Florida Keys RV Fishing Trip

Florida Keys RV Fishing Trip: Where to Camp, Fish and Stay With Your RV

A Florida Keys RV fishing trip gives you something a hotel vacation cannot.

Your fishing gear stays with you.

Your food and drinks are already packed.

You can wake up near the water, fish for a few hours, come back for lunch, and head somewhere completely different that evening.

Bring a boat or kayak and your options get even better.

The Florida Keys work especially well for RV travelers because fishing opportunities stretch nearly the entire length of the Overseas Highway.

You can stay in Key Largo and fish the Upper Keys.

Move down to Marathon for bridges, reefs, and offshore charters.

Spend a few nights near Big Pine Key for Lower Keys fishing.

Then finish near Key West.

The trick is choosing an RV campground that matches the kind of fishing you actually want to do.

A beautiful campground does not help much if your boat trailer has nowhere to go or your favorite fishing access is an hour away.

Here is how to plan a Florida Keys RV fishing trip that works.

Is the Florida Keys Good for RV Fishing Trips?

Yes.

RV travel and fishing fit together naturally in the Keys.

Depending on where you camp, you may have access to:

• Shore fishing
• Bridge fishing
• Charter boats
• Party boats
• Kayak fishing
• Flats fishing
• Reef fishing
• Offshore fishing
• Boat ramps
• Marina slips
• Fish-cleaning stations

You can also change fishing styles without changing your entire vacation.

Book a charter one day.

Fish a bridge the next morning.

Launch your kayak the following evening.

That flexibility makes an RV especially useful.

Do You Need to Bring a Boat?

No.

You can build an entire Florida Keys RV fishing trip without towing a boat.

Possible options include:

• Fishing from public shore access
• Fishing bridges
• Fishing piers
• Booking a private charter
• Taking a party boat
• Renting a kayak
• Renting a boat
• Fishing from campground docks where permitted

If you are new to Keys fishing, leaving the boat at home may actually simplify the trip.

You avoid trailer storage, launching, navigation, fuel, shallow water, and ramp parking.

Our Florida Keys Shore Fishing guide is a good starting point if you are traveling without a boat.

Should You Bring Your Own Boat?

Bringing your boat can make an RV fishing trip much more flexible.

But plan the boat side of the trip before reserving your RV site.

Ask the campground:

• Is there a boat ramp?
• Is the ramp included for guests?
• Can I keep my trailer at my site?
• Is separate trailer storage required?
• Can I reserve a boat slip?
• What is the maximum boat length?
• How deep is the water?
• Is the ramp suitable for my boat?
• Is there a fish-cleaning station?
• Is freshwater available for rinsing equipment?

Do not assume that “waterfront RV resort” means your boat can be launched and stored there.

Some waterfront properties have shallow water or restrictions on boat and trailer storage.

Start by Choosing Your Part of the Keys

The Florida Keys stretch for more than 100 miles.

Driving from Key Largo to Key West is not something you want to do every morning just to reach your fishing spot.

Pick your RV base according to where you want to fish.

Key Largo for an Upper Keys RV Fishing Trip

Key Largo makes sense if you are driving down from mainland Florida and want to minimize travel time.

Fishing possibilities include:

• Reef fishing
• Offshore fishing
• Wreck fishing
• Florida Bay
• Backcountry fishing
• Charter fishing
• Shore fishing
• Kayak fishing

Key Largo can also work well for shorter RV trips.

You get the Keys fishing experience without pulling your rig all the way to Marathon or Key West.

Read our Key Largo Fishing Guide before choosing your fishing plans.

Key Largo Kampground & Marina

Key Largo Kampground & Marina is particularly interesting for anglers because it combines RV camping with marina facilities.

Current campground information lists:

• Full-hookup RV sites
• Waterfront RV sites
• Boat slips by reservation
• Boat ramp
• Fish-cleaning station
• Waterfront access

That is exactly the type of campground worth looking for if you are towing both an RV and a fishing boat.

If you only plan to fish from shore or book charters, you may not need all of those marina features.

