Key West in Winter

[tallytwo1994]

If you don't have luck with any of the sites mentioned above you might try Knights Key Campground.
Knights Key Campground - Campground centrally located in Marathon, Florida Keys

It's at the end of Marathon just before the seven mile bridge. The rates are high but not as high as Key West and they have a beach (rare in the Keys). Marathon is a great location for day trips to Sombrero and or Looe Key. Pigeon Key is off the old 7 mile bridge and is a really interesting place as well.

Carol

[mamu2cal]

I'm a "Conch" and a new "Streamer" although no longer living in Key West.
Boyd's is THE RV campground closest to the action on Stock Island next to Cayo Hueso. (Island of Bones). Sure, you can plug-in just about anywhere in the U.S. cheaper than here, and for good reason ; This is the only Caribbean Island you can drive to!
So much is missed by tourists when they visit Key West. Here's an island steeped in history much before FL was even settled and the only buzz word is "Sloppy's" to the throngs headed off cruise ships. Key West was at one time the largest city in Florida and the wealthiest city per capita in the nation! Hint: It has to do with the sea.
Why on earth would one of the wealthiest men in America want top build a railroad here? He is the reason we're able to drive to this distant Island.
There's a lot more under all those T-shirt shops along Duval so before you make that long drive down the Keys, do some research. Do not attempt the drive later in the afternoon with the sun's glare into your face. The bridges and traffic are going to be enough to deal with in good conditions. My suggestion is to get an early start from Homestead and meander your way down enjoying the scenery with the sun at your back.
Stroll into the San Carlos Theatre just up from "Fast Buck Freddies" and prepare to "Wow". Experience Pepe's, B.O.'s, Blue Heaven, El Siboney and Mamey Ice Cream made right there at Flamingo Crossing. (Mamey is made from the Sapodilla Fruit found only in the tropics.)
Ramon's "Rusty Anchor", within walking distance is also one of the best keys seafood restaurants.
Boyd's is a local, family-run site since the early 50's and it is a secure and well managed campsite. They even have a resident horticulturist who will decorate your site with tropicals for however long your stay! How many campsites offer this feature?
As for "Missile sites" or other hole-in-the-wall no-charge sites, sure, there are plenty of off road, in the Mangroves hide-a-ways still available. But be cautioned unless you're familiar with the tides and turn-a-round conditions on some of those lower Keys roads, you could end up paying much more than a Boyd's site.
And to quote "Doorgunner", "Oh, just go, whatever happens, it'll be a good time!"
Cal

[mamu2cal]

MsRivit :

Noticed you have a solar panel. Are you satisfied with it and who installed it?
Thanks, Cal
p.s. Both the "Hog Fish Grill" and "Marathon Fisheries" are also two of my favorites. I used to take kayakers from the Hog Fish boat launch.
Have you camped there at the site?

[MsRivet]

Originally Posted by mamu2cal

MsRivit :

Noticed you have a solar panel. Are you satisfied with it and who installed it?
Thanks, Cal
p.s. Both the "Hog Fish Grill" and "Marathon Fisheries" are also two of my favorites. I used to take kayakers from the Hog Fish boat launch.
Have you camped there at the site?

We have not camped on Key West or Stock Island. The farthest south we camp is Bluewater Key. Yes, expensive but we are usually down there for two weeks. So to help with the cost we spend one week at Bluewater and one week at a state park. Now that we are towing the A/S and kayaks down there and not the big boat with a 90 gallon fuel tank AND now we can bring the dog and not pay for boarding . . . its actually cheaper for us to go now.

As far as the solar panel goes:
We bought the trailer three years ago used. Panel was already installed. We think it does alright. The trailer is used a lot but we have not been been able to fully test the capability of the solar panel. Florida has many great parks most with at least water & power. This summer we will be going on a three week trip out of state. A good number of the places we plan on staying will not have power. Or any hook-ups for that matter. One place we plan on going is Cades Cove in the Great Smokey Mnt. National Park. No hook ups there. This trip will allow us to determine what the panel has to offer. I'll keep you posted.