Key Largo Kampground, Key Largo, Florida Keys

This past weekend my family and I went camping in the Florida Keys, something we have done many times over the years. The Florida Keys are a great way to escape the hustle of Miami, and I love finally being able to see the stars clearly again.

The camping trip was a bit spontaneous, so we had a list of campgrounds with us, and our plan was to drive until we found one with a reasonable price that had an opening. Our first choice was Key Largo Kampground, as it is located right next to John Pennenkamp State Park, but since the campground at John Pennenkamp is closed due to construction until 2011, we were afraid that Key Largo Kampground was filled up.

We ended up being very lucky, as Key Largo Kampground did have several available tent spots, and we received a spot in close proximity to the pool, the restrooms and the clubhouse. The price at Key Largo Kampground was considerably better than the nearby campgrounds, and I had only found good reviews online, so we were excited and ready to camp.

Key Largo Kampground has a very nice pool and kiddy pool, which is open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. We went swimming in the evening, and since it was October the water was a bit cold for us locals. Still it was nice enough to swim in, and very likely the perfect temperature for the warm days. It was clean and the pool area was well lit. The restrooms were kept clean for campground standards, and they were separated from the shower area.

We ate breakfast at the club house every morning, which basically was a barnlike area, where there were picnic tables, a television and Internet access (you bring the computer). It was nice and cozy, but it still felt like we were sitting outside eating breakfast which I loved. There is also a nice playground with swings, a play area, shuffleboard courts, as well as a nearby tiki hut with picnic tables.

Each camp area had its own grill, there were plenty of access to water, and the campgrounds were kept very clean. There are laundry facilities, a general store, and a great marina. Quiet hours were enforced, and we had no problem getting a good night's sleep. If you are a family that likes fun frugal family activities, Key Largo Kampground is definitely a campground for you.

I absolutely loved the Key Largo Kampground, which is located on 60 acres. The campground mainly consists of condos or trailers that looks like pretty little vacation houses with phenomenal views and a great location. The colorful and whimsical decorations put a great touch on the campground décor, and it made us feel at home.

The North Beach at Key Largo Kampground

Key Largo Kampground has a marina and two beach areas. Like most beaches in the Florida Keys the beach areas are manmade, and while they were nothing spectacular, they were quite similar to those at the nearby John Pennenkamp State Park. The beach areas were better than at many hotels we have been to, but they could not compare to the beach areas of Sombrero Beach in Marathon or Bahia Honda State Park.

We had a difficult time locating Key Largo Kamground and Marina, which is located at MM101.5. A local steered us in the right direction by letting us know that we should turn left at the light right before Kmart and Publix (When driving south). The Key Largo Kampground does in fact have a fantastic location for campers, as there is no reason for you to get in the car unless you absolutely want to.

South Beach at Key Largo Kampground)

There is a really nice Publix (grocery store) located a 5 minute walk from the campground. In the same shopping plaza, you can find the Key Largo Library (Where you can get Internet access, there are even computers available with Internet, and you do not need to have a library card). There is a Bealls Outlet store, a hair salon and more. You can also walk to the nearby John Pennenkamp State Park which offers endless possibilities for snorkeling, diving, kayaking, beaches and more.

Near Key Largo Kampground you can find Winn Dixie a few miles North, Burger King, Wendy’s, Subway, Pizzarias and more for a low budget vacation. There are also numerous local restaurants, tourists shops, diving shops etc. for those who have a larger budget.

Key Largo is a great first stop, if you are spending several days in the Florida Keys, it is a great place to stop for the night before heading on to Key West, and it is a great place to experience a bit of the Florida Keys without driving all the way south.. Besides the nearby John Pennenkamp State Park, you will have to drive a bit to get to other great beaches, but I can highly recommend stopping at Sombrero Beach (a modern paradise beach) or Bahia Honda State Park, which offers scenic beaches and lots of history.

My family of five enjoyed our stay at Key Largo Kampground, and we will definitely return.

Cost:                          Daily

Tent-no hook up          $35

Tent with hook up        $38

Tent T-31Waterview   $39

RV full hook up           $60

RV waterfront             $75

All prices above are plus 12.5% state tax

All prices are based on 2 adults and 2 children less than 6 years old (any additional persons are $3 plus tax with a maximum of 6 people per camp site.

*Prices may change, please call Key Largo Kampground for updated rates.

1-800-KAMP-OUT

305 - 451 - 1431

Location: (MM101.5)

Key Largo Kampground

101551 Overseas Highway,

Key Largo, Florida 33037

Directions:

Located at (Milemarker 101.5)

When coming from the North (Miami) turn left at the light right before Kmart and Publix in Key Largo.

When coming from the South (Key West) turn right at the light right after the Kmart and Publix Plaza in Key Largo.

You can find more information about the Key Largo Kampground on their website.