way also...big clean place. __________________ Dual-Sport Kripz member since 1984. Seven deadly sins Seven ways to win Seven holy paths to hell And your trip begins...

12-17-2007, 03:31 AM	#4
OldBMWMaster Banned Joined: Oct 2006 Location: Pleasure Island, NC 28449 Oddometer: 4,185	Mm20 The KOA at milemarker 20 is awesome. Not like any other KOA you will ever visit. Private beach, with tnet camping right there. Huge pool. Huge hottub. Nightclub. As a bonus, Mango Mama's is right across the road. Good luck on your ride.

12-17-2007, 12:20 PM	#5
Mr Baggins Stinky Feet Joined: Jul 2006 Location: Hiawassee North GA. Oddometer: 1,035	Key West in the winter.You must like people and a limp wallet.The few campgrounds are not cheap and motel rooms are skyhigh.The scenery and food are great and almost worth it. __________________ Adventure is a path. Real adventure - self-determined, self-motivated, often risky - forces you to have firsthand encounters with the world. The world the way it is, not the way you imagine it. Your body will collide with the earth and you will bear witness. In this way you will be compelled to grapple with the limitless kindness and bottomless cruelty of humankind - and perhaps realize that you yourself are capable of both. This will change you. Nothing will ever again be black-and-white.” -

12-17-2007, 12:52 PM	#6
RockBreaker Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Aug 2007 Location: Athens, TN...The best riding area ever!!! Oddometer: 242	Hillsbourgh River State park right outside of Tampa would make a great stop on the way down Rent a canoe and paddle the river, Marathon Key is the best place for stright people, Good food, party boat fishing (Marathon Lady) lots of cheap rooms and camping, there is a KOA on Saddleback Key but they cost way way to much, and day trip to Quee West Hemmingway house is cool and Fisher Museum

12-17-2007, 01:02 PM	#7
twistydave Studly Adventurer Joined: Aug 2007 Location: Charleston, SC and Saluda NC Oddometer: 520	koa If I remember right the camp ground prices started at 35 dollars!! oops no camping rates start at 58 dollars for 2 people plus tax's etc.. twistydave screwed with this post 12-17-2007 at 01:13 PM

12-18-2007, 03:59 AM	#8
DonHo ^OP Adventurer Joined: Oct 2003 Location: Middle Tennessee, USA Oddometer: 62	Thanks for all the replies guys!! I've heard some rumors of Key West, but have never been, and, this might be the last chance to go for a while. I'm always in the mood for temps around 80 in the winter! I think it is a place I have to go, if even only once. My girlfriend and I will probably leave out Thursday eve to get a jump-start (and through Atlanta before rush hour) and be back on Christmas day. Too short of a trip, but, still a trip.......on 2 wheels! Any other advice is still welcome! Thanks again __________________ Don Ho 11 Moto Guzzi Griso 8v SE, 12 R1200GSA, 2010 HD XR1200, 2012 BMW F800GS, 2008 Ducati Monster S2R 1000, 2008 KTM 530 XCRW 1977 Triumph T140 V Bonneville, 1976 BMW R75/6

12-18-2007, 05:26 AM	#9
ChrisE Studly Adventurer Joined: Aug 2005 Location: Brentwood,TN (Ex FL Sand Flea) Oddometer: 663	We stayed at Boyds campground http://www.boydscampground.com/ about 18 months ago. Their site states $60 per night for a camp site and $70 if you want to be right by the water. It's on the last island before Key West and is only a 5 minute drive down to Duval St, which is where most of the touristy bars, art galleries, sea front area, etc.. are in Key West. The drive down the Keys is not as spectacular as one might think. You spend most of the time in the center of little islands, with your typical US route 1 stores either side, with the ocean a couple of hundred yards behind these, so for the most part you could be driving through Anytown, USA. There are some nice stretches of bridges and most have areas where you can pull over and park. I also stayed at Looe Key http://www.diveflakeys.com/resort.html back in August. It's primarily a scuba dive center that has their own motel, It was about 30 miles out from Key West. There's good scuba diving and snorkeling down their, even at this time of year, although it can be a bit choppy, water temps should be in the low to mid 70's and most rental places have wet suits. Hope this helps Getting around on bike is the best mode of transport. __________________ A Brit inTennessee! '08 KTM 300XC-W(e) (Tagged) '07 Ducati 1098s (Track Bike) '05 BMW R1200RT '98 Yamaha R1 '93 Bimota DB2 '76 Honda CB400F

12-18-2007, 06:37 AM	#10
Rcrx21 02 KLR650; 02 KDX220 Joined: Dec 2005 Location: Collegeville, PA Oddometer: 431	Have you checked the tent space thread here on ADV?

12-19-2007, 02:56 AM	#11
RBrider Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Jun 2007 Oddometer: 263	Check this out, it might be of help. http://www.floridastateparks.org/bahiahonda/default.cfm Bahia Honda State Park is just pass the Seven Mile Bridge. Marathon is just north of the Bridge. IMO, it's a perfect mid Keys location. RB

12-19-2007, 05:48 AM	#12
ski.dive Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Dec 2007 Location: hutchinson island,fl. / mt.snow,vt. / costa rica Oddometer: 210	This time of the year you won't find any AVAILABLE campsites in the KEYS. WARNING!!!! don't come down without a reservation

12-19-2007, 02:11 PM	#13
Eeickey Underwater Adventurer Joined: May 2007 Location: Fort Likkertail Oddometer: 684	Forget KOA's. They all suck and they're expensive... Check out Long Key state park and Bahia Honda state park...Florida state parks are much cheaper and they are both waterfront camping at its best! If you need more info look me up, I am in Pompano Beach/Fort Likkertail... camp here!

12-20-2007, 04:34 AM	#14
niobium Nuclear Klown Joined: Mar 2006 Location: Green Bay, WI Oddometer: 24	FL Keys Camping There is a very good campground on Big Pine Key. It's called Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge. They have tent sites, RV sites, hotel rooms, and large clean private showers/bathrooms in a huge bathhouse. They are very friendly, and about 30 miles from Key West. Located just south of Bahia Honda. We stay there at least once a year. Highly recommended. __________________ Rick '11 Husqvarna TE630 '13 R1200GS LC

12-20-2007, 05:27 AM	#15
Colemanfu King of all manfu Joined: Jan 2006 Location: DAYTONA USA Oddometer: 2,693	If you stop in Daytona let me know. I'll buy you a cold one at the Iron Horse. __________________ Guns keep society safe.

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