But for boat owners, they can remove a lot of daily hassle.

Marathon for a Middle Keys RV Fishing Trip

Marathon may be one of the easiest places to build a fishing-focused RV vacation.

You have access to:

• Atlantic reefs
• Offshore water
• Wrecks
• Florida Bay
• Bridges
• Backcountry water
• Charter fleets
• Party boats

You also have the Middle Keys location working in your favor.

You can drive north toward Islamorada or south toward the Lower Keys without relocating the RV every night.

Read our Marathon Fishing Guide for more fishing ideas.

Jolly Roger RV Resort

Jolly Roger is a strong Middle Keys option for anglers.

The campground currently lists a marina, boat ramp, boat slips, designated fishing areas, and a fish-cleaning station.

Guests can fish from designated areas around the property.

For someone towing a boat, having the launch, slip, cleaning station, and RV site in one location can make mornings much easier.

Instead of driving the RV or tow vehicle around looking for a public ramp before sunrise, you can start from the campground.

Curry Hammock State Park for RVers Who Prefer a State Park

If you prefer state parks to private resorts, Curry Hammock State Park is worth checking.

The campground has 28 sites with water and 20/30/50-amp electric service.

The current maximum RV length is 70 feet.

Fishing is allowed within the park.

There is also a kayak launch.

One detail matters if you are bringing a powerboat.

Motorized vessels cannot be launched from the park.

That makes Curry Hammock more attractive for:

• Shore anglers
• Kayak anglers
• Paddleboarders
• RVers booking local charters

than someone who expects to launch a center console directly from the campground.

Big Pine Key for a Lower Keys RV Fishing Trip

Big Pine Key gives you a quieter base than Key West while keeping you in the Lower Keys.

Possible fishing includes:

• Bridges
• Backcountry
• Flats
• Inshore channels
• Reef trips
• Offshore charters
• Kayak fishing

It also puts you close to Bahia Honda State Park.

For anglers who want fishing to be the main activity rather than nightlife, Big Pine Key can make a lot of sense.

Big Pine Key RV Park

Big Pine Key RV Park is built with boaters and anglers in mind.

Current resort information lists:

• Boat ramp
• Boat slips
• Fish-cleaning facilities
• Fishing access
• Camp store with bait and fishing gear
• Marina access

The resort also allows guests to reserve slips, with boat ramp use included with certain slip arrangements.

If you plan to bring your own fishing boat, this is the type of infrastructure you should compare when choosing a campground.

Bahia Honda State Park

Bahia Honda State Park gives RV travelers another state-park option in the Lower Keys.

Buttonwood Campground can accommodate larger RVs and includes electricity and water.

Some sites are waterfront.

The park also has a boat ramp and marina.

Rig size matters.

Sandspur Campground currently limits camping rigs to 23 feet from hitch to bumper.

The Bayside camping area has a 6-foot-8-inch overhead clearance, making it unsuitable for most RVs.

Do not book a campsite based only on the park name.

Check the exact campground loop and site before bringing a large rig.

Fishing is allowed in the park subject to current fishing rules.

Sugarloaf Key for Fishing Near Key West

Sugarloaf Key puts you close enough to visit Key West without staying in the busiest part of town.

For anglers, it also gives you access to Lower Keys water.

That can include:

• Backcountry
• Channels
• Flats
• Tarpon
• Permit
• Bonefish
• Snapper
• Barracuda
• Other inshore species

You can still drive into Key West for dinner after fishing.

Sugarloaf Key / Key West KOA Resort

The Sugarloaf Key KOA has unusually useful fishing amenities for RV travelers.

Its current campground information lists:

• Full-service marina
• Boat ramp
• Fuel dock
• Boat slips
• Live and frozen bait
• Fishing tackle
• Fishing pole rentals
• Boat rentals
• Kayak rentals

That makes it useful for someone who wants several fishing options without hauling every piece of equipment from home.

You could bring your own boat, rent one, rent a kayak, or simply use the campground as a base for a charter.

RV Camping Near Key West

Staying directly in or close to Key West can cost more than camping farther north.

