Marathon Shores camping options span the Gulf and Atlantic sides of the Florida Keys, with elevations rarely exceeding 3-5 feet above sea level. The area experiences distinct seasonal changes despite its tropical climate, with winter (November-April) temperatures averaging 70-80°F and summer highs reaching 90-95°F with humidity levels often exceeding 80%. Camping in this region typically requires 11-15 months of advance planning for peak season reservations.
What to do
Kayaking through mangroves: Launch from Curry Hammock State Park Campground where visitors can paddle along established trails. "Great kayaking and swimming on side beach. Great bird watching and great time of year to visit. Restaurants uncrowded," notes Diana R. The park offers rental equipment and access to both shallow Gulf waters and Atlantic paddling routes.
Fishing from dedicated areas: At Big Pine Key RV Park, campers can fish directly from the property. "Location is amazing... Perfect kayak launch, boat launch/marina, and bridge fishing," explains Erika R. The campground provides walk-in access to fishing under the bridge where tarpon are frequently spotted.
Wildlife watching opportunities: Visit Sunshine Key RV Resort for marine wildlife viewing from their marina. "You can see all kinds of fish, sharks, jelly fish and manatees. Love, love, love this RV resort!" according to Lyf Uninterrupted. The clear waters around the docks provide excellent viewing conditions without requiring snorkeling gear.
What campers like
Waterfront access: Jolly Roger RV Resort offers direct Gulf access from their camping area. "We were lucky enough to get campsite number 150 and we were about 1 min walk to the water and pier area. This campground does not have a beach but it has water access and the water was amazing and calm," reports Ilena R., who recommends bringing water shoes due to rocky conditions.
Seasonal timing advantages: October through early December visits to Curry Hammock State Park Campground offer fewer crowds. According to Diana R., "Great time of year to visit. Restaurants uncrowded." This timing avoids both hurricane season peak and winter high season crowds.
Privacy between sites: Some campgrounds offer more separation than others. At Buttonwood Campground, "A well-kept campground with just enough greenery between sites to suggest a whisper of privacy — rare and welcome," notes Denis P. This feature contrasts with many Keys campgrounds where sites typically have limited separation.
What you should know
Reservation timing requirements: Marathon area campgrounds book exceptionally far in advance. For Buttonwood Campground — Bahia Honda State Park, "The view of the old bridge is amazing. We've stayed in several sites yet do have some favorites. You need to book 11 months in advance to get on the water or maybe you luck out if someone cancels," suggests a reviewer.
Insect preparation essential: No-see-ums and mosquitoes can be problematic, particularly during summer months. "We managed to survive the heat by purchasing an easy up to cover our tent. During the day we only wore swimsuits and stayed wet by dousing ourselves with buckets of water. The no-see-ums were prevalent in the late afternoon. Deep woods off heavily applied along with long sleeve sun shirts, light weight capris and a head/face scarf helped us enjoy the sunsets," advises Denise K.
Limited shade availability: Many sites throughout the Keys offer minimal natural shade. A visitor to Buttonwood Campground notes, "There's no A/C, only a ceiling fan — which worked fine until the midday sun decided to get philosophical about what 'shade' really means." Consider bringing additional shade structures during summer months.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming access variations: At Grassy Key RV Park & Resort, "We stayed here for a week, its a little pricey but so is everything in the keys. We had a water front space and the view was amazing," reports Ronald C. Most oceanfront campgrounds feature rocky rather than sandy beach access, requiring water shoes for children.
Playground facilities: Sunshine Key RV Resort offers "Great playground for the kids," according to Lyf Uninterrupted, making it suitable for families with younger children. This amenity complements the water activities and provides alternative recreation options.
Educational opportunities: Bahia Honda State Park features interpretive trails and historical exhibits about the old railroad bridge. "It is really neat to walk on the old bridge, and learning the history of it," notes Whitley K. These educational features provide learning opportunities beyond water recreation.
Tips from RVers
Site sizing considerations: Many Marathon area campgrounds feature compact sites. At Big Pine Key RV Park, an RVer notes, "Only complaint is how incredibly tight it all is. We had a helluva time maneuvering our 35ft tt into space- had to have four neighbors move their vehicles and lots of help. Landscaping is pretty but trees on each site aren't really slide out friendly."
Utility hookup specifics: Most Marathon area campgrounds offer water and electric, but amperage varies. Curry Hammock State Park Campground provides "Paved sites with electric and water hookups at all sites," according to Roger W., who notes that solar is also viable at most sites when hookups aren't available.
Surface conditions: Many of the best places to camp near Marathon Shores, Florida have specific parking pad materials that affect leveling and stabilization. Roger W. notes about Curry Hammock, "Site surface: Paved," while other campgrounds feature crushed coral or gravel surfaces that may require additional stabilization equipment.
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