Florida Keys camper van travel guide

When to go and what to expect

The Florida Keys string a line of coral islands from Key Largo to Key West, connected by the Overseas Highway and the famous Seven Mile Bridge. A Florida Keys camper van trip feels coastal and compact, with mile markers guiding every stop. Winter brings dry air, cooler nights, and the highest demand. Summer is hot and humid, with pop up storms and warm water for snorkeling.

Hurricane season runs June through November, peaking from August to October. Keep an eye on forecasts, especially for tropical systems that can affect bridges, tides, and campground status. Speed limits are strictly enforced, and traffic can bottleneck on weekends and holidays. Expect salt spray, bright sun, and bugs in mangroves; pack reef safe sunscreen and plan for mosquito control.

Seasonal timing

• Peak season: December through April, book far ahead.
• Shoulder months: May and early December, lighter crowds.
• Summer: Hot, humid, great water temps, afternoon showers.

Heat, humidity, and comfort

• Plan shade and airflow at camp.
• Choose sites with shore power for reliable cooling.
• Respect quiet hours if your setup uses any external power source.

Wildlife and local cautions

• Watch for Key deer on Big Pine Key at dusk.
• Use reef safe products to protect coral.
• Follow all posted manatee and no wake signs when paddling.

Where camper vans can stay

Overnight street parking is illegal across Monroe County. Expect active enforcement and plan legal sites every night. State parks offer standout scenery and quick water access, while private campgrounds add hookups, laundry, and pool time. Book early in winter and during spring festivals.

Top picks to place on your map include John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo for snorkeling tours, Curry Hammock State Park for windswept sandbars and paddling, and Bahia Honda State Park for postcard beaches and bridge views. In the Lower Keys and Key West area, private parks like Boyd’s Key West Campground, Sugarloaf Key KOA, Fiesta Key RV Resort, and Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge serve popular bases with different vibes and amenities.

Booking strategies

• Reserve state parks the moment windows open.
• For private parks, call ahead for vehicle length rules.
• Ask about dump stations, potable water, and shore power.

Overnight rules that matter

• No roadside or public lot camping.
• Follow generator and quiet hour policies.
• Protect the ground: no waste water discharge.

Useful amenities

• Fresh water and dump at many parks for a fee.
• Beach showers in select day use areas.
• Kayak and snorkel rentals near most hubs.

Routes, activities, and local rules

Most Keys trips flow southbound from Miami to Key West. US 1 carries you past mile marker signs where attractions and food spots advertise by marker number. Card Sound Road adds a scenic alternate into Key Largo with a toll plaza; US 1 remains the main artery.

Water is the headline. Snorkel shallow reefs at Pennekamp or book a boat to Looe Key. Paddle mangrove tunnels on flat mornings. Fish bridges on falling tides. In Key West, beach time at Fort Zachary Taylor pairs with sunset at Mallory Square and a photo at Mile Marker Zero. Dry Tortugas National Park requires a ferry or seaplane, and no vehicles make the trip, so plan secure parking with your campground.

Ideas for a balanced itinerary

• Day 1 to 2: Key Largo reefs and glass bottom boat tours.
• Day 3 to 4: Curry Hammock paddling and sandbar exploring.
• Day 5 to 6: Bahia Honda beach and bridge viewpoints.
• Day 7: Key West history, food, and sunset.

Respect for place

• Pack out all trash and micro litter.
• Use reef safe sunscreen to protect corals.
• Keep noise low and lights soft in camp.

Camper van readiness for the Keys

• Corrosion aware hardware and finishes.
• Quiet, efficient cooling for sultry nights.
• Reliable power for fridges and fans.

A purpose built Florida Keys camper van shines when nights stay cool, batteries stay charged, and storage is dialed for beach, snorkel, and paddle gear. If you want a professionally crafted platform that thrives in Keys conditions, explore Recreational vans for trip ready options. For a one off layout and finish, see our Custom build van process. If you prefer a platform that finances and stays close to book value, review our Mainstream vans.

Why OZK fits island travel

We engineer quiet air conditioning, lithium power systems, and marine grade details that resist salt air. Cabinetry holds up to humidity, cargo zones swallow boards and fins, and layouts keep wet gear outside the sleep space. That mix turns a Florida Keys camper van from workable into effortless.

Ready to build a rig around your route, season, and hobbies? Share your plan and we will tailor the systems that keep you cool, powered, and relaxed from Key Largo to Key West.

Design a Keys ready camper van with OZK Customs. Tell us where you want to sleep, charge, and store gear, and we will map the build that delivers comfort in the islands.