But it can make sense if your group wants more than fishing.

Key West gives you:

• Offshore charters
• Reef fishing
• Flats and backcountry trips
• Restaurants
• Nightlife
• Historic attractions
• Shopping
• Sightseeing

That can help if only part of the family wants to fish every day.

Read our Key West Fishing Guide before choosing your campground.

Boyd’s Key West Campground

Boyd’s is another option for anglers staying close to Key West.

The campground currently lists:

• Boat ramp
• Boat slips
• Fish-cleaning station
• Fishing
• Kayaking

It is only a few miles from central Key West.

That can make it useful if you want to spend mornings fishing and evenings in town.

Should You Stay in One RV Park or Move Around?

For a one-week trip, I would usually avoid moving every night.

Breaking camp takes time.

Setting up takes time.

Driving an RV down the Overseas Highway takes longer than driving a car.

A better plan might look like:

3 Nights in Key Largo

Fish the Upper Keys.

Book a reef or offshore charter.

Try some shore fishing.

3 or 4 Nights in Marathon

Fish bridges.

Book another charter.

Try a party boat.

Use Marathon as a base for the Middle Keys.

3 or 4 Nights in the Lower Keys

Stay around Big Pine Key or Sugarloaf.

Fish shallow water.

Visit Bahia Honda.

Spend a day in Key West.

That gives you three different Florida Keys fishing experiences without moving constantly.

Can You Fish Right From an RV Campground?

Sometimes.

Several waterfront RV campgrounds allow fishing from designated docks or shoreline areas.

But rules vary.

Do not assume you can walk behind any RV site and start casting.

Ask:

• Where is fishing permitted?
• Are docks open to fishing?
• Can I fish at night?
• Are there swimming areas where fishing is prohibited?
• Can I use live bait?
• Is fish cleaning allowed?
• Is there a cleaning station?

Campground rules can be stricter than general Florida fishing regulations.

Follow both.

RV Camping and Bridge Fishing Work Well Together

Bridge fishing is one of the easiest ways to add fishing to an RV trip.

You can keep a small amount of tackle in the RV and head out for a couple of hours.

Possible catches include:

• Mangrove snapper
• Jacks
• Barracuda
• Mackerel
• Tarpon
• Sharks
• Grunts

You do not need to dedicate an entire day.

That makes bridge fishing useful on:

• Arrival days
• Departure days
• Days between charters
• Evenings
• Mornings before other activities

Use our Florida Keys Bridge Fishing guide before choosing a spot.

Do Not Park Your RV Wherever You See a Fishing Bridge

This is important.

Parking space in the Keys can be limited.

A parking area that comfortably holds a pickup may not safely hold:

• Motorhome
• Travel trailer
• Fifth wheel
• Tow vehicle
• RV plus boat trailer

Do not assume a fishing access area is suitable for your rig.

Use your campground as your base.

Take a smaller vehicle to fishing spots whenever possible.

Consider Towing a Car

A towed car can make a Florida Keys RV fishing trip much easier.

Once the RV is set up, you may need to visit:

• Bait shops
• Bridges
• Marinas
• Charter docks
• Restaurants
• Grocery stores
• Public fishing areas

Moving a large motorhome every time you need shrimp or ice gets old quickly.

For motorhome travelers, a towed vehicle can give you much more freedom.

What About Public Boat Ramps?

Monroe County maintains several public boat ramps throughout the Keys, including locations in Key Largo, Tavernier, Big Pine Key, Little Torch Key, Cudjoe Key, Geiger Key, and Big Coppitt Key.

Do not assume every ramp has enough room for a large RV combination.

Parking can be limited.

Some ramps also charge non-residents or have other restrictions.

Harry Harris Park in Tavernier, for example, currently charges non-Monroe County residents separate vehicle and boat-ramp fees on applicable days.

Research the exact ramp before towing your boat there.

Kayak Fishing Is Perfect for RV Travelers

A kayak fits the RV fishing lifestyle well.

You can carry it:

• On the roof
• On a trailer
• On a rack
• Behind some RV setups

Then launch into shallow areas that powerboats cannot reach easily.

Possible kayak targets include

• Snapper
• Barracuda
• Tarpon
• Snook
• Bonefish
• Other inshore fish

Wind and current deserve respect.

A calm morning can become difficult later.

Do not paddle miles from camp without checking conditions.

What Fishing Gear Should You Carry in the RV?

You do not need an enormous tackle collection.

For basic shore and bridge fishing, consider:

• Medium spinning rod
• Medium-heavy spinning rod
• Saltwater reels
• Leader material
• Hooks
• Sinkers
• Jigs
• Pliers
• Line cutters
• Small tackle box
• Bucket
• Landing net where practical
• Cooler

Add specialized tackle only if you know what you want to target.

Our Florida Keys Bait Shops guide can help you buy bait and replace anything you forgot.

Keep Fishing Gear Outside the Main RV Living Area

Fishing gear gets wet.

Bait smells.

Fish slime has an impressive ability to travel.

If possible, use:

• Exterior RV storage
• Plastic bins
• Truck bed storage
• Dedicated fishing totes

Keep wet cast nets, bait buckets, and fish coolers out of your sleeping area.

Future you will appreciate this decision.

Bring More Ice Than You Think You Need

Florida heat works quickly.

Ice is useful for:

• Drinks
• Bait
• Fish
• Coolers
• Emergency food storage

If you plan to keep legal fish, know where the campground allows fish cleaning.

Do not clean fish at the campsite unless the campground explicitly permits it.

Use the designated station.

Do You Need a Florida Fishing License?

Often, yes.

Non-residents age 16 and older generally need a Florida recreational saltwater fishing license when fishing independently.

Florida’s free shoreline license is for eligible Florida residents only.

A non-resident fishing from shore generally still needs the appropriate non-resident saltwater license unless another exemption applies.

Fishing aboard a properly licensed charter or party boat is different.

Passengers covered by the vessel’s valid charter license generally do not need their own recreational saltwater license.

Check current FWC rules before your trip.

Catch and Release Still Counts as Fishing

Do not assume you can skip the license because you plan to release everything.

FWC states that attempting to take fish requires the appropriate license unless an exemption applies.

That includes casting and catch-and-release fishing.

Watch for Special Permits

Some types of fishing require more than a normal saltwater license.

For example, anglers age 16 and older intentionally targeting sharks from shore need Florida’s free shore-based shark fishing permit after completing the required educational course.

Species-specific rules can also affect:

• Seasons
• Size limits
• Bag limits
• Gear
• Harvest

Check the current rules for what you plan to target.

Reserve Florida Keys RV Campsites Early

Popular waterfront RV sites are limited.

State park sites can be especially competitive.

Florida State Parks currently allows reservations at places such as Curry Hammock and Bahia Honda up to 11 months ahead.

If you want:

• Winter dates
• Waterfront sites
• Holiday weeks
• Large-rig sites
• Boat slips

booking early is smart.

Winter Is Prime RV Season

Winter brings comfortable temperatures and strong fishing opportunities.

It also brings more visitors.

Possible winter targets include:

• Sailfish
• Wahoo
• King mackerel
• Blackfin tuna
• Snapper

Campgrounds can fill.

If winter fishing is your goal, campground availability may need to be secured before the charter.

Summer Can Be Easier on the RV Budget

Summer is hot.

Very hot.

But it can also give you access to fishing such as:

• Mahi-mahi
• Tarpon
• Snapper
• Bonefish
• Permit
• Other warm-season fish

A good RV air conditioner becomes one of your favorite pieces of fishing equipment.

Summer also falls within Atlantic hurricane season.

Keep travel plans flexible and watch tropical forecasts.

Use the Fishing Calendar Before Choosing Your RV Dates

Do not pick a campground first and then ask what is biting.

Reverse it.

Decide what you want to catch.

Then choose the month.

Then choose the part of the Keys.

Then reserve the campground.

Our Florida Keys Fishing Calendar makes that planning much easier.

RVing With a Fishing Boat Requires More Planning

If you are towing both an RV and a boat, make a checklist before booking.

Confirm:

• RV site length
• RV site width
• Boat trailer storage
• Tow vehicle parking
• Boat ramp
• Slip availability
• Slip length
• Water depth
• Fuel availability
• Freshwater rinse rules
• Fish-cleaning area
• Trailer fees

Do not rely only on campsite photos.

Call the campground with the exact dimensions of your setup.

Watch Your Height

The Keys have plenty of RVs.

But individual campground areas can have restrictions.

Bahia Honda provides a good example.

Its Bayside camping area requires passing under a bridge with only 6 feet 8 inches of clearance.

That excludes most RVs.

Know your:

• Height
• Length
• Width

including rooftop air conditioners and other equipment.

Watch Your Boat Draft Too

Shallow water is everywhere in the Keys.

A campground having a boat ramp does not automatically mean it works for your boat.

Some properties are best suited for shallow-draft boats.

Ask for:

• Ramp depth
• Channel depth
• Low-tide conditions
• Maximum boat length

before making plans.

What Is the Best Type of RV for a Florida Keys Fishing Trip?

Almost any RV can work if the campsite fits it.

But each type has tradeoffs.

Class B or Small Motorhome

Easy to drive.

Easy to park.

Good for moving frequently.

Less room for fishing gear.

Class C

Good balance of space and mobility.

Works well for families.

Still needs consideration for parking at small fishing areas.

Class A

Comfortable for longer stays.

Plenty of storage.

Much less convenient for spontaneous trips to small fishing access points.

A towed car becomes very useful.

Travel Trailer

Lets you leave the trailer at camp and use the tow vehicle for fishing.

That is a major advantage.

Fifth Wheel

Great living space.

Good for longer stays.

You still have the truck for getting around after setup.

Size can limit campsite choices.

Can You Combine RV Camping With a Fishing Charter?

Absolutely.

This may be the easiest RV fishing vacation of all.

Stay at the campground.

Drive to the marina.

Let the captain provide:

• Boat
• Tackle
• Bait
• Fishing knowledge

Then return to the RV after the trip.

You get the comfort and flexibility of RV travel without needing to tow your own boat.

If you are budgeting for the trip, read our Florida Keys Fishing Charter Cost guide.

A Simple 10-Day Florida Keys RV Fishing Itinerary

Days 1 to 3: Key Largo

Set up the RV.

Fish from shore the first evening.

Book a reef or offshore charter the next day.

Spend the third day fishing independently or paddling.

Days 4 to 6: Marathon

Move to the Middle Keys.

Try bridge fishing.

Book a reef, wreck, or offshore trip.

Use a campground with marina access if you brought a boat.

Days 7 to 10: Lower Keys

Move to Big Pine Key or Sugarloaf.

Fish the backcountry.

Try kayak fishing.

Visit Bahia Honda.

Spend one day in Key West.

That gives you a broad Florida Keys fishing experience without packing the RV every morning.

The Best RV Campground Is the One That Matches Your Fishing

Do not choose solely by pool size.

For an RV fishing trip, look for features that make fishing easier.

That may include:

• Waterfront access
• Boat ramp
• Marina
• Boat slips
• Trailer storage
• Fish-cleaning station
• Bait nearby
• Kayak launch
• Easy access to charters
• Short drive to bridges and public fishing spots

A campground with fewer resort amenities but better fishing access may be the better choice for you.

Plan the Fishing Before You Pull Out of the Driveway

A Florida Keys RV fishing trip can be as simple or complicated as you make it.

You can tow a boat and fish every day.

You can leave the boat home and book charters.

You can spend mornings on bridges and evenings at the campground.

Or you can combine all three.

Start with the fishing.

Pick your dates using the Florida Keys Fishing Calendar.

Choose your part of the Keys with our Key Largo Fishing Guide, Islamorada Fishing Guide, Marathon Fishing Guide, and Key West Fishing Guide.

If you are not bringing a boat, start with Florida Keys Shore Fishing.

Then reserve the RV site that puts you closest to the fishing you actually want to do.